Stuart glanced up and saw Laura, with Steven and Rex tagging along.
Tonight's get-together was supposed to be just the four of them, as Jair had made clear. When it wrapped up, Stuart would take Josephine home, and Jair would take Claudia. It was a solid plan.
So why was Laura here? And why did she bring those two? Stuart wasn't a fan of any of them.
"Laura!" Josephine turned and waved excitedly.
The two girls hugged like they hadn't seen each other in ages. Laura then linked arms with Josephine and headed inside.
Stuart couldn't help but call out, "Josephine."
She turned back, "What's up?"
Stuart eyed the two guys with her, "Are they coming too?"
Laura chimed in, "Relax! They're not joining us, just here for some business, and it happens to be at the same hotel."
Coincidence? Stuart wasn't buying it, especially with the smug look Rex shot him.
But he couldn't say much, so he just followed them inside.
Luckily, once they were in, the two guys did split off. Still, with Laura in the mix, Stuart could already feel the tension rising.
When they got to the private room, Stuart pulled Josephine aside and told Laura, "You go in first."
Jair and Claudia were still on their way from the airport.
Once Laura was inside, Josephine asked, "What's the deal?"
Stuart asked, "Why is she here?"
Josephine looked confused, "Laura? Of course, she's here. We planned this, and Liam was supposed to come too, but he had surgery today."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Everything we do, we do as a team," Josephine replied. "Did you think I'd be the only one greeting Claudia?"
"Isn't that what I'm here for?" Stuart felt a bit miffed. He disliked Laura's company; her sharp tongue constantly reminded him of his past mistakes.
"This is all normal," Josephine said, "If you're uncomfortable..."
Worried she'd tell him to leave, Stuart quickly said, "I'm fine, I'll remember for next time."
They went inside, and sure enough, Laura immediately said, "What's your problem now? Why are you always so difficult? Stuart, you're pretty petty for a guy."
Stuart stayed quiet. He knew he couldn't win against Laura. Silence was his best bet.
Josephine tugged at Laura, "Come on, he's not petty."
Laura rolled her eyes, "Now you're defending him? Am I still your best friend?"
"Yes," Josephine laughed, "No one compares to you."
Laura finally seemed satisfied and then asked Stuart, "How's Ms. Martinez doing?"
It took Stuart a second to realize she meant Carol. "She's fine, thanks."
"You're welcome," Laura said, turning back to Josephine, "I wonder when Liam will be done. We should all hang out then."
"Definitely," Josephine agreed.
The bond between the four of them was something Stuart could never break into. He stood there, feeling a pang of jealousy.
The two girls had endless things to talk about, and Stuart couldn't get a word in. Luckily, it wasn't long before Jair texted saying they were almost there.
Stuart jumped up. "They're almost here, I'll go meet them."
"Let's go together," Josephine said, "I miss Claudia too."
When the five of them finally met up, Stuart and Jair were cool, but the three girls hugged and laughed like they were kids again.
Noticing Jair's eyes on Claudia, Stuart asked, "How are you doing? And what's the deal with you two?"
Jair shrugged, "Those little injuries are nothing. And as for us, we're doing way better than you."
"Why you gotta say stuff like that?" Stuart grumbled. "I shouldn't have even asked!"
Jair gave him a playful punch. "Alright, alright! Let's have a few drinks later!"
Stuart wanted to punch him back but held off because of his injuries. "Drinks? Can you even handle it?"
The five of them headed upstairs, chatting and laughing.
Claudia's overseas journey had been a triumph. She clinched an award at the design competition, and her relationship with Jair had evidently blossomed. She was radiant.
Josephine and Laura bombarded her with questions, and the laughter never stopped during dinner.
In the middle of all the fun, there was a knock on the door.
Since they hadn't requested any service, they presumed it was a waiter. However, to their surprise, Steven and Rex entered.
Steven spoke up, "Sorry to crash the party, we heard Jair was back and thought we'd join in."
Rex, meanwhile, was staring right at Josephine.
Stuart stayed quiet. He knew it!
They all ran in the same circles, always bumping into each other. Even though Robin had done something bad, Steven had nothing to do with it. He didn't even consider the Bailey Family his own.
Steven plopped down next to Laura. The only seat left was next to Stuart.
Seeing Rex sit down, Stuart was annoyed. He had hoped to wrap things up early and take Josephine for a walk. But now, that wasn't happening.
No one seemed to mind Steven and Rex joining them. Josephine even answered a few of Rex's questions. The atmosphere at the table was relaxed, except for Stuart, who was sulking.
Suddenly, he felt a finger hook his under the table. He looked down, surprised to find Josephine's pinky hooked around his. Just a simple gesture, but it made Stuart's heart soar.
He glanced at Josephine, who was still chatting with Rex, smiling and all. But under the table, her finger was hooked around his.
All of Stuart's frustration and jealousy melted away! He even wanted to stand up and shout, letting everyone know Josephine treated him differently.
Jair had been watching him and, seeing his previously stern face now smiling, couldn't help but look a few more times.
Jair stood up, "I'm going out to make a call."
He gave Stuart a look, and Stuart also stood up, "I'll step out for a moment too."
Outside the door, Jair looked at him, "Wanna smoke?"
Stuart replied, "I quit, remember?"
Jair said, "Just hang out with me. I've been cooped up in the hospital for days, and Claudia won't let me light up. I'm going crazy here."
Stuart advised, "If you want to impress her, show some strength. Ditch the cigarettes; not many women dig the smell."