Warming the Billionaire’s Bed

Chapter 10- Breakfast

“El, are you sure you’ll be alright here?” Sophie asked me while preparing herself for her new night shift job in a twenty-four-hour fast food restaurant. “Trina and Sawyer will be home the day after tomorrow,” she added, fixing her uniform.

“Don’t worry about me, girl,” I huffed, “I’ll be okay. I’m just going to miss you,” I chucklingly told Sophie.

“Well, it's my first night at work! Weird, no?” Sophie asked before sitting on the bed, rolling her eyes.

“Yup, but congratulations!” I winked at her, “Once I finish all my letters, I’ll probably go and apply to your workplace. We will be workmates,” I stated.

“Whatever, girl! You’ve been so busy hanging out with your Mr. Billionaire,” Sophie clicked her tongue before rechecking her phone.

“Stop…”

“Don’t stop me, El. I am done with my applications, but you are still writing your essay! Oh, Lord… Elisha…”

“Stop! Fine, I’ll finish them this week,” I puffed, ceasing Sophie’s words. I couldn’t blame her for reprimanding me about our college application. We were so behind, especially me. I’ve been really busy with extra stuff like going out with Kyle and whatnot.

It had been a couple of weeks since we met, and we’d seen each other often.

“Elisha to Earth, Earth to Elisha,” Sophie nudged my feet.

I jolted and looked at her. “Oh,”

“You spaced out on me,”

“I’m sorry….”

“No problem, but please do it soon, El! You know our priorities, yes?” Sophie softly reminded.

“Yes, mom,” I scoffed, rolling my eyes, “What time are you going home tomorrow?” I remembered to ask.

“Seven or eight-ish,”

“I’ll cook your breakfast,” I offered.

Sophie looked at me and happily smiled. “For real?”

“Yup! I’ll make crepes and sliced fruits, what you say?”

“Perfect!” Sophie giggled and hovered on me, “Thanks, El! I love you!” she repeatedly tried to kiss my face and tickled me.

“Stop!” I laughed.

Sophie stopped and stood up. “Thanks, girl! I have something to look forward to tomorrow,” she cheerfully expressed, fixing herself and her hair once more.

“The drama!” I whistled.

“Yes! I’m getting my period, so there will be drama soon,” Sophie snorted.

“Whatever! Go and leave me alone!” I kiddingly shoo her away.

Sophie beamed and took my car key and her bag. “Anyway, see you in ten hours, girl. Goodnight,” she bade, closing our bedroom door.

“Goodnight,” I blew my hair and hugged my teddy bear stuffed toy next to me.

A few weeks had gone by quickly since my incredible birthday celebration. It had been nearly a month since Sophie and I moved to New Jersey. We were still staying at Sawyer and Trina’s apartment and hadn’t found our own place since there would be plan changes with the couple.

Sawyer mentioned a few days ago that his company would temporarily transfer him to California for three months to handle one department of their newly-built branch. That would mean that Trina would be alone if we left. But since the apartment was big enough, plus our application wasn’t finalized yet, Sawyer suggested that Sophie and I should stay for a while.

Sophie and I agreed. It was somehow a relief for us. We didn’t need to pay for a new lease in the meantime, and we could just give our share for the rent and other necessities in a lesser amount.

Sophie had to work extra hours to save money and stretch the money she inherited from her parents. She believed Sawyer would help her, but Sophie wanted to become self-dependent like me.

I actually didn’t have to worry about my college fees, but since I wouldn’t be receiving any monetary allowance from my mom, I got to work my ass off if I wanted to live well in college.

I didn’t want to bother my brothers about my needs. They got their own life, too, plus I wanted to show them I could live independently and be self-sufficient.

I was busy contemplating my life when I felt my phone vibrate under my pillow. I quickly took it and checked who it was. “Kyle…” I smilingly mumbled, seeing his face on the screen. He was calling me.

“Hey,” I answered, turning the video camera on.

“Baby, how is it going?” Kyle asked me back.

“Great, I am about to sleep,” I lied. I checked my bedside table clock. It was only seven in the evening, and I hadn't had my dinner.

“Oh, okay. I’m jealous,”

My brows were knitting together, “Oh, why, though?” I asked, “Are you still working?” He appeared to be still sitting on his swivel chair.

I noticed him heaving a deep breath, “Yes, I just finished my last meeting. My schedules are hectic,” he puffed.

“I’m sorry,”

“Please, don’t feel sorry. It’s my preparation for my new role next month.”

“Oh, is it really happening!?” I excitedly asked.

It was all about him being the next CEO of their company. I was aware of it because Kyle and I had been hanging out around lunchtime. Since that night at the club and the morning after, we've eaten at various places every day.

“Yes, baby!” Kyle elatedly answered, “ A few more days or weeks and my schedule would be okay,” he added.

“That’s great to know,” I smiled at him. Though he seemed exhausted and tired, his face still looked fresh and gorgeous.

“Thank you, baby….”

“You’re welcome, Skylar,”

Kyle smirked. He didn’t want me to call him by that name. It was great, but he said it sounded like a girl’s name. Most of his friends and loved ones knew him as Kyle Owens.

“Baby…”

“Hmmm….” Kyle had been calling me baby for weeks now. Though I still found it silly, I somehow got used to it.

“We’ve been spending a lot of time during lunch. Perhaps we could make breakfast this time,” Kyle suggested.

“Oh…yeah…” I mumbled, thinking it was a good idea.

“Tomorrow?”

I was taken aback for a while after realizing something. I promised Sophie to cook her tomorrow’s breakfast, and I had to keep it. “Uhm, yeah… perhaps we can cook it together here….” I offered. I knew it wasn’t my place, but since Sawyer and Trina wouldn’t be home soon and I think Sophie would be okay with it, I guess it would be acceptable to invite him here.

“That would be awesome, but….”

“But what?” I saw the apprehension in Kyle’s face.

“Is it okay?”

“I guess…” I shrugged.

Kyle nodded his head. “But what if we do it in my place…” he suggested. “You’ll finally see my penthouse and the aquarium I was telling you about last time, please,” Kyle told me he loved aquatic animals and owned a couple of aquariums in his pent.

“Kyle. I promised Sophie to make her breakfast tomorrow,” I finally stated why I was hesitant, “She got a graveyard shift and would be home in the morning,” I explained.

“Bring her here!” Kyle beamed, “We will cook whatever breakfast she wants.”

“Don’t you have work?” I curiously asked.

“I do, but since I finished later tonight, I could take a half-day off in the morning.” He answered.

“Oh..” I thought for a while. Kyle was right. Perhaps I could bring Sophie with me, and we could go for breakfast tomorrow morning at Kyle’s penthouse. “I will try to ask her, but I can’t promise you,”

“That will be okay,” Kyle seemed to understand, “Just let me know, and we will see, yes?”

“Yes, sir…”

“That’s my baby,” Kyle smiled and winked, “I will not hold you back. Have a great rest and goodnight, baby,”

“You too, Good night,” I beamed at Kyle. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but I couldn’t do anything at the moment. I had to ask Sophie first.

The following day, I woke up early and made coffee for Sophie. I have had second thoughts about cooking her favorite crepe and fruits for breakfast. Kyle called me early in the morning, just before he went out for his morning run. Finally, I ended up not making the crepes.

Soon as half-past seven strokes, I heard the door’s keyhole shake. It was Sophie. “Hey! Good morning!” I quickly greeted her soon as she entered.

“Hey, girl!” Sophie smiled, “Hmm…I can smell the coffee,” she added, placing her bag on the couch and slumping her body next to it. My friend looked exhausted.

I stood up and took a cup to pour her coffee, “Yup, it’s ready… but….”

Her eyes suddenly lit up, “Are the crepes ready?” Sophie excitedly asked me, getting up from the couch.

I bit my lower lip and shook. “I...I was going to say that I didn’t make one….” I sheepishly told.

Sophie scowled at me. “Why so? We just bought our groceries, right?” she sighed in displeasure.

“Yeah, but I was hoping you could join me for breakfast with Kyle….” I finally confessed. “He’s inviting us….”

“What?!”

“Let’s go to his penthouse and eat….”

“Stop,” Sophie snapped, standing up and taking her stuff. “You could've just told me you are meeting Kyle for breakfast,” she stomped towards our bedroom door.

A sudden pang of guilt engulfed me. I didn’t mean to let her down, but I thought she would see it as a perfect idea. ‘Of course not,’ my conscience told me.

I followed Sophie inside the room. I saw her getting inside the bathroom, shutting the door, which she never did when we were together. She was upset. I get it. “Sophie...” I mumbled, sitting on the couch.

Slowly, I realized my mistake. I was wrong for not keeping up to my promises. She was tired and perhaps, really looked forward to eating her cravings.

A while later, Sophie left the bathroom wearing her oversized shirt and shorts. I noticed her holding her warm pad and placed it underneath her shirt. Just my luck, her bad mood would triple this time.

“I’m sorry….” All I could say.

Sophie ignored me and headed straight to bed and laid down. “Save It for later. Go and leave me alone,” she stated in her somber tone.

“I just thought you would love it,” I murmured.

“I'm okay now, Elisha. Go and have your breakfast with Kyle,”

“Sophie…Okay… I’ll make you one,” I yielded, standing up. I would just call Kyle and tell him that Sophie wasn’t feeling well and ask for a rain check.

I heard Sophie heave a breath before glaring at me. “You don’t need to. I want to sleep. If you want to spend your time with him, go ahead. Just enjoy your time with Kyle,” she spat sarcastically.

“Sophie, I’m sorry….” I sincerely apologize. I knew it would be futile now.

“I said stop!” Sophie raised her voice. “I just want to be alone, Elisha. I am not feeling well, and I am not hungry anymore.”

Sighing in sadness, “Okay….” I muttered. I left Sophie alone and closed the door silently. As soon as I sat down, tears began to fall from my eyes. “So stupid, Elisha….” I blamed myself. Sophie had a right to feel upset, plus she seemed not happy about my actions nowadays.

I lay on the couch for some time before getting the courage to message Kyle. I saw a few miscalls from him on my screen. I began to type my message and explained to him that I might not be able to see him that morning.

Kyle quickly replied and felt sorry. But, since I couldn’t leave Sophie, he instead invited me for dinner. I said yes in a heartbeat. I would be alone again tonight because Sophie’s shift would be at nighttime.

I somehow felt relieved when Kyle told me he truly understood the situation. He felt sorry because it was he who suggested inviting Sophie. We didn’t realize she would be worn-out and hungry, plus Aunt Flow visited her so early.

After talking with Kyle, I stood up and checked our fridge. I knew Sophie wouldn’t be able to sleep that long without eating. Her hunger would eventually wake up.

I finally made her crepes and then peeled and cut the fruits. I left them in the fridge so they would remain fresh and cold. After cleaning what I used in the kitchen, I took the veggies and salmon out of the refrigerator. Sophie loved eating them whenever she was on her red days.

Preparing our lunch somehow calmed my thoughts. I stirfried them and made a honey-garlic salmon. As soon as I finished, I settled them on the table, had a quick bite, and did my college checklist while waiting for Sophie to wake up.

I was almost done with my work when the bedroom door opened. As I expected, Sophie left and walked to the kitchen to drink water. I noticed her checking the table and saw the food I had cooked.

“Hey. I cooked your favorites,” I told her.

“The f**k!” Sophie was startled. It looked like she didn’t know I was in the living room. Then, darting her eyes at me, “You’re still here,” she unflappably said.

“Yes,”

“Why so?” She asked, opening the pack of bread.

“The crepes are there, and fruits are inside the fridge,” I replied instead of answering her.

“I don’t want them anymore,” Sophie scornfully muttered, taking the whole pack of bread and a jar of cold water with her.

“Oh…but the veggies and salmon are ready too..” I coolly said, albeit I was hurt when she refused to eat the foods I prepared for her.

“I’m not hungry….” Sophie scoffed with a mouth full of bread.

“Sophie… please…” I pleaded. I didn’t want this petty misunderstanding to get worse.

Sophie sent death stares at me. “I’m okay with this. I’ll eat those later,” she casually said before entering the room.

“Ugh,” I sadly sat on the couch again. The vibe between us wasn’t ideal. I knew we would eventually patch up, so I decided to get inside the room not to speak with her but prepare myself. I wanted some fresh air, and perhaps walking at the park would help me release the tension in my body.

I left the house after eating lunch. Walking was my second plan. It was the hottest month in New Jersey, yet the cold wind brushed and breezed throughout my ambling moments toward the park. There weren’t many people on the street since they were busy having their lunchtime.

Soon as I reached the shaded area of the park, I laid the picnic blanket and my bag on the ground. Then I sat on it and took out the stuff I had brought with me.

Since I had finished my essays and whatnot, I continued crocheting and knotting the scarf I planned to give to Nana Delia on her birthday. It has been one of my hobbies since Nana Delia taught me how to do it when I was fifteen. I’ve already made a couple for my brothers, the household workers, and even friends.

After hours of relaxing and making the scarf, I decided to go home and prepare myself for dinner with Kyle. I low-keyed hope Sophie would be okay enough to speak with me.

Kyle hadn't messaged me about the details, and I understood it since I knew he was at work this time.

I was walking by while looking around the establishments on the street when I noticed a familiar figure inside the coffee shop of a well-known hotel building. I ceased walking to watch him from the opposite lane.

It was Kyle sitting across from this beautiful lady while chatting with her. They seemed to be in a very serious exchange as Kyle listened, nodded, and eventually grinned at the lady. A few seconds later, Kyle checked his watch and seemed to tell the lady he had another errand to do. The lady nodded and beamed.

Kyle stood up so was the lady. He kissed her cheek and left the restaurant in a hurry. I hid next to a large stall in the restaurant behind me so he wouldn’t see me. He stood at the walkway, and soon after, a black car pulled up in front of him.

A blonde-haired lady wearing a formal office suit came out from the backseat. She was about to hug him when he stopped her by balking away. Kyle mouthed the word stop and gave the lady a sullen look. It was my first time to see him uneasy. Kyle usually smiled and was always cheerful and sweet to me.

On the other hand, you couldn’t paint the lady’s facial reaction after the embarrassing scene. Well, for me. I didn’t think people saw the quick exchange between the two.

Kyle finally got inside the car. The lady subtly looked to her left and right to perhaps check if anybody had witnessed the strange incident before getting in next to him.

I was puzzled. I found it bizarre, to say the least. Inhaling a deep breath, I took a mental note to ask Kyle about it later.

~

Happy May 1st! Sorry for the overlooked errors again. xx