Faking A Billionaire

Epilogue

Taren's P.O.V

"I don't see you," I stated into the phone as my eyes eagerly scanned the airport. "Are you sure you're at the right terminal?"

"I'm positive." Jase chuckled into the phone. A smile tugged at my lips at the sound of his laugh. I continued to search the heads that whirled past me until my eyes fell upon a familiar, brown-haired boy.

I hung up the phone and walked over to Jase who held a poster that read MY GIRL. I rolled my eyes at his cheesiness and ran up to him before jumping into his arms. My suitcase hit the floor with a thud as my lungs filled with his sweet cologne.

"There's my girl," He whispered into my ear and set me down, scooping my luggage into his hands. "Welcome back to California."

"You're cuter than I remember," I said as we strolled towards the exit.

"You flatter me." He responded and leaned over to kiss me

"I've missed you so much," I sighed and squeezed his arm. "I'm so glad I have the whole summer to go on adventures with you."

"Speaking of adventures," Jase began as we walked through the automatic doors into the warm LA heat. "We're going to Carly's to have a mini pool party."

"Would it be weird to say I missed that spoiled brat?" I chuckled as we approached a black car and Jase shoved my bags in the trunk.

"She's actually changed a lot since she started dating Orlando." He said as we climbed into the car.

As we drove into the city of LA, I remembered all that had happened last summer. California sure knows how to deliver when it comes to adventures. I convinced my parents to let me visit this summer to see Jase and Aunt Ruth again.

"I have a surprise for you." I blurted out and Jase tossed me a quick glance before looking back at the road.

"And what could that be?" He asked.

"I'm touring colleges in California." I eagerly answered.

"Are you serious?" He gasped and smiled soon after. "That's great, Taren."

"California does have interesting colleges and I'll also be closer to you," I said. The sun reflected on his face and his big brown eyes glowed.

"That's a plus." Jase nodded.

We drove and talked about our plans for the summer. I wanted to spend more time with Jase. Getting to see Orlando and Carly is just another thing I'm looking forward too. After an hour of driving, Jase pulled the car into Carly's driveway. I spotted Orlando's beat up, black car in the garage and smiled. Orlando and Carly appeared at the front door and I jumped out of the car to great them. Orlando wrapped his arms around me before Carly pulled me into a hug.

"There's my favorite cousin," Orlando announced and messed up my hair with a hand. "How was your flight?"

"Pretty good considering there were 3 crying babies in the seats around me," I answered and I smoothed back my hair.

"You look chic," Carly complimented before rolling her eyes playfully. "For a person who dresses like a hipster."

"I've missed your eye rolling, Carly," I admitted.

"Who's ready for a pool party?!" Jase shouted as he rounded the front of the car while waving his hands in the air.

"Nerd." Carly shook her head before strutting inside.

We followed behind her into the giant mansion. I changed into my bath suit I stuffed in my carry on and headed outside. The infinity pool overlooked LA and the sunset reflected down on us, making the water orange and yellow. Orlando dangled his feet in the water at the edge while Carly sipped out of a coconut on a lawn chair. Jase tapped on his phone while pacing around the patio.

"Taren," Carly began and glanced in my direction. "What do you have planned for this summer?"

"I plan on not being mistaken as you again," I sarcastically replied and dipped my foot into the water. "I think I'll stick with being me for a while."

"Agreed," Carly scoffed and set the drink down on the side table. "I'm never doing that again."

"Imagine if we never switched places," I suggested and chuckle at the thought.

"I would've never met Orlando and you would've never met Jase." Carly listed.

"And you would've never gotten read of that snotty attitude of yours." Jase lightly insulted while sticking out his tongue.

"Things happen for a reason," Orlando added and walked deeper into the pool. "I'm happy for the way things turned out."

"I wouldn't do anything different," Carly stated and looked at the three of us. "Even if I did have to live with the common people for a month."

"Shut up." Orlando teased and splashed water on her. She screamed and jumped in after him with a smile on her face.

For the rest of the evening, we swam in the pool and enjoyed each other's company. Even though Carly and I went through hell, we ended up where we are supposed to be. Our paths crossed and there's no going back.

I've never been more thankful for getting in the wrong car.

a/n

Thank you for reading and voting!

xoxo, Leah