Billionaire's Stripper novel Chapter 8

It's too late to call. Besides, you're probably asleep. Also, I cannot go out of town with you. We can go bowling or something. Maybe Saturday during the day before I go to work. Sleep tight.

Rolling over, I glanced out the window and decided to get a glass of water. My cell rang just as I sat at the kitchen counter.

"Home Pod, answer my phone."

"Hello."

"Hello, Hayden. Why are you calling so late?"

"Lydia, we were out until the wee hours of the morning. It doesn't matter what time we talk."

"Well, I thought you might be asleep. After all, I've messed up your sleep pattern."

Hayden chuckled. "Let me worry about that. Am I on speaker?"

"Yes, I left my cell in my bedroom. I'm in the kitchen. I answered the phone from my Home Pod."

"Oh."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm out getting something to eat. Would you like me to pick you up something?"

"No."

"When was the last time you ate?"

I was silent for a minute. I actually didn't remember eating today. The last meal I had was at the Waffle house.

"Lydia."

"Yeah."

"Are you going to answer the question?"

"When we ate at the Waffle House." I cringed.

"Lydia, are you serious?"

"Listen, it's ok I'll make a slice of toast and eat a few cubes of cantaloupe."

"I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"Hayden, no."

"Yes. I'll see you soon." He disconnected the call.

"Shit!" This man didn't know how to take no for an answer. I pounded my fist against my thigh, then ran into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I didn't have on one drop of makeup, and I sure wouldn't worry about it now. I pulled my hair into a fresh ponytail. I heard the buzzer. Strolling to the front door, I peeked at the security camera, then hit the button, allowing Hayden to enter the building.

I unlocked the door, waiting for him.

Hayden smiled at me as he exited the elevator. He hurried me inside my apartment.

"What?"

"What! Why would you just buzz me up without asking who it was?"

I pointed to the camera next to the door buzzer.

He glanced over his shoulder. "Still humor me and ask who is it?"

I smirked. "Ok."

"What's funny?"

"You're pretty protective of me already."

He slapped me on the ass. "Get used to it. Also, next time wear a sweater over your tank top and shorts."

I gawked into his blue eyes. "Hayden."

"As long as the dress isn't a mini dress, I'm fine with that. And yes, I have a passport. What country are we going to?"

"It's a surprise. What countries have you been to?"

"Hmm, let's see. Italy, Canada, France, England, Russia, and Japan."

"Wow, you've traveled a lot."

"Both my parents were teachers. My mother was an elementary school teacher. She taught third grade. My father was a college professor. They wanted me to see the world."

"Where did your father teach?"

"Georgia State University, where I attend school."

"Where does your mother teach?"

"She taught at Garden Hills Elementary before she became ill." I zoned out while staring at my salad.

There was a silence between us.

"She passed away when I was sixteen, from Ovarian Cancer."

Hayden rubbed my back. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you."

"My mother fought Breast Cancer." Hayden's voice was low as he spoke.

"The doctors removed both of her breasts. They didn't have to, but it was her request. She said she wanted to cut down the chance of the cancer returning. The doctors explained cancer can return in other areas of the body. She told them she understood. She said she just wanted the chance to be here for me and my sister. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I don't know what kind of person I would have become without her in my life. I was twelve when she was diagnosed. She's been cancer free for eleven years."

"That's good."

I raked over my salad. "You said you don't know what kind of person you would've become without your mom. I can answer that. I think you still would've been a generous guy. Me, on the other hand, I kept to myself. I had a boyfriend in high school. Then I shut him out. I didn't have many friends throughout high school. Only friend I have is my cousin Karena. I'm good at shutting people out. Sometimes I'm not sure if I want happiness. I try to remember my mother told me to live my life to the fullest." I stepped away from Hayden. The balcony had always been a good place for me to think. Overlooking the city lights on the balcony, I took a deep breath.