Chapter 203 Leaving For A While

Chapter 203 Leaving For A While
\[Lilah’s POV\]

“What did you think of Rika?”

Collin’s voice rings out around us, mixing with the sound of water sloshing as he adjusts us.

When I decided to take a bath, I fully prepared to take one alone, but Collin was being so serious about making sure that I didn’t do a thing to the point he joined.

“Rika,” I say now, relaxing against him. “I think she’s a nice girl.”

She would make a good partner for Jeremiah. I say silently while knowing that is what Collin is hinting at.

Honestly, I was more than aware that he would want Jeremiah to quickly find someone else. When he did, Collin wouldn’t have to worry about Jeremiah continuing to pine over me.

I want that too. More than anything, I wanted Jeremiah to find someone who can love him as much as he loves them, but would that ever happen?

“Wouldn’t it be nice if she and Jeremiah work out.” Collin says, voicing my thoughts.

“I knew that was coming.”

Sighing, I roll my eyes at how easy Collin was becoming to read and as his arms tighten around me, I hear my phone ring.

“I’ll get it,” Collin announces, untangling himself from me and then standing. “Just stay put.”

“Like you would let me get up.” I huff and watch as Collin wraps a towel around his lower body.

Too bad. I think, hating that his perfect ass was no longer in view. But maybe it is for the best. I shouldn’t be thinking about anything sexual while on bed rest.

Or while your mother is in a coma. The small voice in the back of my head says, causing my heart to squeeze.

Mom.

I immediately go on alert as I realize that the one who could be calling was Vincent to tell us that mom had woken up, but when Collin returns with a look of annoyance on his face, I know that isn’t the case.

“Who is it?” I ask as he swipes answer and then passes me the phone. “Hello?”

“Lilah.”

“Jer.”

Frowning, I look to Collin who just shrugs.

“Lilah,” Jeremiah repeats, bringing my attention back to the phone. “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing,” he says and then grows quiet, but that silence that I am being met with all but tells me that something is in fact wrong.

“Jer,” I sigh, hating that he was being so hesitant with me. “Whatever it is that you called about, just say it. You shouldn’t have to hold back with me.”

I grow quiet and wait while Jeremiah tries to force out whatever it is that he wants to say and when that silence continues to go on for longer than is comfortable, I hear Collin let out a grunt.

“Say what you need to say.” He snaps loud enough for Jeremiah to hear. “Stop beating around the bush.”

“He’s nearby,” Jeremiah huffs. “Tell him to mind his own business.”

“Now listen here,” Collin growls, but I shoot him a look that stops him before he can say anything that goes overboard.

“Lilah,” Jeremiah continues when Collin doesn’t retort. “I’m leaving for a while.”

“What?” I gasp, eyes widening. “Leaving. As in leaving the city? Why? What for?”

Did it have something to do with me? Was it in response to something that I said or did?

Stop thinking everything is about you, Lilah. I hiss in frustration. He has a life outside of your friendship.

“Does it have something to do with Rika?” I ask instead. “Are your parents making the two of you…”

“Nothing like that,” Jeremiah assures me. “You remember how I told you that my father’s business is struggling?”

“Yes.”

“Well, there is a company overseas that is willing to work with his, but since he has to stay here to handle things in the base office, I have to go and handle things.”

“I see.”

Of course, this was something that Jeremiah should do, but even then, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t something that he wanted.

“Are you okay with it?”

The question is leaving my lips before I can stop it, but honestly, it is how I feel and it is the thing that I want to know the most.

“He isn’t forcing you to do something you don’t want to, right?”

“I’m doing it because I want to.” Jeremiah tells me, but I can hear the hint of a lie in his voice. “It’s what I should do as heir, right?”

Wrong. I respond silently.

“If it’s what you feel is best.” I say openly. “Do you know how long you’re going to be gone?”

I knew that business deals didn’t happen over night. They took a while to complete and once they were complete, Jeremiah would certainly have to stick around to make sure things went smooth.

Will he be around when I have the babies?

I know that it is too much to ask for and too selfish to want, but as my very best friend and someone as close to me as family, I absolutely wanted him to be there for the twins’ births.

“I don’t know.” Jeremiah admits. “It depends on how long things take, but I’m going to do my best to complete it as quick as possible, and…” he trails off and I find myself wondering what it is that he is going to ask because honestly, Jeremiah never asked for anything. “Can you do me a favor while I’m gone?”

“Sure,” I smile. “Whatever it is, you can count on me.”

“Keep Rika company for me.”

“Rika,” I repeat, shock rushing through me because this was the last thing I expected from him. “You want me to keep her company?”

“That’s right,” Jeremiah responds. “I just worry about her, ya know?”

“Do you?” I ask, my hope beginning to rise. “That’s a first.”

“I know,” Jeremiah chuckles. “I just…” he trails off again. “I just feel like she could really use some friends, ya know? So, will you do me this favor?”

“Of course.” I tell him. “You can count on me to keep her company until you come home, but I might not be much fun.”

“You’re the most fun in the world.” Jeremiah assures me. “And I’m certain by the time I come back you and Rika will be the best of friends.”