The Billionaire's Widow

18

Paige’s POV

"Okay, this one," Amy said, holding up a lime green crossbody one-piece bathing suit.

"What? No," I protested. "That thing barely covers anything."

I had a slim body, sure—but I wasn’t comfortable putting everything on display.

"Oh, come on, Paige. Why do you need to cover up if you're going swimming?"

"I don’t know... but let’s look at others. I’m sure I’ll find something I like."

"You’ve been saying that for the past two freaking hours!" she snapped, shoving it into my hands. "You’re taking this. I’m not joking."

"Amy," I groaned.

"You’re. Taking. It." she hissed, eyes narrowed.

"Fine." I sighed, looking down at the piece in my hands. "Okay, but can we at least browse a little more? Just in case I get cold feet tomorrow?"

"Paaiiiigge," she groaned dramatically.

"Please?" I pleaded, giving her my best puppy eyes.

"Ugh, fine—but make it quick. I’m starving." She fake-cried, and I giggled.

"I’m sorry. I forgot you’re pregnant," I said, scanning the racks. My eyes landed on a white two-piece with lace-up sides. "Okay, I found one."

I walked over and picked it up, but up close it looked... revealing. Again.

"Perfect. Let’s go," Amy said, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the register.

She took out her card, but I stopped her. "Oh no, Amy. I’ll pay for my stuff."

She giggled and shook her head. "Can’t I spoil you a little?"

"Fine, but I’m paying for our food."

"Oh hell yes, you are—since you’re the one who almost starved us to death."

I laughed. "To death? You’re so dramatic."

Later that evening, I was watching a show in the living room when Jason walked in, dressed like he was heading out.

"Going somewhere?" I asked.

"Just to the movies. With a friend," he said with a shrug.

"Just a friend?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. And don’t start with the mom talks, please."

I laughed. "Relax. I’m not our mother."

"I know." He sat next to me. "Speaking of Mom, she called while you were out with Amy. She asked about you."

I turned to him.

"She said you haven’t been returning her calls."

"I’ve been busy with work lately," I lied.

He gave me a knowing look. "You don’t have to lie, Paige. I know you’ve been avoiding her."

"Can you blame me?" I said, sitting up straighter. "Every conversation ends in a lecture or an argument. I’m exhausted. I’m tired of trying to convince her I don’t want a man."

He sighed. "I know. But... she seemed different when we spoke. Like she regretted how she’s treated you. I think she’s changed her mind."

I stared at him for a beat—then burst out laughing. "Mom? Changed her mind?" I laughed harder. "Jason, please. Don’t be ridiculous."

"I’m serious," he said firmly. "Just call her. If she turns it into another lecture, I swear I’ll never ask you to call her again."

I gave him a skeptical look. "I’ll think about it."

"Good." He kissed my cheek and stood up. "I’ve gotta go. See you later."

"Be safe," I said automatically.

He smirked. "Okay, Mom."

I giggled as he walked to the elevator. But once he was gone, his words lingered.

Could Mom really have changed? After all these years? Had Dad finally gotten through to her—or maybe Amy?

Now that I thought about it, Amy had been acting different lately. She hadn’t mentioned men or settling down in days. In fact, she even asked if I was seeing any women right now. That was new.

I stared at my phone for a while. Then, after a deep breath, I called her.

She picked up after a few rings. "Paige, my baby," she said warmly, her voice smiling.

"Hey, Mom," I said softly. "Sorry I haven’t been getting back to you."

"It’s okay, sweetheart. I just wanted to check in. How are you?"

"I’m okay. How are you and Dad?"

"We’re fine, honey. I just miss my babies so much."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Um… Amy and I decided to come home next Saturday. I think Jason will tag along too. He doesn’t have classes on Sundays."

"Oh, I can’t wait to see you! It feels like it’s been so long. We need to catch up," she said cheerfully.

I frowned. "Mom, are you okay? You’re acting... different."

She chuckled. "I’m perfectly fine. Just excited, that’s all."

"You sure?"

"I promise. And since you’re all coming home, I’ll bake your favorite cake."

"You bake now?" I asked, laughing.

"I live with your father—have you forgotten?"

I laughed with her. It felt so good hearing her sound like that. Like her.

"Thank you for calling, Paige," she said. "I love you, honey. Please don’t forget that."

I almost teared up. "I love you too, Mom."

Then I heard it. A soft sniffle.

"Paige," she whispered, voice trembling. "Honey, I’m so sorry." Her voice cracked. "I’m so, so sorry."

"Mom, it’s okay. Please don’t cry," I said, blinking back tears of my own. "It’s okay."

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