by L. B. Reyes
“Nate, I—”
The knock on the door of my bedroom interrupted what I was going to say.
Hannah.
“Fuck.” My eyes widened and Nathan took his hand out of my shorts. “Stay here,” I whispered, fixing my shorts and trying to still my pounding heart. Nathan didn't look fazed though and pressed a soft kiss on my lips.
“Not going anywhere,” he smiled.
I rushed into my bedroom, making sure that nothing looked out of place before opening the door. Hannah frowned, stepping inside with suspicion.
“What were you doing?” She asked with her eyes traveling throughout the room.
“I was just about to shower,” I smiled. “What's up?”
Hannah shook her head in disapproval of the way I talked.
“Excuse me, I meant: how can I serve you, madam?”
“Have you seen Nathan?”
“Nope.”
Hannah sighed, taking a seat on my bed. She ran her hands through her hair as she considered what to say next.
“I am sorry for what happened with Josh.” I scoffed, disbelief in my expression. “It caused us a lot of money though, and I'm having to fix that now.”
“Oh, I'm sorry my almost getting raped was an inconvenience to you, Hannah. I'll try to avoid it next time or plan it out at a time that won't cause so much trouble.”
She ignored my snarky remark, pursing her lips before she spoke again. “I just don't understand why Nathan got so angry.”
“Because I almost got raped,” I hissed with anger. “Do you not understand what that means?”
“Oh, don't overreact.” Hannah rolled her eyes with a mocking smile on her face. “And don't make Nathan out to be the good guy here, he's far from it.”
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.
“Oh come on,” Hannah smirked. “Yeah, I have flaws, but he's not free from them.” She stood up, walking towards the door. “Why don't you ask him why he married me? You may be surprised.”
She left so many questions unanswered and I sat on my bed, feeling like the world was about to crumble. Nathan stepped out of the restroom, an angry expression on his face. Even then, the shame couldn't be hidden.
“Care to tell me what she's talking about?”
CHAPTER 15
Evelyn
Nathan paced in front of me, running his hands through his hair. After the orgasm he had given me and the unexpected words from Hannah, I wasn't sure if what I wanted was to talk to him or repeat what we'd done in my restroom. I didn't trust myself. His lips were pressed together in a thin line, his jaw clenching and unclenching.
“Nathan, are you going to tell me?” I asked.
He knelt down in front of me, cupping my face in his hands, his thumbs running over my cheekbones. He leaned in, capturing my lips in a soft, gentle kiss. His forehead pressed against mine, sighing before his conflicted gaze met my own. Remorse was all I saw.
“I wasn't much different from your family back then,” he finally said.
“What do you mean?”
“In it for the money is what I mean.”
I frowned, not sure that I understood what he meant but as a sad smile formed on his lips, the truth dawned on me.
“You married my sister…for money?”
He nodded, his gaze unwavering.
“My Ma had fallen ill around the time I met Hannah, it was easy. She was pretty, she seemed like a nice enough person and I knew she came from a wealthy family. I started dating her and things grew serious, or so it appeared and it just…happened.” Nathan looked distant as if recalling the memory. “It was only meant to be until ma got better, but by then I had gotten used to the lifestyle so I proposed.”
Shrugging away from the man in front of me, I stood up, walking away. This sounded so different from the Nathan I knew, the one that knew what was worth it in life and what wasn't. Part of me could understand trying to help his mother but the other part, the part of him being interested in the money was nothing like him. “And then?” I asked.
“Well,” he sighed, sitting next to me. “We got married. It happened and things were okay at first until I started learning how your family pushed things like Josh's incidents under the rug, not only with him but other people in the company…associates. It all became too shallow, worthless. I learned shit that made me feel ashamed of even having a connection with the Carson's, Evie. Your family…they're corrupt.”
“So the picture wasn't as pretty as you thought it would be?” I crossed my arms over my chest. The fact that my family was corrupt wasn't much of a surprise to me, I knew that they did things they shouldn't in order to get ahead. “And then you decided that you weren't happy with Hannah, so you'd try with Evelyn, the younger more free-spirited sister?”
His eyes widened in shock. “No, God no. I understand why you'd think that but that isn't what this is, Evie.”
“Then what is it, Nate?”
His gaze softened. It was clear he knew the doubts I had. I didn't want to risk potentially falling for him if he didn't feel the same way if it was all a game. He stopped my constant pacing and placed his hands on my shoulders.
“I have no clue, but I'm not using you, I'm not going to hurt you.”
“Why stay married to her?” I asked, now curious to hear his reason. It was clear he never loved her.
Nathan shrugged. “I felt guilty I guess. She wasn't always this…frivolous. When I first brought up the idea of a divorce she said that we needed to give our marriage a shot and whatnot. The second time she was worried about what people would say. After that, I was set on the divorce but she asked for marriage counseling even though we both know that there's nothing to save. I agreed for the hell of it but set on the thought that once the time period is over we'll get a divorce and then you came along…”
“How do you know that your relationship won't work?”
Eyes widened in disbelief, Nathan burst out into laughter. I frowned, unamused.
“Evelyn, do you not see the hell that this marriage is? We can hardly be in the same room without killing each other. Granted, perhaps it was my fault that shit started out wrong but I tried to fix it, I matured and she…she's changed for the worse and I don't want to be stuck in this hellhole anymore. I won't.”
The conviction in his voice was unwavering as was the sincerity in his eyes. His decision had been made and he was convinced that it was for the best. I was too. They were stuck in a loveless, interest-based marriage that would only end up harming both of them.
Hannah should be with someone that had the same interests as hers, or maybe she was better off on her own. Achieving her dreams, gaining exposure as a single, strong, independent businesswoman. That's what she wanted, to brag about her perfect life and family, she could do that without Nathan.
And Nathan, I had no clue what to think. He wasn't a bad man and everyone made mistakes. It was easy to see that his life had turned around, that he didn't care about those things anymore. Not only that, but Nathan had always worked hard, kept up with expenses on his own.
“You don't care about the money anymore?”
“Not one bit. I care about you, about the beautiful, energetic and careless woman standing in front of me right now. I don't give a shit about what others think about me, not your family, not the media or your family's business partners but I care about what you think.” My heart thudded in my chest when he reached down, hand on my neck. “So, Evie…have I destroyed my chance of being with you?”
I bit my lip, considering the choices. He'd been greedy once to some extent, but the man standing in front of me, the man who spoke with honesty and conviction was the Nathan I knew. This was the man I had feelings for.
He was worth it.
Still, I couldn't bring myself to trust him completely. I was scared.
“Let me think about it.”
***
Watching Nana and Carter interact was interesting. It was Friday morning and I'd jogged all the way to her hou
se where I was surprised to find Carter already there. They were drinking a cup a coffee to which I joined but they kept glancing at each other with a secret between them, a secret I wanted to discover. He wasn't dressed up for work so I knew this was more of a friendly interaction but what I wanted to know was exactly how friendly they were.
They were both single.
Very much alive.
They could make a nice couple.
She'd been alone for years, caring for me and dealing with the family problems on her own. Nana deserved to be happy, loved. I knew she didn't get much of that from my mom so if someone would give it to her, I'd be happy.
My gaze shifted between both of them and I smiled, a plan already forming in my hardworking brain. Maybe I could get them to go to the movies together or go out for a walk in the park, something to get them together and get to know each other better. I wanted to play cupid.
“Stop it.”
“Huh?”
“You’re planning, darling, stop it.” Nana scolded me while Carter sat back and chuckled.
“I'm telling you, Anne. She's the one to fear. Evelyn will take the world by storm.”
I narrowed my eyes at both of them, preparing my strike. “So, have either of you ever like, considered being together or something?”
“Oh honey,” Nana said with a small smile. “Carter and I have been 'like together' for years.”
I nearly spit out my coffee. “What?”
“Why the hell do you think I'm here this early?” Carter asked with a snort. Nana laughed, shaking her head.
How had I not seen this before? I knew they were friends, very close friends but never did I imagine there was anything more between them.
“Why don't we talk about you and that boy, Nathan?” Carter asked pointedly, curiosity clear in his voice.
“Leave the girl alone,” Nana said. “They know what they're doing.”
“Just watching out for the kids,” Carter said. “I don't want either of them to end up hurt.”
“Do you think we'll end up hurt?” I asked.
Both of them looked at each other before Nana took a seat next to me, her hand on my knee. Her eyes filled with tenderness, looking at me like a mother would their daughter.
“Life has an interesting way of bringing people together, Evie. It may be old age, but I think your and Nathan's story is only beginning, and I for one can't wait to see it flourish like I know it will.”
“Really?”
She nodded, eyes bright with love. “Yes, dear.”
I smiled and stood up, pressing a kiss to her cheek before glancing back at Carter. “And you? What do you think?”
I cared about his opinion just as much. They were both the closest parental figures I had; disappointing them was not an option.
“You have all my support,” Carter finally said.
With newfound motivation, I leaned down and kissed his cheek as well, earning a chuckle from him. I ran towards the door, eager to see Nathan.
“I'll be back tomorrow morning, Nana. We can go out for breakfast, yeah?”
Nana waved me off and I blew her a kiss before I jogged back to the house. If I had any luck, Nate would be at home still and I'd be able to catch him before he left to the university. Though his confession wasn't something I liked to hear, he’d been honest and that was all that mattered. I cared about him.
I had my answer.
A smile formed on my lips when I saw him walking out of the house, closing the door behind him. The sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled back as always, his hair an organized mess. He frowned when he saw me increase my speed but I didn't care. I wanted him to know my answer already.
I jumped on him, forcing him to drop his suitcase as his arms held on to my thighs, my legs wrapping around his waist. I kissed him.
I didn't care if one of the nosy neighbors saw. Nate didn't either. He kissed me back fervently, his tongue grazing my lips as it sought out my own. We were already neck deep in whatever the hell this was and his marriage was over before it even started.
“What was that for?” Nathan asked breathlessly.
“I want to try this out,” I replied with a smile. “I want to be with you, Nate.”
His gaze brightened, his grip on me tightening with the intensity of his happiness. Our fucked up situation didn't matter; the way he looked at me told me that this was the right choice. The beginning of our story.
“Good,” he smiled. “I want to try this too, Evie.”
I grinned as he lowered me to the ground, a smirk on his handsome face. “I have to go but I'll see you tonight?”
“Yeah,” I said.
He kissed me again, lingering as if he didn't want to leave.
All I wanted was for time to go by quickly but for now, I would take what I could get.
CHAPTER 16
Evelyn
Some mornings go better than others. After spending Friday night talking with Nathan, hearing more of a backstory in regards to his past I felt better. It was stupid, but I trusted him. I could feel the sincerity shine through his words.
I just hoped my heart wasn't wrong.
With it being early, I picked up my phone and called Nana, reminding her that I would be there later. She picked up immediately and I could almost picture that smile on her face as she spoke.
I got in the shower, making sure to take extra care of my very unruly hair. It was always so difficult to control but I hoped that today it would cooperate.
Finally, I got dressed, moussed up my hair and pinned a section back so it wouldn't all be in my face. I opted not to wear makeup except for a bit of mascara and a nude lipstick, just enough to not look like I was still so tired.
As I made my way downstairs, I heard the hushed voices of Hannah and Nathan. It didn't take a genius to realize that they were arguing again. They had another counseling session that afternoon, according to what Nate had told me, and he didn't want to go. Either way, my mind fleeted to Nana and how happy she'd be if we all joined her for breakfast. Against my better judgment, I cleared my throat, interrupting the discussion that only seemed to be getting worse.
“What?” Hannah hissed, turning in my direction.
“Goddamn,” Nathan said, frustrated. “What your sister means is, good morning.”
“I'm used to it,” I replied with a small smile. He returned it while Hannah simply looked at me irritated.
“What do you want, Evie?”
“I'm going out for breakfast with Nana and was wondering if you both wanted to join.” Nathan raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I'm sure Nan would love to have us all there,” I said to Hannah.
“I have a meeting at eleven so…”
“Hannah, you can take an hour out of your day to eat with your grandmother and your sister,” Nathan said, rolling his eyes.
“Fine but we need to finish talking first,” Hannah said, directed at Nathan.
“Okay,” I said, glancing at my sister. “I'm sure Nana will appreciate it, Han. Thank you.”
She didn't reply so I turned around and walked away, leaving the still married couple to argue in peace. I took a cab to Nana's, hoping that Nathan and Hannah wouldn't be too late since my grandma liked to eat early. It was a beautiful day though, and I took the chance to admire the families gathered playing outside with their kids. It was always a lovely scene.
When I finally arrived I paid the cab driver and stepped out, rushing over to the house. Eager to get the day started, I took out the key, unlocking the door and walked in.
The smell of coffee invaded my nostrils. She’d likely been about to have her morning coffee. I'd arrived right on time. I turned off the stove, pouring it in her favorite mug before going to her bedroom. The bed was empty, so I knocked on the en-suite restroom, opening after no answer.
“Nana, surprise,” I said with a smile. “Nate and Hannah are going with us too.”
Still, no answer.
I went over to the bedroom window, noticing that
she didn't draw the blinds, which was odd for her. I tripped.
“What the—”
The mug fell from my hands, just like my stomach dropped at the sight. I didn't even feel the burn of the coffee that splashed on me.
Nana was lying unnaturally on the floor, eyes wide open, not moving at all. Not even the typical up and down of when someone is breathing.
I knelt down beside her, shaking her a little bit, unable to form any words. She wasn't cold…but she wasn't warm.
“N-Nana? This isn't funny,” I choked out, my voice trembling and desperate.
I ran my hand through her hair, cupping her cheek with a shaky exhale.
No no no no.
I talked to her like an idiot, expecting an answer, or perhaps not able to process what the hell was going on. It couldn't be possible; I'd just spoken to her only an hour ago. She had been fine, happy.
CPR. CPR. CPR.
“I remember. I need to do CPR,” I reminded myself, pushing my sleeves up and leaning over her frail body. I tried to steady my trembling hands, placing them over her breastbone and began compressions, just like I had learned years ago.
Until I heard a crack.
I whimpered without stopping and closed my eyes, not wanting to see hers so lifeless. CPR saved lives, didn't it? Maybe if I didn't stop until Nathan arrived…maybe if I just kept going she'd start breathing again.
Pushing through my agonizing despair, I continued, even when I was starting to grow tired. Nana had to be okay, she was the only sane one in the family. We couldn't lose her. I wasn't sure how much time went by when I heard Nathan's voice filling the house. Though I wanted to speak, no sound left my throat.
“Anne? Has Evie called you? Han will be here in a minute, we're going out for—oh shit!” He abruptly stopped speaking and I knew he was watching us.
“I can't stop,” I said when I sensed his presence in the room. I didn't bother looking up. “I haven't called 911 yet, can you do that?”
“Shit,” Nathan breathed again. I glanced up, a frown on my face when I saw him still staring down at us. He shook his head, grey eyes full of sadness before kneeling down next to me. “Let me do it,” he murmured.
