11. Meat Sweats
CHAPTER 11
MEAT SWEATS
“ I want to go out, Addie. Not in Maryland. Not in Virginia. And certainly not in some obscure part of D.C.”
Addison knew this was coming. Tim had been patient for a while, but now his frustration was clear. I wish I could give him what he wants. How can I make everyone happy ?
“I don’t want to start an argument, but I need to be honest with you. It’s upsetting me that you don’t want to be seen out with me,” he said, avoiding her eyes.
“It’s not that. I’m so proud to be with you. It’s just—things could get complicated if we ran into Lexi or Jake while we’re out.”
“How often have you run into either of them? I haven’t seen Lexi since we broke up, and that was years ago. This city’s big, Addie. You rarely see Jake either.”
Other than when she’d seen him with Laura a few months ago, that was true. “I’m just... concerned,” she said quietly.
“We’ve been jumping through hoops for over a month because of your concerns. While I’ve been cool with it, you need to think about my needs, too. I want to live my life with you by my side, not hiding. I like being out with our community, whether it’s for work or fun. Your silly rules are holding us back. It’s time, Addie.”
He looked at her with determination mixed with sadness.
“How can you be so sure everything will work out and no one will get hurt?” she asked.
“Guess what? You’re hurting me,” he said, his voice emphatic.
Addison looked at Tim in horror. “This isn’t personal. I want to be clear about that. I’ve just been trying to make everyone happy.”
“And it seems like Lexi and Jake’s happiness matters more than mine.”
“Tim, no. That’s not it.”
“Then what is it, Addie? You’re betting on the off chance that we’ll run into your ex—who you barely see anymore—and, somehow, it’ll happen when we’re together. I think Lexi should know about us. What kind of best friend doesn’t know about your new relationship?”
Addison pursed her lips in thought. “I see your point about Jake, but Lexi’s more complicated. Yes, it’s bad to keep secrets from her, but I’m doing it for her own good.”
“Her own good? She’s a grown woman and strong at that. Lexi isn’t going to end your friendship over you dating her ex—an ex she broke up with years ago on her terms.”
He’s right about Lexi. I’ll have to figure that out later. But what are the chances we’ll run into anyone we know? There were hundreds of thousands of people in this city.
“You’re right,” she conceded. “I would never intentionally hurt you. I’m sorry this is causing you pain.”
“I’m proud of you, okay? I want to show my beautiful girlfriend off to the world.”
How could I say no to that ?
“Then what are you thinking? We have the whole day to do whatever we want.” It’ll be fine. Just stay calm.
“I’m glad you asked.” Tim smiled, his excitement palpable. “The National Capital Barbecue Battle is happening right now. You wouldn’t say no to that, right? I’ve seen you demolish pulled pork sliders, woman.”
“Let’s head over to the battle. I’m starving,” Addison replied, genuinely excited. She hadn’t been to the event in years, and it had always been one of her favorites.
“One of my clients is there with a food truck. She’s not part of the battle, but she’d kill it if she were. Maybe next year. She specializes in Carolina barbecue with soul food sides.”
“I’m already drooling.”
“Then get dressed. Wear something with an elastic waistband. I don’t want you complaining about not trying everything because your pants are too tight.”
Addison did him one better—she pulled on a light sundress that wouldn’t restrict her in any way.
“What a smoke show,” Tim said, whistling in appreciation. “You’re going to be the hottest thing there, aside from the hot sauce.”
I’ll never get tired of him looking at me like that . She struck a few poses for him before laughing too hard to continue. “Let’s do this.”
Normally, Addison preferred being inside, avoiding the summer heat, but Tim made her feel so happy that she didn’t care how sweaty she got. Everyone else is sweating , so why should I care ?
They started at Tim’s client’s food truck, and the food was as good as promised. Addison was tempted to fill up on pulled pork and sides, but she knew Tim wanted to make the rounds.
It always made Addison smile to see how much Tim’s clients adored him. He’s so charming. I’m lucky he comes home to me . Even if he had sauce on his nose, Tim shone brighter than the June sun while holding her hand and introducing her to everyone.
He really thrives out here. I shouldn’t hold him back so much . They’d been out for hours without any issues. There’s no way we’re going to run into Jake or Lexi.
After stuffing themselves with barbecue, the couple hit the dessert tent. The sweet smell of sugar filled the air, and tables overflowed with baked goods from local restaurants. It was heaven for Addison, who had a notorious sweet tooth.
Tim waved to a pretty brunette about their age.
“Who’s that?” Addison asked, assuming she was another client.
“That’s Amy. She’s Laura’s sister.”
Addison paled and tried to hide behind Tim.
“What are you doing?” he asked, giving her a puzzled look.
“ Laura’s sister? As in Jake’s Laura?”
“Yeah. So?”
“Now it’ll get back to Jake that we’re here together.”
“Why would Amy care enough to report to Jake? Even if she did, so what?”
So what? Drama . Irritation. Friendships ending . That’s what .
“Addie. Seriously. You need to loosen up. We’re going to see people we know, people who might know Jake or Lexi. But no one cares enough to gossip about us. People have their own lives to live.”
“Have you met Lexi?”
“We’re not talking about Lexi or Jake. We’re talking about the unlikely possibility that someone we run into would care enough to connect the dots and tell them. You’re a logical thinker. Let’s use those skills.”
“You have a point,” she conceded.
“I know I do. Now go grab as many cookies as you can carry. Your purse looks like it can fit at least two dozen.”
I’m ruining our fun day with this paranoia . Cookies should help.
And they did. Addison and Tim ate cookies, cupcakes, and candy until their tongues hurt. All in all, the day was a success.
“Where to now?” Addison asked. “Was the barbecue part of some master plan?”
“I can’t tell you how much I don’t want to eat anymore. I might never eat again. Maybe we can go somewhere cool where I can undo my pants?”
“Home, then?”
“Nah, that’s boring. Movie? I’m not ready to call it a night. Also, if you’re hoping for romance, you’ll have to wait. I’m going to need three to five business days to process all this meat.”
“Graphic.”
“Don’t try to change me, baby.”
“I have news.”
“Hello to you too, dear,” Addison said, smirking. They had just parted, so she was surprised Tim was calling already.
“My news. It’s huge.”
“Then spill it.”
“Jake and Laura are engaged!”
Addison paused. I don’t know how to feel. I thought I’d be a little sad, but ... I’m happy. Like, really happy .
“That’s great!” she cried.
“It is. He proposed at the Nationals game.”
“In the bleachers?”
“Nope. Get this—he did it on the pitcher’s mound. The whole stadium saw it. Laura was totally caught off guard—in a good way. You know how theatrical Jake is. Laura’s a huge Nats fan, so it was a big deal.”
“That’s amazing.” So different from how he proposed to me. He put thought into this one. But we were young .
“He kept the whole thing a secret. Didn’t even tell me, which was weird. But Laura’s his world now. I guess I can’t expect to be part of every move he makes.”
He sounds a little hurt by that . But I won’t push it.
“I’m sure he didn’t tell anyone besides his family. His frat brothers wouldn’t know.”
“You’re probably right,” Tim said flatly. “I thought we were still close enough for him to tell me, though.” He blew out a puff of air. “Look at me, getting all jealous.”
“ I’d feel the same way if Lexi got engaged and didn’t tell me,” Addison said gently.
“Thanks. But this is happy news!”
“Of course it is,” she agreed. It was a fairytale ending for Jake and Laura. They deserved it.
“You know what’s even better about this news?”
Addison paused. Where is he going with this ? “Uh, no?”
“It means Jake won’t care about us being together. Why would he care, newly engaged and starting his life with Laura?”
“‘ Hooking up’? Is he for real ?”
“He probably won’t care about us ‘hooking up,’” she growled.
“Whoa. What was that tone? What did I say?”
“Do you think we’re just hooking up?” she asked, trying not to cry.
“What? No. I don’t know why I said that. Addie, I’m in love with you. I have been since we reconnected.”
Addison froze. “Did you just say you love me?”
“Yes. Is this news?”
“You’ve never said it before.”
“I thought it was obvious,” Tim said, confused.
Men. Seriously ?
“I had hoped... but no, I didn’t think it was obvious.”
“I’m coming back. Don’t go anywhere.”
I love you, too .
Minutes later, Addison heard banging on her front door.
She opened it to find a breathless Tim, who wasted no time pulling her into a kiss.
“Addie. How could you think what we have isn’t love? I’ve never felt this way about anyone. You’re all I think about. I wanted you to meet my clients because they’ve heard so much about you. This is why I want to be public. I want the world to see the woman I love and that she’s with me.”
“You’re crazy if you think I’d ever want to be with anyone else. Tim, you know I love you, too.”
“Oh, so it was supposed to be implied that you felt that way but not me?” He kissed her again, this time with no intention of stopping.
“Hey,” she said, pulling back for a moment. “You’re right. I should’ve said something ages ago. I don’t know what kind of messed-up gender-role stuff made me wait for you to say it first. I love you.”
“And, not to be repetitive, but I love you.” He backed her toward the bedroom. “Now, let me prove it.”