Am I dehydrated?
Is this what happens when you accidentally swallow too much salt water, because I actually love this sensation.
Give me all the salt water.
“Did you hear me?” My mother leaned forward, tilted her head a measure closer.
“Yeah, I heard you but I’m a little stunned.”
“It’s a lot to consider, and again, I would never ask you to abandon your life but maybe for a while—a vacation perhaps—and we can get to know each other.”
Of course, I didn’t have a life to abandon. There’s nobody ever waiting on me, well except for this one time there is actually…Evie.
My stomach knotted as I recalled our insane week together, leaving us both in a place where we didn’t really know what we were to each other. I wanted more than anything to continue on the path of connection with Evie, but she’s a famous actress. Would she even really care to hang out again once she gets back into her amazing life?
“We must have a celebration,” she cut in, a smile growing on her lips. “A ball to announce to the country that you are alive, and inline for the throne. Everyone will be invited, and no expense will be spared.” She placed a palm over her chest before leaning forward, “Sorry, I keep getting ahead of myself. I should have asked if you have a wife, or a family. Anyone who is a family of yours, is welcome as well.”
“I’m not married,” I started slowly, not having any idea how to explain Evie as we hardly knew each other. “But there is this one person, Evie is her name, and she’s…special?” My voice ticked up at the end, as if I was asking a question, and one I wanted an answer, too. I wanted to know what Evie was to me.
“Wonderful.” My mother clapped her hands together in front of her, sealing the conversation. “ We can send for her. I can’t wait to meet her.”
My gaze dropped, now unable to visualize how that conversation would even work. How would I explain all this to Evie? Would she think I lied to her, or was currently lying, because there is no way, I would believe this. “I, ah, would love that,” I added firmly, my heart swelling so full at all the thoughts of Eviepossiblycoming here.
In all the dreams I dared to dream over the years, nothing was as amazing as all of this had the potential to be. If only it goes the way that I hoped…
seventeen
Evie
One benefit about looking like you’re the last contestant left on the season of Survivor was that no one recognized me. I had an effortless time riding that cab to my private villa. All my security gates and doors were controlled by a code, and I easily let myself in. Within moments, I was absorbed back into my old life. Except for thousands of missed emails, and messages, but I left it all to sit another day.
The main thing I wanted was a long warm shower with all the cleanest-smelling soaps I could find all lathered together. I took my time, relishing every ounce of water and letting go of the stress, as the layers of dirt rinsed off me.
Then I put on my most basic white cotton pajamas, and I glanced in the mirror. Even with the double application of conditioner, my hair was still tangled, and I searched in my drawer for a pick, and set about gently combing the knots out. It was a robotic task that gave my mind room to wonder, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease about leaving Jasper. Ihoped he’d hadn’t headed back to the streets. What if his “risky business” he didn’t want to include me in was more thievery? Did he know another way to get money? I was more than willing to help him find suitable work and living arrangements, even if he didn’t want to be with me. He’s too good of guy to live that life.
After I got the tangles out of my hair, I headed to the kitchen. Despite the early evening light streaming through the large arched window of my front room, a sense of foreboding hovered over my thoughts. I just couldn’t shake it. I took a deep breath and moved to the pantry. Ravenous, I grabbed a jar of peanut butter from the pantry, and big spoon from the silverware drawer and took half spoonful bites at a time.
I hummed as I swallowed; nothing had ever tasted so good in my life.
When my stomach finally calmed, I made my way over the window.
The sun crested over the tall city buildings, sending out golden fingers to touch the world below. In a way it felt like it was teasing me, reminding me of all the world out there I had just left. I had always been content to bask in this city view before, but tonight something was off.
I should feel safe, locked inside my home in my private gated community.
Anxiety pumped through my veins, and a tremor of unease sliced through my gut, spreading a sense that something was not right.
Yet, Jasper wasn’t an ordinary guy. I couldn’t call him to talk, and he didn’t have an address. Part of me wished I’d insisted he’d come back with me, but the conviction was strong in his eyes that he had some business to take care of.
I hoped when he was done with whatever it was, he would return to find me.
I turned away from the window, letting my own reality sink in. I had my own business to take care of too, starting with my sister. Out of all the messages that I’d gotten while I was gone, not one of them was from her. I understood I wasn’t gone that long, and she’d likely just be returning from her honeymoon. She didn’t have a clue what I’d been through this last week, but in her defense it’s not like they would have had a way to find out.
The crazy thing was that I never even wanted to be in any spotlight. I did that because my parents pushed me into it when I was a child. I’d give it all up if I had any other clue what I wanted to do with my life. This week away showed me a lot about the strength I had that I never gave myself credit for, and I was committed to living my life my way.
So the yacht didn’t work out…
Sighing, I pushed all my random worries away. Finally, after so many nights away, I went to order a large amount of Chinese take-out, and rest in my own bed until it was delivered.
