Sit! Stay! Speak! by Annie England Noblin Page B

like years since the last time she’d felt this way. And truthfully, it had been.
    â€œWe’ve got a real treat for y’all tonight,” the lead singer of the band crowed from the makeshift stage in the back. “We’re gonna play two brand-new songs. Come on out onto the floor for a listen!”
    There was a cheer from the crowd. People began to take their drinks and move toward the stage. Wanda grabbed Addie by the wrist. “C’mon! You ain’t gonna want to miss this!”
    â€œI can see from here just fine,” Addie said. In fact, she could see more than just fine. She could see that woman’s hand on Jasper’s arm. She could see her whispering something to him as he stood up to walk toward the stage. She didn’t want to get any closer.
    But Wanda wasn’t having it. “Come on, ” she urged. “Trust me; you don’t want to miss this.”
    Begrudgingly, Addie followed her into the ocean of people. She followed her all the way to the back of the bar until they were standing next to Jasper.
    â€œHey,” he yelled over the music. “I wondered where you went.”
    â€œI’m here with Bobby and Wanda.”
    â€œWhat?”
    After several failed attempts to reply, Addie shook her head at him. She turned to Wanda, but she had disappeared into the crowd. The music finally stopped, and Addie felt relieved. She just wanted to go back to their table at the front—far away from Jasper and that woman.
    â€œCome on over here for a minute,” Jasper said. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
    â€œI better go find Wanda.”
    Jasper motioned for her to follow.
    â€œI’m tired of following people tonight,” Addie grumbled. “You are all so bossy.”
    â€œHold that thought.” Jasper waved at a man at another table. “Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”
    Addie sat down next to the woman and tried to muster a smile. “Hi.”
    â€œHello,” the woman replied. “You must be Adelaide. Jasper has told me so much about you. I’m Harper.”
    Her lips were the kind of red that Addie had seen only on the covers of magazines. “It’s nice to meet you,” Addie replied.
    â€œJasper tells me you just moved to town?”
    â€œA few weeks ago.” Addie wondered what else Jasper had told her. “How do you know Jasper?”
    â€œOh, Jas and I go way back. I’ve known him since law school.”
    Great. A beautiful lawyer. “So you’re a lawyer, too?”
    Harper nodded. “I’m Jasper’s partner in Memphis.”
    The way she said partner made Addie’s stomach hurt. She looked past Harper to Jasper. He caught her eye and winked. She looked away. “What brings you down to Eunice?”
    â€œJasper and I had some business to take care of.” Harper took a sip of her drink. “We always come to Jennie’s afterward.”
    â€œThat’s right,” Jasper chimed in, appearing in front of them. “Just crossing some t’s and dotting some i’s.” He sat down next to Harper.
    Harper reached down and placed her hand on Jasper’s leg. “Adelaide and I were just getting to know each other. You know how much I enjoy meeting your friends.”
    â€œWell, it was nice meeting you.” Addie stood up. “I really need to go find Wanda. I hope you two have a great night.” She turned around and hurried as fast as she could to the front of the bar. Her head was swimming.
    â€œWhat’s wrong, Miss Addie?” Bobby asked when she reached the bar. “Your face is all flushed.”
    â€œI just need another drink is all.”
    â€œWhat can I get ya?” Jennie asked.
    â€œSomething strong.”
    â€œYou got it.”
    â€œI seen you back there talking to Jasper,” Bobby said. “Did he say somethin’ he shouldna?”
    Addie tipped back the shot. And then another.