Chapter 16: Jamie

Sunday. Liberty Bar, Washington, DC.

JAMIE SAT STARING AT his phone in a back booth of the Liberty Bar.

He had no idea why she was forcing his hand. Maybe she didn't like owing anything? If that were the case, he'd probably just screwed himself over with the order. Whatever her reason was, he was curious and nervous about seeing her again in a casual setting.

His phone chimed with a single word text: Here.

Jamie placed his phone face down on the furthest edge of the table and watched the front doors of the trendy bar for her familiar red hair.

Sure enough, a moment later the entry lights glinted off that messy bun.

Jamie stood, catching her eye from across the bar.

Damn, he couldn't decide if he were lucky or cursed.

She'd changed from her business clothes into a loose fitting blue dress belted at the waist. It had some kind of little print on it he couldn't make out.

Tabby's smile was different. Stiff.

"What's wrong?" he asked as she got closer.