Slightly taken aback, she asks, “Excuse me?”
“Sorry, I-I knew your public persona, and honestly, it sounded ridiculous because no one is actually that nice and perfect. But you really are, aren’t you? You’re literally the best person to have ever existed.”
Her pearly laugh is ridiculously opulent, the perfect blend of wealth and genuineness. “I’m not sure I’d say that, but I always try to be the best person I can.”
“And you’re blowing it way out of the park. You can slow down a little, have a few scandals attached to you or something.”
I swear I don’t keep making her laugh because I love the sound of it. But almost. “From what Lex and Kev told me, you’re not so bad yourself. Thank you, by the way, for convincing him to come tonight.”
“You know about that?”
“Yes, Kev shared that little detail with me. I think he wants us to get along since I’m an important part of his life, and you’re on your way to becoming one as well.”
“Wait until we tell him what happened in this stall,” I humor.
“Thank you, again. And don’t worry about the other night. If I had a significant other who met his ex like that, I’d go nuts, too.”
“Especially if his ex is as hot as you are.”
She flattens a hand over her chest at the compliment. “Maybeyoushould have bid on that date.”
“I almost did, to save you from those decaying old men. I would have made Lex pay up.”
Evora shakes her head with amusement, her lush hair flowing over her shoulders. “A date with your boyfriend’s ex paid for by your boyfriend… You really are one of a kind, Andrea.”
“Andy, please. I just spent five minutes breathing down your neck to fix your zipper. Or like, down your back”
“Then I’m Eva.” She extends her hand like she did that night, and I immediately shake it this time. “It’s very nice finally meeting you, Andy.”
“And I never thought I’d say that, but it’s very nice meeting you too, Eva.”
Something passes between us, and I think the last shred of doubt I might have had about her and Lex vanishes. She’s an incredible person, and if anyone’s to blame in this whole mess, it’s Lex. He should have fallen in love with her back then.
What an idiot …
“Alright, as much as I wish I could stay and talk, I need to ensure everything is running smoothly. So, thank you again for helping me out, Andy, and I genuinely hope we’ll meet again soon.”
“Yeah, me too. Lex and I are heading out, but we had a fantastic evening. Thank you so much for organizing all that.”
“My pleasure, darling. Until next time,” she greets, unlocking the stall and stepping out. I stand there alone for a moment, kind of inshock at what happened. But when a woman opens the door, I’m reminded that I can’t stay here, and that Lex is waiting for me.
I find him by a tall Christmas tree near the restroom, checking on his watch. “I’m here, sorry,” I wince as I join him.
“What did you do in there?” he wonders as he slips a hand around my waist.
“I was protecting your ex-wife’s modesty.” He frowns down at me, confused. “She had a wardrobe malfunction and needed a hand. I got to apologize for how I handled our first encounter, and we talked a little.”
“You did?” It isn’t lost on me that he’s tense, surely worried there’s a new fire to put out.
“Yes, and I reached the conclusion that you’re an absolute idiot.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s genuinely incredible, and you should have fallen in love with her when you had the opportunity.”
He chuckles, tugging me closer. “That’s a privilege I reserve for foul-mouthed raccoons. Speaking of your mouth, you owe me a free… sloppy toppy, was it?”
“Yep. Let’sheadhome.” He chuckles again, and we turn around, ready to go. Our enthusiasm is instantly killed when we come face-to-face with the last person I want to see right now.
