Paige’s POV
“Almost a hundred thousand?” I turned to Hailey with wide eyes. “Wow. Don’t worry, I’ll find another one.”
“I’ll take it,” she said calmly.
I froze. Wait, what? She’s buying an $80,000 car? For her best friend?
“Perfect,” Bruce grinned, clearly thrilled. “I’ll just bring the paperwork.”
His voice faded into the background as my mind raced. Hailey was really about to spend that much on Miss Brooke? She’s... seriously the best friend ever.
“I wish she was my best friend,” I whispered.
“That won’t be a problem,” Hailey suddenly said. I looked up, confused. “You’ve got paperwork to fill out—for your car. Let’s go.”
I blinked. “Wait, what?”
“You heard me. The car is yours. I’m tired of you being late.”
I let out a stunned laugh. “You’re kidding, right?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like I’m kidding?”
“Uh… I’ll give you two a moment,” Bruce mumbled before disappearing.
“Hailey, what is this?” I asked, still trying to catch up. “You’re giving me a car?”
“A car, yes. Because apparently, public transport and late coffee are trying to ruin my sanity.”
“I don’t—this is… a lot,” I stammered. “I mean, thank you, but why didn’t you tell me?”
She sighed. “Because I wanted to surprise you. And surprises don’t come with warning labels.”
I looked at her, heart racing.
“You need it, Paige. You’re constantly running around for me. I hate when you're late, and I hate turning into scary boss mode. This just makes sense. So please—just accept it.”
“This is insane. It’s eighty thousand dollars, Hailey.”
She smirked. “You do remember I’m a billionaire, right?”
I chuckled, still stunned. “Yeah, but... Can’t I pick something cheaper?”
“Nope. You already fell for this one. And besides, you don’t want to hurt Bruce’s feelings, do you?”
I groaned. “Fine,” I muttered, eyes back on the car. It was stunning. Way better than the one I’d been saving for. “You know, I was actually planning to buy one. You just beat me to it.”
I stepped closer, wrapped my arms around her waist, and pulled her in. “Thank you,” I whispered. “But you know you need to be punished for not telling me.”
“Paige,” she whispered, eyes darting. “We’re in public.”
“I’ll make you wait till tonight. That’s part of the punishment.” I grinned against her ear.
She blushed. “Well, I do have a bedroom in my office, remember?”
I kissed a trail up her neck. “Tempting. But no. You’ll wait.”
She gasped, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Let’s go,” I said, stepping back.
“FYI, I hate you.”
I laughed. “You wish you did.”
Later, in Hailey’s office-bedroom, I stood in front of the mirror fixing my hair. So much for making her wait—I’d completely folded the second we stepped in. She was now adjusting her blouse and dabbing her lipstick back on.
“You know,” I said, “I just remembered I can’t stay tonight.”
She looked at me, surprised. “Why not?”
“My mom lands at 7:35. I have to go pick her up. You remember Amy’s wedding is this Saturday, right?” She nodded. “I was going to take a cab, but thanks to someone’s surprise, I’ve got wheels now.”
She laughed. “See? You needed the car.”
“Who doesn’t?” I chuckled.
“You almost took my head off when you found out it was for you.”
“I know,” I sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to react like that.”
“It’s okay, Paige. You don’t have to explain. I get it.”
“You do?”
She nodded. “I wasn’t born into wealth. I know how overwhelming big gifts can be.”
Right. She was probably thinking about Mr. Anders—he was the one born rich, not her.
“Well... I still apologize. My dad always taught me to be grateful.”
She smiled softly. “You’re forgiven.”
She stood and smoothed her clothes. “Ready to return to the chaos?”
“Yeah.”
Later that day
“Mom!” I spotted her and ran up, throwing my arms around her.
“Hey, honey.” She kissed my forehead and smiled.
“How was your flight?” I asked as Jason stepped up behind me.
“Smooth, thankfully. Jason,” she said, hugging him.
“Hey, Mom. Let me get your bags,” he offered.
“Such a gentleman,” she smiled.
As we walked to the exit, she looked around. “Where’s our cab?”
“Oh, we’re not taking one,” I said. “I’m driving.”
“You’re driving? Amy lent you her car?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “No. My boss gave me one to use while I’m working for her. She sends me on a lot of errands and cabs just slow me down.”
Her eyes widened. “She gave you a car?”
“Borrowed,” Jason quickly added. “It’s a company car. She’ll return it if she leaves the job.”
We'd rehearsed that lie perfectly. Amy already knew the truth, though she didn’t know everything going on between Hailey and me.
“Oh. A company car—got it,” Mom said, relaxing.
We reached the car, and she gasped. “Paige, this is brand new. Are you sure this is a company car?”
“Yes,” I lied smoothly. “It was one of the manager’s cars, but the cheaper ones were all assigned, so they gave me this one temporarily.”
Where did I learn to lie like this?
“You’re lucky, honey. I’m proud of you. Even if it’s not really yours yet, I know one day you’ll buy one just like it.”
I smiled as I opened her door. “Thanks, Mom. Let’s get going.”
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YOU ARE READING
The Billionaire's Widow
RomansaHailey Anders After the death of her husband, the only thing that can keep Hailey going are her two little kids. They remind her that he still lives in them. Together with the company he left for her. Paige Carson Fresh out of college with impressi...
