Leaving Douglas with Ayden was all part of our plan too. I don’t twist around to watch him provide Ayden with a printed out copy of the document which is pretty similar in legal terms to an order to stay away from me.
With shaky hands, I call the Scorned Girls.
“It worked!” I blab as soon as the call connects. The ringing of their high-pitched squeals is confirmation they hear despite me not even waiting for them to say hello. “I’ll be home in an hour.”
“No, no, no!” Tristan screeches. “You promised us mimosas and breakfast toasties… see you at Roda’s, Ho. And Raney, no fucking Alphas are allowed. Oh, do we have to say that to you too now, Ho?”
“No chance! Slots before knots.” I laugh at my crassness before hanging up. Using the intercom, I let my driver know of our new destination, and for once, Bradley doesn’t even bother turning around to argue.
Arriving before the girls was a given since I was already on Roda’s side of town. Max parks and Bradley walks me inside before doing a customary sweep of the place with Charlie, and then both of them take an entrance each and leave me inside by myself.
Roda’s is stunning. It’s dark and moody. And is perfect for Scorned Girl catch ups. It’s a restaurant come bistro, with low music and a good vibe. They serve platters full of comfort food, with cocktails to match and none of the staff here have ever side-eyed us, even when we’ve shown up without booking or had to cancel last minute.
The place is such a favourite. Small table lights and mix-matched wall sconces add to the dimness instead of adding light to the space. Even the tables in the middle floor section are round and cosy but we always try to get the booth in the far corner closest to the window so we can people watch, and bitch, while eating and drinking.
Being the first, I get prime position in the booth and start using Roda’s menu app to get our orders done. Pitchers of Mimosas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and thick cut buttery toast, all served on China plates like your grandma would have. Except of course they’re all mismatched, but it’s part of the charm of Roda’s.
Happy I’ve ordered enough; I finally break and call Kai. He picks up on the first ring, and I smile like a fool.
“All done?” he asks.
A smile breaks over my face as I speak, “Are you sure, Kai?”
“Never been surer. What are you doing, pretty girl?” He answers quickly, his voice clear but quiet.
“Going to have brunch with my girls then head back, everything is in play, so if you want…”
Kai chuckles, “I do want. I can pick you up this afternoon.”
I laugh and swivel in my seat to lean my back against the corner of the booth. Across the street a very similar pair of green eyes catch my attention.
“Where are you?” I laugh, teasing him. I can see him on his phone right in front of me. A bouquet of flowers in his arms.
“Promise not to freak out?” he says quietly.
“No.” I laugh again, raising a hand to hide my huge grin.
“I’m back at my house doing the security check on our property like Douglas wanted. You know, just in case, anyone starts suggesting we don’t have necessary…”
My smile disappears and his words drift away, as I watch Kai pull up the hood of his hoodie and pull on a pair of sunglasses before entering one of the shops directly opposite me.
“Heidi?”
His voice shakes me out of what I’m watching. His lie rattles me. To the fucking core.
“I have to go,” I offer, my head dropping to the table as a brewing storm takes hold.
“I’ll pick you up at one.”
I hang up.
But barely a moment later he texts: Are you okay, rohi? What happened?
I need a minute to breathe, to figure out how to reply. Do I call his lie out? Do I wait until I see him?
I don’t get a minute. I get no time and in my rush to reply before the girls get to the table I flick off a fucking heart emoji instead of a fuck you.
“Ho!” Tristan hollers from across the room. Causing a scene. But maybe a scene is what I need. Of course, these bitches know me, and one look is all they need to know something is up.
