The Billionaire’s Second Chance by Kimberly Krey Page 0,1

said.

“I mean the actor who played Batman,” Dante corrected.

“She did interview one of the men who played him,” Mom chimed. “Right, hon?”

“Yep, I did.” Viv led the crew into the kitchen, still perplexed about her upcoming interview. “How could I have not asked who I was interviewing?”

“I want you to talk to the new Batman and get a picture with him,” Dante continued.

“Maybe someday I will.” Viv stepped over to the butcher block, a gorgeous custom piece that wheeled over to the window to double as a breakfast bar, and snatched the ring of times tables cards from its nook. “They’re doing eights right now,” she said to her mom.

Mom’s eyes lit up. “Oh, eight? That’s how old you guys are.”

“Until next month,” Diego said.

“That’s right,” she agreed. “You guys have a birthday coming up.”

“But we get to go to Disneyland first,” Dante cheered.

That they did. Viv’s mom and dad were taking the twins to celebrate over spring break. A fact they talked about at least three hundred times a day. Viv had chosen to stay back and refinish the deck, something that might not happen if the interview took her out of town.

“You really don’t know who your interview’s with?” her mom asked again.

Viv shook her head. “I know, it’s weird.” Sure, she needed the money; half of what she’d made on her last house was in a savings bond and the other half was dwindling fast with the renovations for this one. But accepting a job without knowing her subject? She’d never done that before.

“You know what?” she decided while hurrying over to the fridge and snatching a cheese stick from the drawer. “I trust Slipper that it’ll be somebody worth interviewing. I think she said he’s getting like a twelve-page spread with a photo shoot, the works. Sounded like I might get to travel to someplace exotic for the shoot during the process.”

“Oooh, that would be neat,” her mom said. “So it’s a he not a she?”

Viv shrugged. “That’s the impression I have.”

“But you’re not sure…” Mom said in her thinking voice.

“Would we get to come too? If it’s somewhere exotic?” Diego asked.

Viv leaned down, captured the little guy’s face between her hands, and planted a kiss to his forehead. “Probably not, mio caro.”

She did the same with Dante. “I better get going.” She tossed an arm around her mom and gave her a squeeze. “Thanks again for helping with the boys.”

“It’s my absolute pleasure,” Mom cooed. And well Viv knew it. Thank heavens the twins had such loving, involved grandparents. Viv couldn’t imagine playing the role of single mother without them.

Mom followed her through the dining room and toward the front door. “So, are you going to meet him today? The guy you’re interviewing?”

Her mom was a real fan girl of several of Hollywood’s finest. Already, Viv had interviewed one of her favorites, which said something considering Viv’s unique specialty. She only interviewed high-profile people whose reputation had been soiled in some way. Those needing redemption.

“I bet it’s one of three people,” Mom said. “Thomas Findsley from all of those soap operas.”

Yep, that one made sense after word of his recent affairs hit the news.

“The gold medalist who got caught fraternizing with one of the judges…what’s her name.”

“Leighona Stone?”

“That’s it.”

“So who’s the third one?” Viv looped the strap of her purse over her shoulder before second-guessing herself. She creaked open the custom bench seat where she stashed some of her extra handbags.

“I really do love this home, Vivia,” her mother said. “I mean, you’re going to have a hard time parting with it when the time comes.”

Viv nodded, feeling the truth of it in her gut. “I know. But I’ve got a lot of money tied up in it. Plus, I want to keep renovating other homes in the valley, you know? Up the value in this area.”

Her mom sighed. “I know. I love that about you.” Her eyes widened suddenly. “I can’t wait to hear who your interview’s with.”

Viv smiled. “I’ll call you as soon as my meeting’s over. Bye, guys.” She gave the twins a final wave.

A waft of warmth greeted her on the sunlit porch. Her shadow stretched over the pavement as she hurried down the porch steps toward her car.

“I didn’t tell you who I think the third one could be,” Mom called.

Viv pointed her remote at her Mustang until it let out a beep. “Who is it?” When the reply didn’t come right away, Viv glanced over her shoulder.

Hesitation played over