Chapter 58: A ridiculous misunderstanding.
Bridget’s eyes widened. "Willow Taylor? The one you admired?"
Bella nodded, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Yes, she is the one I admired. Thanks to Theodore, she is taking on Brico’s latest project. They’re obviously close, and it’s evident in the way they look at each other. Something is going on between them. Theodore lied to me."
Joe, who had been silently observing the exchange, furrowed his brow, growing pensive. "Maybe they are just business partners or good friends," he offered cautiously. "If he had feelings for this Willow woman, why wouldn’t he have married her? Why choose you? I am telling you, Bella...there is more to this than meets the eye."
But Bella, her judgment clouded by alcohol and a bruised heart, was deaf to his words. "He lied," she muttered with despair. "Lied about liking me. He has someone else in his heart."
Bridget and Joe exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to console their friend. They knew they had to help her see the bigger picture, but at that moment, all they could do was offer their presence and support.
Bridget gently took the shot glass from Bella’s hand, while Joe placed a comforting arm around her shoulders, hoping she would find some solace in their company.
Bella kept mumbling something, with a hurtful look on her face.
"Let’s go home, Bella," Bridget said gently, tapping on her shoulder. "Joe, help me."
They each took one of Bella’s arms, lifting her to her feet and guiding her out of the bar. The night air was crisp. Bridget and Joe shivered slightly, but Bella seemed oblivious to the change in temperature, her lips still forming the same mumbled accusations.
They were just outside when they caught sight of Theodore ushering Willow into a car, his hand lingering on the roof for a moment as he leaned in to speak with the woman behind the wheel.