"Jake?" Alex said when he received the call, wondering why Jake was calling.
His frown deepened when he heard Jake sniffling as though he was crying. "Are you okay?" He asked, concern evident in his voice.
"I.... miss Emma, Alex. I can't believe she moved on without me," Jake said, sniffling, and Alex narrowed his eyes.
Why was Jake calling him at this time when he knew he was on a date with his mistress just to lie about Emma? Something was not right.
"What do you mean?" He asked, as he glanced in Vanessa's direction.
"When I saw Emma today, I thought she was going to apologize to me, Alex. I thought she was going to feel remorseful and at least ask me to take her back. I thought she was going to tell me she's realized her crime. But instead, she just insulted me and left. But even after all that, I still love her. I still want her back, Alex," Jake said and Alex couldn't help the feeling of confusion bubbling inside of him.
Was all this a show, or was Jake telling the truth? Was that why he argued with Emma? Or was he hurt that Emma stood up to him? It probably had to be that.
Jake didn't love Emma, and he wasn't in love with her. He didn't want her back, either. He just wanted to keep her to show her he was in control. He simply hated that Emma no longer held any regard for him. Jake's ego was bruised, hence the reason for all this.
"Jake, you have to calm...."
"Do you think I'm a fool? A fool who would still be pinning over his unfaithful ex-wife? I just wish she could just apologize," Jake said, and Alex sighed without saying anything.
What was he to say when he didn't even know what to say? He was confused and didn't understand what was going on.
"Where are you now? Can you come to me? I'm at a bar, and I don't think I want to go home," Jake said after a short pause.
"I'm with Vanessa now....."
"Oh, my God. I'm so sorry I disturbed you. I just thought I could talk to you," Jake cut in apologetically.
"It's okay. The date is already over so I'll just round up and come to you. Text me your address," Alex said before ending the call and returning to their table.
When Alex returned, she was all charming again, her voice soft and inviting. "Everything okay?"
He nodded, taking his seat. "Yeah. Just work."
Vanessa reached across the table, letting her fingers brush his wrist lightly. "You work too much," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "You should let someone take care of you for a change."
Alex pulled his hand back, reaching for his glass. He took a long sip, not noticing the faint smirk that flitted across Vanessa's face as he drank.
She leaned back in her chair, studying him with an intensity that made his skin prickle. "You know," she said, her voice casual, "I've always admired how calm you are. Even now, you're just... so composed. It's very attractive."
"Thanks, but I need to leave now," he said, and she frowned.
"Like right now? Isn't it so soon? I mean, I've not even finished my dinner," she said with false confusion.
"Is everything really fine?" She asked again, looking at Alex closely.
Alex didn't respond, but he felt it—the subtle shift in his body, a creeping heat spreading through his chest. At first, he thought it was the wine, but then his pulse quickened, his skin damp despite the cool air in the restaurant.
Vanessa tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "You okay?" she asked, looking him over.
Alex shifted in his seat, his fingers gripping the edge of the table. "I'm fine," he said, but his voice sounded off, even to him.
"Are you sure? You don't look fine to me," Vanessa said, attempting to stand up from her chair.
But just as she stood up, she winced, her hand flying to her ankle. "Ow! My ankle!"
Alex straightened, his brow furrowing. "What's wrong?" he asked even though he wasn't feeling quite alright.
He didn't know why, but the room seemed warmer now, the air heavier, and it only made him hotter. He tugged at his collar, loosening his tie slightly.
"I think I twisted my ankle," she said, her voice laced with feigned pain.
She gestured to her high heels, which sat neatly under the table. "These shoes are killers. I wonder how I'm going to get home," she said, tears glistening in her eyes now.
Alex frowned, his head spining, trying to make sense of what was happening to him. "Do you need help?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
She gave him a grateful smile, her eyes wide and pleading. "Would you mind taking me home? I don't think I can walk far in these," she said and Alex looked at her, already knowing what she was playing at.
He hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to say no. But since he knew she was hoping to seduce him and he wanted to know what her and Jake's plan was, he decided to play along despite the funny feeling he was having.
Alex stared at her, his vision blurring slightly at the edges. He knew this was a trap but couldn't think clearly enough to navigate it. He stood, offering her his arm as she draped herself against him.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice soft and close to his ear.
As they walked toward the exit, Alex's mind raced, his body betraying him. He needed to get out of there since he could feel like he was going to lose control any minute, but Vanessa wasn't letting go. Her weight pressed against him as she leaned into every step.
By the time they reached his car, Alex was gripping the steering wheel tightly, his breaths coming shallow.
He couldn't ignore it anymore—something was wrong, and he was sure that whatever it was, Vanessa was behind it and perhaps Jake too.