Hollywood Heir (Westerly Billionaire #4)(22)

“Just with the introductions. That’s it. We get them in the same room, and if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

“Sometimes when you start talking, Sage, I feel like I tuned in right in the middle. Am I supposed to know who we’re discussing?”

“Think, Bella. Who do you know who loves dogs?”

“My neighbor?”

Even though Bella sounded skeptical, Sage was never bothered by her comments, because at the heart of their friendship there was acceptance for their differences. Sage could never imagine sitting in an office all day poring over paperwork, but she didn’t judge Bella for thriving on the challenge of it. Bella worried about Sage, but that didn’t stop her from celebrating Sage’s successes with each client. Mutual trust. That’s what it came down to for Sage. She felt suddenly sorry for Wayne, because he sounded like someone who needed someone like that in his life.

“It won’t happen for about a week,” Sage said with confidence. “I gave the man my card. First, he has to call. We’ll go shopping for plants together. Then I’ll figure out if Mrs. Hartman would even be a good fit for him.”

“Don’t meet him alone,” Bella interjected.

“You sound like Wayne now. You know I’ll be careful. We’ll meet somewhere busy. I’ve done this a hundred times. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll try. You must have kick-ass guardian angels, because things always seem to work out. Just make sure to tell me when and where you’re meeting this stranger who may try to lock you up in his basement.”

Sage chuckled. It wasn’t the first time Bella had tossed out that dire possibility. “I will, but trust me, he’s not dangerous. I have a good sense about these things.”

“Let’s hope we don’t have to test that theory. See you at seven? Your place?”

“I’ll make dinner. Come hungry.”

“Great. See you then.”

Sage pushed herself off the couch and headed to her kitchen to see if she had what she needed for dinner. As she rummaged through her fridge, she remembered the woman she’d canceled having a meal with and the apology she owed her. She almost called her then but decided it could wait one more day. She felt emotionally drained.





Chapter Six

When it came to fucking up a good thing, Eric’s record remained solid.

Eric slammed his fist into the cushion beside him. Being with Sage had been amazing. Her view of people and how things were supposed to work was so different from anything he’d ever experienced. Prior to meeting her, he wouldn’t have believed people like her actually existed. Sweet. Caring. Dedicated to doing good.

Although I’m still not exactly sure how she’s going to help that man.

I’ll probably fucking never know now.

The door of his apartment opened. “Hello, sunshine. How was your week?”

“I’m not in the mood, Reggie.”

Reggie planted himself in the chair across from Eric. “Yeah, mine wasn’t that great, either. It’s your grandmother. She plays with my mind like a ninja, and I think she’s winning.”

Eric stood and walked to the window. “So avoid her.”

“I can’t. I’ve started to feel bad for her. You have to go see her.”

“I don’t have to do anything.”

“You’re going to feel like shit if she dies and you didn’t visit.”

“I feel like shit already.”

Reggie clocked Eric on the side of the head.

Eric spun on his heel, his hand flying up to where he’d been hit. “What the fuck was that?”

“That’s what my dad would have done if I said shit like that. Come back to the house. I’m almost done with my surprise, but what I’ve finished might be enough for now.”

Still angry, Eric leaned in and growled, “Don’t ever fucking lay a hand on me again.”

Reggie raised both hands in front of himself in mock fear. “Hey, I’ve tried everything else. It was worth a shot.” He smiled.

Eric’s anger faded away. “You’re such an asshole.”

Reggie shrugged. “Come on home. The kids miss you.”

Eric brought a fisted hand to his chin. “Maybe I should. What the hell am I doing here?”

“You’re asking the wrong person. I wouldn’t have chosen this place even if I were broke.”

“It’s not so bad. I actually like the people.”

“You? Like someone? This I have to hear.”

Eric described the scene he’d witnessed earlier in the week, then said, “It wasn’t an isolated case. They look out for each other. It’s nice to see.”

Reggie nodded slowly. “Have you spoken to any of them?”

“No. Half of them don’t even know English.”

“What about the half that do?”

Eric shrugged. “You know I’m not good with chitchat.”

“That’s because you don’t like anyone, but since you seem to actually like these people, you might want to do something crazy like talk to one of them.”

“I did meet a woman,” Eric confided. It felt good to say it aloud.

Reggie smiled. “See, even with a scar, you’ve still got it.”