Page 156 of Double Standards

“See.”

“Well, if you’re organizing my baby shower then you’ll have to.”

Lexie’s expression softens, just a little. But not enough. “Would it bother you if I didn’t?” she asks, her voice gentler now.

“I would prefer it if my two favorite people got along.” I glance back down at the menu, praying she’s not about to give me some kind of ultimatum. It’s not like her, but hormones make me irrationally braced for the worst.

“Fine,” she sighs, pushing her sunglasses to the top of her head. “If it will make you happy, I will make an effort.”

I smile at her less-than-thrilled agreement, knowing I’ll have to work on Axel too. Still, I’m content, until I see her face shift again, the joy draining as something darker sets in.

“What’s wrong, Lex?” I reach for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She can’t hide things from me, not for long. I know every flicker of her expression, every little twitch of emotion. She might try to dodge the question, but I see her.

“Can’t a girl catch up with her best friend?” she deflects, flashing a mischievous smile.

“She can.” I raise a skeptical brow. “But when said best friend is being evasive, I wanna know what’s got them twisted?”

“Trigger Colombo,” she mutters under her breath. So quiet I almost think I imagined it.

“Who?”

“Trigg—”

“Trigger did this to you!” I shout, standing halfway out of my chair. My nostrils flare as panic rises. I dig through my bag for my phone, ready to light him up.

“No!” she grabs my wrist, stopping me. “He…”

I freeze as she swallows, something unreadable in her eyes. And just as I brace myself for the worst?—

“I think he saved me.”

I collapse back into the chair, stunned.

She doesn’t break eye contact, watching the shock register on my face. I nod, giving her the go-ahead to explain. And she does—softly, carefully—telling me what happened nearly a week ago.

“Wow.” My lips move, but the words catch in my throat. I cough, grounding myself. “And you’re sure it was him?”

She nods silently.

“But you didn’t see?—”

“Iknowit was him!” she snaps, voice quivering more than she realizes. “I just know.”

I tilt my head, studying her. There’s more here—more than just a near miss or a rescue. It’s not about her case anymore. The way she says his name, the softness behind it… she doesn’t even realize the fondness laced in her voice.

Now it’sherturn to fumble with the napkin, tearing the edge like I did earlier. She looks at me, pleading.

“I need to call in that favor.”

“A favor?” I frown. Lexie never asks me for favors.

“You know from when?—”

“I know,” I say, serious now, but calm. She’s referring to the time I asked her to check phone records for Axel’s case. We all cash in favors eventually.

“Go on,” I sigh. “What do you need?”

“I need to speak tohim.”

The end…

…for now.