Aware that I have to face the music at some point, my eyes scan through a long list of missed calls and message notifications. One name in particular catches my eye as my thumb lazily flicks the screen and I scroll back up to see it.
Maya Levi.
The ex who dumped me because a wealthier NBA star had suddenly become available. We had a brief fling last spring so, needless to say, I wasn’t too heartbroken when she decided to break things off.
What we shared was purely physical and superficial. I provided the expensive handbags and she provided a late night pick-me-up to alleviate the stress of my day. It had been fun but as I said, I wasn’t crushed when she dropped me like a bad habit.
It’s still weird that she’s randomly contacting me.
What the hell does she want?
The answer to that question sure as hell isn’t something I’m going to focus my energy on tonight. She no longer has any priority in my life and I don’t understand why she would even attempt to reconnect after months of radio silence.
Besides, I’m still floating after my time with Olivia. There’s no way I’m going to fuck up this feeling by reaching out to someone from my past.
A smile takes over my face when I finally resume scrolling and glimpse a voicemail from my mom.
“Sebastian, this is your mother,” she introduces herself cheerfully, still not privy to the wonders of modern technology and caller ID.
Chuckling softly, I listen as she carries on.
“Your picture popped up when I was checking my email this afternoon and you were with this beautiful blonde young lady. The caption called her your new girlfriend. Now, I know you tell me not to believe what I see online, but is that true? She’s cute, Sebastian. You know, she reminds me an awfully lot of that Olivia girl you use to crush on in high school. You were smitten with that girl,” she laughs at the memory. “I remember you even cut out her yearbook picture and — ah, well you remember how this story goes. Anyway, I just wanted to touch base. Hope to hear from you soon, sweetie. Sure do hope to get a visit one of these days, Mr. Big Shot,” she finishes jokingly.
As the playback ends, I press “save” with a shake of my head.
That woman can talk. Especially when it comes to my personal life. She knows no bounds.
It’s so typical that she would miss the major news headlines which clearly named Olivia as the winner of the sweepstakes. But instead, she’d picked right up on something petty a gossip rag had no doubt posted online as clickbait.
Though I love the lady dearly I’m not calling her back to discuss this over the phone. It’ll just have to wait for the visit I have planned on Sunday.
Despite my Tennessee roots, I don’t visit often because my mother moved to California years ago. One of my first big purchases had been her house in Calabasas. After my father passed suddenly from a heart attack, she saw no reason to remain in Tennessee so far from her only child.
Relaxing into my chair, I settle in for the long flight. Thoughts of Olivia and my mom dance around in my head.
If I play my cards right, I’ll be bringing Olivia home to meet my mom sooner than later.
That’s my final thought before sleep claims me.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
OLIVIA KING
A week has passed since Sebastian’s surprise visit and I still can’t wipe the dreamy smirk off my face.
Because it was so brief, it feels like something I dreamed up in my overactive imagination.
I still can’t believe he’d dropped everything only to be with me for a few hours. No one has ever made a gesture quite that big for me before. Not that I usually date men wealthy enough to pull such a stunt. But still, you catch my drift. It’s the thought behind it that counts which is why I can’t stop grinning like a fool.
Currently, I’m in the kitchen cleaning up Arnold’s breakfast. We’re going to do some exercises together once I finish tidying. It’s a part of our morning routine.
“Your smile is pretty bright considering it’s not even seven,” a male voice calls from the entrance of the room.
I know it’s Gavin so I don’t even bother looking up. Gathering plates and a glass from the table, I mosey over to the sink and throw a greeting over my shoulder.
“Hi, Gavin. How are you this morning?” I ask politely.
It’s a Saturday so he has the day off. His mood has improved only marginally since our tense encounter and Sebastian’s pop-up visit last week hadn’t helped at all.
“When you’re done in here, come to my office. We need to have a word.”
Frowning, I turn to face him now.
“What about your father’s exercises? You know I like to maintain a routine.”