Clementine Read Online Free Page A

them the boring details.
    While Jack and Alicia chatted, Addison only allowed her eyes to stray to Dr. Taylor’s table twice. The first time she saw the same adoring girls sitting around him. Typical. However, the second time she slid her gaze to where he was sitting, they locked eyes for a moment... He was still nodding, pretending to listen to the two women next to him, and all the while examining Addison and her new friend, Jack. She flushed slightly at having been caught staring at him and promised herself she would try to focus on the conversation at her own table.
    “Jack have you tried any of the food yet?” Addison said, turning her attention back to her own table.
    “I haven’t had the chance; do you want to grab something with me?” Jack asked, clearly glad that Addison had finally directed a question toward him.
    “Sure, I think I could handle a bit more ceviche,” Addison replied as she stood to accompany him.
    “You guys go ahead, I’ll meet back up with you in a bit,” Alicia said, as she retrieved her phone from her purse and walked toward the doors.
    “Do you want me to get you anything, Alicia?” Addison hollered before her friend made it too far.
    “Nah, I’m good for now!” h er friend hollered back. Addison assumed she was heading toward the restroom, but when her phone vibrated a moment later, Addison learned her true agenda.
     

     
    Addison smiled at her friend’s text. If only Alicia knew the real thoughts colliding in Addison’s head. Jack barely distracted her from the intense brown eyed man sitting across the room.
    “Looks like Alicia had to run home on second thought.”
    “Oh what a shame, she was really nice,” Jack replied as he finished adding various foods to his plate, “Guess I’ll just have to keep you company.”
    Addison nodded her head, unsure of how to respond.
    After they picked their way through the food, Jack politely placed his hand on the small of Addison’s back directing her to a standing cocktail table.
    “So are you from Austin , Jack?”
    “Not originally, I lived in Los Angeles and ended up moving here to get my Master’s from the University of Texas. I fell in love with city and luckily there was an openin g in the research department of-
    “Addison!” a voice called just as Jack finished his sentence.
    “...Hyde Park Hospital,” Jack spoke.
    Addison angled her head to find Stacy bounding toward her.
    “I didn’t know you’d be here,” Stacy said as she reached their table.
    “Yeah, Dr. Fischer invited a couple of us from the office.”
    “Ohh, that’s fun,” Stacy responded with a tone that seemed to say the opposite. She scanned the room, pausing when her gaze fell on the exact spot where Addison knew Dr. Taylor was sitting.
    “Oh, I think I found where a few of the other nurses are sit ting. Dr. Taylor’s with them,” she said, finally looking back toward Addison, “He’s the guy from the coffee shop the other day,” Stacy spoke excitedly.
    Addison nodded, not wanting to turn around. Yup, he’s over there with his harem.
    “Feel free to head over there, I’ve just been chatting with Jack,” Addison gestured toward her new friend, allowing Stacy to introduce herself.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you Jack,” Stacy said, “Why don’t we all go over there? It looks like there’s a few spots open at their table.”
     
     
    Jack agreed before Addison could protes t. Oh good, we can all audition to become a members of his posse, she thought bitterly . She begrudgingly stood and pulled her long blonde waves forward to frame her face. She grabbed her small clutch and straightened her dress, trying to feel as confident as possible as she crossed the garden in the wake of Jack and Stacy.  As she reached the table full of lively conversation she was met with a wave of nerves. They all seem like good friends already.
    “Hi everyone, this is Jack and Addison. Addison is in one of my CNA pre -req classes with me,” She announced