The Shy Billionaire

The Shy Billionaire: Your life sucks worse than reality T.V.

Chapter One

You know, most teenagers do crazy things when they turn eighteen. Some might go to a strip club, or blow their parents' money on cigarettes. Some buy the hottest convertible at the most expensive dealership, or go on a vacation. They throw awesome parties, like on Project X.

For my eighteenth birthday, I picked up the dry cleaning.

"We could throw a party," my friend of fifteen years said. I sighed. She's been making the same suggestions for over a week now. The big day was here, and yet, nothing happened. I just didn't want to bother with it.

"Or we can stay at my house and have a girl night?" I attempted. That earned a glare.

"Chance La Vie, you are not going to sit home. Your life sucks worse than reality T.V." Ouch. Ignore that comment.

"And why not?" I challenged. I could tell I was in for it when she placed her hands on her hips and huffed. I struggled not to roll my eyes. This meant I was getting the lecture of a lifetime, and that was saying something.

"You. Are. Eighteen. Finally! I mean, you could do all sorts of stuff now! You can vote, get into the adult places, be out past curfew... You don't even have a curfew! This is your chance, and you need to take it." Her hands flung wildly, letting me know we were about to reach the climax of this story.

"Ava-" I started, but she interrupted me.

"You have done nothing but sit around and let life happen, Chance. You ignore every amazing opportunity that has come your way and-"

"And what opportunities have I been missing?"

"Ryder Peterson!" She yelled. I grimaced. In the sixth grade, Ryder had asked me to be his girlfriend. I thought that it was a joke, seeing as how he was the class clown and I was the quiet little nerd. I never answered his cute little note and he never bothered me about it, so I let it go. Secretly, though, I kept the note and from time to time I look at it and kick myself for not saying anything. You see, Ryder was not only the appointed funny man in the class, but also a crush I'd had since I was seven. I just never expected him to want to ask me out. Since he never pushed the subject, I thought it was either a joke or meant for someone else.

"That hardly qualifies..." I protested feebly. "We don't know that that note was meant for me."

"Well, you could have found out! But you never did. I mean, you've been in love with the guy for eleven years, and had the chance to be with him, but you ignored it. Why? Because you didn't take a risk. Life is full of opportunities and, Chance, you aren't taking any of them. You need to do something. Live! Be young!"

"Are you done?" I asked wryly. She sighed.

"I guess," she said, defeated. "It's not like you are going to take my advice anyway."

"It was a very nice speech," I told her, patting her arm. She swatted my hand away.

"Yeah, right!" she scoffed. "It would be nicer if you actually listened to me once in a while. I am not wrong, you know. I know what I'm talking about."

"Look," I said, feeling guilty. "I know I can be stubborn. But it's fine. I'm fine. I don't need to be wild and outgoing. I like where I am. Can you just accept that?"

"Just promise me that this year will be a little different. Promise me that you will do one thing outside your comfort zone."

"I promise."

And with those meaningless words, my life changed completely.