Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

There’s an absolute determination in Willow’s face, and as much as I admire her self-confidence, I’m worried about her. Ray is notorious in the industry. If he’s locked his eyes on any real estate property, there’s a minus one percent chance that it doesn’t get acquired by Elixir Estates.

I lay my hand on her arm. “I can still try something, Wills.”

“No! Not at all.” There’s a horrified look on her face at my suggestion. “You and Charles have more important things to discuss when you’re both ready to talk.”

My heart sinks a little, because that day is slowly getting farther and farther away.

“I wasn’t talking about Charles. I can try talking to Ray and explain what this land means to you.”

I’ve witnessed Ray’s softer side with his daughter. Perhaps I can appeal to that humane part of his personality.

“Absolutely not! Can you believe what that jerk asked me in the first meeting? He wanted to know if I’d be calling Charles, in tears, begging him to talk to his cousin.”

“He actually said that?” I wince as Willow nods.

“That man is a pompous ass.”

“I bet he’s also got a nice ass, especially when it’s not hidden behind those tight pants.” Violet raises an eyebrow.

“I’ve seen much better-looking men.”

None of us are convinced, but we all nod, watching the deadly expression on our friend’s face.

“Can we discuss something else? The thought of Ray Teager’s bare ass is enough to make me want to throw up.”

“How’s the prep for tonight shaping up, Daisy? Need any help?” Elodie asks, as if the topic has been on the tip of her tongue all along.

“Nope. Aunt Mel, Kai, and Dad won’t let me near the preparations. It’s like it’s my birthday, not Dad’s.” I smile, appreciating this day with Dad, where, despite his memory lapses, he still remembers enough to celebrate.

Who knows if I’ll be here next year.

“Did you try to keep it a surprise from Jason?” Violet interrupts my thoughts before they can completely get swamped by worries of the future, and I shake my head.

“No. I want Dad to enjoy every moment of today, including the preparations.”

“And what about him? Is…he coming?”

It doesn’t take a genius to know who Willow is asking about.

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “But Dad personally called everyone last month.”

“I have a feeling Charles will be there.” Elodie settles next to me on the couch, carrying two cups of her Yogi tea and handing one to me.

Someday soon, I’ll have to break the truth to her. This tea might just do the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of calming my absent morning sickness, it might just provoke it.

“Charles is the kind of guy who always does the right thing,” Elodie continues.

“Always?” Violet raises an eyebrow toward my flat stomach. “Since when does leaving your pregnant wife become the right thing?”

“Vi!” I exclaim. “Can you be a little less dramatic? I asked Charles for a divorce, not the other way around.” I ignore the gnawing voice in my head, reminding me yet again that he never stopped me. “And I’m not some helpless woman.”

“Since Willow and Vi have already picked their ‘man I plan to hate the most today,’ can I ask something else?” Elodie takes a sip of her tea and asks in an even tone, “Your dad doesn’t know about you two not living together, but what about his family?” Her gaze points at my finger, where my wedding band and engagement ring are still sitting snugly.

The right thing would be to take them off, at least when I’m in the house, away from the public eye.

My mind reminds me of that at least once a day, but I’ve yet to heed. Parting with these rings would mean snapping off the last thread binding me to Charles.

“I don’t think they know either. I received a text from Chloe last night. She was at Charles’ place, and he told her I was staying with Willow because she’s going through some crisis.” I pause and turn to Wills. “Is it possible that he was talking about this?” I jerk my head toward Ray’s photo on her laptop.