The Billionaire's Hired Girlfriend

Chapter 19

By the time Alexandra came out of the changing room, she found Jayden had gone. When Kelly told her he was going to lunch with Britney and Beth after all and that they had no idea when he'd be back, her heart shattered. She realized he wasn't going to take her to Central Park. She had been looking forward to it. She wanted to spend time with him doing silly, regular things a girl did with her boyfriend. Not that he was her real boyfriend, of course.

Stephanie said as they were leaving Vera Wang, "We have loads of fun things to do."

"What kind of things?" Alex asked curiously.

"Makeover and shopping!" Kelly shrieked excitedly.

"It'll be fun," Stephanie put in, clasping Alex's hands as they stepped toward the limousine.

"Cool," Alex said, pushing the disturbing thought of Jayden having lunch with Britney to one side. Perhaps the time spent window-shopping with the girls might be fun after all, an experience she knew she'd enjoy.

"I like window-shopping," she said.

John stepped forward and opened the door for them.

"We are not window-shopping, Alex," Gracie said. "We are shopping for your new wardrobe." Then to John she said, "Thank you."

The limo driver touched the tip of his hat.

"Say what?" Alex exclaimed.

"You need a whole new wardrobe. And a complete makeover," Kelly commented as she nudged her in.

Alex looked at Kelly, confused, as she slid into the seat beside Gracie. "I do?"

"Of course you do," Stephanie remarked, taking her seat opposite Alex. "Or didn't you hear what that—" She paused, her face grim as she was about to say the word bitch. "Britney said?"

Of course Alex heard. But she couldn't change the way she looked or who she was. She wasn't like them, born with everything handed to them on a silver platter. And the fact was Alex wasn't going to change herself just to fit in with them or to please them. She was who she was, and that was fine with her.

"Besides," Kelly continued, "we do want to polish you up for my wedding. My brother's one of the top ten bachelors in New York, not to mention one of the youngest billionaires in the States. As his girlfriend, you have to look good. Everyone will want to know who you are."

Stephanie leaned forward as the limo started moving. "Oh, don't be alarmed, Alex. Understand that we are trying to help you out. Can't you see? Britney is trying to steal Jayden from you."

"Like asking him to lunch with her dad, for instance," Kelly said. "If people see, word will spread. She's trying to show everyone she and Jayden are a couple."

"Now, girls," Gracie put in calmly, "Britney is not that bad. Shall I call Lawrence?"

"Oh, yes, Mom. It has to be Lawrence. Surely he must be available for us. This is an emergency," Kelly said. "Besides, my bachelorette party is tomorrow night, and Alex must be ready by then."

Alex heard her name in the conversation and said, "Bachelorette party?"

"Oh, Mrs. McCartney, you don't know Britney. She's capable of anything," Stephanie commented. "Don't you agree, Kelly?"

"Yes," Kelly replied.

"Like mother, like daughter, I suppose," Gracie murmured as she started dialing on her BlackBerry.

"What's a bachelorette party?" Alex asked curiously.

"She's no different from Sarah," Kelly muttered, looking at Stephanie. "I'm glad Jay's over her."