The Secret Billionaire

Chapter 21

ERIS

"Do you want to pick up Stacy on the way, or should I text her to meet us there?" I asked Nathan.
He set the papers down and grunted. "For what?"
"You said yesterday we were going out. This morning you agreed we could choose the restaurant. Did you forget?"
He rubbed his face out of frustration. "Sorry, no, I didn't. I'm trying to get through this paperwork,"
There were papers scattered all over the island. I looked over his shoulder at the documents, and my eyes widened. It was a mix between articles, charts, and sheets full of numbers. I thought there were fancy people in suits that helped with these kinds of problems.
"Why not ditch the paperwork for a little bit? I'll help you relax," I teased and turned the chair around. I stood between his legs, and he smirked. He snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him.
"Oh yeah? And what are you planning to do?" He kissed my neck, and I leaned into his touch.
"Can you keep it PG while we are around?" Alana's voice startled me, and I turned around. She was standing by the kitchen doorway with her arms crossed. "Get a room, you two,"
"Sorry, I didn't know you were here," I stepped away, but Nathan quickly pulled me back in.
"It's fine," She laughed. "Are we leaving soon? We are getting famished," She rubbed her belly, and I smiled at her.
"Yes, tell Stacy to meet us at the restaurant," Nathan stood up and attempted to gather up all the papers and failed miserably.
"Food!" Elijah exclaimed and giggled.
"Come on, let's go," Alana laughed and grabbed his hand.
Elijah couldn't stop bouncing up and down from excitement. Not because we were going to eat but because he was fond of the elevators. Nathan grabbed my hand as we walked out. The receptionist, who I know now as Crystal, glared at us and scoffed.
"I told you," Alana whispered, and I laughed.
Once we had everyone strapped into the car, we headed to the restaurant. We were greeted at the door, and they immediately grabbed a table for us. Stacy arrived soon after, and I waved her over.
"Stacy, I know you met already, but I want to officially introduce you to Nathan," I pointed at him, and he nodded. "And this is his sister Alana,"
"Oh wow! Sister?" She glanced over at me as if she was saying, you have some explaining to do, and I sheepishly smiled as we both sat down. "If you don't mind me asking, how far along are you?" She asked, turning her attention back to Alana.
"About 37 weeks. She should be arriving soon," Alana smiled.
"That's amazing!" Stacy exclaimed. She turned to look at Nathan and narrowed her eyes at him. "You don't intimidate me."
He chuckled, "Neither do you,"
She leaned back and shrugged, "I like your new club,"
He took a sip of his drink and smiled. "Thanks,"
"Alrighty," I said while she called over the waitress.

~

"Oh gosh, this was delicious," Stacy groaned as she laid back on the chair.
"I always order too much and never finish," I frowned and looked at my plate.
"Good thing you have someone who will always finish it for you," Alana said.
Nathan reached out and grabbed some of my food, and shrugged. "It doesn't do any good if we waste food."
"It was nice getting to know both of you," Stacy stated. "But sadly, I must go. I was planning to meet a friend tonight,"
"What friend? You just had dinner, and you're going out again?" I asked.
"Eris, don't question her like that. You aren't her mother," Alana joked.
"I'm not going out for dinner. Just some drinks...and dancing," She wiggled her eyebrows, and I laughed.
"That's good! I hope it goes well. I'll be staying with Nathan tonight. Text me if you need anything, okay?" I said. I saw Nathan's smile before he continued to eat my food.
"I'll just pay my part upfront," She stood up, and Alana waved her off.
"Don't worry about it. Nathan will cover it. Right?" She turned to look at him, and he nodded his head with the last food in his mouth.
"Thank you," Stacy smiled at him. "I really must go. I'll see you later,"
We said our goodbyes, and I frowned. I hope this guy treats her how she deserves.
Nathan put his hand over mine and said, "She'll be fine,"
We knew it was time to go when Elijah fell asleep on his chair. The way Nathan handled him was heart-warming. Not only because he was his nephew, but at first, I thought he wouldn't be good with kids.
The ride home was quiet. Everyone was in their little world, and mine consisted of my fake family with Nathan. It quickly turned into fear when the thought of him not wanting his own kids crossed my mind. I was brought out of my thoughts when the car halted, and we all got off. A few steps into the building I realized I had left my phone in the car, and I let go of Nathan's hand.
"I forgot my phone. I'll go quick,"
Nathan shook his head and looked around. "I'll send someone for it,"
"No need to make a scene. It's just a few steps back," I kissed his cheek. "Go take him to bed,"
He looked at me, and I looked at Alana, begging for help.
"Nathan, the longer we are here, the more time we waste. She could've gotten her phone already. Come on. I'm tired," She begged. I smiled, and he sighed. They headed to the elevator before glancing back at me.
I turned around and headed out just as they drove the car away. I asked them to stop so I could grab my phone and make my way back inside. I was sending a message to Stacy when I bumped into someone.
"So sorry-" I looked up to see Crystal with her arms crossed. "Oh, it's you,"
"What's your problem?" She scoffed.
"Right now? You." I tried going around her, but she got in my way. "Did you need something?"
"You'll stay away from Mr. Rylan if you know what's good for you," She said, and I crossed my arms.
"Or what?" I laughed. "I'm not afraid of you,"
"He will get bored of you," She smirked.
"Even if he does, you think he'll come running to you? Don't you think if there were any possibility between you two, he would let you call him by his first name? Please, you're probably as used as the mats on the floor,"
She scoffed, "He doesn't see it, but I do. You're nothing. He does this to pass the time. Do you think you're the first girl I've seen him bring in here? You'll be gone within the week,"
"Lucky for you, I've known Nathan for longer than a week," Her face dropped, and I smirked. "I live here now. You should learn how to respect me just like you do him," I stalked over to her until I was a few inches away. "Remember, your job rests in my hands now," My phone dinged, and I stepped back.
I chuckled as I read the message and held it to her face. "If you'll excuse me, I will be leaving now. Nathan is waiting for me," I grinned and walked around her. I heard her heels clicking behind me, and I pressed the elevator button. I got in and turned to wave at her as the doors closed.