Two Billionare "Mom's"

Gala's

6:32pm Monday, May 13, 2013

Calum stood by my side, looking dapper in his suit. He had a smug smile on his face, clearly feeling proud to be seen with me. But I felt a pang of irritation as I caught him throwing glances at other women. It was typical of him, and it annoyed me to no end. Suddenly, my attention was diverted as I heard a familiar voice behind us.

"What a coincidence! Two nights in a row!" Calum and I turned around, and I felt my heart skip a beat as I saw Jessica standing there, looking as poised and confident as ever. I quickly composed myself, trying to push down the flustered feeling I got when I saw her. She was dressed in a tight dress the excentuated her curves well. It continued to her knees but split off into a waist cape with a galaxy design. Her straps and the boarder of the cape was bound my a white fur material. Calum tried to act nonchalant and gave her a smile. But I could tell that he was seething inside, clearly still stung by her previous rejection. Before he could say anything, I spoke up.

"Yes, quite a coincidence indeed" I said, my voice calm and steady despite the fluttering feeling in my stomach. "How did you even get an invite?" Jess asked, her voice feigning intrigue. Calum huffed slightly at the insinuation behind her question, but I interjected before he could say anything.

"Calum and I were invited personally by the host" I explained, trying to maintain a neutral tone and ignore the undercurrent of tension between us. "Your connection?" She asked yet again. Calum, sensing a chance to redeem himself, spoke up with confidence."We have a business connection" he said, leaning back in a casual manner. "I'm in negotiations to expand my business, and he's a potential investor." Jess flashed a subtle smirk before saying, "You do realize it's his wife thats the host, right?"

Calum's facade of confidence visibly slipped for a moment. He clearly hadn't realized that it was the wife who was the host, and not the husband. I could see the irritation on his face, and I mentally facepalmed. I shot him a look that said "I told you so" before turning back to Jessica. Trying to salvage the situation, I spoke up again.

"Well, either way, we're grateful for the invitation." I said pointedly. She hummed in acknowledgement. Calum fidgeted uncomfortably, clearly feeling out of his depth now. I could tell he was feeling embarrassed by the situation, and I couldn't help but take a little satisfaction in seeing him squirm. Jessica, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying herself. A small smirk played on her lips as she observed us. I knew that she was silently reveling in Calum's discomfort.

"Freya, we still have so much catching up to do! Calum, why not go and try and strike a few deals while Freya and I talk. Wouldnt want to bore you to death, now would I?" Jess said, breaking the tense silence between the three of us. Calum looked like he wanted to protest, but he knew that he was beaten. He tried to act indifferent, but I could tell he was seething inside.

"Fine" he grumbled, before giving me a sharp look that said "We're talking about this later". "How do you deal with that all day Ms. Allane~ I'd love to know your secret~" she asked teasingly not even bothering to hide her arousal. I chuckled softly at her teasing tone, feeling a flicker of attraction despite myself.

"It's not always easy, that's for sure" I replied, trying to keep my tone light and nonchalant. "But I've learned to tune him out when necessary." I glanced over at Calum, who was already schmoozing up to some businessman across the room. I rolled my eyes at his behavior but tried to play it cool.

"Seems like he's already forgotten about me." I huffed. "Oh hush. Him forgetting about you is good. He doesn't hide how he treats you. Enjoy the simplicity of the moment." She replied lightheartedly. I couldn't help but laugh at her words. She had a point, even if I didn't want to admit it. Spending time away from Calum's constant ego-stroking was refreshing.

"Now... how about we catch up and get a few drinks, hmm?"