The more stress I can take off his shoulders, the better.
Which means one thing. I need to find out how to contact Evan, the future lord of the Sotherbys.
* * *
Staringdown at the number in my phone, I take a deep breath and write out a text.
You’re doing this to move on.
You’re doing this for Theo.
You’re doing this for the country that has embraced you so lovingly.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I press send.
Lilly:Hey Evan, it’s Lilly. I pulled rank and got your number. I hope that’s okay.
I stand from my bed and pace my room, phone in hand. When I asked Lara for Evan’s number, I felt like I was back in middle school, looking to score the hot guy’s phone number from a friend. Lara of course had no problem finding it for me, but God, was it embarrassing. And when she handed it to me, she asked me if I was sure about this. She wanted to make sure I wasn’t rushing into anything, and I told her I was more than ready, even though in the back of my head, I know that I’m not.
I’m still in love with Keller.
You don’t get over that kind of love quickly. But I feel like I’m up against a wall right now. Theo isn’t doing great, and seeing me upset, heartbroken, isn’t helping him in any way. He needs to see me happy. He needs to see me functioning, not withering away in my room. I need to get back to my public appearances. I need to show him that everything will be okay.
And maybe, just maybe, if I show him I’m doing fine, he will get better. Because I’m not ready to lose him too.I’ve only just found him.I’m not sure how I’d cope if I lost both Keller and Theo.
I’m on my third round of pacing when my phone dings back with a message. I’m so startled that I nearly drop my phone.
I lift the screen and read the text.
Evan:Pulling rank to get my phone number? I’m honored. Also . . . feeling slightly stalked. [Emoji: winking, tongue out]
Okay, just as playful as the other night. See, I can do this. He’s easy to talk to.
Lilly:Perhaps, but some might call it using their resources.
Luckily for me, he texts right back.
Evan:There’s a positive spin. So to what do I owe the distinct pleasure?
Lilly:Well, I was doing some research on the Sotherbys when I got back to Torskethorpe, and you weren’t entirely honest with me.
Evan:Are you accusing me of lying to the future queen of Torskethorpe?
Lilly:I am. This could bring you a grave deal of jail time and dishonor to your family.
Evan:Ouch. Please tell me what I lied to you about.
Lilly:According to Torskethorpian Wikipedia, the Sotherbys are actually in charge of one hundred acres of land. That’s a lot of acreage.
Evan:Are you impressed with the Sotherby’s acreage?
Lilly:More like concerned since you think the lord of the Sotherbys doesn’t do much. Your father is in charge of land for the goats.
Evan:Ah yes, the goats.
Lilly:I’m sensing you’re not a fan of the goats.
Evan:The goats don’t really care for me.
