I saw her chin stick out defiantly. “It wouldn’t be the first time you stood me up, would it? I’m more surprised that you did show up, actually. Or perhaps because it’s daytime and you prefer to have your sordid little escapades after dark.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Whatever that means. If you didn’t want me here, you shouldn’t have arranged to have that email sent to me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. I sent it to all the alumni. You had the choice to pass. So don’t blame me for your presence here.”
I shrugged. “I’m here to support my old school.”
“Good. Support duly noted.”
“Saph! Sweetheart! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you. Monica told me I could find you here!”
I looked up to see Randy had come around the corner of the tent. I felt as if he had punched me in the stomach when he put his arms around Sapphire from behind, and embraced her tightly. He looked at me, a carefully practiced half-smile on his lips.
“Hey there, Zade. I heard you were out. Long time no see.”
I looked at him expressionlessly for a few seconds. All the hatred I felt was like red-hot lava in my guts, and my hands itched to curl into a fist and slam that irritating smile off his ridiculous face. But not now. My time will come. Without a word, I turned on my heels and walked away, feeling both their eyes boring into my back.
SAPPHIRE
I watched as Zade walked away. His long legs carried him halfway across the field before I could even react to his departure.
Damn him.
When I first saw Lisa’s expression, she knew all about my relationship with Zade, my heart felt like it had dropped to the pit of my stomach. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I turned around to face him.
Dizziness threatened to overtake me and my knees felt weak, but thankfully, my moment of weakness went as the venom spewed between us. He was furious, but so was I. Good. That would mean there was no hope of any sort of lovey-dovey reunion. The battle lines were drawn and I would keep them that way. How dare he expect me to play the dutiful girlfriend while he was having affairs behind my back.
Since he had so emphatically stated the only reason for his presence was in support of his school, I would collect whatever he was willing to donate and call it a day, but damn it all… if he didn’t make my stomach tight with desire. And I could not stop thinking about what he would think if I were to lunge at him and taste his lips. He was obviously not thinking the same thing because his face was hard and stony.
Thank God, Randy’s voice rang out. I was so disturbed I barely felt his arms come around me. My usual response to his closeness was always to step away, but not this time. This time I welcomed it.
I felt strangely empty and suddenly annoyed by Randy’s presence.
“What was that all about?” Randy murmured close to my ear.
I stepped out of his embrace and turned to him with a forced smile. “We were discussing his donation.”
One blond eyebrow rose. “Oh? I guess he didn’t give back all the money he stole after all if he is able to donate to charity.” His lips tightened. “Or maybe it’s what he’s scammed from me since he got out. I lost two more accounts to him this last week, you know. It's like he's out to ruin me still. Ripping me off the first time wasn’t enough for him.” Randy’s face twisted into a spiteful glare as he watched Zade walk away.
“Let bygones be bygones, Randy,” I said, even though I didn’t know why I said it.
Randy swung his eyes back to me, his expression hurt. “So a sixty-second conversation after four years of suffering merits forgiveness? Remember, I’m not the only one he wronged, Saph. Or have you forgotten what he did to you and how I had to pick up the pieces?”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous, Randy. You’re exaggerating, don’t you think?”
“I prefer to err on the side of caution. He was my friend and turned on me. I’m not going to allow that to happen again to you or me.”
I turned to look across the field once more and frowned to see Zade coming back. My heart plummeted once more as he walked up to us.
“I like to be a man of my word. I promised I would make a contribution to my old school so here it is. I’m prepared to meet any shortfall in the budget for the refurbishment of the lab.”
“Keep your dirty, stolen money. We don’t need it. I wonder where you’re skimming it from now. Maybe you’ll be behind bars before the ink on the check even dries.”
Zade turned his stony face to Randy. “You worry about your money and I’ll worry about mine. And, for your information, my money is clean and untouchable. I can’t say the same for yours.”
Randy’s eyes narrowed as he shot back, “Clean money, Zade? You’re playing a dangerous game, my friend. Not everything in life can be neatly washed and pressed.”
Zade leaned back, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Well, Randy, I prefer the risk over the monotony of a predictable life. My ventures might be bold, but they’re calculated.”
Randy scoffed, a hint of skepticism in his tone. “Calculated or not, you’re skating on thin ice. One wrong move, and everything you’ve built could crumble.”
Zade’s gaze remained unwavering. “I appreciate your concern, Randy, but I’ve navigated riskier waters than you can imagine. My success isn’t built on playing it safe.”
Randy, undeterred, leaned forward, his voice laced with a touch of warning. “Zade, we’ve been friends for a long time, but I’ve seen people fall from grace faster than they rose. Don’t let your arrogance blind you to the realities of the game.”
Zade chuckled, a dark humor in his response. “Arrogance, Randy? No, just a healthy dose of confidence. I know the game, and I know how to play it. Besides, my affairs are discreet and far from prying eyes.”
Randy’s gaze remained piercing, skepticism etched on his face. “Discreet or not, Zade, money has a way of leaving a trail. And when the wolves catch wind of it, they won’t hesitate to tear you apart.”
Zade’s expression turned serious, his eyes locking with Randy’s. “I’ve got my bases covered, Randy. I’ve worked too hard for this, and I won’t let anyone jeopardize it. So, worry about your own affairs, and let me handle mine.”
I looked from one to the other as they engaged in a dangerous silent war. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the security team approaching and knew I needed to diffuse the situation immediately.