Their Double Blessing

“Har, har, I wasn’t raised by barbaric vegans.” George rolled his eyes. He did beg her to get extra fries with a water. When it arrived one of bodyguards had the tray. Stating that this was the last treat the billionaire was going to sneak past them. He frowned but relented with a sigh. Patricia was surprised that they were so strict about their boss keeping a proper diet.

After eating, George started asking about her childhood, curious about that part of her life was like. Patricia told him about always having to be the more responsible one. That her parents expected more from her and let Mary off the hook a lot. They were disappointed when she decided to become a mall security guard. She hadn’t seen them years and had no regrets cutting ties outside of rare phone calls. In the end she could never be the daughter they wanted while Mary got all the breaks despite making so many mistakes. Especially if there were men and money involved. It was a never ending cycle she refused to take part in.

George stated that he had a great childhood. With friends, a top notch education and ways to unwind. The only thing that bothered him was how much his parents were away. He understood they were working and wealthy but he wished they’d been around more while growing up. But life was still great with never having to want for anything material and learning the ropes of being a proper Kent man. The reverence he had for his family touched Patricia. Even if they weren’t there like he preferred, George respected his family’s legacy.

Patricia went on to explain that she wasn’t a romantic. That all the heartbreak and betrayal in her life took that away. Mary was the complete opposite, looking for relationships in every corner. But she’d put that dream aside for the most part. It was sad that men had ruined their chances with her by being dominating and monstrous. She didn’t think that loving another person was stupid or impossible. Anyone who found happiness with their significant other deserved it. She was just unsure if all the risk was worth it after what she experienced.

“I’m so sorry. Men can be beasts, there’s no doubt about that.” George went on to tell of his own tragic experience with love. Losing his childhood sweetheart crushed him. In your twenties you felt invincible and losing his fiance shattered that fact. He was bedridden for months and had to stay indoors for nearly a year under supervision. Counseling and family support saved his life. During the worst, all he could think about was getting back to her. It was after he started getting better that the realization hit that his love would never want him to die but instead to be the best person he could be even if that meant moving on.

Patricia dabbed her eyes with a napkin. She had no idea that George would have suffered so much. To love someone so deeply you couldn’t go on without them sounded straight out of a fairytale. But so did dating a billionaire, so perhaps fiction still had just enough facts to be believable. She was glad he got better and never took his life. “I’m sorry you lost her.”

“Yes, but I’m glad we get to meet. Don’t feel pressured to continue seeing me if you don’t want to. I’m not looking for pity,” George told her.

“I know. But are you sure about me? I’m not exactly a catch,” Patricia sighed.

“Says who? You got this billionaire’s head turning at first sight. I’ve been around the most beautiful women in the world and none of them could make me find love again. Trust me Patricia, you’re more precious than anything on this earth,” George declared.

Patricia blinked back tears. If someone had told her this was possible, she would have laughed in their face. A man pouring his heart out and telling her she was special all in one go. “I never thought you would say that. Why are you telling me this?”

“Because it’s true. Patricia, I really like you, but if things don’t work out, I’ll be fine. My parents will help arrange a union if I don’t find a companion my heart desires,” George told her.

Patricia froze. That was the last thing she expected to hear. Sure there were stories about arranged marriages, but she never saw George as the type.

“Don’t worry, both parties would be willing. I’m not forcing some poor woman to be hitched to my hip. I just don’t want to grow old alone. It might sound pathetic but it’s the truth.”

Patricia patted his arm. “That’s not a bad thing. People find love however they can. I would never presume to understand the reasons you need companionship.”

“Well, I hope this u-turn hasn’t turned you off from seeing me again. I know you’re not ready to date but if we can keep having friendly talks like this I’m happy and that’s enough.” George held her hand.

Patricia felt butterflies in her stomach. Both because of her shifting feelings and the joy of knowing George also valued their friendship whether or not they took the romantic route.