Page 38 of Barron's Second Chance
Ryan seemed to feel the same way as he was currently seated at their reserved table, scrolling through his phone. His bullshit meter was low as well, it seemed.
"Barron's here tonight," Simon told her. "He came through and said hi on his way to his office."
"Oh, that's...nice," she finished lamely.
"As much as we would love to stay and chat," Sofia said as she pulled on Eden's arm, "We're starving, so we'll let you get on with your night."
Thank you, Sofia, she thought as she turned to walk away with her.
"Oh, you gotta be fucking kidding me," Sofia spat out again.
She didn't need to ask what had fired her up again. She could hardly miss it herself, as well as half the bar.
Lissa was currently sauntering their way in a low-cut, short red dress and white high heels. The vision of her was jolting, considering the majority of patrons at The Homestead were casually dressed.
But what drew her attention the most was how disheveled she looked. Her hair was mused, and her dress rode high up her thighs. Just an inch higher, and Eden would be able to tell what color panties she had on - if she was wearing any, that is.
The other woman stopped short when she spotted Eden before her mouth kicked up in a sneer. "Oh, if it isn't America's Next Top Model, gracing us lowly folks with her presence," she snickered.
Simon immediately sprung out of his seat and clutched Lissa's elbow. His face was red in embarrassment as he spoke to her. "Come and sit down, Lissa. Where did you disappear off to?" He asked.
Lissa jerked her arm away from his hold and flashed Eden with a calculated smile. "I was just in Barron's office. He texted that he needed me to take care of something."
Her stomach lurched, and she swayed slightly at how Lissa emphasized the last part of her sentence. Sofia slid her hand down and grasped hers tightly in support. She knew her friend could tell how affected she was by the feel of her clammy hands.
So, Barron and Lissa were still hooking up. She didn't know why she was surprised, except she thought his earnest little speech two weeks ago was actually sincere.
More fool her.
Speaking of the devil, Barron stalked from the same hallway Lissa had just appeared from. His eyes frantically sought hers, and she watched, her face drained of color, as he mouthed her name and rushed towards her.
Eden took in his appearance.
His hair looked like fingers had been run through them - red-tipped ones, she bet - and his face flushed in desperation. The sign of a man who had either run a grueling race or had just come in sexual release.
As he drew closer, she noticed something else about him. Two red lipstick stains painted his right cheek - the same shade as the one currently coating Lissa's mouth.
Her stomach dropped, and a feeling of sickness rolled through her. She turned away in disgust. So much for having a nice night out.
Sofia huffed in disgust before pulling Eden away. "You're despicable," she spat at Barron, eyeing both their appearances just as she had and coming to the same conclusion.
"What?" Barron said in confusion, looking down at himself and glancing at Lissa before a look of horror crossed his face.
He was a good actor; she'd give him that.
"No!" He yelled out. "No, it's not what you think, Eden." He went to grab her arm, but she anticipated his move and yanked it out of reach.
"Don't touch me!" She hissed. She could see a few heads turned in their direction. She didn't want to end up as the town’s gossip.
"Tell them, Lissa! Tell them that nothing happened.” He turned desperate eyes at the other woman.
Wow, he was really committing to this role. Too bad she didn't give a shit to stand around any longer and watch. She had been hurt enough by this man. And to think she had actually been considering opening up further dialogue with him.
Instead of answering him, Lissa simply smirked at Eden before wiping her thumb at the corner of her mouth.
Okay, she had enough.
She could feel her hackles rising, but years of being aware of her public persona taught her to eject herself from an escalating situation rather than engage in it.
