Flying Change

Chapter 16

I drummed my fingers agains my cell phone. I was dressed in a figure hugging black dress, sitting in the back of Stefan's SUV, the Tuscan sun was just dipping behind the hills and the street lights were flickering to life. I felt Phillip slip his hand onto my knee, giving it a squeeze.

I didn't bother looking at him, the cloud of gloom was too big for his smile to dispel, even if it was dreamy. I knew this would be a big test for us, for me. He was going to have to charm Kristina and I was going to have to trust him not to let her get ahead of herself. I could feel the knot in my stomach.

We arrived at the restaurant all too fast. I took a deep breath and walked inside, I could feel Phillip reaching for my hand but I knew that if this was going to work it would be better if we didn't appear too cosy.

I could see Kristina and Jake seated at a private table at the back of the restaurant. I could see why Stefan had chosen this venue, it offered plenty of private nooks and crannies which would be perfect for private discussions.

"Jake, Kristina," Stefan greeted them expansively.

"Stefan," Jake greeted him with a mild look of surprise. Clearly he had been expecting a colder reception. "Hello Lexi, Phillip." He didn't offer a hug, and I didn't expect one.

I tried to smile, and mumbled a hello, taking a seat before it got too awkward, Kristina didn't offer me a greeting.

"Kristina, you look amazing," Phillip switched on his charm and embraced her. She preened and accepted a kiss on each cheek. I noticed how her hands lingered on his arm just a little too long. I set my jaw and looked away.

We all settled and Stefan made polite conversation as drinks were ordered. I didn't look at Phillip, he spoke to Kristina in a steady stream and she lapped it up, giggling and flipping her hair. Not missing any opportunity to touch him, his hand, his arm. Every touch felt like a spear. She was hunting him.

I stayed quiet and waved away the alcohol, I knew that I needed to have a clear head. Jake glanced occasionally glanced nervously my way. I didn't return any looks, and answered sparsely when a question came. But, for the most part he seemed to have forgotten he had a fiancé, let alone concerned that she was flirting like a fiend with Phillip, while he plied her with drinks. The drunker she got the more closer she got to him, whispering in his ear and touching him. It was going to do my head din, and he was in full on charm offensive.

The mains came and I pushed the food around my plate. Barely looking up, feeling my misery like a lead weight in my stomach. There was nothing enjoyable about this evening. I vaguely heard Stefan excuse himself and I felt someone slip into the chair next to me.

"Lexi, are you Okay?" Jakes voice was drenched in worry and I felt a tear slip down my cheek.

"I'm fine."

"What's wrong?" He prodded me and I felt him put a hand on my knee.

"Excuse me I croaked and jumped up," fleeing towards the door. I needed air, I needed space, how exactly was I meant to explain why I was feeling so miserable.

I ducked out the door and headed into the car park, trying to force my breathing to slow down and the tears to stop falling. I had agreed to this, I reminded myself, I had put myself in this position. If I wanted to stop the horses being sold we needed some background on Joe Baines and as far as we knew, Kristina was the only one who could supply that.

"Lexi what is wrong?"

I whipped around, I hadn't heard Jake follow me. I felt my heart in my mouth as I turned to look at him.

"I just..." I couldn't find the words.

"Come here," He pulled me into a fierce hug. "Whatever he did I'm going to kill him." He growled into my hair.