17. The Liaison
CHAPTER 17
THE LIAISON
“ I ’m relieved you’re finally going to tell Lexi about us,” Tim said, lying on the floor of Addison’s living room. Prickles toddled across his chest, making Tim giggle.
“Amy and Laura were right.”
“Oh, Amy and Laura were right?” Tim teased, his voice dripping with mock sarcasm.
“Fine, and you.”
Tim smiled triumphantly. “So, what are you going to tell her?”
“I haven’t figured that part out yet,” Addison admitted.
“Then don’t overthink it. Just tell her we reconnected, had a great time, and... you know, something, something... we fell madly in love.”
Addison raised an eyebrow. “The ‘something, something’ part is kind of important.”
“You’re making this a bigger deal than it needs to be. Just tell her you were afraid she’d be mad, and she’ll say, ‘Addie, you nut, I could never be mad at you,’” Tim said, imitating Lexi in a high-pitched voice. “Then you’ll have a scantily clad pillow fight, like all girls do.”
“Oh, is that how it’ll go?” Addison asked, rolling her eyes.
“From my research—yes.” Tim grinned, pulling her down to the floor with him just as a knock interrupted their kiss. “Ignore it. They’ll go away,” he pleaded.
The knocking persisted, growing louder. “I saw your lights on! Don’t hide from me—I’ve got sparkling rosé!”
Lexi. Crap. Did I forget we were hanging out? Tim!
Addison rushed to get up and straighten herself out. “Hang on,” she yelled in the direction of the door.
“You need to hide,” she said to Tim.
Tim looked flabbergasted. “You want me to hide? Where? Why?”
“Just go. I don’t care where as long as Lexi won’t see you. I’ll make this quick.”
Tim took his time getting up, focusing more on giving her a dirty look than hiding like she wanted him to.
“Now, Tim.”
Addison tried to slow her breathing. She glanced in the hallway mirror, smoothing her tousled hair. I look suspicious, but maybe she won’t notice.
“You look suspicious,” Lexi said the moment Addison opened the door, pushing her way in with a bottle of wine in hand.
Addison winced inwardly. I figured.
“I know I’m here unannounced—” Thank God, I didn’t forget any plans. “But it’s for a good reason. I got promoted!”
Oh no. This isn’t going to be a quick visit.
Addison threw her arms around her friend. “That’s incredible! You deserve it, of course, but it’s still a huge relief to get the confirmation. They would’ve been crazy to pass you up, Lex.”
Lexi beamed, grabbing two champagne flutes from the kitchen and plopping herself onto the sofa. “I thought I’d hear on Friday, but my boss wanted me to start the new pay period with my raise—so I’ll see the difference in my next paycheck.”
Addison smiled warmly, though her mind raced. Please don’t make yourself too comfortable...
“You seem... off,” Lexi said, narrowing her eyes as she poured the wine.
“What? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Addison folded her arms, trying to act nonchalant.
“Whatever. I’m too excited for drama,” Lexi said, popping the cork with a loud crack.
Addison’s heart skipped a beat as a bang came from the bedroom. Tim. She stifled a laugh at the thought of him hiding and probably jumping at the noise.
“It’s so cool! Starting Monday, I’m officially the Liaison to the Zoning Commission. Fancy, right? My mom practically thinks I’m the Director. I didn’t even bother explaining the actual role to her.”
“She’s just proud. So am I,” Addison said, feeling a surge of genuine warmth for her friend.
“Here’s the best part: the raise is bigger than I thought. Ten thousand more! Addie, I can finally start thinking about buying a place!”
Addison let out a low whistle. “That’s huge! I’m so happy for you.”
They chatted for a while, sipping the bubbly, but as the conversation wound down, Lexi’s mood shifted.
“You okay? You just deflated like a balloon,” Addison asked, concerned.
“What if I’m not good enough for this role? What if I’m completely incompetent?”
Addison shook her head. “Lex, you and I both know you’re the most capable person at that office. You’re the only one who can whip the Zoning Commission into shape. They’re lucky to have you.”
Tim’s head popped out from behind the bedroom door, and Addison’s eyes widened in panic. She tried her best to telegraph her annoyance, silently willing him to stay hidden, but he wasn’t getting the message. His eyes were narrow, and his lips we set in a line. He looked determined, like he was about to march out and spill everything.
“Aw, thanks. I might need you to sit in my office and keep boosting my confidence,” Lexi said, laughing.
“No!” Addison barked, making Tim jump back into hiding and startling Lexi.
“No what?” Lexi asked, confused.
“Sorry, overreaction,” Addison said, thinking fast. “Prickles was about to start chewing on his cage bars.”
“You run a tight ship,” Lexi said, turning to give Prickles a gentle boop on the nose.
Addison exhaled slowly, relief washing over her.
Lexi glanced at the time. “You don’t seem like you’re in a celebration mood... and that’s okay. I know you’ve had long days at work. I just wanted to tell you the news in person.”
“I am in a celebration mood! Sorry if I’ve seemed off—it’s been a long day, but your news is exactly what I needed to hear,” Addison said, quickly recovering.
Lexi smiled and stood up. “Nah, I get it. But I know you’re happy for me.”
“How about this: let’s do celebratory mani-pedis this weekend, my treat,” Addison offered.
“I’m all in. You pick the day, and I’ll be ready to party,” Lexi said, giving Addison one last hug before heading out.
As soon as the door closed, Tim stepped out from his hiding spot. His face was dark, and his usually lighthearted demeanor was gone.
“I’m never hiding in a closet again. This has gone too far,” he said, his voice tight. “I’m giving Lexi a few minutes to leave, but then I’m out.”
Addison winced as she watched Tim’s ears, tinged with red—a telltale sign he was furious. He grabbed his shoes and keys, not saying another word.
“I’ll talk to you later,” he said closing the door behind him without a sound.