Chapter 8: He Got Dumped?

*Claire*

“Where are you?!?!” I flinched, pulling the phone away from my ear for a second. I quickened my steps, making my way as fast as I could in my strapped heels across the road to the restaurant Daisy had picked out for us tonight.

“We’re going to lose our reservation if you don’t get here right this second!” she yelled again. If I didn’t know better, I could’ve sworn I saw smoke coming right out of my phone.

I said nothing back, hastening up instead like any smart person would do. It wasn’t my fault that I was late anyway. When I ‘agreed’ to help Aiden investigate, I didn’t think it would take so much of my time. I tried everything I could to lead Ethan and Aiden the wrong way, and I hoped to God that it would work.

But one thing they didn’t put in all those revenge novels I’d read was that sabotage was a full day’s work, and I was exhausted and in desperate need of some alone time, but I could never say that to Daisy. She would have my head.

Literally.

As I made my way across the street, I spotted her standing in front of the restaurant, a frown fixed firmly on her face. “I see you,” I sang out, ending the call and appearing in front of her.

Daisy huffed as soon as she saw me, took my hand as if she was scared I would disappear and led us into the restaurant. “What took you so long?”

“I’m sorry. I was held up with Ethan. I don’t know why Aiden is so fixated on figuring out who was in his tent that night,” I took off my coat, handing it to the attendant.

“How’s that going?”

I groaned, remembering all the lengthy questions Aiden’s assistant had. “What time did I see her? What was she wearing? What color was her hair.” It took every ounce of patience I had not to scream at him. This manhunt was draining.

“I’m trying my best to lead him on a wild goose chase, but he’s surprisingly smarter than he looks,” I shivered at the thought. “My anxiety is through the roof. Please tell me you have good news concerning the footage.”

The attendant finally stopped at our table. He handed us the menu and quickly left.

“Don’t you trust me? I managed to sneak into his office after hours and got to the footage before he could.”

I could barely contain my excitement. “Thank you! The thought of that footage had been driving me crazy.” And now, it’s gone. I felt a tiny bit of relief that we’d managed to put Aiden ten steps behind.

“You can thank me by paying for dinner,” she quickly scanned the menu, smirking down at it devilishly.

I rolled my eyes. Knowing Daisy, it would be a hefty bill. But she did do me a solid.

“Fine.” I grunted out, waving the waiter over. He materialized out of thin air, and we quickly gave him our orders, and he swiftly disappeared. “What are best friends for, right?”

“Exactly, I’m so happy you get it.”

Before I could think of a witty clap-back at her, a familiar voice floated my way.

“That’s just how business works, Ridley. You just have to deal with it.”

Oh, no! I turned to my left sharply, hoping that it wasn’t who I thought it was. But all hope was lost when my eyes landed on Aiden’s sharp jaw twisting as he spoke.

His table was just a few feet away from ours, but I could swear that I could smell the musky scent of him.

“Aiden is here,” I whispered viciously at Daisy, sneaking another glance at their table to find another man seated beside him. Probably a business partner.

“What?” Daisy twisted her head to get a good look at the table and then her eyes shot wide open, and before I could stop her, she was on her feet, heading toward their table. “Blake?”

The man's eyes fluttered with recognition, and then a bright smile stretched across his face. “Daisy?” The man... Blake, rushed out of his seat, pulling my best friend into a hug.

Why was she hugging that man? He was having dinner with Aiden - the enemy, so that made him the enemy too.

“It’s been forever. What are the chances that I’d run into you here?” Blake and Daisy were stuck in their reunion bubble, while Aiden and I stared at each other awkwardly. I sat there, watching my best friend fawning over the enemy, not knowing what to do with myself.

Daisy giggled girlishly. “I know! And wow, you look amazing. I see the corporate world agrees with you.”

I frowned. Did I hit my head and wake up in an alternate universe, or did my best friend just give a strange man a rather flattering compliment?

“We have to catch up. Why don’t you join us at our table?”

“Daisy, I don’t think...” Daisy halted my protests by grabbing my arm, springing me up to my feet.

“We would love to,” she answered for the both of us.

“Great!” As he waved at a waiter, who quickly arranged two chairs beside him, Aiden remained quiet, his cool eyes fixed on me.

“I am not paying for dinner,” I hissed, through my teeth, placing a fake smile on my face. The only way to salvage this night was to take a seat between Blake and Daisy, completely avoiding Aiden.

It seemed she could read my mind, because Daisy practically teleported to claim the seat beside Blake, leaving me with no choice but to settle into the seat beside Mr. Tall, Dark, and Brooding.

I shot her a glare as I awkwardly lowered myself onto the chair, almost missing it entirely in my flustered state.

As soon as I sat down, Aiden's scent hit me again. It was an intoxicating mix of musk and something woodsy that made me want to bury my face in his admittedly perfect chest. Not that I would. Ever. Nope.

I tried to convince myself that sitting beside him didn’t change anything. Yes, all I had to do was ignore him. How hard could that be?

Then, because the universe clearly hated me, something straight out of a rom-com happened.

Aiden reached for his drink, his hand brushing against mine. That tiny bit of contact sent my pulse racing.

I cleared my throat loudly, slapping a hand over my chest as if I could manually slow my heartbeat.

“Is everything alright, Miss Madden?” Aiden's voice was low and concerned, probably wondering if I was having some sort of seizure.

“Huh?”

“You look... rather uncomfortable.”

The food finally arrived, giving me some time to gather my thoughts. I cleared my throat again, earning a look from Daisy that clearly said, “What is wrong with you?” I shook my head at her, focusing on my plate of food.

“I’m fine,” I plastered on a smile that probably looked more like a grimace, but who cared?

Blake, clearly oblivious to my turmoil, chose that moment to chime in. “So, the interview the other day was quite something, huh?”

“It's already ranked at the top of most viewed videos,” he continued, turning to Aiden. “But Aiden, I must commend you, your media team works fast. I can't see Miss Madden’s face on it anymore.” Then he swiveled to me, his eyes curious. “Did you get a chance to see the video?”

That was one question I didn’t want to answer. The memory of that interview from hell was embarrassing enough, I didn’t need to relive it. I stabbed at my food with the ferocity of a woman scorned. “No,” I muttered. “I was busy the day the video was released.”

“Busy with what?” Blake pressed.

“I was stuck in the bathroom?” It came out as more of a question than a statement.

“The whole day? Are you sure about that?”

I racked my brain, but I could only come up with one thing: “I was constipated, spent my day waiting for a bowel movement in the toilet,” I blurted out, immediately wanting to crawl under the table and die.

Blake chuckled, clearly unimpressed. “That’s impossible.”

Daisy’s hand flew to her mouth as she tried... and failed to stifle her giggles. “Leave Claire alone, Blake,” she managed between snorts. “What are you doing here anyway?”

I was grateful for her attempt at changing the subject, but I still silently prayed for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. Maybe, just maybe, if I stayed very, very still, everyone would forget I existed.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Aiden began, rising from his chair with practiced grace. “I'm going to the bathroom... I guess I’m not complicated,” he smirked at me, before sauntering off to the bathroom.

“He thinks he’s so smart,” I muttered under my breath, stabbing a cherry tomato on my plate with unnecessary force, picturing Aiden’s face as I did so.

At least, I could finally breathe now.

Blake suddenly leaned in, his voice low. “I should apologize for Aiden. He’s been in a pretty foul mood lately.”

I perked up, surprised. What was he talking about?

“What do you mean?” Daisy asked, voicing my thoughts.

“Well, earlier today, he mentioned something about bringing his girlfriend to have dinner with me in a few days if things go well,” he explained. “Then he just clammed up. I assumed he got dumped, and coupled with that scandalous interview, it really did a number on him.”

“Oh,” the single syllable slipped out of my mouth. I didn’t know what else to say.

Guilt suddenly washed over me, making my stomach churn. I'd been so wrapped up in my own drama, I hadn't even considered what Aiden might be going through... God, I really messed up.

Aiden returned a moment later, and I completely avoided his gaze. I knew I had to say something, but I didn’t know what, and I didn’t want to do it in front of everyone else.

As we finished our meal, Aiden didn’t waste a second and began heading toward the exit. I stared after him, wondering what to do.

And then, I made up my mind.

“I’ll be right back,” I said to Daisy, but I wasn’t sure she heard me since she was immersed in conversation with Blake.

I rolled my eyes and quickly excused myself, hurrying after Aiden.

“Mr. Katz, wait!” I called out, my heels clicking against the restaurant's polished floor.

He turned, his expression unreadable. I quickened my pace, eager to close the distance between us. But in my haste, I didn't notice the slight step down. My ankle twisted, and suddenly I was falling forward.

I braced myself for impact, but instead felt strong arms catch me. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat as I found myself pressed against Aiden's chest.

I literally walked right into his arms! Real smooth, Claire. Real smooth.