“I’ve got nothing.”
His warm, musky scent swoops in and kicks the rotting wood scent to the side as he steps closer to me. “Or…youcould sell stuff.”
I scoff. “What do you mean?”
“I know you don’t believe in yourself the same way I believe in you, Flo, but you’re amazing at what you do. You’ve been looking for a full-time job for a few months now, and I know you’re getting down about not finding something you love the idea of, so take the shop. Make it yours. Sell your creations.”
Shock slaps me across the face. I stare as Evan holds the key out for me.
“Evan, a shop is a lot of responsibility, and… it’s yours. I’m not just going to take it.”
“I’d love to gift it to you, and anything you need to set it up, but since I know you won’t let me do that because you have enough pride to fill the Grand Canyon”—he shoots me a frustrated look—”you can buy it from me.” His icy eyes roll. “Pay me back in instalments. Fill this place with your work. Leo, Donkey and I are being selfish, being the only ones that benefit.”
I don’t get paid for looking after Leo anymore, since I’m no longer his nanny, but part of their family now instead, but Evan has made it very clear that his money is mine, and if there’s something I want, all I need to do is ask. But I won’t take advantage of him by letting him pay for mydreams. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to pay for all of it.
“It would cost a lot of money to do this, Evan.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I have a lot of money, and you have a lot of talent, then.”
An exasperated laugh falls from my lips. “You have to be serious with what you said about the money. I’m not taking a handout. I would pay you back every dime.”
Evan dips his chin, eyes glinting. “I know you would, baby.”
I’m suddenly sweating. He knows what that nickname does to me. He doesn’t call me that often, only when he really wants something, and right now, Evan wants this for me. He wants me to take him up on this offer.
Setting up a shop has been something I’ve considered in the past, but I’ve never been in a financial situation where I could justify it, so I didn’t give it much thought. But now I am, can I really turn this down?
“You said you always wanted to find your purpose, trouble. To do something you love. I see the way you smile when you’re sewing or sketching your new designs. The way all tension leaves your mind and body. You spend every free moment doing what you love, and it brings you happiness. Let yourself be happy. You deserve it.”
Surveying the dark room, I ask, “You really think we can turn this place into somewhere people would want to come and shop?”
Hands grip my legs, hoisting me up so they’re wrapped around Evan’s waist. His nose brushes mine, caressing my jaw. “Oh, I know so.”
I release a sigh of contentment, connecting our lips, but not before saying, “Fine, you’ve convinced me just by putting your hands on my ass, let’s do it.”
37: Evan
Routine—it’s something I’ve always had. The days were always the same.
Wake up.
Get Leo ready.
Feel bad about myself.
Ignore Alexander's calls—who I’ve now fired, and who Peter has surprisingly agreed to cut all ties with for the lies, meaning the reports from the random women have stopped.
Play football.
Go to sleep.
I used to think I was okay with it, content with it. It felt like the only specks of joy I experienced were when I was alone with my son, completing a puzzle with him or taking him to the soft play area, where I had to shield my face with my cap when it was busy so no one would notice me.
Then Flo showed up, and suddenly everything feels different. Colours are more vibrant. Sounds are more crisp, sharper. The air is more breathable.
And it’s precisely why I’ve set the house up the way it is tonight, with flowers everywhere, and the kitchen table adorned with a tablecloth, my fanciest cutlery, and tall, white candles.
Flo is due back any minute, having spent the afternoon at the shop, orhershop. It’s still a mess, but she’s having the entire place renovated, and was going through her plans with the construction workers.
