The Billionaire's Pretend Girlf - Leslie North Page 0,32

Mila first, who greeted her with a hug and immediately introduced her to her parents and brother. After Jackie shook everyone’s hands, Mila heaved a sigh.

“You feeling okay there, mama?” Jackie asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She grimaced, rubbing at her belly. “This kid is just pushing on my bladder like nobody’s business today. I’m hoping she lays off a little for the actual ceremony. The bride can’t take a bathroom break in the middle of the vows!”

Jackie snickered. “You’ll both do great. Well, all three of you—can’t forget Grayson.”

Mila smirked, her gaze stuck on her groom as he sauntered nearby, schmoozing some newly-arrived friends. “No. We can’t forget that handsome devil. He’s the one who helped bring about the bladder destroyer, after all.”

Jackie and Mila shared a warm smile. It felt like she’d known Mila for years instead of days—and if this thing with Daniel worked out, she already looked forward to having her girl squad with Mila. The two of them chatted for a bit longer, observing the people milling around. A tall, shockingly thin and put together blonde drifted their way, looking a little lost.

“Are you Mila?” the blonde asked.

“Yes, that’s me! Hi! Who are you?”

“I’m Tania.” Tania offered her hand to Mila. “It’s so great to meet you finally. I’ve heard so much about you from the guys.”

From the guys. She could only be referring to the trio of best friends. Jackie stiffened, wondering just how well she knew the guys—and which one she knew the best. She stuck out a hand anyway. “Hi, Tania. I’m Jackie. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m so happy you could make it,” Mila went on. “How do you know Grayson and his friends?”

“We were in the same MBA program,” Tania said, flashing both of them a pretty grin. “We would all pal around on weekends, take our minds off schoolwork by playing doubles and getting drunk afterward.”

“Sometimes, I feel like I would pay serious money to have known Grayson before he started his own business,” Mila said with a laugh. “So you possess very important knowledge!”

“I feel the same about Daniel,” Jackie chimed in.

Tania’s face fell slightly, turning to Jackie. “Oh? You mean Daniel Trent?”

“Yes,” Mila enthused. “Jackie is Daniel’s girlfriend.”

Jackie flashed a grin, relishing the repressed wave of realization that washed over Tania’s face. And yes, that was a hint of jealousy she caught as well. She wasn’t one to get haughty, but there was something so gratifying in this moment. Finally being able to say that she was with a man who commanded respect, and even envy. “Yes, we’ve been together for…a while.”

Tania offered up a smile, looking between the two of them. “Well, this venue is spectacular!”

The conversation continued, Jackie keeping an eye out for Daniel as they spoke. Finally, Mila was called away by her parents, who waved her over so that she could join in their conversation. Mila excused herself, leaving Tania and Jackie smiling awkwardly at each other.

Jackie wracked her brain for something to talk about now. Maybe this was the time for the polite excuse to use the restroom…

“So how long have you and Daniel been together?” Tania asked brightly.

“Several months,” Jackie said, her mouth going dry though she wasn’t sure why.

Tania nodded, her gaze darting across Jackie’s face. “So you know how much he works, then.”

There was something in Tania’s tone that felt less conversational and more like a confession. Woman-to-woman. A knot cinched tight, deep in her gut. “Well, yes. Of course. He’s such a hard worker.”

Tania deflated slightly, glancing around. Jackie didn’t like where this conversation was heading one bit. “Well, I hope you have better luck than I did. Getting that man to focus on anything other than his email inbox was like pulling teeth.”

Suddenly, it all clicked into place. She was talking to his ex. Daniel has an ex! Part of her wished Daniel was here, to help her navigate this strange situation. Maybe he could explain it all away with a few words—she was a fling, once upon a time. Or maybe she should take this opportunity, without Daniel there to interrupt, to learn as much as she could from Tania.

“So I take it you two dated?” Jackie ventured.

“If you can call it that.” Tania laughed, her perfectly pink lips sparkling as she tossed her hair. “No, we tried a thing. It didn’t work. I really wanted it to. I won’t lie about that. But it ended when I realized I was just a convenient person to call on the