Alyssa’s eyebrows reached her hairline. “I left to give you time to sort out things with Mindy. I didn’t want anything to escalate because I was there. Then I lost my phone, had a puppy emergency, and lost power in my house. As soon as I could, I came back here. That was a few hours ago. I didn’t realise you were home.”
“You weren’t upset?”
“No, of course not,” Alyssa replied with a hint of desperation. “Evie, we all have exes. You met mine, kind of. I just wanted to give you some privacy, but I certainly didn’t mean to be gone for so long.”
“Oh,” Evelyn whispered, her eyes straying from Alyssa’s.
“I did something,” Alyssa blurted. The only reason Evelyn hadn’t seen the grotto that was now her home was because they were still in the hallway.
“Okay,” Evely replied, elongating the word.
“I think I did something bad. I thought it was a good idea at the time, but now I think you’re going to be mad and wish I’d stayed away.” Alyssa was panicking.
“Alyssa, it can’t be that bad.”
“Well, let’s find out.” Alyssa chuckled nervously. Taking Evelyn’s hand, she pulled her around the corner.
“Holy shit,” Evelyn gasped. “Alyssa.”
Alyssa winced. “I know, shit, I’m sorry. I was feeling all warm and fuzzy on the way over here, and then I thought about how sad you were because it was Christmas, and I got this stupid idea in my head that if I decorated your house, and spent the evening with you watching Christmas films and eating gingerbread, you would feel better. Now I know I messed up big time. I’m so sorry, Evelyn. It was completely insensitive and rude of me to force this on you, knowing why you don’t enjoy the season. I was being selfish. I’ll just go.”
Alyssa was already making her way to the door before Evelyn caught up and pulled her back to the living room. “Will you slow down? I didn’t say it was a bad thing. Just a shock. It’s…”
Alyssa perused the room. Reds, golds and greens sparkled and shone from every corner. “Tacky? Over the top?”
“Beautiful,” Evelyn sighed. “I called my dad.”
Interesting change of topic, but okay. “Oh, right, how is Richard?”
“I shouted at him.”
Alyssa wasn’t entirely sure what was happening. Evelyn seemed lost.
“Let’s sit down.”
“I thought you’d left me, and I sort of lost the plot. I drank way too much and then called my dad.”
“Sweetie, I’m so sorry you thought I’d left. I would never do that, not because your crazy ex showed up. I just wanted to give you some space to work it all out.”
Alyssa drew in a breath. The time had come to put her cards on the table—which was beautifully decorated, by the way.
“It’s true that I didn’t do relationships. I always said it was because the rescue centre was my sole priority. I couldn’t give a woman my attention, so I didn’t bother. After talking to Lil, I think I understand myself a little better. She pointed out that with all the moving around I did as a kid, I never really learned how to connect with people. Especially not romantically.”
Alyssa would have to delve into that a little deeper, but not right now.
“I always had a bond with animals, especially dogs, so instead of learning how to connect with women, I used Four Paws as an excuse. I don’t know why, but I did. Then you came along. From the second I saw you, something in me changed. You must think I’m nuts, but I swear it’s true. I wanted to get to know you. Hell, I just wanted to be around you.”
“Even if I was a bit of a bitch when we first met?” Evelyn’s eyes shone with vulnerability and doubt.
Alyssa chuckled. “Yes, even then. Anyway, I can be hard-headed. Lil says it’s because I’m an Aries.”
“You are fiery,” Evelyn smiled.
“I am, and that gets me into trouble sometimes. So, after talking to you and hanging out in your office, I knew you were different.”
“But you went out with Josh?”
“I did, and I feel bad about it. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great guy, but I only agreed to dinner because the feelings I had for you freaked me out a little bit.”
