Stan is in his office looking at the pictures in front of him and felt something is not right. His investigation didn't bring out anything saying Tess and Fred were in a relationship. The facts before him prove otherwise especially together and the only picture that showed them talking didn't imply a relationship, more like acquaintance than friends. He then looked for the pictures that Fred had shown him. He had kept the picture in a safe place. When he saw the file, his heart skipped a beat, he hadn't looked at the picture since that day it tore his heart. A fear came upon him again, but he went ahead and checked the pictures. He saw Fred talking with Tess, hugging her, and giving her flowers. Now as he looked at the pictures closely, he noticed something he didn't see before, something very peculiar. Tess eyes had the same look as the one she gave him, which had no passion, it didn't look like the look of a lover but of a friend. The look of someone you know and not someone you are having an affair with.
Stan felt joy to know Tess might not be having an affair with Fred, but this revelation also brought him pain. Great pain he had never felt before came upon him. Tess did not betray him, he was the one who betrayed her. What if this was a setup; what if Fred wanted to hurt Tess for moving on without him and he took this picture on purpose to destroy her relationship with him? If this was done on purpose, it's a crime Stan won't take likely. The thought that he had been deceived by someone he trust because he was working for him made Stan very angry.
Rage filled his heart, Stan is not a man of violence but right now, he feels he could do a lot of damage to Fred for using him to hurt Tess. Stan tried to calm himself as he thought, 'I need to find out if I have hurt her heart beyond repair, and I need to make Fred pay for this. What should I do?', he thought to himself. He knows he can't just fire Fred, that is not being professional. His mind began to work out a plan, as he put both pictures into different files and kept them safe in the drawer of his office table. He knew exactly what he must do and he needed to do it fast, no more wasting time.
#
Tess was at the market getting some groceries when she bumped into Fred. Seeing him, she felt a hint of rage and just said hello and was about to leave.
"Tess, hey...uhh can we talk"
"I can't," she said as she was about to leave
"Please, I won't take your time...maybe over a quick drink"
"Fine," Tess said and decided to have a drink with him. When they settled down and ordered their drinks, he was just looking at her, noticing how so much had changed, she wasn't that fragile girl anymore.
"How are you doing?"
"I am doing fine, what about you?" Tess asked.
"You know me, I don't ever complain" Fred replied.
"How are you and Stan doing?"
This question got Tess attention, ' why is he interested in knowing what's going on with Sten and I?' She thought to herself. Fred wanted to talk but Tess won't let him.
"I would rather not discuss that with you please".
Fred noticed her being curious about his question and decided to change questions. "So how are you doing with Katie as your roommate?"
"She is an amazing friend". Tess knew Katie would not approve of her having this drink with Fred. She decided she wouldn't let her know. After the drink, Fred wants to stay longer but Tess refuses.
"I have to run, I don't want to be late for my shift". She left and told herself, it was best she stay away from Fred, because there is nothing there for her again. This was a man that was once her world until Stan came along and showed her what true love was. She felt proud as she left the cafe leaving him there, She had a smile on her face as she walked away from her past into her future. Yes, she may not be sure about her future with Stan but she is definitely sure her past with Fred is dead and forgotten.