Page 52 of The Meeting
The waitress’s voice rang out from Drew and Sheila’s table, asking what they’d like to drink. They both replied, and she walked away. Kailynn sat silently, staring at Chase. Chase suddenly wanted to curse Drew for choosing to come to that diner at that time. He was ruining their breakfast.
Chase was about to lean forward and ask Kailynn if he should ask the waitress to box their orders to go when Drew’s voice rang out.
“Baby, let’s just try to keep this on the cheaper side.”
“Why?” Sheila loudly asked.
Kailynn’s eyes widened, and a small smile crept onto her face. Chase bit his lip.
“I need to find work, so the budget is tight right now.”
“But what about all the money you’re getting from your ex?”
Drew sighed loudly. “Babe, remember? Her lawyer found out I was paying you, so I’m not getting a big payment any longer.”
“Well, that’s fine. Just write me a check out of the account.”
Drew dropped his head into his hands before looking back up at Sheila.
“I don’t own the company anymore. I can’t.”
Chase watched Sheila’s reaction over Kailynn’s shoulder. “Are you saying I won’t be getting any more paychecks?”
Kailynn’s eyebrow raised. She pointed behind her and mouthed, “This girl is dumb.”
Chase hid his smile with his hand and took a sip of water when Sheila glanced at him, still not recognizing him.
Sheila turned her attention back to Drew.
Drew sighed again. “No, I can’t give you any more paychecks. Maybe you should try earning one on your own for a change.”
Kailynn’s eyes about bugged out of her head, and she pressed a fist to her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Chase set his chin in his hand and pursed his lips. He was suddenly glad they hadn’t left the diner.
The waitress came back to Drew and Sheila’s table to take their order.
“What can I get for you two?”
Drew held out his hand for Sheila to order first.
“Um, IguessI’ll only have toast since my boyfriend isbroke.”
Kailynn happened to be taking a drink of water and spit it out, not being able to refrain from laughing that time. Chase’s eyes widened at the water that shot across the table, narrowly missing him. He laughed alongside her.
Drew immediately turned around, eyes wide, clearly recognizing Kailynn’s laugh.
She turned and met his gaze. “Trouble in paradise?”
Drew’s face flamed red, and he slid out of the booth. “Come on, honey. Let’s go somewhere else.”
The waitress watched as he stalked off, practically dragging Sheila behind him. Then she turned toward Chase and Kailynn.
“What a moody bunch.” She shook her head. “I’ll have your food out here shortly.” And she walked off.
Chase and Kailynn busted out laughing. The skin around Kailynn’s eyes crinkled and Chase’s heart twinged at the sight. If Kailynn had needed any sort of closure, he hoped that was it. Clearly, Drew chose the wrong woman, but Chase knew Drew was insane for giving Kailynn up anyway. Why anyone would give her up for anyone else was beyond him. But Drew’s loss was his gain, and for that, he would always silently thank Drew.
* * *
Kailynn settledon the couch in her living room with a large bowl of popcorn and a movie. Chase needed to catch up on some work, so she was spending the evening alone. It was the first time she could relax without stressing over Drew, and after seeing Drew and Sheila at the diner making fools of themselves, she suddenly felt lighter.
