The Billionaire's Hired Girlfriend

Chapter 13

How does one work this blasted thing? Alex wondered as she stared at her BlackBerry. She searched through the menu, found the call section, and started dialing. She brought the BlackBerry to her ear and waited as the ringing noise continued.

A moment later, she heard her brother's voice saying, "Hello, Tim speaking."

"Hey, Tim, it's me."

"Alex?" He chuckled. "Man, you sound weird and so far away."

"Of course I'm far away. I'm in America."

"You got there all right, huh?"

"Yeah, I'm here safe and sound."

"Cool."

"Hey, how's Mum and Dad?" she asked, wondering if her dad was taking things easy or was he up to his old, stubborn self again and working hard.

"Dad is taking things easy. Mum makes sure of that."

Alex sighed with relief. "That's good. Is Mum there?"

"Yeah. Hold on a sec."

A few seconds later, Alex heard her mum's voice through the phone. "Hey, sweetheart. Glad to hear your voice. I'm worried, you know. I know you're a big girl now. Your dad's doing well. I make sure he eats. He went to see Dr. Johnston today. He said your dad is making good progress."

"I'm glad to hear that."

There was a knock at the door, and Alex glanced up to see Kelly poking her head in. "Hey, are you ready?"

"Hold on a sec. Just talking to Mum."

"Okay," Kelly said, walking into the room and taking a seat on the side of the bed. "Take your time." She picked up a sports magazine on the bedside table and flicked through it.

Alex turned her attention back to the BlackBerry.

"Mum, I'm glad Dad is doing well. I hope he'll recover fully when I return. Anyways, love you and Dad and everyone at home. Miss you already. Bye now."

"All right, sweetheart. You look after yourself. Love you."

Alex grinned and then terminated the call. "I can't believe I miss them already."

Kelly threw the magazine down and patted Alex's arm. "Sounds like you really love your family."

Alex nodded. "More than anything."

Kelly cocked her head to one side as though she were considering something serious. She stood up. "Come on, missy." She pulled Alex to her feet and led her out the door. "I hope you're not upset with Beth."

Alex shook her head. She knew Beth didn't like her, but she wasn't going to dwell on that. "I think she's just watching out for Jay."

Kelly glanced at Alex with interest. She laughed; that rich, smooth sound belonged to a woman who lived her life to the fullest and was afraid of nothing.

"Yeah, she is," Kelly said with a hint of doubt in her voice.

Alex wondered if Beth truly was that worried about Jay's love life. Did she think it was her duty to find the right woman for him? Well, Alex could safely conclude she was not the girl for Jayden in Beth's eyes.

"I hope at least one of my dresses will fit you," Kelly commented. "Silly of Jayden not to tell you to bring dresses and gowns. After all, the party was his idea."

Alex opened her mouth as if she were about to say something. But of course being shocked as she was right then, she couldn't think of what to say. Jayden planned the party for her? And he never bothered to mention it to her all those times they chatted on Facebook? She'd have to ask him when she saw him next. She didn't like parties, even normal parties back home, either the BBQ type that mainly involved families and close friends or the loud parties some of her acquaintances threw. Often she was so shy and so tongue-tied she never made good conversations with anyone—especially guys. If she got invited to a party, she'd be there at most half an hour, unless her family happened to be there, and then she'd be out the door before anyone caught her.