Page 103 of Played
I roll my eyes. "A girl is missing, Raine."
His smile instantly fades. "Sorry… you're right."
"Thank you," I offer. "Thank you for doing this for me."It took long enough, but it was definitely worth the wait."You're amazing."
Mildly insensitive, but amazing.
"In a techie proficiency way," I'm quick to add—I really don't want him getting any ideas about the two of us.
"Of course I am, and I'm glad you recognize my very impressive talents."
I shake my head, and can't help but smile, despite the seriousness of the situation.
Once again, I'm dragged deeper into a dangerous game spun by a man I'd once thought I knew.
The problem is, I never knew Daniel at all.
Colleen steps into Julian's place and pauses, eyes sweeping over the dark walls, the velvet orange sofa, the piano gleaming against the exposed brick. "Wow. This place is amazing."
"Right?" I close the door behind her. "Julian's mom helped him decorate."
"She has great taste." Colleen runs her fingers along the back of the sofa. "How's he doing? How’s his hand?"
"Better. He's out grabbing lunch and hitting up the vintage record shop down the street."
"Good. I'm glad he's doing better." She sets her purse down, concern flickering across her face. "And you two? Are you doing okay?"
"We're good. Really good, actually."
"I'm happy for you, sweetie."
"Coffee?"
"Please."
I pour us both a cup in Julian's tiny kitchen, the dark wood cabinets framing us like a confessional booth. When I hand her the mug, I can't hold back anymore.
"Colleen, we need to talk about what Raine found."
Her expression hardens. "Show me."
I spread the printed texts across the black granite counter. She leans over, reading intently, her fingers tracing the lines like she's trying to summon Claudia from the ink itself.
"Dylan was cheating on her," I say quietly. "And she was also cheating… seeing Daniel."
Colleen's jaw tightens. "Your Daniel?"
"Obviously," I tell so. "Keep reading… it's all there; older man, owns the building, and his texts…"
Colleen reads for another minute, her face draining of color. She sinks into the stool, gripping the edge of the counter.
"Her texts are so revealing. This man was smooth. Charming. Read this one," I tell her, pointing at one of Claudia's texts.
He makes me feel so special. I matter to him, Dylan! He treats me like a princess… pays for everything, spoils me… unlike you! He understands me better than you do. You're too immature for me. Older men are so much smarter when it comes to relationships.
I point to a cluster of texts dated from months ago. "Look at the progression. First, he's just a friend. Helpful landlord. Then he's asking her about school, her dreams. Next thing you know, he's buying her things. Taking her to dinner."
"Yeah, that's when Dylan becomes suspicious."
