Chapter 14
Going to Court
Sakura opened the door of her apartment knowing very well she could have spared Li the humiliation of walking back to his own apartment – sopping wet. She had already dried herself off in a quick second in the elevator – after checking to make sure there were no cameras of course.
She was still feeling vaguely irritated when the phone rang. She let it ring a few times so she was sure not to answer with an annoyed tone.
"Hello? Sakura speaking."
"Hey, Sakura!" it was Julian Samuels.
Sakura was stunned. "Oh! Hi! Well, this is a surprise!"
"Is it really?"
"Yeah! Um, well, what can I do for you?"
"I know you probably get this a lot . . . " he said hesitantly, "but would you like to go get . . . I don't know, coffee sometime tomorrow?"
Sakura paused. She was thinking of Syaoran. Well, he had obviously gotten over her so she should stop dwelling on him.
"Uh, Sakura?" Julian's voice came to her from the receiver.
"I'll be there," she said. "Name the time and place."
"I'll be covering that Paige versus Evans trial tomorrow for a friend of mind from the newspaper," he said. "Do you think we could meet there and then go to lunch?"
Li's covering that case! Maybe I can get in and out without being seen. But I'll still have to see him. Whatever, I'll do it. "Um, sure. That sounds fine."
"Great," he sounded so happy. "See you tomorrow then!"
He's a nice guy. Not to mention really cute.
But he's not Syaoran, you know that.
If there could be anyone else, it might as well be him.
I guess, but don't let him know that he's just second choice.
Of course not! You know, it's funny that his name is Julian. That'd make Li mad.
Meanwhile . . .
Li had caught a taxi to bring him home. He entered his apartment, dripping a little.
That was mean of her, he thought. She did have the power to at least make me dry, but I'd probably still be uncomfortable. Yup. Still uncomfortable. And no, it wasn't mean of her because considering, she had the power to blast me through the wall. She could have beaten me up – she does have the power of the Fight card in her. It's a blessing she let me walk off just wet. Why is she so nice?
The phone rang.
It could be her!
No it couldn't, she doesn't even know my number.
She could've looked it up.
And why would she do that?
Good point . . .
He answered the phone.
"Hey, Li speaking."
"Yes, my wing man!" Oh no. Evans.
"Mr. Evans," Li said. "How are you?"
"Spanking good!" the man said. "Just wanted to wish you luck in court tomorrow. You're gonna win – that's what I'm paying you for, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Li said. "You know, in spirit of the case tomorrow, I think we should both get some sleep. So, I should go now."
"It's six o' clock! Live a little!"
"No thanks. See you tomorrow."
Syaoran flopped down onto his bed. He would win this, but somehow he knew it wouldn't feel like a victory. Though his head was on his pillow, his eyes closed shut, it was a good five hours before he could get himself to sleep.
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