The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 151

“I just … I dreamt you died.” I break into a sob and there’s nothing but silence between us. I know she must feel awkward, she doesn’t know emotional Emma, I don’t think she’s seen her for a very long time. She’s no idea how much I’ve changed, what Jake has done to me or even that I’m with him at all. Last time we saw one another it ended so badly and she’s probably wondering what’s changed.

“I’m fine, darling … I’m just bobbing along, you know … Getting on with things.” She sounds wary, she doesn’t know what to say, which helps me reel back in the tears and regain my equilibrium, back to the Emma she’s more able to deal with. My mother isn’t one to be overly emotional and she sounds uncomfortable at the evidence I am.

“I think I might come home for a few days … With Jake.” I add, surprising even myself. Knowing her, she won’t even ask why I would bring him.

“Oh, that would be lovely … For both of you to come, he’s done so much for me and I would like to say thank you in person.” She beams down the phone. It’s obvious the last time she saw him she was enamored with the impressive Carrero heir. She doesn’t even ask about us, about what relationship we have. Just accepts that I’ll bring him, and she doesn’t mention our last meeting. This is how she is; this is what she always does. My life is of no interest unless it has some point in hers.

“I better go and let you sleep.” I finally add, my need to speak to her dissipating now, that inner nudge of disappointment she always makes me feel grows steadily inside of me.

I don’t know why I always delude myself that she will be different. That for once I’ll get some sort of emotion. The affectionate names are all just an act.

“Okay, sweetheart.” She pauses as though she wants to say more but doesn’t. “Just text me when you’re going to come, and I’ll get your old room ready,” I say nothing, knowing we will stay in a hotel close by; too many harsh memories to stay there. We say our goodbyes and I hang up, feeling only marginally better. A different kind of emotion waving through me now.

I sigh and send Jake a text for him to get when he wakes up, part of me hoping he wakens with the vibration of his cell. I need to hear him.

‘We’re going to Chicago to see my mother … I finally bit the bullet and called her. P.S I miss you xx’

I slide my phone onto the bedside table and lay down reluctantly; he won’t be awake at this time. Jake has the ability to fall asleep anywhere and quickly, he’ll reply when he gets up and maybe call me. I settle into the bed, trying to get comfy and toss and turn before I finally start to drift back off.

* * *

I wake early slightly energized, knowing he’s coming home today, and it thrills me in ways I never thought possible. I feel like he’s been gone forever. I jump up and shower with renewed happiness, the memories of last night returning and thoughts of Chicago dampening it down again. I’m not regretting calling her but somehow, in the light of a new day, I regret agreeing to go back there. I know Jake doesn’t quite see my mother in the same light anymore either, so maybe taking him with me isn’t a good idea after all.

Jake calls me a little after seven, he left it until after his gym workout and run time in case I was still asleep, and I’m so overjoyed to hear his voice again.

“Hey, bambino.” He’s happy and I grin at the mere sound of him and melt at his usual affectionate term.

“Hey, sexy.” I giggle, elated.

“Did you miss me? I missed you last night.” His voice takes on a husky tone which sends shivers through me and the sudden urge to have him wrapped around me claws at my chest.

“Of course, not … Hardly noticed your absence.” I jest and he laughs softly. He knows me better than that, can’t get anything by him.

“I couldn’t sleep last night, I think I tossed and turned until almost three before I finally got some shut eye,” he says. “Think I was yearning for my live teddy bear.” There’s a smile in his voice.