Page 59 of Billionaire Retreat

“Yeah, so he’s not too thrilled about me now.”

Mom sighed. “So, what happens now?”

“I put all this behind me and try to be the best mom I can be despite the circumstances.”

She nodded, her eyes showing me without words how proud of me she was. “You’re resilient, Nina, whether you give yourself credit or not. When the going gets tough, you don’t just buckle under pressure. Sadie’s lucky that you’re her mom.”

I teared up a little and swiped at my eyes. “You’re going to make me cry!”

She waved her hands in the air and said, “Sorry... this family has done enough crying these past few days. Come on, let’s go make some brownies.”

“You sound like your granddaughter.”

“Well, that little girl has a good head on her shoulders, courtesy of her grandma.”

We laughed and headed into the kitchen, grateful beyond words that Dad would be fine.

* * *

The next day I woke up in my own bed and stretched. It wasn’t a king size bed like Griffin’s, but it was cheap and comfortable. At the time when I bought it, those had been my only requirements.

I rolled over and found Sadie right next to me. She was wide awake playing with her wooden alphabets. She was lining them up in order and practicing the sounds that each letter made. In between each sound, she sang a little song.

She was just as smart as she was adorable. I sat up and pointed to one of the letters, letting out a big yawn.

“What letter is that?” I said after I was done yawning.

“B!” she said excitedly.

“And what sound does it make?”

“Buh—buh-buh,” she said.

“Good job, and what words start with B?”

She stared at the letter and then said, “Bus... baby… balloon.”

I held my hand out. “High-five! Good job!”

She gave me a high-five and continued organizing her letters.

I heard a noise from elsewhere in the house and then I instantly relaxed. I had forgotten for a moment that Kenny was still staying with us.

“Let’s go get breakfast.”

“I ate eggs. And toast. Already,” she said not looking up.

Of course, Kenny had cooked. He just loved making me look bad, I thought sourly.

It was then that I could smell hints of spices coming from the kitchen. I left Sadie playing and ventured to the kitchen.

Bacon. Eggs. Pork chops smothered in gravy. Grits and biscuits. There were even sausages.

“Kenny, what’s up with this feast?”

“Happiness,” came a voice from behind me and I let out a surprised shriek. I turned around and saw a familiar face. I hugged him instantly.

“Cyril! It’s so good to see you! What are you doing here?”