it together. She just needed confirmation. Lindsay was more than 90% certain Henderson was bowlin’ a whole lot of 7 - 10 splits. That’s the best one she could come up with.

In Lindsay’s estimation, it could be why Jaime got

D. The times she came to work in yesterday’s outfit hadn’t gone unnoticed. Her ability to continue a conversation from a text she never answered? Classic. Even the fact that her new gym was part of the same chain Henderson worked for. Lindsay had pieced

“all up in her batter’s box,” or “take some free kicks,” or Lindsay’s favorite, “dunkin’ from the free throw line.” No play-by-play commentary— not tonight. Tonight had to be like any other night wherein Jaime shared nothing about her personal life.

Lindsay knew Jaime was periodically gettin’ the

silent.

‘Not in the same league, even — as Henderson.’

Lindsay recovered in half a second. Adjusted her posture and smoothed her expression.
She had planned to act surprised that Jaime had gone against her often-stated rule and let a pro ball player get

‘110mm heel, just like I taught her’

It was a captivating and elegant version of a parent seeing a baby walk for the first time.

Lindsay read the man as reasonably handsome — adequate for this crowd.

‘Just not Henderson.’

Well-dressed. Well-placed. Strategically

the firm’s secrets. This is one of the few times Lindsay saw Jaime in heels. Jaime knew when and where to deploy an FMP but this time, she hadn’t gone to DSW. This was a new pair from this year’s collection.

well — until it didn’t.

Jaime walked elegantly at her escort’s side. Her hair was styled in a French twist — a more formal version of the ponytail she uses when crawling under desks and into cramped access spaces to install and connect the hardware that held all

strength and conditioning curriculum developer for a chain of fitness centers. Before their breakup, Lindsay and Charleston set up Jaime and Henderson on a mutually blind date. It went

Henderson Lowery is Charleston’s fraternal twin. They only resemble each other in height and complexion, but Henderson is built of a more athletic frame. Now that the brothers are in their 30s and Henderson has aged out of top level competition, he works as a

A man in a tailored suit offered Jaime his elbow and expertly escorted her toward the row of paparazzi.

‘Still —not Henderson.’

He handed off their calling card and guided her toward Lindsay and Terry.

‘Not even in the same league as Henderson.’

a hand of assistance wasn’t one of the chauffeurs or security staff Lindsay could recognize.

‘Who the fuck is that?’

Lindsay’s breath caught—not from surprise, but recalibration.

‘It sure as hell isn’t Henderson!’

function more like sisters and always look out for each other, often running interference and providing advice when faced with toxic behavior both in office politics and personal relationships.

Jaime — poised, stepped out of the company Escalade. The man offering

a Burn Notice — with happy tears.

While technically a subordinate, Jaime has become a valued friend and trusted confidante. It hasn’t been without pain, but like good friends do, they’ve moved past it and further forward. Jaime and Lindsay now

months.

She admired their ability to keep it secret for so long. Jaime’s IT experience required several adjacent skills — one of which was moving like an intelligence operative. Lindsay felt at least a little proud that she had confirmed her suspicions six months ago. Tonight was supposed to be

Lindsay would see Jaime and Henderson together. While getting her face beat in the Fortress, she had practiced her expressions of surprise and astonishment. On the way to the gala, she had almost convinced herself she wouldn’t reveal that she’d suspected it for several

perks. En route, she texted her location. Lindsay knew Jaime would arrive only a couple —maybe a few minutes behind her. She waited so they could share the experience. It would be Jaime’s first time walking the red carpet and posing for a Step-and-Repeat.

Tonight was supposed to be the first time

more than a year apart. 

Jaime had already told Lindsay that she would arrive separately. As management, Jaime enjoyed access to the company’s livery fleet. Even if that were not the case, the IT manager was the one who controlled all the badges, keyfobs and corporate

It’s not often that the arts and the technical communities share a space but when they do, all the stops are pulled. Lindsay and Charleston didn’t attend together, but neither came alone. They knew or at least suspected — hoped that there was a chance to see each other after