3. The Surprise Appearance
CHAPTER 3
THE SURPRISE APPEARANCE
A ddison’s eyes widened as she spotted Laura approaching their table. This wasn’t the composed woman she’d seen before; Laura looked like a mess—makeup-free, a little greasy, and disheveled.
Her expression was what concerned Addison the most; she looked enraged.
Where did she even come from? Addison barely had time to process this before Laura stormed over to their table.
“We need to talk,” Laura said, her voice shaky but determined
Oh my God. What is happening? Addison's heart raced as she glanced at Jake, hoping he knew what to do.
“Not here,” Jake said, looking around warily. “Not now.”
“Yes, here, and yes now, Jake,” Laura insisted, her voice growing louder. “I love you and think you still love me too.”
Addison's stomach twisted. What have I gotten myself into? She placed a calming hand on Jake's, trying to signal her support. “It’s okay,” she whispered.
“Stay out of this,” Laura snapped, her eyes blazing as she glared at Addison.
Addison immediately pulled her hand back, raising her eyebrows in shock. If I could just disappear right now, that would be fantastic.
Jake closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his expression strained. “Laura,” he said soothingly, “you need to leave.”
Addison watched the tense exchange in horror. There’s no way she thinks this is a business meeting. Should I say something?
Before she could decide, Laura turned abruptly and stormed out. Addison sat frozen for a moment, trying to piece together what had just happened.
She finally turned to Jake. “What was that?”
Jake's face was set in a grim expression. “I don’t want to talk about it. Can we please just stick to the case?”
Yeah, like I’ll be able to focus on that now, Addison thought, still processing the unexpected drama that had just unfolded
“You’re not going to believe what I witnessed,” Addison said after patiently waiting for Lexi to finish her story about some oddball she'd met on Tinder.
“Ooh, what?” Lexi leaned forward in anticipation.
“I met up with Jake to discuss a case
“You what?”
“That’s not the story!”
“How is that not the story, Addie? It’s not like you and your ex-fiancé hang out.”
“He asked me for some help with work. Purely professional. Now, can I tell you the interesting part?”
Lexi nodded, but the look on her face said she'd circle back to the Jake part soon enough.
Lexi nodded, but the look on her face said she’d circle back to the Jake part soon enough.
“Thank you. Here’s the part that will make you not even care that Jake and I went out together. While we were there, innocently discussing a case he needed outside counsel on, Laura came in looking like a madwoman. She tried to get Jake to talk to her, but he refused. He wouldn’t tell me what was up, but what I got from the whole ordeal was that they had broken up, and it definitely wasn’t her idea.”
“Damn. That’s a real switch from your lovey-dovey sighting on M Street a few weeks ago.”
“Right? I’m hoping he’ll give me details at some point, but I’m not holding my breath.”
“So how are we going to get the details? You know I need details. I hate when I don’t know the end of a story,” Lexi replied.
“Same here. I don’t know. Pray to the gossip gods?” Addison suggested with a shrug.
“I was sure you were one of them until now.”