Page 5 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

“You watched seven episodes without me? You bitch.”

“Actually, I’m in the third season. Greg and Bettany are no longer together, and Conrad got evicted.”

I gasped, and she laughed.

“I hate you.” I glared, and she blew me a kiss.

***

Friday came in a flash. The diner was full tonight. Kate, Jules and I were the only three behind the counter. Kate took the orders while I served them. It was a long and busy night, so when I saw Adrian enter the room, a wide smile made its way to my lips.

“Hey.” He grinned, stopping at the counter.

It seemed he’d just left the office. His long-sleeved white button-down shirt was tucked into his black suit pants. His presence had already earned the attention of every female in the diner. Adrian had that attractiveness that made everyone pause whatever they were doing and just stare, appreciating the fine specimen.

“Hey you.” I beamed.

I looked down at his big hands on the counter. His rings and bracelets always caught my eyes. He knew how to match each piece of jewelry with his outfits; it was like a talent.

“Still working?” he asked, drawing my eyes away from his long fingers.

“Yeah. I get off in ten minutes.”

“Okay, I will wait for you at the last booth over there.” He pointed in the direction.

“Okay.”

“Hello, Kate. Hi, Jules.” He acknowledged my two coworkers, who stood next to me.

Jules went red while Kate tried hard not to blush.

“Someone left this at my desk in the office. I thought you might like it.” He placed three caramel chocolates in front of me.

“Thank you.” I laughed as I took them.

His lips curled up, and he walked away.

“Even the way he walks is effortlessly hot. I can’t believe you’re not boning him,” Jules said, staring shamelessly at Adrian.

I shook my head and walked to the kitchen.

I helped Kate clean up shortly after my shift was over. I took two cups of chilled vanilla milkshake and joined Adrian. He looked so drained. He was the only one managing the company now; the Sanchesters had left Beverly Hills after what happened. Should I call them cowards for running away or pretend I hadn’t been the happiest when I got the news?

I didn’t know if they were ever coming back. It’d been three years now, and they weren’t back. I hoped they never returned.

“How have you been?” he asked and sucked from his straw.

“Fantastic.” Big lie.

“Are you sure? You look so thin.”

I glared at him for his comment.

“Sorry. I just hate seeing you work like you don’t have anyone to help you.”

“I’m not complaining. I’ll get there. How are you?”

“Good.” He smiled, exposing those dimples.

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