I finally found my voice, although it was difficult to speak past the lump in my throat. "What the hell do you mean? You're the one that lured me into your apartment! Is this some kind of setup to humiliate me?"

Jackson shook his head sadly. "Emma, I had no idea I would bump into you at Andrews. And I have no idea what Claire is doing here. Should I send her away?"

"By all means, invite her up," I replied acidly. "Let's see what the bitch wants."

Jackson sighed heavily, not moving to take Sam off hold. "I don't want to do anything to hurt you. I can tell Sam not to let her up."

I laughed, not caring about the note of hysteria I heard in my voice. "It's a little too late for that. It'll be interesting to see you two together. We can have a happy little reunion."

Jackson watched me for a few moments, and then leaned down to press the button taking Sam off hold. "Send her up." He pressed the button to disconnect the call and walked towards me. Despite my anger, I had to resist the urge to take a step back. I had a feeling that whatever pain I had felt these past couple of months was nothing compared to the pain I was going to feel in a few moments. It was masochistic of me, but now I had a driving need to see them together. To confirm their betrayal with my own eyes.

"Emma," Jackson urged quietly. "I don't know why Claire is here. After we fought, I texted her and told her that I wasn't going to meet up with her and for her to never contact me again. I swear it."

I stared at Jackson's earnest expression, calling myself a million kinds of fool for wanting to believe him. I pressed my lips together, not responding, and Jackson just sighed, running his hand through his hair. He grimaced when he heard the knock at the door and stalked towards it. I was out of view in the living room when he opened the door but I could clearly hear their conversation.

"Claire, what are you doing here?"

"Jackson, I'm sorry to bother you but I had to talk to you." The sound of Claire's voice set my teeth on edge and my hands curled into fists. Hearing her say Jackson's name made me want to tear her hair out.

"How did you even know I was in town?"

"Mia told me. Don't be mad at her. I told her I had something important to say to you, and that I had to say it in person."

"So say it." I was surprised at how cold Jackson's voice sounded. I had a niggling feeling that he had been telling the truth, that he hadn't seen Claire in years. Their conversation certainly sounded like they hadn't seen each other in a while.

"Can I come in?" Claire asked hesitantly. There was a heavy pause and I tensed as I heard the door close and footsteps coming closer into the living room. I held my ground, my head held high as I saw Jackson appear with Claire trailing behind him. She looked as gorgeous as ever, her blonde hair shorter now, reaching just below her shoulders. She was wearing grey pants with a slim black belt and a black blouse. With her long black coat and heels, she looked like the matching pair to Jackson's tall good looks showcased in his suit tailored just for his body. It made me feel even sicker.

Claire's eyes widened comically when she saw me, her step faltering. Jackson continued walking into the living room, standing beside me. I couldn't help feeling satisfaction that he had aligned himself with me, facing Claire.

Claire opened her mouth, and then shut it again without speaking. Her gaze flitted from me to Jackson, and then back again to me.

"Surprised?" I asked with derision.

"I...I didn't expect to see you here," Claire said, sounding strained. She looked back at Jackson. "You should have told me Emma was here."

"Why would I want to do that? I have nothing to hide." Jackson was watching Claire appraisingly.

Claire took a step back, looking like a trapped animal. "I can come back."

"No." Jackson and Claire both looked at me at my emphatic protest. "Why leave now when things are just getting interesting?" I smiled and cocked my head, knowing that my smile looked more like a grimace. My taunting tone seemed to get a rise out of Claire, her eyes narrowing.

"Don't blame me because you weren't able to keep Jackson's interest." I wanted to slap the self-satisfied smirk off Claire's face, but Jackson's voice stopped me.

"Don't piss me off, Claire. Just tell me what was so important that you had to weasel my whereabouts from Mia and come over here today."

Claire took a deep breath, taking a step towards Jackson and clearly dismissing me. "Fine. I've waited long enough to say this, and she's not going to stop me from saying it." Claire paused, clenching her hands into fists, before continuing. "Jackson, I love you. I've always loved you. I've been waiting patiently for you to return my feelings. And I thought you did five years ago, but then you just pushed me away. Just give me a chance, Jackson. I know I can make you happy."

Jackson frowned as he watched Claire make her confession. "Claire," he said gently, no longer looking at her derisively. "We were just friends. I'm sorry if you wanted more, but it just wasn't going to happen. We weren't right for each other."

"What the fuck?" Jackson and Claire both turned towards me at my harsh epithet. I was in disbelief over what I was witnessing. "I'm sorry to interrupt your little scene, but I'm not standing here like a moron while you two play out some unrequited love shit in front of me." I grabbed my purse that I had dropped on the couch and stalked towards the hallway leading to the front door, determined to leave this crazy dysfunctional situation behind me. I couldn't stop myself from pausing in front of Claire before I stormed out, feeling hatred ooze out of every pore of my body as I glared at her. I didn't miss the flicker of fear in Claire's eyes as she stared back at me. "I never thanked you for fucking Jackson behind my back. I trusted you, I told you how much I loved Jackson, and all along you were screwing him." I smiled bitterly. "Hopefully one day he can screw around on you, so you know exactly what it feels like."

I marched past her, intending to leave with my dignity intact, when Jackson's voice stopped me.

"Don't move." He didn't raise his voice, but his tone told me I would be foolish to disobey. He sounded as if he was trying to control his fury, which made it all the more frightening.

I felt a hand on my arm and was whipped around. I looked up at Jackson's face mutinously, despite feeling a little afraid by his fierce expression. I glanced at Claire behind him and she looked pale, her eyes glazed in fear. I didn't know why Jackson was so angry, and I was apprehensive about it, but Claire looked like she was terrified.




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