A Betting Man

Chapter Fourteen

Adelaide's Point of View

Justin didn't call the whole next day. Honestly, I'd expected him to be groveling at my feet by now, but no such luck. I'm not sure what's going on in that head of his, but I'm still a little irritated with him and therefore, don't even bother trying to figure him out.

It doesn't escape my notice that it's Friday – the weekend – and despite his vague assurances that he would come to Seattle, I haven't heard from him. I have no idea if he's coming or if he ever intended to. Perhaps he's done with me... perhaps he's given up.

But little does he know that I'm not done with him. Not yet, my pretty – my subconscious cackles mercilessly. Tonight should be fun. I'll get a real glimpse into his life by hanging with his sister. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to divulge more information about him.

I receive a text just after lunch, and I'm ashamed to find myself hoping it's Justin. With a scowl I check the screen – it's Cayden.

Fey told me JJ was being a douche again. Sorry – C

Such a sincere text is so unlike him. Curious, I reply: I expect nothing less anymore. - A

He really is a good guy, just a little... socially retarded sometimes. – C

I have to smile at that. Before I can respond, Cayden is texting me yet again: I think you're good for him. I think he's feeling a little guilty – C

Good, he should feel guilty – A

He never responds. I'm not sure if he's busy or forgot about our conversation or what, but I let it go and instead focus on meeting up with Kathleen tonight. I'm a bit anxious at the thought, yet I can't exactly place why that is.

Immediately after work, I head home and get ready. It doesn't take long; I leave my hair straight and change into a simple pair of tight jeans and heels with a flirty blouse. I indulge in a quick Hot Pocket, knowing I won't get a chance to eat on the way or after I arrive.

Once I'm in Olympia, I call Kathleen and ask for specific directions to the club. She's already there, apparently eager to see me. As I inch closer to the destination, my nerves increase tenfold. My stomach is a bundle of knots.

It's early when I arrive – about eight-thirty – but the place is already packed. It seems to be one of the more popular clubs in Olympia. Sweaty bodies pass this way and that, the music is blaring and the lights are low. It's hard to make anyone out, and despite Kathleen's assurance that she'd be near the bar, dressed in a tight blue dress, I'm starting to worry I won't be able to find her.

But that fear is soon abated; I find a small girl with dark brown, short hair sipping a colorful drink. Her back is to the bar as she searches the crowd. Her eyes meet mine, and for a second we simply look at each other, neither of us reacting. But the blue dress tells me it must be her, and I react, quickly stepping closer. She smiles as our proximity narrows.

"Are you Kathleen?" I inquire, and she grins.

"You must be Addie!"

She's very enthusiastic, grinning from ear to ear. I smile, going for a handshake or something equally awkward, but she takes me by surprise, discarding her drink atop the bar and engulfing me in a tight hug. Not that I oppose the idea, but I've never been much of a hugger; nonetheless, I awkwardly return the gesture, wide-eyed, until she releases me.

She picks her drink up again, nonplussed by the situation. "I'm so glad to finally meet you," she says.

"Um, yeah. Me, too." I don't know what to say; I feel awkward. I can't help but notice that her eyes are the same startling brown as Justin's, her nose as straight and her chin just the same – the resemblance is uncanny. She's very pretty, which comes as no surprise.