by L. B. Reyes
Shrugging, I replied, “I don't know. I haven't seen them since yesterday.”
She nodded, but I didn't miss the way her husband stiffened next to her; his gaze meeting Nathan's.
“I'm not sure what else to say,” I said nervously.
“Are you…dealing better with the circumstances?” She asked.
“I think so,” I replied. “It's still surreal.”
Nathan's father surprised me by walking towards me, extending his hand to me. I shot him a confused look but took his hand and stood up, completely confused as far as what to do.
“Yesterday we weren't able to properly give you our condolences because of the drama,” he said, his accusing glare directed towards Nathan. “But we truly are very sorry about what happened to your grandmother. She was a lovely woman and we cared about her very much even if we only met her a few times.”
“Thanks,” I whispered.
He hugged me then, catching me off guard. It was strange having a man hugging me in such a fatherly way other than Carter. I didn't get those type of hugs from my own father. I sighed, thanking him briefly before he let go of me. His wife followed, and her hug, it lasted longer.
“I know we've barely talked, but if you need something you can always give us call or come visit,” she said softly. “Always make your grandmother proud. Be brave and strong like you've always been. Don’t sell yourself out to the people that surround you, okay?”
“Thanks,” I said once again, feeling incredibly odd.
After a few moments of silence, the couple cleared their throat and looked between Nathan and me, smiling as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on.
“Now,” Deborah said, clapping her hands together. “I do believe you two have a lot to tell us so please begin whenever you’re ready.”
As if he'd been waiting for the moment, Nathan spoke up and explained to them everything that happened since I came back. There was no judgment coming from the Maxwells, just understanding and the occasional question of “are you sure of what you're doing?”
To my surprise, they seemed relieved that Nathan was finally getting divorced.
“It's long overdue,” they said. Though they didn't necessarily agree with the way we had done things, they knew that Nathan's marriage would have never lasted.
For the first time in my life, I was jealous. I'd give up all the money my family had just to have them care about me. Sure, they may care in their own way and believe that what they do is truly for the best, but I didn't need money. I didn't need luxuries. I needed my family.
My eyes fluttered closed when Nathan came up behind me after closing and locking the door, wrapping his arms around my waist. Hannah hadn't bothered contacting him during the whole day and he didn't either. It seemed as if things were really over between them.
I looked at the bed in front of us, the one where we'd spent the best night of my life. I felt his lips on my neck, pressing a gentle kiss there. He was thinking about the same thing.
His following words made the world seem a bit brighter. “I've already started looking for apartments and houses”
“Yeah?”
He hummed, nipping at the skin. I ignored the shivers that formed on my skin, and sighed, leaning my head back on his shoulder. “I'm serious, Evie.”
I turned around in his arms, wrapping them around his neck. “How long will the divorce take?”
“It shouldn't be too long,” he said, leaning down and kissing me. “We don't have kids, I doubt there will be a fight when it comes to the finances so as soon as I can, I'm signing the papers.”
“I hope it's as easy as it sounds,” I replied.
He smiled and kissed me full of longing, tilting his face to deepen it. My hands found the buttons of his shirt, working to free him out of it while he tugged at mine, only breaking the kiss to free ourselves of the clothing between us.
A much more eager Nathan laid me down in bed, thrusting into me as soon as he could; all soreness from the night before long forgotten. He pushed into me, both of us moaning at the intensity of our connection. I bit down on his shoulder when the feeling became too much, realizing that with each time we were together, I was giving him yet another piece of myself, pieces I knew I'd never get back.
I was falling in love with him.
***
“Shit,” I heard Nathan mutter.
“What's going on?” I asked, opening my eyes. I looked at the time, it was only a little bit past midnight so I didn't understand what was happening until I heard knocking at the bedroom door.
“Nathan, can we talk?”
My eyes widened when I heard my sister’s voice. I pulled the covers over my naked body, looking at Nathan in question. What the hell did she want?
CHAPTER 22
Evelyn
My eyes widened in alarm when my sister knocked again, this time loudly and desperate. Nathan groaned, standing up before looking for the sweatpants that had ended up on the floor. He must have seen my frantic expression because soon he cupped my cheek and placed a soothing kiss on my lips.
“Lie down, I'll handle it,” he said.
“What if she comes in?” I asked, clutching the sheets as if they were a type of flying carpet that would get me out of there. It didn't work.
“She won't, Evie, she has nothing to do in here.” I nodded, leaning into his touch before lying back down. I made sure to cover myself more than before, only letting my eyes peak out in the attempt to see what was happening.
The door opened slightly, a small ray of light entered the bedroom and I held my breath, hoping that Hannah wouldn't sense out of the ordinary.
“It's past midnight, Hannah,” Nathan said, his tone laced with annoyance. “Couldn't this wait 'til morning?”
Hannah sighed. “We need to talk about us, Nathan.”
“We can do that tomorrow morning.”
“Well, have you seen my sister? I can't find her.”
I could have sworn my heart stopped beating in that moment. Despite the circumstances with Hannah, I couldn't help but feel at least a little bit guilty. No matter how I attempted to mask the truth, I was still sleeping with a married man, there was no excuse for it.
Hannah kept talking until Nathan finally had enough and told her that he was tired and wanted to sleep. He basically closed the door in her face, running his hand over his own. He locked it before taking off the sweatpants and getting into bed with me, pulling me into his arms immediately.
“She wants to talk about the divorce.”
“Fun.” I rolled my eyes when I heard him chuckle at my sarcastic reply.
“Believe it or not yeah, it'll be fun.” He pressed a kiss at the nape of my neck and we laid in silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence.
Even though everything was to some extent wrong, I'd never regret it. Nathan had made me feel so loved and cherished in my darkest moment, showed me that there were redeeming qualities in everyone.
“Your parents are good people,” I whispered, looking up at the ceiling. Anything was better than thinking about the hint of jealousy I felt of seeing Nathan’s perfect family.
“I'm glad you think so. Yours are dropping by tomorrow according to what Hannah said.”
I stiffened. I wasn't ready to see Hannah, much less my parents after the disappointment I'd faced. There was nothing I could do about it, they were still “family” and I would have to confront them.
“I don't want to see them, Nathan. I'm not strong enough. I can't.” I pushed back the lump forming in my throat, the onslaught of emotions taking me by surprise. “I can't see them after the way they disposed of my grandma like she was some burden, a piece of trash.”
“Hey,” Nathan said, turning me around so that I'd look at him. “Evie, baby, you're strong enough and you're not alone. I know this situation isn't ideal but you have my support, you always have. I'm here with you, Evie.”
I nodded, wiping away the tear that escaped. He looked at me thoughtfully, s
addened. The wound was still so raw and new, I didn't know if I'd ever recover. I covered my face when I realized that the grief was finally taking over and that the tears were only beginning.
“I miss her.” I sobbed, not moving my hands away. Nathan shifted, turning on the lamp next to the bed.
It seemed as if he knew exactly what I needed. Nathan didn't push for more, letting me cry for the family I'd lost and the support that I didn't have. I knew I probably looked like a child throwing a tantrum, but I couldn't bring myself to care. It was all too much.
“I just want them to care,” I choked out.
It was then that I felt his arms surrounding me, pulling me tight against him as if by doing that he'd take some of my pain away. He ran his hand down my bare back, soothing me and letting me know that I truly wasn't alone even if it didn't feel that way. I nuzzled his neck as my crying quieted down to hiccupping.
Neither of us spoke a word for the rest of the night and soon I fell asleep once again in his arms.
***
Good morning, beautiful.
I'm going to be in Hannah's office discussing the divorce, so feel free to sneak out of the bedroom when you want, or just stay there. There are plenty of things we can do.
Also, there's a surprise for you in the kitchen. Enjoy.
I'll let you know what happens.
-Nathan
I smiled at the note. Maybe he didn't think I'd lost it after the crying session the night before. Sighing, I stretched before standing up and putting on the robe we had brought from my bedroom the night before. I made the bed, picked up my clothing and finally, cracked the door open.
Everything was silent so I went down to my bedroom, closing the door quietly next to me.
My sister would probably be angry that I’d woken up so late instead of being worried. I was never one to wake up past nine.
Normalcy would be difficult to find. It was hard to picture a world in which someone you love doesn't exist anymore.
No more crying, Evelyn.
“It's okay to cry, dear,” I heard Nana's voice scolding me gently. Squeezing my eyes, I reveled in hearing her voice, at least in my mind. “Crying soothes the soul,” she'd said.
It seemed as if knowing that my parents would be there made it hurt more.
I got into the shower and just stood there, letting the warm water soothe my aching limbs. Everything was just so tiring and all I wanted to do was get into bed. Nana wouldn't have approved though, so I forced myself to live a normal life without her.
After changing, I dragged myself downstairs and into the kitchen where I heard voices already talking. I knew my parents wouldn't be there until later, so the voices, the cheerful voices caught me off guard.
“There you are!” Deborah, Nathan's mom exclaimed, a wide smile on her face while she flipped over what looked like French toast. “See, it really isn't brunch if it's past noon when you eat it,” she said with a laugh.
Her husband maneuvered his way around her, taking out eggs from the fridge. It was a move that had been perfected over several years of marriage and I found myself admiring it. My parents never did anything like that together and the Maxwells, they seemed to be having fun.
“How do you like your eggs, hun?” Frank asked, cracking the egg.
“Uh,” I stood there still like a child in shock, wide-eyed and speechless. “Um, scrambled I guess.”
“See, I told you,” the woman said, elbowing him. “Go on, take a seat. This will all be ready in a few minutes.”
Dumbfounded, I did as I was told and took a seat, still staring at the couple. For the past few days, my appetite had been lacking but the lovely smell and sweet gesture had my taste buds prickling.
“Nathan gave us a call early this morning. Said he had a lot to do but he wanted us to keep you company. Now, if you don't have anything planned we'd like to take you out. It's not good for you to be stuck here where the environment is so…cold.”
I gaped at Deborah. She didn't mince her words, and yet, I knew she didn't mean any harm.
They served a plate for each of us and sat with me, my eyes welling up with tears yet again. I was an emotional wreck.
Deborah looked at me questioningly and I shook my head, wanting to avoid crying at the table. “I'm sorry, I'm okay. I'm just a bit all over the place lately.”
“It's understandable, darling.” She squeezed my hand in comfort. “Now eat. Nathan told me you haven't eaten in days.”
Talking to them was easy, although I didn't really speak much. I found myself admiring them and just how happy they were.
“Thank you for breakfast,” I said quietly.
The woman waved me off. “It's a pleasure, Evelyn.”
Just then Nathan walked into the kitchen. He looked angry but composed, yet even then he smiled when he saw me. He greeted his parents with a warm hug and then placed a kiss on my forehead, lingering there with a sigh.
Seconds later, my sister was there too, barely even greeting his parents. They seemed unaffected, ignoring her coldness and conversing with Nathan about the plans for the day.
“Evelyn,” came Hannah's voice, making me snap my head up. “Mom and dad want to talk to you. They’ll be here in five. Meet me in the office.”
Without a further word, she walked out. I swallowed.
Deborah shook her head. “Goes to show money doesn't buy you class.”
“I should go change.” I sighed, realizing that my parents wouldn't approve of my grief-stricken choice of clothes. Sweatpants and a tank top, my hair up in a bun and my face make up free. I wouldn't be up to par.
We heard the front door open then. It was too late. My parents appeared, always well done, but their faces held a disappointed frown.
“Good afternoon,” they said to the Maxwells. “Evelyn, come with us, please.”
I did as I was told, not sparing them a single glance.
Hannah was on the phone when I entered without bothering to knock just to spite her. She glared at me as she ended the call, my parents taking a seat across from her while I chose to remain standing with my arms crossed over my chest.
“What is this about?” I asked, not hiding my impatience.
My mom shot my father a look and then looked at Hannah as if trying to figure out who would dare tell me. In the end, it was she who ended up speaking.
“We still haven't received news on your Nana's will.”
“She was buried not even three days ago, Mom,” I said, shaking my head.
“There are things to take care of, Evelyn.”
Shrugging, I replied, “What does this have to do with me?”
“We thought maybe you knew something since you were close to her.”
I shook my head, pressing my lips together. My mom sighed and my sister took the opportunity to speak.
“Also, we're aware that it's likely she may have left her part of the company to you and we'd like to discuss that.”
I frowned. Nana knew I had no interest in that mess of a company.
“If that's the case, we were hoping you'd hand over your part to your sister since she's the one who's been pushing the company forward,” my dad said.
I scoffed.
Of course.
“You are all so desperate to see what Nana left,” I said in disbelief. “Let's get one thing clear, my dear family. Whatever she decided will be respected, whether it be her leaving those things to you or the mailman. If not, I swear to God I will go down fighting for her wishes to be respected.”
My mother's eyes widened. “Is that a threat, Evelyn?”
“A threat. A warning. Call it what you want.”
“We're your family you—”
The word family struck a chord. They weren't. We were practically strangers.
“You are nothing to me,” I hissed. “Not anymore.”
CHAPTER 23
Evelyn
I stormed out of the office, the burn of anger running through my veins. They were unbelievable. I
breathed, walking to the living room as I tried to ignore the pain and anguish that their words had caused.
Nathan's eyes met mine, his calm expression morphing into one of anger when he saw my expression.
“Can we go to Nana's?” I asked, ready to bolt out the door. I didn't want my parents to stop me or another confrontation to happen.
“What happened?” Nathan asked, standing up.
“I don't know, I don't—ugh, I don't know. But I need to go to Nana's. Nathan, can you take me?”
“I—”
“We'll take her,” Deborah said with a tight smile. I looked back at Nathan, who seemed torn. I was missing something. “You do what you need to do son. We can meet somewhere else.”
As curious as I was I needed to keep my focus. If I wanted to find something out about what Nana had planned with the things that she owned, I had to do it with a clear mind. I could have cared less about what she had left me, or if she left anything at all. However, the thought of my family minimizing her wishes, just like they'd done in life, fueled me. There was no way I was going to allow that.
In the end, Nathan left with his dad while Deborah somehow managed to convince him to let us take his precious Mustang. She didn't ask any questions but was deep in thought as she drove; the same grey eyes that Nathan had would occasionally steal a glance my way, trying to figure out what I was thinking.
It wasn't until we arrived at Nana's house that I realized I had no fucking clue what to do or if I could even handle being there. Deborah apparently sensed my hesitance and opened her door, nodding towards Nana's house.
“You're not going to find what you're looking for in this car,” she said softly.
It was strange to set foot in the house, knowing that Nana wouldn't be there—that she'd never be there again.
“Is there something I can help with?” Deborah asked.
I shook my head numbly.
“Just…wait for me here?”
