Part of me is skeptical about meeting this Lindsay chick. For all I know, this could be a trap set up by Freddie because that's something he'd do. He knows I don't really like his sister—she's coming into the music scene thanks to Skeeter and soon enough, she'll steal my spotlight! I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to steal Jason away from me. This is probably Freddie's way of trying to keep tabs on me. I honestly wouldn't be surprised since we have a rocky past.

I impatiently sigh and rap my fingers on the table. I'm annoying Freddie. I can tell by the way his brown eyes glare and nostril flare. I wouldn't be this fed up if it weren't for him. It's his fault he told me to meet Lindsay and him here so he can introduce us. The girl isn't even here yet—she's fifteen minutes late! I thought she'd come here with him, but I was wrong. Now I'm thinking this is a ruse and Freddie's doing this to get back at me.

"Are you sure she's coming, Freddie?" I frustratingly ask as I swirl my coffee around. "You said noon sharp; it's 12:15."

"FOR THE LAST TIME, CALL ME FEDEZ!" he nearly yells, clearly offended by my nickname.

"Your name's Federico," I spit, shooting him a glare. "Freddie is a more sensible and American nickname than Fedez. Newsflash, Freddie: you don't live in Italy anymore. You only want people to call you that because it's the name of that rapper. That can't be his real name!"

"It's not," Freddie huffs. He crosses his arms and sips his coffee in a surprisingly delicate manner, taking great care to make sure he doesn't slurp. "We have the same name, Marquilla. You could have looked it up, you know."

"Look at you trying to be cool, Freddie!" I laugh. In a more serious tone, I add, "so this Lindsay girl...why her? How do you know her? Was she in some Broadway show with your sister or what?"

Freddie sinks in his seat with an agitated look on his face. I'm not a mind reader who can easily predict someone's emotions just by looking at them. He should just spit it out already! I'm done with his constant games. I just want my info so I can get the hell out of here, and fast.

"She doesn't know Sofia," he confesses. Freddie's gaze flickers to the door, then back to me. "Sofia and Lindsay haven't even met, so she doesn't know my baby sister's Sofia Giante. I never wanted her to find out because I thought she'd look at me differently. She's um...Lindsay's my ex."

My eyes grow so big, they're probably going to pop out of their sockets. I can't believe what I just heard! Federico Giante is referring his ex-girlfriend to me, and she doesn't know he's Sofia Giante's older brother! Wow! I don't know if he realizes what he's just done. I could use this against him if I want. Better yet, I can torture Sofia with this!

"What?" he asks as confusion knits his brows. "Why are you looking at me like you're plotting something? Is it something I said?"

"Oh, it's nothing!" I dismiss. I finish the remainder of my coffee and smile. "I just thought about how she's so out of your league. I don't even know what she looks like yet, and I know it has to be true! I can't believe she dated you. EW!"

"If I remember correctly, you didn't seem repulsed by me back then. I think you know how that went...and we met in college," he explains, eyes shining brightly from the memory. "Lindsay Goodrem was in my junior/senior composition class, and I thought she was the prettiest girl in class."

"Wait, wait, wait! You had to take English?" I interrupt. "You were a sound engineering major. Why would you need to take an English class?"

"Everyone had to regardless of their major," he shrugs while running a hand through his perfectly quiffed mahogany hair. "Anyways, there was just something about her that intrigued me. I don't understand how she was the most beautiful girl on campus, yet single. I didn't speak to her until midterms because I was too afraid she'd think I—"

Freddie stops talking for some odd reason and stares at something behind me with his mouth wide open. It's like he just discovered buried treasure because he can't take his eyes off of whatever it is! I wave a hand in front of his face, but it does absolutely nothing. The boy is completely spellbound by whatever or whoever it is.

I clap my hands and snap my fingers, but he still doesn't budge! Angered, I turn in my seat to find out what could possibly be so intriguing that Freddie feels the need to completely ignore me.

A gorgeous blonde with the most stunning blue eyes I've ever seen stands in line—Lindsay Goodrem. The girl is a work of art and so out of Freddie's league. I'm still trying to comprehend how they dated. Even in jeans, a drape tee, and Vans, Lindsay is undoubtedly beautiful. She doesn't need any makeup to enhance her looks because she's naturally beautiful.

My heart skips a beat as our eyes meet. She curtly nods and smiles before her order is called and she grabs her drink. I nearly freeze when my mind registers she's walking towards us. I don't know why I'm suddenly so nervous to meet her. Just minutes ago, I was livid as a result of her tardiness! My hands are shaking, and my heart's beating faster. This must be what it feels to legitimately have a crush on someone.

"Ciao Lindsay!" Freddie greets her, standing up so suddenly he nearly falls on his heels.

"Ciao," Lindsay meekly says back.

The former lovers do the double cheek kiss and hug. I feel like I'm about to be sick because they look so comfortable with each other. They're exes—they shouldn't be this nice to each other! Maybe she's being nice to him for my sake or vice versa.

"Marquilla, this is Lindsay Goodrem," Freddie introduces her. "Linds, this is Marquilla. You probably didn't need me to tell you that since you know who she is. Take a seat!"

Lindsay sits between Freddie and me. I can smell her perfume and it's...heavenly! A faint, peachy scent travels up my nostrils. I happily breathe it in and close my eyes as I indulge in the smell. I can literally sit here all day and breathe her perfume! I could definitely get used to having her around. I haven't even spoken to her yet, and she already has the job!

"Marquilla, are you listening to anything I've said, or are you napping?" Freddie suddenly asks.

I open my eyes and immediately blush seeing Lindsay and Freddie just staring at me. I'm so making a great first impression on Lindsay right now. I wouldn't be surprised if she already thinks I'm crazy! She's most likely wondering what the hell Freddie was thinking by telling her that I need a new personal assistant and she'd be perfect for the job.

"Sorry," I apologize. "I just really love the smell of coffee shops is all."

"I'm more of a tea person, but I totally understand," Lindsay voices, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I could sit here and smell coffee all day, too!"

"We don't have all day for that," Freddie reminds us. "We're here so you two can get acquainted."

"Right," Lindsay voices, sounding somewhat sorry for her thought. "Federico told me you needed someone since you had issues with your last PA. I don't understand why he had me in mind. I thought it was weird because being a personal assistant has nothing to do with English, but he was pretty damn convincing."

"I told her about the pay," Freddie comments. "It won her over."

"Shut up, Fedez!" Lindsay snaps as she shoves his shoulder. I see he convinced her to call him by that stupid name. "I guess I should tell you about myself."

"Yeah," I agree. "You definitely should. So...tell me all about yourself, Lindsay Goodrem." 

A/N: 

This has been How I Met My Enemy Without Really Trying. Thoughts? Predictions on what will happen next? Thank you guys for 100 reads; Exposed is <50 reads from 3.4K, might I add. The support for this series is amazing and I can't thank you enough!