When we met at first, I went out of my way to assuage some of my guilt. The sound of her screams sent me back to the day we lost Ezra, and I couldn’t let another person slip right through my fingers. Now, being here with her, starting to feel the way that I do, could jeopardize the reputation I worked hard for in New York. The pull I felt towards her was strong; I wanted to get to know her.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, Ev. Thank you for coming with me to this thing.”
Evelyn dipped her head shyly. I reached for her chin and tilted her face back up to meet my gaze.
“I mean it, you’ll be the most stunning woman there tonight. I’m honored to have you on my arm.”
I was blessed with another smile, this time bigger, and my heart nearly soared out of my chest. To have her light directed at me made me feel like I could get through this night unscathed and devoid of the pressure my father was eager to put on me.
“You don’t look too bad yourself, Parker,” she said, this time giving me a smirk of her own as she turned and walked towards the door.
As we crossed over the threshold, I took her arm in mine, deciding that I would make tonight special for her.
A limousine met us at the front and carried us out of the estate. Evelyn’s eyes went wide at the sight of it. I was used to this kind of lavishness, having grown up surrounded by it. Although if I had it my way, I would’ve driven us myself in one of the Lamborghinis taking up space in the garage. Getting settled in the limo, I made quick work of making us a few drinks from the bar.
Taking the drink from my hand, Evelyn shifts nervously. “I finished my list, by the way. I felt so silly making it, but it caused me to think about some things I really needed to do for myself.”
“Let’s hear it. What’s on your list?”
She pulled out her phone and began to read it.
“I know a lot of this probably sounds silly or basic.” Her voice trailed off.
When she sets her phone and drink down to the side, I take her hands in mine, rubbing my thumb over her wrist, feeling her racing pulse. Her eyes connect with mine for a minute before she squeezes my hand in return.
“It’s not silly at all. If this is what you need to feel whole, then we’ll do it.”
“Making this list forced me to think about what I want to do with my life. So much of the last year and a half has just been surviving. Before I had goals…I had plans for myself that I just gave up on. If I make it out of this, I want to honor my sister—share some of her light with the world.” She sighs as if saying those words took everything out of her.
“I’m happy that you want to get back to therapy. A little extra help couldn’t hurt. You don’t have to do this on your own. We’re all here for you.”
“Yeah, I’m sure Dr. Beck will be happy to hear from me. I ghosted him. I ghosted pretty much everyone.”
The sad look on her face was breaking my heart. I knew better than anyone that therapy wasn’t a magic cure, but it helped. I was in therapy myself. After losing Ezra, a friend on the squad suggested I go talk to someone.
My therapist helped me cope with the losses and reminded me of the lives that I saved. There were children who would go on to live long, full lives, and adults who would get to hug their loved ones for another day because of the work we did. It was easy to forget that after a tough call.
“Ev, everyone deals with grief differently. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m sure the people you care for will understand.”
She silently nodded her agreement, seemingly becoming lost in her thoughts.
I didn’t fill the silence, leaving her with her thoughts as I shifted my mind to the event we were walking into. There wasn’t much that I could do but mentally prepare myself for the circus. Hopefully, my presence would satisfy him, and we could have a peaceful night. I would at least try on my end to make it so.
The limousine pulled up to the back of the Tremaine Huxley Theater, where the event was being held. Our small town was bustling with photographers and journalists crowding the red carpet leading up to the entrance as they waited for the guests to arrive.
Before leaving for the event, I had asked my father to make sure no photos were taken of the two of us. He agreed all too quickly to that request. He didn’t like Evelyn—nor did he trusther—but he would do what I asked because it meant he could have me under his thumb while I was here. He had the reach and influence, so I would use whatever tools in my arsenal to keep her safe from Charles. Even with that knowledge, I still asked our driver to take us around the back entrance just to be safe.
I glanced at Evelyn at the same time the driver opened the door. She let out a breath and steeled herself before taking my outstretched hand and leaving the car.
Her hand gripped mine fiercely as we weaved our way through the sea of people and landed at the bar. When we reached the bar, Evelyn released her grip on my hand and smoothed her dress down nervously. The loss of her warmth had me considering reaching for her again for comfort. Tonight required a drink or two.
I asked the bartender for a glass of Macallan 18, and Evelyn asked for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Accepting our drinks, I tipped my head in the direction of an older white couple taking their seats.
“That is Renee and Archibald Danforth. Archibald Danforth is the current mayor. I went to high school with his sons, Bash, Marcus, and Jason.”
Taking another look at the room, I spotted Angela Barry and Whelan Huxley whispering near the stage.
