Chasing Fate (Dark Love 5)

They’re fucking billionaires.

According to an article I read, Lex is one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the United States. Only yesterday, Charlie took me on a tour of the property with acres of land, luscious gardens, and a massive garage holding all their ‘babies.’ My jaw literally drops to the ground when I see the cars sitting in there. One of which, Charlie has offered to let me drive during my stay until I get myself sorted.

This life she’s living is a far cry from how she grew up. All I know is that LA is looking more and more appealing. The fucking weather alone is perfect, and I could really get used to this li

festyle.

“Uncle Noah!” My name is yelled through the house, and before they get to me, I pull myself out of bed, using the bathroom quickly. I make my way toward the kitchen, still dressed in my sweats and tee.

The aroma of pancakes lingers in the air, drawing my attention as I enter the kitchen. Charlie’s standing by the stove, pouring batter into the frying pan. Amelia and Ava are sitting at the table. Ava is sitting in her high chair, throwing cereal on the floor while Charlie cooks.

What a mess.

Charlie turns around, already dressed in a sharp black suit, and hands me a plate.

“Thanks, cuz.” I smile at her.

“So, first day at the office. Shouldn’t you be changed already?”

“It’s only six-thirty. Relax, Mom.”

Charlie rolls her eyes, moving around the stove before turning it off. She takes a seat across the table handing a pancake to Ava.

“We didn’t finish our conversation last night about the dinner party.” She raises the mug to her mouth, carefully blowing the steam away. “So, Lex and I will be heading out that night. Are you sure you can handle both the girls?”

I brush it off like it’s nothing, trying to disguise the mild panic. “It’s only for one night, right? How hard can it be?”

Ava throws her cup across the table, smacking Amelia in the face who, in turn, drops her iPad into her bowl of cereal. She begins to cry, and with Charlie telling Ava off for being naughty, the quiet kitchen suddenly becomes a zoo.

Shit! What have I gotten myself into?

“I’ll be fine,” I assure her, praying to God that their dinner is canceled. Maybe I can convince Mom to visit for the weekend. Stop panicking already! I change the subject to curb my growing anxiety. “So, tell me more about Haden Cooper, and what should I expect from him as a boss.”

“Let’s see…” she clears her throat, and begins, “… he’s very passionate about publishing. To be honest, I don’t know much about the business side of Haden. We usually get together only for social gatherings. His wife, Presley, and I have playdates.”

“Publishing. It’s an interesting change of career for me.”

“Well, you’re in marketing. Marketing books can’t be that hard?”

“The fact that no one reads books anymore makes it difficult,” I point out. “This generation is about binge-watching.”

“Trust me,” she says confidently. “Your generation may be all about gadgets and Netflix, but books are still very much alive.”

“Yeah, for horny housewives.”

“That’s so sexist and so not true,” she exaggerates, shaking her head in disagreement.

“Really?” I humor her. “Tell me what book you’re currently reading on your Kindle.” I motion toward it sitting on the countertop.

She narrows her brows, crossing her arms because she knows I’m right. She may be in her thirties, but she still has the same angry pout she had when she was ten years old.

“A book about a strong, independent woman.”

“Uh-huh, and what genre is that book in?”

“Erotic romance.” She coughs.

I laugh hysterically, continuing as Lex walks into the room and greets us. Like Charlie, he’s dressed and ready for work wearing a navy suit and collared white business shirt. Armani. I know my brand names.