Page 20 of Playing My Rivals

We get cleaned up and eventually make our way to the restaurant downstairs. I ask for a seat in the back so we can watch the door.

Nobody from work will come in here except for Jamison and he already knows about our relationship, so I don’t understand her concern. I do it to please her, though.

We’re getting ready to leave when Matt and Jerry approach our table. They’re both checking out Dorothy and I don’t blame them, but there’s something more to their expressions.

Matt strolls up to the table before Jerry. “Hey, Hunter. Nice to see you.”

Jerry’s eyes are on Dorothy. She glances up and their gazes connect. Her cheeks flash red. She looks away and wipes her face.

He starts to say, “Hi. You’re La?—”

“Dorothy. It’s good to see you again. It’s Justin, right?” She puts her hand out for him to shake.

He shakes it, but he glances at Matt. “Um… I’m Jerry. It’s nice to see you again.”

Matt tilts his head, baffled. “I remember you, but I could have sworn you were?—”

“You met me that night as we waited for the elevator.” She spins to me with something strange in her eyes. “I met them when I was waiting for the elevator to come and see you.”

“You never told me you met them before.” This interaction is peculiar.

I lean back and assess them all. Dorothy pales as she shifts in her chair.

Her eyes dart around the table. Matt stands with his arms across his chest. He shoots a confused glare in Dorothy’s direction. Jerry glances at each of us like we’re an incomplete puzzle.

And the entire scene is enough for me to know I’m missing something big.

CHAPTER 5

DORI

I’m in for it now. Hunter's face flicks red almost instantly. He throws his napkin onto the table.

“Would any of you care to explain what’s going on?” His gaze comes to me first, then shifts to Matt and Jerry.

Matt steps back. “Nothing. I was just trying to remember when we met.”

“And I thought her name was something else.” Jerry glances at Matt.

Matt nods as I turn to Hunter. “Why are you acting suspicious? What would be going on?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I asked you.” His expression is tight and determined.

“We’re going to go get a table. We’ll catch up another night.” Jerry strides away.

Matt tips his head. “Have a good night, you two.”

As they walk away, Matt says something to Jerry and he shrugs. They both peek back over their shoulders in our direction. Hunter catches it and stands.

“It’s time you tell me the truth.” He gets up and tromps toward the lobby.

Jamison happens to be strolling by the opening of the restaurant. He glances in like he’s considering coming in. I stand and shake my head, praying he sees me and keeps going.

He notices Hunter first. Then Jami’s eyes move to me. My message is received, and he swerves toward the elevator.

Hunter peers back at me, so I pretend to be picking my stuff up off the table. He stops and glares. He likely knows I’m stalling, but I need more time.

Whatever truth he’s looking for, I can’t give it to him. My heart picks up a beat as I shuffle toward him. My hands sweat and shake.

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