Chapter 22

“I just can’t believe it,” Viona muttered, gritting her teeth as we ascended the front steps. “After all these years, Jake has a secret Tinder profile…”

“And he’s going on a date with ‘Tyler’,” I said, shuddering.

As I fumbled for the keys, Viona shot me a nervous look. “Amber’s going to be heartbroken.”

“She’ll be alright,” I said, turning the key and opening the door. “Heartbreak sucks, but we’re here for her. That’s what matters.”

Viona hummed in agreement. Inside, we kicked off our shoes. Viona went to her room; I headed to the kitchen for tea.

The scent of cooking greeted me. Noah was pouring saucy pasta into a single dish.

Our eyes met briefly before he looked away, his jaw clenching. Silently, he grabbed his plate and left, his shoulder bumping mine hard enough to be deliberate.

I gritted my teeth, suppressing my anger. I ignored him as he left. His retreating footsteps echoed in the tense silence.

Sighing, I put the kettle on. It had been like this for days—ever since that night—things were colder than ever. I was practically counting down to our divorce.

And it couldn’t come soon enough.

Sleep didn’t come easily. I tossed and turned, my mind racing with thoughts of Jake, Amber, and Noah. My alarm went off at 7:30; I felt like I’d barely slept.

I showered, hoping the hot water would wake me. I dressed unconventionally—dark sunglasses, a low hat, unusual clothes.

At 8:45, Viona and I left, avoiding Noah. He was likely in his office, avoiding me.

We met Drake outside the café at 9:00 AM. Viona was similarly disguised; Drake looked like a completely different person. His ‘Tyler’ persona was complete with a blonde wig, colored contacts, a baseball hat, and sunglasses.

“Wow,” I whispered. “You really commit, don’t you?”

Drake grinned, running a hand through his wig. “Go big or go home, right?”

Viona nodded. “Jake won’t know what hit him.”

We reviewed the plan before entering. Drake sat at a window table; Viona and I took a corner table, partially hidden.

“Remember,” I whispered, pretending to read the menu. “Act natural. We’re just friends having coffee.”

Viona nodded nervously. “Right. Natural. I can do that.”

We ordered coffee and waited; the minutes crawled by. I checked my watch constantly, my heart racing.

Finally, the bell chimed. I peeked around the plant. My breath caught.

“Jake is in the building,” Viona whispered. “I repeat, Jake is in the building.”

Pausing in the doorway, Jake scanned the café before his eyes landed on Drake. He smiled and approached the table.