Page 9 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother

“It’s not fair of them to do this,” Erica says after I quickly catch her up on the events of this morning before Alice gets back from the bathroom. “But maybe it will give you some time to get your head back in the game.”

It’s true that I’ve been struggling lately, especially after what happened at the wedding last week. Even so, it stings to be accused of not being mentally stable enough to do my job. I’m still livid by how much of a dick Jason has been since we broke up, considering he’s the one who cheated on me.

“I know,” I sigh, picking up a slice of pepperoni pizza. “I’m just hoping it’ll happen sooner rather than later. I don’t think I can live off of my savings forever.”

“Well, you don’t need Jason or Dominic or anyone else telling you what to do,” she assures me. “You’re a talented photographer, Catherine. You’ll find your way.”

I smile gratefully at her words, feeling a sense of hope rise within me. “Thanks, Erica. You’re the best.”

“Can I have two slices?” ask Alice.

“Sure, Alice. Here you go,” I say as I set her plate of pizza on the dining table.

After a few moments of silence between us, I catch Alice gazing at me as if she’s waiting for me to share something. “What’s on your mind, Alice?”

“Can I ask you a question?” she says, shyly.

I nod. “Of course you can.”

She taps her finger over her lips, contemplating her question before finally asking, “Do you have a boyfriend, Catherine?”

I can feel my cheeks blushing at the question and I catch Erica smirking from the corner of my eye. “No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Alice giggles. “I thought you did.”

“I was supposed to marry someone, but I decided not to,” I tell her.

She tilts her head curiously. “Why not?”

I consider how I can best phrase things. “He lied a lot,” I settle on.

Alice nods understandingly. “That’s not good. You deserve someone who tells the truth.”

I smile at her, grateful for her innocence and wisdom. “Thanks, Alice. That means a lot to me.”

“So, what’s up with Oliver’s date tonight?" I ask Erica.

Erica nods, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. “Her name is Tara, and she’s someone Fred knows. I guess she’s a secretary at one of the companies he invests in.”

I break into a smile. “Since when are you on a first-name basis with Fred?”

Erica shoots me a glare. “He’s been my brother’s business partner for years,” she retorts. “Am I supposed to call him Mr. Reyes for the rest of my life?”

Alice giggles at that, sparking a laugh from me as well.

“I suppose not,” I say. “Alice, stay like that.”

I take out my phone and aim the camera toward her. With her pizza in hand, she smiles and gives me a peace sign.

Laughing, I show her the picture. “Cute, huh?”

She nods, then goes back to eating her pizza.

I set my phone down on the table. “So, does Oliver like this woman?”

Erica shrugs. “This is only their first date. According to Fred, Tara is an easygoing person who loves finance, just like Oliver. She suggested they go out for drinks tonight.”

“Whoa, she made Oliver go out for drinks?”