A few days later, in the middle of the afternoon, I walked down to the Coffee Pod for a latte. As I was waiting in line, my phone dinged with an incoming text from Jasper.

"Addison, grab Mr. Hottie and come to the restaurant tonight for dinner. My treat. I miss you.”

“Sounds like fun. I’ll ask Andrew. Regardless if he goes or not, I will be there. See you later and I miss you too."

I looked up from my phone and saw Andrew walking towards me.

“Hey, beautiful," he whispered as he walked by.

Before I could respond, he was gone. I stood there in silence trying to wrap my head around the fact that he just walked by me as if I was just one of his employees and nothing else. After getting my coffee, I stepped onto the elevator and thought again about how we never entered the building together, how he never once came to my office to see me, and how we didn't go out on dates. All of our nights consisted of ordering in and making love, and I was getting sick and tired of it.

When I reached my office, I sent Andrew a text message.

 "Hi. I was surprised you didn't stop and talk to me. Jasper wants us to come to the restaurant for dinner tonight. Sounds fun. How about it?

Andrew quickly replied.

"I was running late for a meeting. About tonight, I'd rather stay in and show you how much I love you.”

I clenched my jaw and took a deep breath.

"You can show me after the restaurant. I really want to go out tonight, Andrew. It's Friday."

"I'm in a meeting, Addison. We're staying in tonight and we'll talk later.”

My blood started boiling as I read his words. Who the fuck was he to tell me what I'm doing?

"Maybe you're staying in tonight, but I'm not, and you will not tell me otherwise. See you around, Andrew. And another thing, don't reply to this message."

I threw my phone on my desk and sat back in my chair. It only took thirty seconds for his reply. The one I told him not to send.

 "Don't be difficult. I love you.”

Ugh! I yelled as I put my hands on my head and set my elbows on my desk.

"Addison, what's wrong?" Lucas asked as he sat down.

"Just my boyfriend being an asshole type of trouble."

"I didn't know you had a boyfriend. Who is he?"

I had to think carefully because no one except Emma and Jasper knew I was dating Andrew.

"Just a guy from back home."

"Does just a guy from back home have a name?"

I had to be quick.

"AJ. His name is AJ."

"Sounds like an asshole with a name like that. No offense." He laughed.

"None taken and right now he is."

"Why don't you go home for the day? Everything is covered here, and you only have an hour left anyway."

“Are you sure, Lucas?”

“Positive. Go sort out your asshole boyfriend trouble.” He smirked.

"Thanks, Lucas. I owe you one.” I smiled as I grabbed my purse and headed out the door.

I left the building and headed down the street. Where was I going? Hell, if I knew. I just needed to get as far away from the LAC building as I could. As I was sending a text message to Emma, a text from Andrew came through.

"Since you didn't respond to my last text, I'll assume you're mad at me. But it doesn't change my mind. I need to see you tonight.”

"I am mad at you for various reasons. You're an ass, and I don't want to see you right now or tonight. I’m not coming over.”

Maybe that was a little harsh, but I didn't care. The last relationship I was in was very controlling and that was something I would never go through or put up with again. I waited for a response that never came, so I called Emma, but it went to voicemail.

"Hi. It's me. If you can, meet me at Revenge. I had a fight with Andrew and I need some girl time, love you."

I hailed a cab over to Revenge and as I walked through the door, Jasper took a bow.

"Madame," he spoke.

"Stop that." I smiled.

He laughed and gave me a big hug.

"I take it Andrew wasn’t keen on coming?"

"He wanted to stay in tonight like every night and I told him basically to fuck off."

"Aw, Addison. I'm sorry. Come on, let's go get a table."

Just as Jasper and I sat down, Emma called.

“Hello,” I answered.

"Hey, I just got your voice message. I have a big client coming in about fifteen minutes.” Are you okay?”

“I don’t know. It’s just Andrew.”

“Are you with Jasper?” she asked.

“Yeah. He’s right here.”

“Good. We'll talk when I get home."

"Okay. See you then," I spoke as I ended the call.

 Jasper and I had dinner together and we did a lot of talking. I mostly picked at my food since I was still upset about Andrew.

“I thought you were going to have a talk with him,” Jasper spoke.

“I was, but it never seems to be the right time.”

Jasper got up from his seat and kissed me on the nose.

“It’s never going to be the right time. You just have to do it. I have to get back to work now.”

 "I think I’ll have a seat at the bar and have a drink, " I spoke as I got up from my chair.

"Not too many, Addison, I mean it.” He pointed at me.

"Yes, sir. I promise to be on my best behavior."

I took a seat at the bar and ordered a martini. There was nothing like sitting by yourself at a bar wallowing in self-pity. I glanced at my phone and there was nothing. No missed call, no voicemail, and no text message. Anger and sadness both consumed me. I ordered another martini when a nice-looking gentleman leaned against the bar and spoke to me.

“Is this seat taken?” he asked with a smile.

“No. It’s all yours.” I smiled back.

"I'll have what this gorgeous young lady is having and make her another one. It’s on me.” He grinned at the bartender.

I smiled as I held up my glass to him.

“Thank you.”

This stranger stood about five feet ten inches tall with a medium build. He looked to be in his late thirties with short brown hair and green eyes.

"I'm Austin.” He grinned as he held out his hand.

"Addison. Nice to meet you." I placed my hand in his.

He bought me a couple more martinis and we talked about life and shared a few laughs. I was feeling good, way too good. Jasper emerged from his kitchen.

"Addison, you're still here?" he asked.

"Yes, I am," I slurred. “Jasper, this is—”

"Austin,” he spoke.

Jasper leaned over the bar and whispered to me.

"Addison, you're drunk as shit. This isn't the way to forget about your fight with Andrew."

I pointed my finger at him. "I'm fine. Join us."

"You need to get home and sleep this off,” he spoke.

“You cannot tell me what to do!” I voiced in a drunken manner.

Jasper shook his head and walked away. Austin and I continued to talk and downed a couple more drinks.

“Let me take you home, Addison,” he spoke as he lightly took hold of my arm.

"That won't be necessary," a familiar voice came from behind. “And I suggest you let go of her now!”