Page 5 of The Devil Goes to Washington

“Very true. Anyway, only food and shelter are covered per the agreement. ”

“Can’t you renegotiate?”

“It’s fine. I couldn’t chance him backing out. Think of how many people have turned us away from a job because we asked for benefits in addition to a living wage.”

“The things you will have to wear for appearances are going to take a lot of your monthly stipend.”

“I’ll make whatever I need. That reminds me. I left my dress from today over there. Will you get it dry-cleaned so I can repurpose it?”

“It’s good you’re so handy with that sewing machine. Did you get it set up?”

“Yeah, there’s a huge walk-in closet with a ton of light. It’ll make a great workspace.” She stood in the middle of the small room that was bigger than her old bedroom. She had already placed the leased industrial machine in the corner and filled a drawer with her personal items.

“You’re not going to work tonight are you?”

“Probably not. I might sketch some ideas out, but it’s been a long day. I assume Michael won’t make an appearance, so maybe I’ll read and go to bed.”

“It’ll be a blessing if the asshat doesn’t show. You should lock your door and turn out the lights, just to make sure he can’t have his way with you.”

“Alright, Mom. I don’t think he’s interested anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too, sweetie.”

She sunk further into the chair, pulling a blanket over her. While she loved cuddling with her son, she enjoyed having a little space of her own and a lovely warmth that had been missing for so long.

“HEATH, WHAT THE HELL was that shit show?” Michael groaned toward the speaker on his phone.

“I told you to read all of the documents thoroughly. I couldn’t figure out why you were so nonchalant about this arrangement.”

The stacks of papers didn’t get any smaller, whether at his official office in town or his study at home. His hours-old dinner sat untouched in the small clear space that remained. The strata of files made sense to him most times, but occasionally things got buried, like the original documents about his new family.

“But Evelyn of all people? How could you let that happen?” He honestly hadn’t cared who it was, until he saw those bewitching green eyes.

“I’m sorry, man, but I tried to warn you. You brought this on yourself.”

“She fucking betrayed me. You are the only one who knows how she crushed me when she deserted me at the hospital.” He gestured wildly, as if Heath could see him.

“I tried to warn you even before that.”

“I know, I know. How was it so easy for her to sign that prenup today when she refused back then?”

“I’ve told you before that she had something on the side while she was dating you. It was the only thing that made sense. There’s nothing to say that she doesn’t this time too, but has just learned to be more cunning.” Heath had been telling him things like this since he and Evelyn first started dating years ago.

“Hey, by the way, what was that thing between you in the meeting?”

“What thing?” The lawyer may have been a good actor in the courtroom, but he couldn’t carry off the innocently accused role.

“She seemed like she was going to say something and shut down as soon as you coughed.” He tossed a paperclip in the air to occupy his hands as he circled his desk.

“I guess she’s still intimidated by me being your friend, just like she always was. What did she say about it?” Evelyn had never been daunted by anyone, so there had to be more behind Heath’s recriminations.

“Huh? Oh. I haven’t spoken to her since the meeting.”

“Avoidance. I guess that’s one way to handle this. What about tonight though?”

“What about it?” It was Michael’s turn to play oblivious.

“It’s your wedding night. You always said the sex was on fire between you and that kiss screamed it.”