Chapter 38: Cheers To Us
Jake arrived at Vanessa's apartment just shy of midnight. The sound of his car pulling up made Vanessa glance at the clock with a smile. She was already in her silk robe, pouring herself a glass of wine when the knock came.
"Come in," she called, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips.
Jake stepped inside, looking impatient but pleased. "Well? How did it go?" he asked, closing the door behind him.
Vanessa's grin widened as she gestured for him to sit. "Pour yourself a drink," she said, swirling her glass dramatically. "You'll want to savor this."
Jake rolled his eyes but did as she said. "Quit stalling, Nessa," he pressed. "What happened? Did you succeed?"
"Where should I start?" she asked, and he grinned.
"From the top. I want to know everything," Jake said since it was obvious Vanessa had succeeded; otherwise, she wouldn't be in such a good mood or even ask him over if she hadn't.
Vanessa perched on the armrest of the couch, savoring his anticipation before diving into her story.
She started by explaining how she'd gotten Alex to help her inside, leaning on him more than necessary. "He was stiff as a board," she said with a laugh. "The drug was working, but he was fighting it."
Once they were in the bedroom, she said, Alex had collapsed onto the bed, making her anxious enough to call him.
"So, what did you do after the call?" Jake asked and Vanessa's lips curled in a coy smile.