Chapter 9

HAILEY

Hailey collected the drinks from the bar and made her way back to Valerian and Charlize. From afar, she could see their hands intertwined, and Valerian was whispering something to Charlize. It was time to interrupt their intimate moment.

She cleared her throat, catching their attention. “Here are your drinks,” she announced, placing Charlize’s sangria in front of her.

Next, she reached for the wine and the corkscrew. She struggled to open the bottle—it required more strength than she had. She was beginning to think she’d never get it open.

Suddenly, she felt arms wrap around her and her back press against a firm chest. She recognized the familiar scent immediately.

It was Matt. He was helping her open the wine bottle. She felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Once the bottle was open, she thanked Matt. He responded with a playful wink.

“You can’t even open a wine bottle by yourself. How useless,” Valerian sneered.

~What’s gotten into Valerian?~ Hailey wondered. ~Just pour his wine, take their order, and get out of here.~

“Did you pretend not to know how to open the wine bottle so your boy toy could come and help you?” Valerian continued to taunt her.

“Enough, Valerian,” Charlize intervened. “She just doesn’t have the strength.”

They were talking about her as if she wasn’t even there. “Are you ready to order?” she asked, changing the subject.

“I’ll have the stuffed chicken breast with a side salad,” Charlize decided.

Hailey turned to Valerian. “And for you, sir?”

“I’ll take a medium rare steak with baby potatoes on the side.”

“Will that be all?” she asked.

“Yes,” Charlize answered for both of them.

As Hailey turned to leave, she felt a hand grip her wrist. “Don’t be late with our food. Understand?” Valerian warned her in a stern voice.

Hailey simply nodded and quickly walked away.

CHARLIZE

“Why were you touching that slut’s wrist, baby? You could have just warned her without touching her,” Charlize complained.

Valerian turned to face her slowly. “What the fuck did you just call her, Charlize?”

“I called her a slut. That’s what she is,” Charlize shot back.

“If you ever call her that again, you’ll never see me again,” he threatened, his teeth clenched.

“Why do you care what I call her, Valerian? Why did you bring me here?”

“I wanted to have dinner with you, Charlize. That’s it. But all I’m getting is a headache.”

“So, this isn’t a date, Valerian?”

“When did I say this was a date, Charlize?”

“Don’t play dumb with me! You know we always do this before we get back together. You know it!”

“Well, prepare for disappointment tonight, love, because things have changed.”

“Why?” she demanded, her voice rising.

“Lower your voice. You’re making a scene. You’ll regret it later,” Valerian warned.

“You didn’t answer my question, Valerian.”

“I invited you out for old times’ sake, but with a twist. I’m not getting back together with you, Charlize. You need to understand that.”

“You say that now, baby, but wait until I change your mind,” she flirted, sliding her leg up his.

“Stop it,” Valerian growled.

She glanced to the side. “You tell me to stop, baby, but your pants are telling a different story.” She withdrew her leg.

“Are you even listening to me, Valerian?” Charlize asked after what felt like half an hour of talking to herself.

She turned to see what had captured Valerian’s attention. He was physically present, but his mind was elsewhere.

When he finally snapped back to reality, she saw him staring at that bitch! She was seething with anger.

The waitress sauntered over, placing their meals before them with a flirty smile. “Enjoy,” she said, before sashaying away.

Charlize wouldn’t let this woman come between her and Valerian. He was hers, and hers alone!

She was determined to do whatever it took to bring back the Valerian she knew and loved. No matter the cost.

No one, absolutely no one, could take what was rightfully hers.