Page 19 of Don’t Fall for the Billionaire
Chapter Nineteen
Charlotte
I awoke the following morning, my body still raging with fire after last night.
I didn’t want to leave his bed, but it would cause more trouble than it was worth if Eloise caught us.
I understood that. Ashton and I both involuntarily fell asleep last night.
I was surprised to see his side of the bed empty when I woke up.
Climbing out of bed, I went into Eloise’s room and found Ashton sitting on the edge of her bed, taking her temperature.
“101,” he said. “There’s an urgent care down the block that opens at 8 o’clock. We’d better get ready or else we’ll be there all day.”
“I don’t want to go to the doctor,” Eloise whined.
“I know, sweetheart, but you need medication so you can get better. I’m going to jump in the shower. Can you help her get dressed?” He looked at me.
“Of course.”
After getting Eloise dressed, I took a quick shower, threw on some light makeup, put my hair in a ponytail, and dressed in a pair of jeans and a sweater.
“I just checked the weather, and it’s supposed to be close to 80 degrees today. You might be too warm in that sweater,” he said as I walked into the kitchen.
“Noooo,” I whined. “It was fall yesterday, and today summer is back?” She cocked her head.
“I think so.” I chuckled.
“It’s not funny. Mother Nature is seriously messing with my fall vibes.”
“Well, if it’s any consolation, it’s only supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow and in the low sixties the rest of the week.”
“So I just need to make it through today?”
“Yes.” He winked, and my lady parts ached.
The doctor told us that Eloise had tonsillitis again. Ashton explained to the doctor that she’s been getting sick at least once a month for the past eight months. She told him that it would be beneficial for Eloise to get her tonsils out and to call her pediatrician in the morning.
“We’re going to give her a shot of penicillin to help her get better quicker,” the doctor said. “I’ll also send a script over to your pharmacy.”
“When can she go back to school?” Ashton asked.
“Tuesday, if she’s feeling better.”
“Thank you, Dr.”
We returned home, and Eloise went upstairs to take a nap before her grandfather came over later.
“I was thinking we could grill some steaks tonight since it’s nice out,” Ashton said.
“Good idea. I can make potatoes au gratin, sauté some green beans, make a salad, and pick up a loaf of bread.”
“Sounds delicious.”
“Good.” I jumped up from the stool at the island. “I’m heading out. I’ll pick up Eloise’s meds on the way back.”
“Where are you going?”
“To the grocery store. I’ll be back in a flash.” I smiled.
“Use the credit card I gave you,” he said.
“Already planned on it,” I shouted, walking out of the kitchen.
As I was grocery shopping, my phone rang, and Melissa was calling.
“Hey, you. You’re back?”
“Yes. It was wonderful. We had a great time. How are you? How’s work? How’s the handsome billionaire boss?”
“Fine. Fine. And fine.” I laughed.
“Did you see that Central Park is holding their annual fall festival in a couple of weeks?”
“NO!”
“I’m sending you the link to sign up for a table for your pies. It said they still have a few tables available. Also, can you meet me for lunch tomorrow? I need to talk to you about something.”
“I don’t know. Eloise is sick and won’t be going to school tomorrow. I’ll have to see if Sylvia can keep an eye on her for a couple of hours.”
“Okay. Let me know.”
“I will. I’m hanging up to click the link and sign up for a table. I’ll talk to you later.”
I stood in the middle of the aisle, clicking the link Melissa sent me. As I was filling out all the required information, another cart ran into mine.
“Do you mind? You just can’t stand in the middle of the aisle with your cart. It’s rude.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you unable to say ‘Excuse me’? Because if you had, I would have moved.”
“I shouldn’t have to because you shouldn’t be standing in the middle of the aisle on your phone.”
I looked her up and down. Designer tracksuit, Louis Vuitton sneakers, silver jewelry dripping from her, and her oversized Birkin bag strapped to her shoulder. Not to mention the Botox and fillers that consumed her aging face.
“Get off your privileged perch, Karen.” I grabbed my cart and walked away. I was getting really sick and tired of the snobs in this city.
When I arrived home, I saw Ashton sitting on the couch with Eloise snuggled against him, watching TV. I couldn’t help but smile. He jumped up when he saw me and helped me with the bags I was juggling in my arms.
“Thank God, you’re back. I want a piece of your peach pie.”
“Then why didn’t you cut a slice?” I laughed.
“Honestly, I figured you’d kill me.”
“Oh my God. I made that pie for you.” I took down a plate and grabbed a knife. As I went to cut a slice, I stopped and set the knife down.
“What are you doing? Cut it.”
“No. This will be dessert for after dinner.”
“Oh, come on, Charlotte. Just cut me a little piece. I’ve been waiting since last night.”
“A few more hours won’t hurt you.” I smiled. “Go back and finish watching whatever you were watching with Eloise.”
“No. I don’t like Moana. She gets on my nerves along with that Maui character.”
“What’s a Moana and a Maui?” My brows knitted.
“A kid’s movie. You’ve never heard of Moana?”
I shrugged. “Maybe, but if I did, I don’t remember. I thought she was taking a nap.”
“She tried but said her throat hurt too badly to sleep. I gave her some more Tylenol. Plus, she said she didn’t want to be sleeping when my father arrives.”
“Oh, guess what?” I beamed with excitement.
“What?”
“When I was in the grocery store, my cousin, Melissa, sent me a text with a link to reserve a table for the Central Park Fall Festival. I’ll be selling my pies.”
“You’re already doing that at Eloise’s school,” he said.
“And?”
“That’s a lot of pies to make.”
“I’m aware. I did it last year and was very successful.”
“I can’t relate because you won’t let me try a piece.”
“You’ll have a piece of pie after dinner.”
“Dad, come on. I paused the movie.” Eloise walked into the kitchen.
“Yeah, Dad. Go finish watching Moana with your daughter.” I smirked.
His left eye narrowed at me.
“I’m coming, sweetheart.”