Chapter 71. Totally Over

Joan POV

I took a sip of the lemonade in front of me, glancing around the small Chinese restaurant where Brielle had asked me to meet her.

She’d insisted we meet after work, claiming she had something important to tell me—something that couldn’t wait until we were at the office.

I’d picked a seat facing the entrance so I could see everyone who walked in or out. I sighed, setting my glass down and glancing at my watch.

9:25 PM. So much for meeting at 9.

She didn’t drag me out here just to bail on me, right?

Just as that thought crossed my mind, the door opened, and someone stepped inside—someone I knew all too well.

Rhoda.

She scanned the restaurant, a frown tugging at the corners of her mouth. Digging into her purse, she pulled out her phone, her lips moving as she mumbled something before bringing it to her ear.

Then her gaze landed on me.

Our eyes locked.

Her brows knit together, her brown eyes widening sligh