#chapter31

Walking up to the small house one afternoon Jared paused when he heard more than one voice coming from inside… a man’s voice. The door swung open and Lexi stood in front of him surprised. “Hey!” Lexi smiled at Jared. “What are you doing here?” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders squeezing him tightly before stepping back. “You remember Jesse?” She motioned to the familiar young man standing next to her.

“Oh, yeah!” Jared extended a hand to the other man. “Wait,” Jared paused for a second. “You’re the guy-”

“The guy that always hits on her.” Jesse said shaking Jared’s hand knowing Jared knows about his flirtatious ways. 

Lexi had confided in Jared that Jesse has a hard time controlling his tongue and often says things that aren’t appropriate.

“I remember.” Lexi saw Jared clench his jaw in the way he did when attempted to control his anger or annoyance.

“Don’t worry, i’m not trying to activly fuck her. At least not at the moment.” Jesse said with arrogance.

“Ignore him!” Lexi spoke quickly seeing Jared’s expression go from annoyed to anger. “It’s not his fault. Jesse’s personality is asshole.” 

“At least I don't attract psychos.” Jesse nudged his head toward Lexi as she flipped him off.

“Jesse also has no filter. He was diagnosed with ICD.” 

“What the hell is ICD?” Jared lifted a single brow looking at the two of them. 

“Impulse control disorder. He can’t always control what comes out of his mouth. He will also say crap to piss you off just for fun. Because he really is an asshole.”

 “And you’re still a bitch.” Lexi laughed at his comeback. “I gotta go. I’ll talk to you later.” Jesse gave her a hug and looked at Jared. “Later pretty boy.” He gave a mock salute as he walked passed him and out the door.

After Jesse walked out Jared turned to Lexi. “I don’t like him.”

Lexi gave a chuckle. “I know you don’t. You haven’t liked him since I told you about his big mouth.”

“His ego seems to be just as big.”

“It can be.” Lexi gave a chuckle then noticed the discontent look on his face. A look she’d only seen during certain times with him. “Jared, are you jealous?” She crossed her arms over her chest as she stood in front of him.

“What?!” Jared gave an awkward huff. “No! I have no reason to be.”

Lexi took a step toward him looking intently at him. “Yes, you are! I know that look!” She pointed a finger in his face. “That’s the same look you would give your neighbor when he used to come over and I was there.”

“What look?! There is no look!” Jared defended, his voice giving a screech as it rose.

“Yes, there is!” She stepped closer. “Its that look of being nice but deep down wanting to punch the hell out of him!” Jared shook his head, letting it fall with a grin on his face. Lexi smiled slipping her hand under his chin, pulling his face to hers. His expression was bashful. “You have nothing to worry about.” His eyes were soft and reserved as they landed on hers. “You do not have to feel threatened. Especially by Jesse.”

Jared grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it before entwining their fingers. “Are you sure?”

Lexi stepped closer to him lifting her head to his. She felt the breath from his exhale brush against her lips. Jared was stunned when he felt Lexi’s lips brush against his for a brief moment before firmly taking a kiss. When the kiss broke it was much too soon for Jared’s liking. With a soft moan h took her face into his hands and pulled her back to him initiating another kiss. This time he didn’t let her pull away. He held her there, parting her lips with his, delving his tongue into her mouth, letting her familiar taste wash over him.

When they finally broke apart Lexi looked up at Jared with lust drunk eyes. “You have nothing to worry about.”

“I miss you.” Jared all but whimpered.

“I miss you, too.” Lexi pressed her forehead to his. “Just be patient with me a little longer.”

“As long as you need.” He whispered back.

Lexi missed Jared, she didn’t deny that. But she was trying to heal herself in he own way and he understood that, and she was thankful for that. Lexi was learning that she was able to lean on herself more. Although she sometimes called Jesse to help her through some days, she managed to make it through on her own. She was getting herself through panic attacks and going out into the city alone with little to no fear. Lexi felt strong, stronger than she’d felt in a long time. She’d even started working again. Albeit it was from Austin, but she was still getting a lot done. Lexi was proud of herself.

“So how long you’re gonna stay?” Jesse asked getting  comfortable on the couch.

“It’s only for a few days.” Lexi answered passing Jesse a beer hearing a knock on the screen door before in creaked open.

 “Lex?” Jared called walking in. 

He was greeted by Lexi running to the front door. “Guess what?!”

“Whoa!” Jared held up his hands surprised by her greeting. “What is going on?!” He gave a laugh. “What did you need to tell me right away and in person?” 

“Remember that store that Rush was talking about opening and how they wanted me to take the lead on it?”

“They gave it the green light?!” Jared asked with excitement. 

“I go to L.A. next week!” Lexi jumped into Jared’s arms.

“Baby girl, that’s amazing!” He spun her around with enthusiasm. “I’m so proud of you!” He sat her back onto her feet.

“I’ll be right back!. I’m gonna go run up to the house and tell Dee and Jay!” Lexi clapped her hands together rapidly. “Grab yourself a beer, I’ll be right back.” She told Jared and Jesse before running to the main house. 

Jared grabbed a beer from the fridge turning to see Jesse sitting on the couch. Jared took a deep breath and walked over sitting in the chair across the small living room.

“You don’t like me do ya?” Jesse chimed from across the room.  

"That's an understatement." Jared mumbled taking a long sip from his beer bottle. "But,” Jesse spoke again. “We should try or at least pretend to get along. Us both being in Lexi's life and all." He gave Jared an amused look. "Unless you're one of the guys that tell her who she can hang out with." "Lexi is a big girl. She can do whatever she wants." Jared looked over him noticing his smug grin.  "So," he ran a hand through his hair. "Tell me about this IC whatever. "

“ICD.” Jesse corrected. “It stands for Impulse control disorder. It’s a psychiatric disorder which basically means I fail to resist  an urge or an impulse. Or a temptation.” He gave a sly grin. “Or I speak on speak on a thought. Meaning it pops in my head and right out of my mouth.”

“I see.” Jared gave him an indecisive glare. “You playing’ me, aren’t you?”

“Not at all.”

“And Lexi is okay with you blurting out the stuff you do? About her?”

“At first she was a little taken aback by it by it took her less than a week to become immune to my big mouth.” Jess nodded. “That and she nearly broke my nose.”

“That’s my girl.” Jared smiled taking another swig of beer.

“Well, not anymore.” Jesse added smugly.

Jared looked over to Jesse with assertiveness. “I don’t see her running to anyone else. Do you?” 

“Yet.” Jesse challenged. “Matter of time if you ask me. After all, she is an extremely attractive woman. Won’t take long for a guy closer to her age to come by and woo her.” Jesse stood walking to the kitchen, tossing his empty beer into the trash.

“Sure.” Jared rolled his eyes with a bitter expression standing to look out the glass door.

”You know, Someone who is more on her level. Someone who can understand her emotionally, that gets her every need.”

“Fuck you.” Jared spat knowing what Jesse was insinuating.

“Ooh!” Jesse put his hands up. “Touchy touchy.” 

“I’ll go see what’s taking Lex?” Jared placed his bottle on the counter with a loud thud.

 “Yeah, you do that. Send her back down here to me.”

Jared turned and looked at him. “Do you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?”

“Not really, no.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “But, I have a question. Have you ever gone down on her?”

“That’s none of your fucking business.” Jared spat taking another step toward Jesse.

“I bet she tastes good.” Jesse stood as if in thought, yapping his index finger on his chin. “Now, when she cums is it sweet or tangy?”

Jared shook his head. “Does she know you talk about her like this?”

“Yeah, she does actually.” Jesse grinned again.

“What do I do?” Lexi said as she walked back in with a laundry basket.

“I think I hurt your boy toys feelings.” Jesse said grabbing the basket and setting it on the table. “Apparently he doesn’t like the way I talk about you.”

“Oh, what is it this time?” She looked from Jared to Jesse. “My rack or my ass you talkin bout?”

“Actually I was wondering what you taste like.” Jesse said honestly.

She walked over to Jesse and put her hands on his shoulders, Jared stiffening seeing her touch him. “You wish you would be able to find out.” She gave his cheek a little smack before turning away with a grin.

“I asked Jared, but he wouldn’t tell me.” Jesse shrugged nonchalantly.

“And he didn’t punch you in the face?” Lexi looked at Jesse then to Jared.

“The day is young.” Jared mumbled.

“I’m warning you Jess, if he takes a swing at you I’ll let him.”.

“Oh, I’m a big boy. I can handle him.”

“I gotta get going.” Jared turned to Y/N. “I told Gen I would be there by four to pick up the kids.”

“Give them kisses from me.” She told him pulling him into a hug.

“I’ll call you later.” Jared told her before placing a kiss on her cheek and leaving.

“Hey.” Lexi grabbed Jared’s arm. “When the kids go back to Gen’s come over and hang out. I want to spend some time with you before I go to L.A.”

“Absolutely.” He told Lexi before looking back at Jesse with a complacent grin on his face.

When he walked out the house Lexi turned to Hesse and punched him hard in the arm. “Seriously?!”

“Owe!” He grabbed his arm. “What?!”

“You asked him what I taste like?!”

“It was just a question!” Jesse rubbed his arm. “You won’t let me find out so I asked him!” Lexi glared at him crossing her arms over her chest. “Oh, come on. You saying he’s never had his face between those pretty legs?” Jesse stepped towards her. 

Lexi dropped her arms meeting his stance. “Oh, he has. And he’s done things to me you’ve only fantasize about.” 

“I bet.” Jesse bit his lip.

 “And one day, you’ll piss him off enough. And he and I may be back together by then, and he will beat the living shit out of you.”  

“I’d be worth it.”

Lexi laughed. “How did you not get your ass kicked yet?”

“I’m lucky.” He grinned back at her and saw her serious expression. “I’ll attempt to control my mouth a little with Jared.”

“Please. Because Jared is one person that will forever be in my life. No. Matter. What.”  Lexi poked him in the chest with a finger. 

~

It had been several days since Lexi told Jared she was going to L.A. She was excited to get back to work, really get back to work. Not that online only, web conference crap she’d been doing. Now don’t think she didn’t love working from Austin, she did. But she missed being as hands on as she used to be. 

Lexi was excited to see Ellie. Not just a quick weekend thing but a week of hanging out between work. Not to mention they had a ton of girl talk to catch up on.

“Knock knock!” Jared said loudly from the front door as he ran in from the rain.

“Hey, get in here before you get soaked!” Lexi shut the door behind him as thunder cracked through the sky. 

“The wind is really picking up out there.” Jared slid his raincoat off.

“You should have waited to come over when it slacked off a bit.” Lexi handed him a towel.

“Supposed to rain like this till you leave for L.A. I’ll take my chances.” Jared smiled down at her. 

“I’m excited and nervous.” Lexi told him as they got comfortable in the small living room. “It’s been so long since I’ve been in the scene, I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”

“You won’t! You’ll do perfect.” Jared reached across the sofa and took her hand. “Did you find out how long you;re saying?”

“Four days.” She entwined their fingers before looking back to him. “I kind of have a weird favor to ask. 

“Anything.”

“Since Ellie’s place is full I decided to stay at a hotel while I’m there.” Lexis eyes focused back on his hand and hers. “Being back in L.A. after everything that happened, being in L.A. alone,” Lexi took a breath and looked up at Jared. “Can you come to L.A. with me? I’m terrified of being there alone, especially at night.” The words just fell out of her mouth like water down a fall. “I’m not saying follow me around and crap. I just want to know you’re there, close by. Just, just in case.”

“Of course.” Jared answered sweetly. “You don’t have to explain, I get it.” He kissed the back of her hand. 

“I know we’re still iffy, but just having you there would be like,” Her cheeks pinkened as she glanced down then back to his eyes. “You’re my security blanket.”

Jared could see the bashfulness on her face. “Hey,” He reached a hand to her cheek. “I’m glad i’m your security blanket.” A soft smile spread over his lips. “It’s good to know you still see me as someone who’ll protect you.” 

“Well, yeah!” Lexi let out an exhaled laugh. “Aside from Jay, you’re the person I feel safest with.”

“You don’t feel safe with Jesse?” Jared asked with a healthy dose of sarcasm in his voice.  

“I do.” Lexi smiled at Jared. “But it’s not the same. With you,”

“I know.” Jared chuckled. “I’m just picking.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “When do we leave?”

Lexi squinted. “Day after tomorrow.” 

“Talk about springing it on me!” Jared laughed. 

“I know!” Lexi covered her face with her hands. “I’m sorry! I just didn’t know if I should ask you to do that or how to ask you.” Her cheeks pinkening as she fiddled with her hands not looking at Jared.

Jared gave another chuckle. “What hotel you want to stay at?” He wrapped a broad arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side.

“You can pick.” She nestled close as Jared began flipping through his phone. 

A few clicks later and Jared had a hotel and flight blooked. This was a step forward.

Next Chapter>

“Thank you Luther.” Harry nodded briefly as he took the file in his hands.

“May I suggest you look at it after the Well Child event tonight?” Luther cleared his throat suggestively, hoping the prince would agree with him.

It would be the first engagement Harry would endure after the leak of his relationship with Addy and without a doubt the press would surely ask about her. Any sort of reaction he gave them would be front-page news tomorrow. Taking a minute to decide he dismissed Luther’s advice having already known whom it was.

“It’s for Addy not me Luther… I already have a good idea.” He explained quickly eager to read the contents of the folder.

The room fell silent while the prince scanned over the information, flipping pages and nodding his head slowly. Luther saw the look in the prince’s eyes knowing that Harry was beyond livid at the discovery. His blue eyes burned a flame of anger. “That bitch.” He muttered quietly to himself. Running his fingers through his hair he shook his head at Luther. “I knew it was her all along.” Harry paced a few steps shaking his head.

Glancing at his watch he glanced up at Luther. “If we leave now will we have time to go to Addy’s fathers place before hand?” Harry waited impatiently for his protection officer’s response.

Luther angled his head questioningly. “It would be a tight fit Harry. If it was a quick few minutes, it’s likely possible.”

Harry hastily grabbed his suit jacket and folder walking out of his apartment in a hurry. It was only fair that Addy had the proof she needed to believe that the leak was her friend, Lindsie Tanner. Addy had asked for proof only for her own peace of mind before she talked to her friend. Understanding where she was coming from, Harry tasked Luther with finding out the leaks identity at any means possible.

Harry instructed Luther that it was best if the convoy stayed back a few blocks as to not alert the neighbors to his presence. It would defeat the whole purpose of Addy staying with her father if the press found out where he lived. He had called Addy ahead of time ensuring that she was home and could meet him briefly.

A smile appeared on his lips as the vehicle turned into her child hood home. The dark bricks that held the memories of her past surrounded him. Addy had shared a few things with him about her past, but he knew she had been keeping certain things from him still. He believed that in time she would become more comfortable sharing them with him, but now with their relationship out in the open the press would be digging hard for anything that they could find on her. It was only a matter of time before they found out whatever skeletons she had hiding in her closet.

Harry walked slowly up the steps of the Mackenzie home taking in a quick peek at the window in the front entrance. Addy was sitting comfortably on the couch with her legs curled up with a book in hand. Not wanting to disturb her peace, Harry watched her for a minute longer.

She was wearing his sweater he gave her sipping a cup of tea. The light from the lamp beside her made her skin glow warmly. Chance was sprawled out beside her resting his head on her leg while another dog laid down on the ground in front. Willow Harry remembered Addy telling him about her family dog. The two of them were inseparable; Addy had even taken the pup off the list of adopted animals because she knew there was no way she could ever give him up to someone else. She even expressed that Chance was their dog, one that they had saved together.

Sighing Harry knocked quietly on the big red door alerting Addy to his presence. Her head snapped up with a questioning look that smoothed into a wide grin remembering who was coming over. Gently placing her cup of tea on the side table, Addy ran to the door in haste. Smiling through the glass paned door she fumbled with the handle eager to get to Harry on the other side.

“Hey! Come in!” Addy opened the door wider, taking in the prince in his well-tailored suit. Giving him a quick whistle she winked at him causing the prince to blush for the first time.

“Your parents are gone?” Harry questioned hopefully stepping through the entrance.

“Dad is still at work and Rosalyn is at a conference today in York. Just me, Chance and Willow…” Addy assured him, taking a quick glance towards the dog still lying on the couch. Chance lifted his head and wagged his tail happily at Harry.

Narrowing his eyes, Harry could tell that Chance was different. “Is he ok?” He pulled his girlfriend into a brief kiss on the lips followed by a warm embrace. “Ainsley was a bit worried about him so she brought him here today. We have an appointment at the vet tomorrow. I think he’s overworking his good leg. He’s been pretty exhausted lately and not his spunky self.” Addy explained to the prince, but did not want to go into full details of it knowing he was about to go to an event.

“Damn, you look so sexy right now Henry.” She pulled gently at his tie wishing she had enough time to undress him out of that suit. Tugging at his neck she silently begged him for more kisses.

“Babe…” he urged. “I only have a few minutes or I will be late.”

Lowering her head she saw the folder in his hand. Trailing her hand down his arm over the soft fabric of his suit she grabbed it from him reluctantly. Averting her gaze she could not look at Harry while she read the contents.

“I know it isn’t the best timing…”

Addy shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think there ever could be a good time to find out that your friend sold you out….”

Harry watched her in silence. Her eyes darting back and forth, narrowing with disgust as she read the truth behind the leak. Addy’s chest started to rise rapidly, her fingers clenching harder around the thin papers. Her hand flew to her chest as if someone had just stabbed her heart.

“Lindsie Tanner approached me and was insistent she share details of His Royal Highness Prince Harry and his new relationship to her friend Adalyn Mackenzie. Miss Tanner provided me with details of Miss Mackenzie providing further proof of her relationship to the prince by a photo on her cell phone. In return for the information, the source, Miss Tanner, was given a sustainable amount of payment. To ensure her complete anonymity from the article, Lindsie Tanner agreed to provide further details of the Prince’s relationship to me. Since Miss Tanner has not held up her end of the deal, I, Eric Vandergaurd name her as the source.”

Addy read out loud from the file. Closing her eyes she shook her head in disbelief.

“I should have trusted you from the moment you knew Harry. I am sorry I didn’t, I just couldn’t believe it….” Her green eyes fell upon his.

“Addy I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Her intentions are not those of a friend anymore. Lindsie crossed the line.” Harry’s arms flew around her, instinctively pulling her body into his in a protective gesture.

“I know Harry. I needed concrete proof before I talked to her. Tell Luther thank you for working so hard on this. I know it must not have been that easy.” Her words muffled against his suit jacket.

“I will Addy.” Harry glanced at his watch; he could not waste a minute longer here. “Addy…” he broke off their embrace. “I need to go… I’m sorry but –”

“Go Harry. I know. I’m ok babe.” She stood up on her tippy toes collecting a series of sweet kisses from the prince. “Go have fun and be a kid!” Addy pressed her lips against his one last time before she hurried him reluctantly out the door.

Standing on the steps she waved at him, watching until his vehicle was no longer in sight. Crossing her arms she sighed wishing he could have stayed longer with her, but they had plans to spend his birthday weekend together and Addy would just have to wait until then.

Closing the door from the cool fall night she quietly paced the front room wondering what her best course of action would be. She did not want this part of her life to drag on any longer, or give it more attention then it deserved. It was best if she confronted Lindsie head on and by herself. Harry would only make things worse if he were to be here for it all to unfold.

Knowing the prince would not be keen on her idea to face Lindsie alone, she knew she had to do it. Addy did not have the heart to inform her boyfriend that she was going to invite Lindsie over tonight and hash it out. She had the proof she needed and it was about time she stood up for herself against Lindsie.

Ringing her hands nervously Addy teetered back and forth on the sofa mentally going through everything she wanted to say to Lindsie. She had invited over her friend after receiving substantiated proof that she was indeed the source of the leak. The leak of her relationship to Harry had changed her life dramatically. Of course she knew if she were to continue the relationship with Harry that eventually it was bound to get released, but to have a close so called friend attack her so personally made her stomach flip back and forth at the mere thought of her betrayal.

Addy had spared Harry of the details that she was going to be confronting Lindsie on her own. He had to attend an event with his patronage Well Child and she did not want him to be distracted. Finding it best to tell him after the fact, she knew he would not be entirely happen with her decision, but it was best if she herself confront her friend.

Chance barked loudly seeing a figure flash through the front window followed behind by a light knock at the door. It was time to finally face her. Swallowing a lump in her throat she took a deep breath building up her courage within her.

“Hey Lindsie!” Addy greeted her warmly faking a wide smile. She did not want to alert Lindsie to the intentions of her invitation. All she told Lindsie was that she needed a friend to hang out with and that she did not want to be alone.

“Addy! Ooooh I have missed you gorgeous.” Lindsie kissed both of Addy’s cheeks before stepping into Addy’s parents home.

“It has been ages since I have actually been here! Our families will have to get together again soon!” Lindsie beamed with a wide smile. She was dressed up like she was going to a fashion show, but of course this was the way she always looked. Lindsie would not step foot outside of her home without a nice pair of heels and a well placed mask of makeup and hair.

“Come sit. Do you want anything to drink?” Addy offered, still wanting to be polite to her. Sitting down on the chair Lindsie nodded and asked for a tea. Chance started to snarl at her making the blonde woman jump in her seat.

“Sorry he isn’t normally like this. He’s not been himself lately.” Internally she was laughing knowing that Chance even knew that Lindsie was not the type of person to be around.

Returning from the kitchen, Addy handed Lindsie a cup of tea carrying her own back to her spot on the sofa. Taking a sip the two friends eyed each other over the rims of the tea cups. 

“Well how are things going?” Lindsie relaxed comfortably in the chair. Don’t get too comfortable now Lindsie. Addy’s mind thought.

“Busy, but good. Keeps my mind off of everything else.” Adalyn took another sip of her tea, replaying what she was going to say to Lindsie one last time.

“Why are you staying out here?” Angling her head at Addy, she acted like she was not guilty in the least.

“Harry thought it was best for me. The media has been camped outside my place for a while trying to get a snap of anything I do. They follow me around like dogs as if I am some play toy of theirs.” Addy’s voice growled at the fact wanting to gauge Lindsie’s reaction.

“I bet it’s been hard. I sent you some messages, but figured you were dealing with so much that you would reach out when you were doing better.” Lindsie offered a sweet fake smile. Addy was starting to get annoyed with the bullshit Lindsie was spewing out of her mouth and acting like she had nothing to do with it when Addy knew otherwise. It was time to cut to the chase and really get things.

“I know. There’s a reason why.” Addy started, placing her cup of tea down as her mind was screaming at her to toss it on Lindsie’s thousand dollar Gucci dress. 

“I invited you over here because I needed to talk with you about something…” Addy took in a breath. “Do you know why Lindsie?” Addy called her out. Slowly turning her head she locked eyes with the blonde. “Why someone would betray a friend and talk about them in the press like that and all for what?” Staring her down hard with cold green eyes she watched Lindsie squirm in her spot.

“No idea.” Lindsie laughed nervously trying to down play it all. “Let’s talk about something else, get your mind off of it all! That’s why I am here!” The blonde tired to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Adalyn subtly rolled her eyes at her. Lindsie was guilty it was so evident. She had enough of Lindsie walking all over her. It was time she finally stood up for herself and showed Lindsie she was not to be messed with. Addy was tired of people taking advantage of her trust and tossing it back at her all stomped on without a care. 

“I have something I would like to talk about.” Addy’s lips spread into a sinister grin. Their eyes locked for a brief second before Lindsie’s shied away from hers. She can’t even look me in the eyes.

“Arthur.” The name rolled off of her tongue. Lindsie flinched, her mouth dropped open in shock.

“Addy? What about him?” Shocked that her friend would bring up such a delicate subject for her. 

“He didn’t die in a car accident did he Lindsie…?” Addy trailed off leaving it up to Lindsie to explain.

“What did Harry tell you?” Her fists balled up in rage spitting out the name of her boyfriend. 

“The truth.” Shaking her head at her friend she wanted to know why. “Why did you lie about all of it? Lie that he died of an overdose.” Addy slowly shook her head in disbelief. It was like the person in front of her had turned a switch and became this whole new personality, completely different from the Lindsie she had known her to be. 

“Harry is the one telling the lies Addy! You cannot see it for yourself! He is going to hurt you and ruin you in the process Adalyn!” Lindsie stood up swiftly with raised arms. Taking a few steps closer to Adalyn she sat right beside her. Stiffening her body preparing for an attack Addy was on high alert, unsure how to read this new side of Lindsie.

“Harry wouldn’t do that…” Addy had to stand up for him. “I know him better than that Lindsie. You do not understand what our relationship is like.” 

“Don’t you see it?” Her voice grew quieter. “I was trying to warn you the other night Addy. I care about you…” Lindsie placed her hand on Addy’s thigh squeezing it lightly. Harry was right about Lindsie. She was trying to get between them, trying to get revenge on Harry through her. 

“I do see it.” Addy smiled warmly at her friend. “I now see what Harry was trying to tell me all along…” Lindsie leaned back, patiently waiting for Addy to continue. 

“You leaked it.” 

“No I didn’t-” Lindsie tried to talk her way out of it.

“LINDSIE! SHUT THE FUCK UP WILL YOU?!” Addy screamed at her finally having enough of her trying to talk her way out of it. It was over, she was caught red handed. “I KNOW IT WAS YOU!”

“I have proof Lindsie!” Addy went and grabbed the folder Harry had given her earlier that evening. “The journalist gave you up! You told them everything about me; about Harry and me. YOU EVEN GAVE THEM THAT PICTURE!” Rage was all Addy could see.

This woman who had the audacity to lie straight to her face. This woman who had been her friend since she was eight years old. This woman who she had comforted while her so called boyfriend was killed in an accident. This woman had changed her life the moment she opened her mouth and sold her out, letting her hang out to dry to the media world.

“Addy I can explain…” Lindsie swayed her head back and forth. 

“HOW CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT?! YOU ARE DELUSIONAL LINDSIE!” Addy still could not fathom the idea after everything they had been through.

“How could you do that to me….” Her voice grew soft, pleading to be given an ounce of understanding why her friend would betray her. “What have I ever done to hurt you so so bad that you felt the need to uproot my whole life….” Addy sat back down beside a jolted Lindsie.

Addy could see the rage circling in the blonde’s eyes. “It’s all because of the self righteous bastard Harry!” Lindsie turned her eyes away from Addy. “He is trying to steal you away from me, another person that I care about. Come on Addy, you can’t see because he has you under his grip. He is using you…” 

Lindsie tried to coax her way into Adalyn’s mind. Addy had to give her credit, she was a great manipulator, but the truth was she had been under Lindsie’s grip all this time, not Harry’s.

“I never and I mean never.” Addy her voice was cold and hard. “Want to hear you speak his name ever again. He is ten times better of a human being than you.” Addy glared her down. 

“You are tossing nearly twenty years of friendship down the drain all for a boy?” Lindsie leaned back appalled that Addy had the balls to say that to her face.

“No Lindsie.” Addy shook her head. “You did that the minute you ran to the media screaming from the top of the hill to whoever would listen to you. You were desperate that night because the attention was no longer on you. You couldn’t stand the idea that one of your friends was dating a prince. Even after you yelled and embarrassed me in front of everyone I stupidly believed that you were only hurt. I ran after you and apologized because I didn’t want to lose you as a friend.”

“But you ran to the press and betrayed my trust after everything I have done for you.” Tears were starting to form in her eyes. Trying to mask them she did not want Lindsie to think for a second that she was weak for fear that she would use it to her advantage to manipulate her. 

After a few moments of silence Lindsie’s head lowered in defeat. “I am sorry Addy. I couldn’t stand the thought of you being with him. I hate him for tearing Arthur and me apart. I am sorry I lied to you…”

Sitting quietly beside her on the sofa Addy patiently waited while Lindsie went on to explain everything. Why she had lied about Arthur in fear of being judged and treated differently, why she had been so jealous of her climbing social status being Harry’s girlfriend and most importantly why she had leaked it.

“I thought that if everyone knew about your relationship, you wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure and Harry would lose you. I had no idea that you were that close to him, that your relationship would have ever been possible to survive it. I honestly thought he was using you to get to me and what he was feeling for you was fake… but now I know better.” She sniffled, wiping away tears.

Addy hated the mere thought that she didn’t even know if they were genuine tears; that her apologies weren’t authentic to even mean anything to her.

“Can we still be friends?” Lindsie lifted her head, locking eyes with Addy.

“I don’t know if I could ever trust you again….” Addy spoke the truth. She would forever be on edge if she were around Lindsie.

“Please Addy… I don’t want to lose you as a friend.” Lindsie started crying holding on to Addy’s arm while she begged to her.

“I don’t know Lindsie. I need time away from you for now. You hurt me, you broke my faith in you and it would be hard to ever fully get back to where we once were.” Confessing the truth Addy waited for Lindsie’s reply.

“Please try Addy. I fucked up. I know I did.” Lindsie continued her pleading. Was it pleading? Or was it her being manipulative again? “I will do whatever it takes…”

Sighing Addy drew in a deep breath wanting this conversation to finally be done. “I don’t know what happened to the person I used to know, but I know that somewhere she is deep down inside of you. That person would not have stabbed her friend in the back like you did. I will never ever understand why no matter how many reasons you give me.”

“I cannot agree to anything right now. I am too hurt to even think straight. I need space and time and a lot of it right now….” Addy sighed again, placing her hands firmly on her knees. “But, I am willing to reevaluate our friendship in a while and see where it’s at. I will be civil to you and may consider it on one condition…”

Lindsie piped her head up with hopeful eyes staring back at Addy. “If I even get a hint that you talked again to the press about me or Harry I am forever through with you. I cannot say I can forgive you yet for what you did…”

“I promise Addy!” Lindsie smiled brightly against her tear stained cheeks. “I wont’ do it again, I won’t even talk about you to anyone! I just want my friend back.”

It broke Addy to hear her say that. Addy had to say something to keep Lindsie from further talking to the press. It was her only bargaining tool she had. The thought of ever staying friends or reconnecting with Lindsie was something that would never be attainable.

Lindsie waved goodbye after giving Addy a friendly hug.  Waving in return, Addy closed the door securing it tightly.