Addicted to the Billionaire

-24-

Beatrice looks a bit shocked that Xavier called me 'babe'. She gives me an ugly look, as she leans forward to hold Xavier's hand. If I had any doubt about her love of Xavier before, the expression on her face confirms it.

"Hi Beatrice.", I say with a forced smile. "It's nice to see you again. You look good." Obviously, I am lying, because it is not good to see her again. Unfortunately though, she does look good. She is wearing a gorgeous pale blue dress which makes her blue eyes look even bluer, and her blond her is curled to perfection, falling in waves beneath her shoulder blades. Her makeup is light and professional, and as much as I hate to say it, she looks stunning.

"Candy right?", she asks in her light, airy voice and I nod. "It's so nice to see you again. I've been reading about you in the news. You're so popular right now."

We look at each other for a while as her comment settles – we both know that she is talking about the pictures.

"Anyhow", she continues, "I was here shopping for the fundraiser, and coincidentally, I ran into Xavier.", here she looks at Xavier with an adoring gaze, and I can't help but roll my eyes. She is so in love with him, it's a little disgusting to watch.

Wait a minute.

Did she say that she is attending the fundraiser?

Like the fundraiser that Xavier and I are attending?

I catch a wicked glimpse in her eyes, and Jordan must have noticed it to, thank God, because he jumps in at that moment.

"Oh, Candy and I were just looking for a dress that she will wear to the fundraiser. She's Xavier's date you know."

Beatrice looks him over, her baby blue eyes hardening for a moment, before the soft mask slipped back into place. Turning her eyes back to Xavier's, she gives a soft smile.

"well, since we're both here for the same thing, maybe we can shop together. I need another woman's opinion."

I am just about to tell her what I think of that idea when Xavier speaks up.

"I think that's a wonderful idea Beatrice", he says. I try to give him the look but he is totally avoiding my eyes right now. Jerk.

Beatrice drags me away from Xavier, and soon we are walking around while she picks out dresses. I am far too scared to even look at the price tags on what she is picking out.

"Don't you see anything that you like, Candy?", she asks, turning back at me as she gestures to my empty hands. I pick out a silver strapless dress with a low cut bodice, and a sparkling red one. After Beatrice has picked two more dresses, she drags me to the dressing room.

"Which dress do you think looks better?", she asks, holding up a blue evening gown in her left hand and a black dress in her right.

"Umm – "

"I think the blue one is nice", she continues, then turns to me. "The silver dress will fit you so well. I think it brings out your smile. You must be so anxious about meeting Xavier's parents."

She drops the dresses than moves closer to me. "I've met Xavier's parents tons of times. I always bring roses to his mother – she loves them. Of course I know it must be difficult for you, especially since you and Xavier won't last long."

My ears perk up at this. "What do you mean?", I ask, my voice cool.

"Don't you know? I thought you were smart. Xavier and I are going to be the hottest item when we get engaged. I know that you know that I love him. It's quite obvious really."

"Not obvious enough since he doesn't know", I force myself to speak even though my head is reeling.

Beatrice looks at me as if I am confused, then laughs her gorgeous laugh. "Didn't he tell you that we were an item."