The Billionaire's Practice Kiss - Tamie Dearen Page 0,53

she hates me forever.”

Chapter 23

The ring of Ellery’s cell phone jarred her from her reading.

Is it Logan? Is he finally calling me? Frantic, she groped for the phone in the pile of books surrounding her on the couch.

“Hey. It’s Laurie. How’s law school going?”

“Okay, I guess.” She tamped down her disappointment. Of course Logan wasn’t calling. He was living with Allegra now. “I’m surprised you called. You haven’t forgotten that Logan and I aren’t together anymore, have you?”

“I haven’t forgotten, and I’m still upset about it,” Laurie said in that tone she used to emphasize that everyone would be better off if they consulted her before making a personal decision. “But I have a huge favor to ask. A really big one. One that could impact a lot of lives for the better.”

“I can’t imagine anything I could do that would be that important.”

“You know how we decided to host a Limitless fundraiser in Austin this year, mostly because we were starting this new venture with Logan…”

“I’m already seeing red flags, Laurie. I don’t think I should be involved in the banquet since Logan and I broke up.”

“Hear me out,” Laurie said. “First, you need to know at Limitless we use the phrase, ‘There are no disabilities… only different abilities.’ So the theme of our Austin banquet is Different is beautiful!”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“It’s our first time to have an event in Austin. The city kind of walks to the beat of its own drum. So we decided to go with what’s trending locally and hire professional models to display the auction items,” Laurie said. “From the top agency in Austin.”

“You’re not talking about Remarkable Models, are you?” Warning bells went off in Ellery’s head.

“Yes, exactly! Once I heard about Remarkable, it just clicked. They’ll be the perfect example of how different can be beautiful, but in a way average people can relate to. We’re all about helping people see the beauty hidden in every person, regardless of their appearance or abilities.”

“You don’t want me.” Ellery’s heart was thumping.

“I do! I’d already chosen our models a month ago. Then last week, Josiah showed me your photos. You’re amazing, Ellery!”

“First of all, I’m not a professional. My first gig is this weekend. And second, Josiah doesn’t even want Logan to know I’m modeling. In fact, I’m surprised Josiah showed you my photos.”

“But—”

“Third, it would be way too awkward for Logan if I were there. I can’t do that to him.” This, of course, was the main reason she had to refuse. She’d already hurt him when she’d rejected him. She couldn’t show up at the banquet and rub it in his face. Not to mention the pain of seeing him with Allegra.

“You mean you haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

“That Logan’s not going to the fundraiser.”

“Oh no!” Was he having an attack of nerves like he used to? She thought he’d progressed beyond his phobia. “Why not?”

“I don’t know. The whole thing is out of my hands.” From Laurie’s tone, Ellery could tell she wasn’t happy about that situation. “Whatever happened, there’s more going on than Logan refusing to attend the banquet. Finn says the whole project is on hold. But I couldn’t tell you why, even if I knew the details.”

“Because it’s none of my business. I get it.”

“I wish you’d stayed with Logan.” Laurie’s plaintive voice returned, the one she’d used when she’d first heard Ellery had cut off her relationship with Logan. The one she’d used to heap on the guilt and beg Ellery to change her mind.

“You know…” Laurie had shaken a finger at the phone screen. “Sometimes you can’t just throw everything up in the air and say wherever it falls, that’s where it’s supposed to be. Sometimes you have to fight to make the right thing happen.”

Talk about a sock in the gut. More than ever, Ellery regretted her decision. Her thinking had been too clouded with her own insecurities. Now it seemed she’d pushed Logan so far over the edge that he was letting go of his dreams.

“I hate that Logan is backing out, and I hope it’s not my fault.” Ellery swallowed a gulp of air. “Even if it is, it’s too late to do anything about it.”

“Believe me, you should never give up. Not if you love him,” Laurie said firmly.

“I never said I—”

“Meanwhile, there’s nothing keeping you from working the auction.”

Ellery was shocked to find herself excited at the idea of actually doing it. Only five months ago, she