Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
However, now it comes back to me because my grandfather doesn’t call unless it’s an emergency. I can’t help but wonder if my father is up to something. I wouldn’t put it past him.
“Mr. Nikolaou, your guests have arrived,” my assistant says through the intercom.
“I’ll take care of that,” Jeff croons.
“Thanks, I need to take this.”
I move to the hidden door in my office that leads to a secret room to take this away from prying ears. Once in the room, I answer the call and put the device to my ear.
“Hello.”
“Tzósoua, I need you here now,” Pappoús demands.
“Is everything okay?”
“I will tell you everything when you arrive. There is no time to spare.”
“I’ll see you soon. I’ll leave right away.”
Shawna
I’m buzzing with nervous, excited energy. I’m so happy to be back home. My mom has been hogging all my time, but tonight I finally broke free.
Ven is racing and I’m hoping Joshua will find time to come hang with us. He said he’d try, but I’m not giving up hope.
I spent so much time on my outfit, makeup, and hair. I want to look my best the first time he sees me. We’ve talked so much over the years; I feel like I know him.
I look at my watch and purse my lips. I wonder if he’s free yet. I don’t want to be a pain, but I don’t know when I’ll get away from my mom again.
I look up to see Ven talking with a few of the other drivers. I know a lot of these guys as the sons of lawyers and politicians I have to smile and be nice to during Mommy’s campaigns. I wonder what their dads would think about these races.
I shrug and turn to find a quiet corner to make my call. If he can’t make it, at least I can stop looking for him and hoping. He’s never been annoyed with me calling, so what the heck. It won’t hurt to try.
“Hello,” a female voice comes through the line.
I pull the phone from my ear and frown at the device. My heart sinks as I see I dialed the right number. Joshua and I aren’t dating officially, but I’ve never once thought about him seeing anyone else.
Maybe that’s why he’s always encouraging me to go out. I’ve always taken it as him wanting me to gain experience and make friends. He knows I’m shy.
“Hello?” the woman says again.
“Um, I’m looking for Joshua. Is he there?”
“He’s a bit tied up at the moment. Who’s this?”
“Um, nobody,” I say as tears stream down my face.
I feel so stupid. What made me think he wanted me? I’m such a fool. I’m a twenty-seven-year-old virgin with a crush on a guy who was well on his way to being a freaking supermodel-movie star.
I hang up without another word and run my hand under my nose. Before I can think twice, I block him on social media and block his number. I’m not going to allow him to play with my feelings anymore.
I return to the track as Ven and the other drivers start to climb into their cars. I take a seat and drop my head, feeling sorry for myself. That’s when the expensive shoes come into view.
“What’s a pretty girl like you doing all by herself, looking so sad?”
I look up as the words come from the smooth voice. He’s handsome in a mob movie, movie star way. I give him a cautious smile and sniffle.
“I’m not by myself. I’m here with one of the drivers,” I say shyly.
“Where is he? If he’s the one who made you cry, I’ll handle him.”
I smile. “I’m here with my cousin. She’s a she, not a he.”
“Oh, the pretty driver. Um, the looks run in the family. You mind if I have a seat? I’ll keep you company while she’s out there,” he says and gives me a smile.
He’s nice looking, but he’s no…. I cut the thought off. I’m not mad that he’s seeing someone. I’m upset because he never once made it seem like he was. I thought he wanted to meet as much as I did.
“Um, I guess so,” I say and scoot over.
He sits and reaches out his hand. “The name’s Danny. Danny Clavier. It’s nice to meet you…”
“Shawna. Shawna Norris,” I say and smile back.
He brings the back of my hand to his lips without taking his hazel eyes off me. I can feel my cheeks heat. Maybe this is a sign.
Joshua Kelex, you’re not for me.
Chapter 28
Summoned
Kelex
I’m usually more excited than this to be summoned by my grandfather. However, something feels off about this visit. For one, I’m leaving Mary and the kids for I don’t know how long.
While Mary has been doing great, there are days when she gets a little overwhelmed and having me around to take a load off helps.