Billionaire Mafia Daddy Wants Me

Jade

I groaned as Kelis' iconic lyrics blasted from my phone, interrupting the monotony of stock-taking. My coworkers chuckled at the unexpected ringtone, courtesy of my best friend Tammie's sense of humor. I smiled, locating my phone beneath the cluttered papers on my desk.

"Rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, aren't you?" I teased, answering the call.

Tammie's flat response instantly wiped the grin off my face. "Hey, Jade."

"Tamz, what's wrong?" Concern crept into my voice. We'd been inseparable since middle school, and her unusual tone unsettled me.

"Grandma Rose is in the hospital," Tammie replied, her voice cracking.

My heart sank. Grandma Rose had been a surrogate grandmother to me, too. "Oh, Tammie, I'm so sorry! Which hospital?"

"St. Joseph's. And I need a favor." Tammie's words were laced with desperation. "I need you to fill in for me at the auction."

I hesitated, confused. "But it's an emergency. They'll understand, won't they?"

"I could breach my contract, and I really need the money for hospital bills." Tammie's anxiety was palpable.

My apprehension spiked, but loyalty kicked in. "Of course, I'll do it."

Tammie's gratitude was palpable. "Thank you."

After a quick update to my boss, I rushed to Tammie's location, worry and nerves swirling in my stomach. A Lyft ride later, Tammie greeted me with red-rimmed eyes and a fragile smile.

"Any news?" I asked, embracing her.

"No improvement," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Grandma Rose is a fighter. She'll pull through."

Tammie nodded, her eyes welling up. "We need to be strong for her. And I need you to hold it together here."

"I'll try." My voice wavered.

Tammie's genuine smile reappeared. "Relax, you're not going to vomit on stage, are you?"

I chuckled, despite my anxiety. "Better now than later, right?"

Tammie handed me a garment bag. "People need to see what they're bidding on. You'll be fine."

My doubts resurfaced. "But weren't you measured for these dresses?"

"We've shared clothes since we were twelve," Tammie reminded me with a wink.

As I changed into the dress, Tammie reassured me, "Your metabolism is still enviable, Jade."

With hair and makeup done, Tammie tapped the pin on my fist. "Your good luck charm's got this."

I smiled, feeling a surge of determination. "I won't let you down. Keep me posted, okay?"

Tammie nodded. " of Course."