Chapter 81. A warning
Lilly Bradley
Days had passed since that fourth date, and what had happened that day with Efray Murz, the blow Richard had given him to defend me, the press conference, and the Máxima issue had calmed down. But what still bothered me were the rumors, though Jackson kept telling me everything would change and not to worry. It was inevitable when the other employees' gazes lingered on me. I continued working, focusing on not getting distracted by anything. Work was work, and I had to keep going if I wanted to become independent soon and buy myself a nice car.
There came a moment when I closed my eyes and replayed everything Jackson had said that night. A smile appeared on my lips when I remembered it was the first time he had rejected me since we started going out. He had then kissed me passionately at the entrance of the building, and I understood his words before we said goodbye with the promise of being together on our next date. I opened my eyes and shook my head, embarrassed. I shouldn't have behaved so childishly, like someone who didn't get a candy. I sighed and went back to what I was doing. The weekend was approaching, and I didn't want to do anything that would prevent Jackson from resting, as our previous dates had been almost back-to-back. I knew he had things to do, so I would give him space and time, not be a clingy woman—I smiled at that thought—and I would start thinking about our fifth date. I wanted to do something special. Then I remembered the annual party next weekend. I didn't have a dress, so I would ask Leah for help. Remembering my sister made me feel guilty; we hadn't talked much lately, especially since I was dating Jackson's brother. Then I knew what to do.
"Double date."
I got excited thinking I could plan something and share it with my sister. The issue was whether she would accept. I quickly searched for my phone and, finding it, typed a message to my sister, who must have been working.
"Lunch?" The reply came quickly.
"Yes! You've abandoned me. Where will we eat?" I smiled, seeing she was excited. I gave her the address and time.
It was lunchtime, and I gathered my things to leave. I stopped when I saw Jackson coming out of the elevator with two men in elegant suits. He looked grumpy. I tried to pass by and not stir up more rumors, but he signaled for me to stop and come over. We hadn't had much contact at the office these days until now.
"Yes, Mr. Johnson?" The two men in suits watched me attentively, which Jackson noticed.
"Wait here." He looked at the men. "Follow me." He signaled for them to follow him. After a few moments, he returned alone. "What's going on?" he asked suddenly.
"Huh? Going on?" I looked around us, not understanding what he meant.
"I thought we were okay," he said, seeing my confused expression.
"We are, as far as I know."
"Sure?" I nodded quickly, feeling the stares of others. "Good. Máxima's replacement has arrived, and the other one is Murz's replacement. If they bother you again, no matter how minor, let me know."
"Okay, I will."
"Where are you going? Lunch?" I nodded. "With who?"
"With Leah, she's waiting for me."
"Alright, eat well, please." I felt a rush of something hearing those words.
"And you?"
"Jacob is coming here to have lunch with me. I think he wants to tell me something and..." I smiled broadly, imagining what it could be. "Why are you smiling?" I wiped the smile off my face.
"No, nothing."
"Lilly." He used that "Tell me now" tone.
"It's not my place to say. I think he wants to tell you something at lunch, so I'm not going to spoil it." I noticed he tensed up. "Maybe it's not that."
"Tell me it's not what I'm imagining."
"And what are you imagining, Mr. Johnson?" I used a warning tone.
"Did your sister agree to go out with Jacob?" I opened my mouth but then closed it when no words came out. "So that's it."
"Does it bother you that he's dating Leah?" He smiled halfway.
"No, and I don't doubt Leah is a good woman, but I'm worried things might go wrong and cause tension between you and me."
"Do you think he'll break Jacob's heart?"
"No, I think he'll be the one to break it. He's never had a girlfriend, just occasional dates, and if that's what he wants to tell me at lunch, I'll tell him right away that I won't approve of him treating my sister-in-law like another on his list." I felt an explosion in every part of my body when he referred to Leah as "my sister-in-law."
"Oh, that's sweet of you," my heart pounded hard, "but we can't interfere. It's their life, and it will be an experience for both of them. I also confess that Leah has never had a boyfriend." Jackson raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. "I'll just say now, tell Jacob that Leah is tough and doesn't let anyone push her around..."