Authors' note: Thanks for the reviews, guys! And for not hating us too much over the back to back cliffies. Sometimes, they have to be used. This chapter has more Ethan and Maddie fallout and of course Jared reappears in this chapter, too. We hope you enjoy it! Thanks guys for sticking with us!
CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT
Bree and Ethan both stiffened.
"Maddie," Ethan said cursing his rotten luck. "Please, this isn't--"
"Isn't what I think?" Maddie crossed her arms and stepped back towards the door. "Gosh, this is just like last night. Not what I think my ARSE!"
"Maddie," Bree said coming to Ethan's defence. "It isn't. Ethan was just comforting me. Mason's chucked me..."
"And for the right reasons," Maddie was angrier than she could ever remember being.
"She's not to blame here Maddie," Ethan said. "Look, I know you don't want to believe this, but I think Bree and I were set up..."
"You think," Maddie shook her head. "This whole thing disgusts me," she felt tears well up in her eyes. "I came here today to listen to you and I just found her in your arms again. Once might have been an accident but twice is just too big a coincidence. I guess I'm just glad I didn't walk in ten minutes from now. I really don't want to see either of you starkers."
"Maddie!" Ethan exclaimed.
"Goodbye," she said coldly.
"Mads, wait!" Ethan called after her, but she was already gone.
Harry had seen the blonde run out of the interrogation room and he caught up to her just as she reached the lift.
"Maddie," Harry said gently putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Oh," she said, wiping her eyes. "I didn't hear you."
"Ethan told me what happened sweetheart," Harry said softly.
"I don't understand any of it," Maddie said as fresh tears came to her eyes. "I love him so much and he... he just..."
Harry gave her a hug. "He loves you too, Maddie. I know you don't want to believe that after what you saw, but he does. And I believe him when he says he was set up."
"I just walked in on him holding her," Maddie objected. "I'm sorry but... I just can't be around him right now."
"Bree's had a tough time of it too," Harry said. "Maddie, I know you're hurting..."
"That's the understatement here," she said, looking away from him.
"I know my son Maddie," Harry said. "He loves you more than anyone else in this world."
"I have to go," Maddie said quietly. "I need some time to myself."
"Okay," Harry said. "If you need anything..."
"Thank you," Maddie whispered, before pulling her cloak around her and getting into the lift.
*** *** ***
Saffron, R.J. and Alexa had just arrived in the Great Hall for lunch and were currently sitting down when the mail came.
"Bit early today isn't it?" Saffron asked. "Usually it doesn't come until lunch is halfway over."
"Maybe Puddlemere is already sending me fan mail," R.J. said smugly. "The fans have probably heard what a find I am and are already wanting to shower me with attention... "
Alexa and Saffron shared a look and rolled their eyes. "R.J. trust me, your ego doesn't need any more inflating." Saffron said.
"Says the girl whose ego is almost as heavy as mine," R.J. said. "Speaking of fan clubs, looks like your boyfriend's recruited some new members.
Saffron turned toward the Ravenclaw table where sure enough Peter was sitting surrounded by seven or eight girls who were hanging on his every word.
"It's a good thing I'm not the jealous type," she commented. "And he's only got eyes for me."
"Looks like you two are the only ones who are getting anything," Alexa said as Saffron's owl dropped two fat envelopes for her. R.J. was already tearing into his own letter.
"Alas," R.J. said. "Not a fan...just mum and dad."
"Well, they are your fans," Alexa said laughing.
Saffron wanted to join in the laughter, but her eyes were frozen to the page in front of her. "Oh my God," she whispered.
"What is it?" Alexa asked concern etched across her face. "Saffy..."
"I'm going to kill that bloody wanker!" R.J. said as he read the opening paragraph of his letter.
Saffron snapped her emerald gaze to his. "You'd better not be implying what I think you are," she said, knowing exactly what he was reading. "This has to be a joke."
"Your brother cheated on my sister," R.J. hissed. "I need to get in touch with Josh and Jon and see what we should do..."
"Ethan would never cheat on Maddie," Saffron snapped. "There's obviously a misunderstanding."
"She saw it with her own two eyes," R.J. said angrily. "Do you think my sister is a liar, Saffron? Is that what you're saying?"
"She didn't say that," Alexa said, already gearing herself up for another Saffron-R.J. row.
"Look R.J., Ethan is Maddie's first boyfriend. She probably saw him with another girl and assumed the worst." Saffron folded her arms and gave him a steely glare.
"Assumed the worst?" R.J. asked folding up his letter and sticking it in his pocket. "Yes, well he's going to be sorry he messed with a Weasley is all I have to say about that."
"You of all people should know about misunderstandings," Saffron spat out. "I've got two words for you, R.J.---Christina Grant."
"Big difference there, Saffron," R.J. said icily. "I wasn't dating Lex when that happened."
"But you still kept it from her," Saffron retorted. "And if you do anything to my brother, I'll hex you so bad you'll regret it the rest of your life."
"I'm shaking in my boots," R.J. said sarcastically.
"You damn well better be," Saffron said angrily.
Alexa clamped her hand over R.J.'s mouth. "Okay, you guys please do not do this. This isn't your battle. This is between Ethan and Maddie..."
"It wasn't our battle until Mr. Big Mouth stepped in," Saffron said hotly.
"Saffy," Alexa said. "This has nothing to do with either of you. You both are very loyal to your family. But, you're also friends, most of the time, anyway."
"She thinks her brother can do no wrong," R.J. argued. "She just hates to admit she was wrong, Lex."
"That is so not true," Saffron glared at him. "I know he does wrong- he's wrong all the time. I just know him and I KNOW he'd never do anything to intentionally hurt Maddie!"
"Yeah, I'm sure he didn't intentionally shag some other girl," R.J. said in that same sarcastic tone which only infuriated Saffron even more.
Alexa put her head in her hands.
Saffron stood up and put her hands on her hips. "You are an idiot Ronald Weasley Jr.! You think you're some sort of expert on relationships because you dated one of the biggest slags in school?"
They'd attracted quite a bit of attention and not only from their fellow Gryffindors.
"You are going to keep throwing her in my face for the rest of our lives, aren't you?" R.J. asked standing up as well.
"Guys!" Alexa was between them. "Can we please take this outside the Great Hall?" she hissed.
"If she wants to leave that's fine with me," R.J. said. "She can go write to her cheating brother..."
Saffron poked him hard in the chest. "Don't you dare call him that." she snapped as Peter left the Ravenclaw table to come over by her.
"R.J.," Alexa snapped. "Stop this right now. This is NOT YOUR FIGHT."
"I'm out of here," R.J. said grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.
"Go after him like you always do," Saffron said angrily to Alexa. "Take his side..."
"No," Alexa sat back down. "I'm going to have lunch."
"You're not coming with me?" R.J. asked in surprise.
"She's staying with me," Saffron said smugly.
"I'm not on anyone's side," Alexa said, pouring herself another glass of juice. "But I'm sick and tired of being put in the middle while the two of you tear each other down."
Peter put a hand on Saffron's shoulder. "Why don't we go take a walk?" he suggested.
"I'd like that," Saffron said. "I'll, um, catch up with you later, Lex."
Peter led Saffron away and R.J. sat back down beside his girlfriend.
"I'm sorry Lex," he said.
Alexa shook her head. "Why do you two always have to have a go at each other?" she asked. "It's hard being put between you both. I love you R.J. but Saffron is my best friend."
"We do kind of put you in the middle," R.J. admitted sheepishly.
Alexa stared at him, her eyebrow raised. "Kind of?"
"Okay, we always put you in the middle," he corrected. "I'm sorry, Lexie."
Alexa gave him a grudging smile. "I'm not angry with you. But I would appreciate it if you two would keep out of your siblings' affairs." she winced. "Okay bad pun. But Ethan and Maddie are adults and they'll handle this. Without comments and hexes and whatnot from you lot."
"You're right," R.J. said. "I just...I'm really protective of my sisters." He had never told her about what happened with Drew.
"That's understandable," Alexa said, squeezing his hand. "Most brothers are."
"So, do you and Saffy ever argue about me?" R.J. asked glad that she wasn't angry anymore.
"No," Alexa replied. "I mostly gush about you and she gushes about Peter."
"So, I'm gushable am I?" R.J. asked. "What sorts of things do you gush about? Just out of curiosity, of course."
"That remains to be something between myself and Saffron," Alexa said with a smile. "But yes, you're quite gushable. Especially when you kiss me."
"Like this...." R.J. said leaning in.
"Miss O'Leary," Professor McGonagall said tapping her on the shoulder. "Mr. Weasley..."
"Yes Professor?" Alexa asked, her face as red as her hair.
"I'm sure you and Mr. Weasley are well aware of school policy on fraternization in the Great Hall," McGonagall reminded her.
"We weren't fraternizing," R.J. said innocently. "She, um, she had something in her eye and I was just helping her..."
"Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said sternly.
"We're sorry, Professor," Alexa said.
"I didn't want Alexa to go around with something in her eye," R.J. said. "If you want to go around with that on your conscience..."
Alexa kicked him under the table and smiled innocently at their professor, who gave them a disapproving look before moving on.
"Helping me get something out of my eye?" Alexa asked.
"Best I could come up with under pressure," R.J. said sheepishly.
"You can do better than that," Alexa teased.
"Come for a walk with me before class and I'll show you how much better I can do," R.J. flirted.
"Are you asking me to fraternize with you?" Alexa said batting her eyelashes at him.
"You've done more than just fraternize with me since summer," R.J. replied. "Need I remind you how many nights you've snuck into my bed now?"
"Have you ever thought that I find your bed much more comfortable than mine?" Alexa asked him innocently. "The pillows are softer and the room is actually warmer than mine, too."
"You're warmer because you're right next to me," R.J. said, his eyes gone dark as he smiled at her.
"That's true," she said smiling back at him. "Good thing McGonagall doesn't know about that..."
"And never will if I have anything to say about it," R.J. put his arm around her.
*** *** ***
Despite the fact that Ethan had left their flat, Maddie found it too hard to stay there. She had stayed the previous night at Jon and Allison's and was currently over at Josh and Lizzy's helping her sister in law with the triplets.
"I appreciate you coming over," Lizzy said to Maddie. "It's nice to have an extra set of hands."
"I'm glad to help," Maddie said, mustering a smile.
"Aidan certainly has taken to you," Lizzy said watching Maddie feeding him his bottle.
"He's so darling," Maddie said. "You and Josh are so lucky."
"They're happy and healthy," Lizzy said. "That's all we could have asked for."
Aidan opened his blue eyes and looked up at Maddie, making her smile. "Hello handsome," she said, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
Lizzy knew that was the first genuine smile she'd seen from her sister-in-law in ages. She couldn't imagine what she was going through. Maddie didn't seem to want to talk about it though and Lizzy hadn't pressed her.
"Josh is going to be home soon," Lizzy said. "He was bringing home a pizza. I hope you'll stay."
"That would be lovely," Maddie said gratefully. "Thank you Lizzy."
"We love having you around," Lizzy said smiling at her. From the nursery, she could hear Casey starting to cry. "I'll be right back..."
"Sure," Maddie said, setting Aidan's bottle aside and putting the towel on her shoulder so she could burp him.
The front door swung open and Josh came in carrying a large pizza box. "Liz! I'm home! And I----Maddie? What are you doing here?"
"Hi Josh," Maddie replied. "I was just helping your wife out."
"I'm sure she appreciated that," Josh said setting the box down. "And how's my little guy today?"
"Very full," Maddie said, handing the baby to her brother.
Josh chuckled. "I thought we Weasleys were never full."
Maddie smiled at that. "Perhaps as he gets older, he'll get Dad's stomach."
"Or yours," Josh teased. "It's so good to see you, Madeline."
"Thanks Josh," Maddie replied. "I just... I didn't want to burden Jon and Allie but I just don't want to be at the flat right now."
"You're never a burden, you know that Maddie," Josh said. "We'd do anything for you."
"Thanks Josh," Maddie said appreciatively. "It's nice to know I can lean on you lot."
"Always," Josh said. His eyes lit up when Lizzy came into the room carrying Casey. "There's my two girls."
Lizzy grinned. "Hello love," she kissed her husband.
"Where's Noah?" Josh asked.
"He's still sleeping," Lizzy replied.
"How's work Josh?" Maddie asked, taking Aidan back as Josh set the pizza on the coffee table.
"Busy as always," Josh said. "I'm trying to catch up from all the time I took off."
Maddie nodded as a knock was heard at the door.
"Are we expecting anyone?" Josh asked, heading for the hallway.
Lizzy shook her head. "Not that I know of."
"Drew!" Josh said in surprise as he pulled the door open. "Hey Dar!"
"Joshie!" Darla said enveloping her brother in a big hug.
"Hiya Maddie," Drew said. "We didn't know you were here."
"I just came over to help Lizzy for awhile," Maddie replied, happy to see her sisters.
"How's the house hunting going?" Lizzy asked.
"Good," Drew said, hanging up her cloak.
"We found one near the West End," Darla replied. "It's in a Muggle area, but we're having it set up to the Floo network. And that's where our office will be as well so it's all really convenient."
"We're ready to have you both back for good," Josh said. "And you have to stay for dinner. Right Liz?"
"We'd love to have you," Lizzy said. "Maddie's already agreed to stay."
"Count us in," Darla replied.
"Great!" Josh said happily.
"Let me see my nephew," Darla said, holding her arms out for Aidan.
Drew hung back a little. It had been hard to see her brother and Lizzy with their new babies and not think of all that had happened.
"He's getting so big!" Darla said taking Aidan in her arms.
"Tell me about it," Lizzy said. "I wish I could take a time turner already- I'm scared to blink because when I open my eyes they'll be ready for Hogwarts."
"And this little heartbreaker will be dating by then," Darla said as Lizzy sat Casey in her bouncy seat.
"No she won't," Josh replied immediately.
"Okay Neville," Lizzy teased. "Who wants pizza?"
Maddie hadn't eaten much since the whole situation with Ethan and Bree had begun. "I'm okay right now," she said, even though her stomach was rumbling.
"You are eating," Darla said firmly. "I heard your stomach growling."
Drew put a comforting arm on her sister's. "Come on Mads," she said. "Eat with us."
Darla held out Aidan. "Please Auntie Maddie. Eat the pizza!"
Maddie couldn't help smiling. "Twist my arm..."
"Yay!" Darla said.
"I'll go and get the plates," Drew volunteered.
"Thanks Drew," Lizzy said. "They're in the cupboard above the stove."
"I'll help," Maddie offered.
Drew led the way into the kitchen.
"I'm so glad you two stopped by," Maddie said. She saw the sad look on her sister's face. "Drew..."
"Sometimes it's still hard," Drew confessed in a whisper. "I mean, I don't begrudge the fact that they had three babies Maddie. I just... I see what I'm missing."
Maddie hugged her sister. "I'm so sorry Drew."
"It's okay Mads," Drew replied. "I know you've got enough of your own troubles right now without worrying about me."
"Drew," Maddie said gently. "I should be apologising to you. I've been so wrapped up in what happened with Ethan that I haven't been a very good sister to you."
"I understand," Drew said. "I really do Maddie. I haven't been around either- with the move and all..."
"Are you getting excited about that at least?" Maddie asked.
"I'm looking forward to spending more time with the family," Drew said. "I think... sharing what happened to me while I was in Brighton really helped me realise that I miss all of you so much. Darla's wonderful of course, but sometimes I still really need Mum and Dad, you know?"
"I know exactly what you mean," Maddie said nodding.
"So has Ethan tried to contact you at all?" Drew asked as they began to pull down plates and silverware.
Maddie shook her head. "I haven't been staying at the flat either. It's just too hard."
"It makes it harder when it's someone we've known all our lives like Ethan," Drew said quietly. "Mads I wish there was something I could do for you..."
"You being here is enough," Maddie said giving her another hug. "Having you and Darla back is all that I need."
"Thanks Maddie," Drew smiled at her. "You turned out to be quite the woman you know."
"I had good role models," Maddie said smiling back at her.
"Are you sure you don't want us Weasleys to go over and tell Ethan what we think?" Drew asked. "I know he's practically family and all..."
Maddie laughed. "No, but thanks for the sentiment."
"Will you really be all right?" Drew asked. "I mean... if--"
Maddie didn't want to talk about it anymore. "I'll be fine. I have you guys and I want to help you and Darla anyway that I can. Anything to keep my mind off of Ethan."
"We just want you to be happy Mads," Drew replied.
"And I want the same for you," Maddie said. "Come on, we better get this out to the others before they send in a search party."
"Right," Drew said, picking up the plates. "All right, have you lot polished off that pizza while we took forever getting dishes?"
"We were too busy cooing over the babies," Darla said.
"They are sweet," Drew agreed, smiling down at her niece.
"You can hold her if you want," Lizzy said. "She's not the biggest fan of that bouncy seat. Her brothers though love it."
"I'd love to hold her," Drew said, eagerly accepting the warm, squirmy bundle.
Casey smacked her lips as she looked up at her aunt.
Drew bit her lower lip as she stared down into Casey's innocent blue eyes. "You are the most gorgeous thing," she whispered.
Maddie's heart went out to Drew as she watched her with Casey.
"She really takes to you Drew," Josh said, pulling a cheesy slice of pizza from the pie.
Drew smiled. "She's easy to love, Josh."
"We'll baby sit once we get settled in," Darla offered.
"Famous last words," Lizzy said laughing. "But we'll take you up on that."
Maddie picked at the cheese on her slice of pizza, taking only little bites at a time.
"Is Frankie still having her party?" Darla asked eager to keep her sister's mind off of Ethan. "Drew and I aren't going to be able to go."
"Yes she is," Maddie replied. "It's a shame you'll miss it, she's really going all out."
"Duty calls," Darla said. "Some big Muggle wedding. You wouldn't believe the things we've had to do to satisfy this couple. Complete snobs."
"Tell us more," Josh knew they were trying to cheer Maddie up. "Bride-zilla?"
Drew nodded. "Completely. She makes Frankie's friend Alicia look like a saint. She keeps changing her mind. First she wants this and the next minute she wants that. Her father has spent I don't know how much on this wedding and it's still not good enough for her."
"Not to mention the groom is a complete letch," Darla chimed in. "Hits on anything that moves."
Lizzy shook her head. "Makes me glad I got myself a nice guy," she smiled at her husband.
Josh grinned. "Did you hear that? I'm a nice guy."
Drew thumped him on the arm. "We always knew that Joshie."
"Now Jon on the other hand," Darla laughed. "Allie really tamed him down."
"He wasn't that bad," Drew said in Jon's defence.
"Oh come on," Darla said. "He wasn't ever nasty or anything, but he had a bit of a roving eye until he fell in love with Allison. After that he was a one woman man."
"He never dated anyone until Allie," Drew said. "And he never kissed anyone either."
"He hadn't?" Josh asked. "How did you know?"
"I might have overheard him talking to Allie once or twice," Drew said blushing. "Give me a break! I was a little sister. That's what we do!"
Maddie pulled at a string of cheese, feeling a bit removed from the conversation. She felt bad, because she knew her brother and sisters were just trying to help her out, but she couldn't help thinking about Ethan; about how much she missed seeing him, and being with him.
"That doesn't mean he never fancied anyone before Allie," Josh continued.
"Of course he wasn't in lurrrrve with Julie like some people," Drew teased.
"Or wrote them poetry," Darla chimed in, laughing.
Josh glared at his twin sisters. "I wrote like two poems and you lot act as if I wrote a book. Lizzy, I'm going to pay for those two poems the rest of my life."
Lizzy smiled innocently at him. "I didn't say anything about it."
"I sometimes wonder what life would have been like if you and Jon had been as close as Uncle George and Uncle Fred," Darla said. "And then I wake up screaming."
"We'd probably have turned out like you two," Josh retorted as Noah started to wail. "Be right back..."
"At least they're waking up in shifts Lizzy," Darla said. "Not all at once."
"Why don't you come back at around three in the morning and watch them crying in chorus," Lizzy said laughing.
"Do they really do that?" Maddie asked.
"Not all the time, but it has happened," Lizzy said. "Noah and Aidan try to out squeal their sister."
"Liz where's the bottle at?" Josh called. "I think Noah's hungry!"
"Coming," Lizzy said rushing into the kitchen.
"Mads?" Darla asked. "You okay?"
"What?" Maddie asked. "Oh... I'm all right, sorry. Just sort of zoned out a bit."
"It's going to be okay," Darla said touching her arm. "It's just going to take time. And we're going to be here to help keep your mind off of it."
"You're welcome to move in with us," Drew said. "We'll have the room. And we'd love to have you."
"I don't know what I want to do yet," Maddie said, pulling her knees up to her chest.
"There's no rush," Darla said. "You just take it one day at a time."
"I guess," Maddie shrugged. "I just wish none of this had ever happened. Part of me wants to go hear him out, and the other part of me is so angry still..."
"I can't believe he hasn't tried to contact you," Drew commented.
Darla put a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. "What did Mum and Dad say about all this?"
"They've been really supportive," Maddie said. "I think it's hard on them too since Ethan's their godson. Mum said it doesn't seem like something he'd do."
"All right," Josh and Lizzy came back in with Noah, both unaware of the conversation taking place. "Now all three monsters are awake."
"That's because they know all of their fabulous aunts are here," Darla said grinning at her brother. "They didn't want to miss one second with us."
Maddie smiled again as Casey was passed to her. "I just can't get over how precious she is. How sweet all three of them are."
"I know," Lizzy said. "They're little angels, all three of them."
"They'll make the both of you grey once they're around two years old," Darla said with a wicked grin.
"Probably," Lizzy said laughing. "That's why we'll enjoy this while we can."
*** *** ***
Jared couldn't believe how well things were falling into place. Maddie and Ethan had been on the outs for a couple of weeks. She showed up to work everyday feeling down and he was there to play the supportive friend, offering her advise and a shoulder to cry on. It was only a matter of time before that shoulder to cry on would turn into more. He could feel her in his grasp.
Today, he was planning on suggesting a night out to clear her head. He had everything planned. He'd wine her, he'd dine her and then she would be his in every way imaginable. He'd do what that tosser Potter wasn't man enough to do.
He strode into the office confidently, ready to start his final plan. What he didn't count on was the large bouquet of flowers that was impossible to miss on Maddie's desk.
He already knew who they were from. Making sure no one was looking, he opened up the card.
"I miss you," he snorted. "Love Ethan."
Jared pocketed the card. Maddie was still quite vulnerable and Potter obviously wasn't going to go away quietly. If he didn't act now, he'd lose his chance.
He slipped out of her office and back into his, positioning his chair so he could see every move she made once she got in. He'd been working only a quarter of an hour before Maddie arrived, her hair dishevelled and her eyes puffy and tired.
He saw her take off her cloak revealing her usual jumper and flowing skirt. Tonight, he thought wickedly, he'd find out exactly what was under those clothes.
"Morning," he said, coming over with a cup of coffee in his hand. "With cream and three sugars, just how you like it."
"Thanks Jared," She said taking the cup. "You've been so wonderful these past few days." She looked at the flowers, but there was no card. "Jared, do you know who sent these?"
Jared shrugged, hoping he looked innocent. "They were already there when I got here a little while ago."
"Did you--?" Maddie asked. "Are these from you?" She tried to hide her disappointment. She'd thought they might have been from Ethan.
"Wish I could take the credit," Jared said, thinking he could play it cool. "They're pretty nice."
"They're beautiful," Maddie said leaning down to take in their scent. "My favourites actually."
"I'll have to keep that in mind," he flirted lightly.
"How was your night?" she asked sitting down. "I'm sorry I kept you after your shift. You were really sweet to stay with me."
"It's no problem Mads," Jared smiled at her. "It was okay I guess. Anya's been out of town so I was glad to keep you company."
"She can't appreciate all the time you've spent with me," Maddie said. "You've been such a great friend."
"You've been a great friend for me as well," Jared said. "If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be mooning over what's her face..." he laughed.
Maddie laughed. "You've made real progress Jared. Now you can't even remember old what's her face's name."
"Corduroy?" Jared asked innocently.
"That's her," Maddie said still laughing. "You're the only one who's made me laugh in the past few days."
"Nice to know I'm good for something," he smiled. "Listen, what say you and I go for dinner tonight? I want to help keep your spirits up."
"I don't know if I'm up for it," Maddie said.
"Oh come on," Jared pressed. "If not, I'll have to sit in my lonely flat all by myself and start mooning over that Corduroy again until Anya gets back."
"I wouldn't want to have that on my hands," Maddie said with a smile. "Okay, but I'll warn you ahead of time, I probably won't be that much fun."
"You'll be fine," Jared smiled, while inwardly he was already celebrating. "We'll just head out from here okay?"
"Okay," Maddie agreed. "I need to talk to Smythe, but I'll catch up with you later."
"Sure," he squeezed her arm and headed back to his own desk, his smile becoming a victorious grin.
Maddie spent the morning going over some visions with Smythe. She was glad that she had work to keep her mind off of what had happened with Ethan.
"There's some excellent notes on that particular case," Smythe was saying. "I gave them to Jared last week. Do you want to go and grab those for me? We can go over them in more detail."
"All right," Maddie agreed. "I'll go get them and be right back."
Maddie made her way to Jared's office which was now empty. He usually went for coffee around this time. She moved around some paperwork on his desk and in doing so dropped some papers on the floor. Kneeling down to pick them up, she caught sight of a small white card.
Her blood ran cold as she recognised the untidy scrawl. "I miss you," she read in a trembling whisper. "Love Ethan..." this was obviously the missing card from the flowers on her desk this morning. Why did Jared have it and more importantly, why had he pretended he didn't know who they were from? Forgetting about the notes, Maddie straightened up and went to look for him.
Someone in her department said she'd seen him go up on the roof with a friend of his for a smoke.
"So you going to come out with us tonight?" Jared's friend Alex asked.
"No," Jared said taking a drag on his cigarette. "I have bigger plans. Much bigger plans."
"These plans involve that hot little brunette you been toting around for the past few months?" Alex asked with a grin.
"That slag?" Jared asked shaking his head. "No, I'm more into blondes this week. One, in particular."
"Oh yeah?" Alex was interested. "Tell me more."
"You know that girl I work with," Jared began. "Maddie? Complete picture of purity, sweetness and innocence."
"I think I've seen her," Alex replied. "You planning on..." he raised his eyebrows.
"I've been planning on since the moment I met her," Jared said laughing. "Alex, she's got this long, flowing blonde hair, amazing blue eyes and legs that won't quit. And best of all, she's as naive as can be. Bought everything I ever told her. You remember that girl I dated for like three days...Cordelia?"
"Who could forget?" Alex said with a smirk. "Took you forever to get her in the sack."
"Well I kind of told Maddie that Cordelia was the love of my life and she broke things off with me when she found out I was a Seer," Jared said tossing his cigarette on the ground and stamping it with his foot. "She bought it hook, line and sinker."
"No way," Alex snorted. "That's classic mate."
"It gets better," Jared said. "You know who her boyfriend is? Ethan Potter, Son of the Boy Who Lived. Well, guess what, he's the Boy Who Can't Close the Deal. Can you believe this---he's living with that fox and hasn't shagged her brains out. Not even once!"
"What an idiot," Alex finished his cigarette.
"Well, he's out of the picture now," Jared said smugly. "You remember that old bait and switch routine of mine? It always comes in handy."
"You mean where you drug something to drink then put two people together starkers and then drop a bottle of Firewhisky in the room somewhere?" Alex grinned. "Excellent."
"Works every time," Jared said taking out another cigarette.
Maddie slammed the door. "YOU BASTARD!"