Episode 16

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Part 77: An Offer for Nikki

Jadon’s phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen… Malcolm. He hesitated for a moment before answering.

“Jadon, I need you to come to my office,” Malcolm’s voice was brisk, businesslike.

“What’s this about?” Jadon asked, already feeling an odd tension in the air.

“There’s interest in Nikki,” Malcolm continued. “An agency wants her to audition for a role in a film. I’ve been contacted to facilitate the deal.”

Jadon sat upright, his grip tightening on the phone. “a film… and they contacted you? Not me?”

“I know,” Malcolm admitted, sensing Jadon’s irritation. “But this is a good opportunity for her. Let’s talk in person.”

Jadon inhaled deeply, suppressing his frustration. “Fine. I’ll be there soon.”

*****

When Jadon arrived at Malcolm’s office, he was met with an unexpected presence… Lena. His steps faltered for a second, but he recovered, schooling his expression into one of indifference. Malcolm, sitting behind his desk, didn’t miss the shift in energy between them. He glanced between Jadon and Lena before speaking.

“What’s going on with you two?” Malcolm asked, his keen eyes studying them both.

Neither answered immediately. Jadon crossed his arms, his jaw clenched. Lena tilted her head, offering only a small, unreadable smile.

“Nothing,” Jadon said flatly.

“Nothing,” Lena echoed, but there was something in her voice that hinted otherwise.

Malcolm exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “You two used to work well together.”

Lena turned to him, business taking precedence over whatever unspoken history lingered between her and Jadon. “I’m here because I want to represent Nikki as an actress,” she stated plainly. “She’s an exceptional talent. A natural mimic. She can shift accents flawlessly, and she hasn’t even had formal training. It’s a rare gift.”

Jadon remained silent, but his eyes darkened. He didn’t like where this was going.

“I already have auditions lined up for her,” Lena continued. “One of them is for a superhero movie… big budget, major exposure. We can split the fees. I can get her in front of the top guys.”

Jadon’s jaw tightened. “Nikki is under my representation.”

Malcolm leaned forward. “Jadon, think about it. This could be huge for her. Lena told me about her improv performance the night. She has vocal talent, sure, but acting could take her further. It’s a better fit.”

Jadon shook his head. “No.”

Lena arched a brow. “You haven’t even heard the details.”

“I don’t need to.” His tone was final. Without another word, Jadon turned on his heel and walked out of the office, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

Malcolm sighed, running a hand over his face before turning to Lena. “Ultimately, it’s up to Nikki. He just hasn’t been the same since he lost Roz and Avery. To this day, I really don’t know what happened.”

Lena didn’t respond right away. Instead, she stared at the door Jadon had just walked out of, Malcolm’s words echoing in her mind. Something unreadable flickered in her expression.

Part 78: Unfinished Business

Jadon sat at the far end of the bar, his drink in hand, slowly stirring the ice with his straw. He took a deep breath and exhaled, letting the dim lighting and the quiet hum of conversation soothe his nerves. Seeing Lena again had rattled him more than he cared to admit.

“I knew I’d find you here,” a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. “It’s time we talk.”

He looked up to see Lena sliding into the seat across from him. His stomach twisted with frustration.

“What do you want, Lena?” he asked sharply, keeping his voice low. “Why don’t you understand that no means no?”

“This has nothing to do with Nikki, and you know it.”

Jadon let out a bitter laugh, his tone quiet but scathing. “Lena, everything is always about you. You, you, you! You’re nothing but a taker, but not this time. The answer is no.”

“That’s not fair, and you know it,” she shot back, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Fair?” Jadon’s voice dropped even lower, his words laced with bitterness. “During my time of need, where were you? When I lost everything, where the fuck were you? Not a word! Nothing! We caused it, Lena. We did.”

Her eyes filled with unshed tears. She kept her voice hushed, aware of the people around them. “Roz died of a broken heart well before the accident. You can’t blame me for that. We fell in love. The guilt kills me every day, Jadon. I couldn’t face you or it, so I left.”

Jadon clenched his jaw, his hands tightening into fists on the table. “Yeah, you left. The day after I told her I was leaving… we crashed. The irony! I didn’t want the marriage but she saw it as I didn’t want them, and God made sure to take them from me. Both of ‘em! And you just up and left.”

Lena wiped a tear away, her voice even quieter. “I know I hurt you, but come on, Jadon… the guilt is overwhelming. I couldn’t face it. Couldn’t deal with it. How could we go on after that?”

He looked at her coldly. “The saddest part is, it took THAT for us to come to our senses. For us to end it. And you know what? I deserve it. All of it. Karma dealt with me then, and it still is.” He leaned in slightly, his words razor-sharp but hushed. “Just know this, I’d give Nikki to anyone but a heartless bitch like you.”

Lena flinched, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I know you don’t mean that,” she whispered. “I know it’s late, but I’m so sorry, Jadon.”

She pushed her chair back and stood, her shoulders slumped. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the bar, leaving Jadon alone once again, his heart pounding, aching with memories he wished he could forget.