by Faye Sonja
Robert held out his hand for Eve and she didn’t disappoint. She slid her fingers home and Robert locked his larger ones between hers. They started down the aisle. Eve smiled at a few people who smiled at her. Other than that, they didn’t stop until they were outside.
Once there, Eve tried to remove her hand from Robert’s hold, but failed. Any jerk she gave only made his hold tighter. She gave up once the crowd from the church started to file outside. People whom she’d known her whole life came up to offer them both hugs. Her boys, Clark and Lewis, came over, but they didn’t hug her. They just stood by the side that Robert didn’t occupy.
Mr. Lowe came up to the newlyweds, offering his hand to Robert. “I read your resume. You have outstanding credentials. Just the man we need for the job.”
Robert shook his head. “I’m glad to be coming aboard.”
The crowd around drew quiet. The discussion between the two men held everyone’s attention. Robert felt Eve’s hand tighten in his. He looked over at her and saw her giving Lowe a very dirty look.
Lowe cleared his throat and adjusted his coat. “The board would like to meet tomorrow about some ideas we’ve had in mind for quite some time.”
Robert ignored the nails that started to dig into his hand. He smiled. “Sounds good.” A shot of pain made Robert grunt. Eve’s hold loosened.
Lowe nodded his head and then finally turned to Eve. “Congratulations, Ms. Haines. I knew you’d make the right decision.”
Eve’s whole body stiffened. “Thanks,” she said crisply. Robert couldn’t see her expression from where he stood. Her hat blocked most of her face.
Mr. Lowe nodded before making his exit past the people standing around. Once he was gone, Eve slipped her hand out of Robert’s looser grip. She turned and started to walk away. Lewis and Clark followed.
Robert caught up with the bunch. Together, they all walked silently down the sidewalk and into the heart of Haines. The town was very structured. The roads were straight. The buildings on either side sat perfectly in their rows. It looked like most cities, except for subtle differences that seemed to make the tiny town stand out, proudly.
The buildings all had a front lawn. A perfectly manicured front lawn that you would normally only see in neighborhoods. But that simple touch of green allowed the town to feel more like a community. Most of the buildings were no more than two stories, though there were a few that stood a few stories taller, but nothing like the skyscrapers of major cities. Haines was a small town, but not too small. With a population just over ten thousand, Haines was… nice.
On one end of the town square, which happened to be the direction they were currently walking, was the official town park. Behind them, on the other end of town was the hospital. There were a few vendors out, selling paintings or playing music. People passed by either in a leisurely stroll or in a hurry. The small city was alive with activity.
Eve’s steps slowed and Robert’s slowed his with her. Clark and Lewis ran ahead, obviously aware as to where the group was heading. They headed toward a large maple tree that sat in the middle of the park. Robert broke the silence. “This is a very beautiful little town.”
Eve glanced over at him, looking at him from underneath her hat’s brim. “My grandfather liked flowers.”
Robert smiled to himself.
Eve narrowed her eyes. “Is there something funny about a man who likes flowers, Mr. Manning?”
Robert glanced at Eve and his smile grew. “No, Mrs. Manning.” Eve missed a step. Robert ignored it. “There is nothing wrong with a man who enjoys flowers. God, who I would argue as a male, created them after all.”
Eve stopped walking. “So, you like the flowers?”
Robert nodded. “I was actually just thinking about how I wished other towns had followed this kind of example. The beauty of the architecture is softer than almost any other town I’ve ever visited.”
“Are you saying that we’re a soft people here in Haines, Mr. Manning?”
Robert narrowed his eyes. “No, Mrs. Manning, That’s not what I’m saying.”
“Then what are you saying?”
“How’s the crime rate here?”
“What crime?”
“Precisely.”
Eve tilted her head. “You believe flowers do that to people? Flowers magically make people friendlier?”
Robert shrugged a shoulder. “Perhaps. Nature is lacking in most big cities. I feel calmer here.”
“Are you saying that you’re normally rowdy?”
Robert’s grin grew.
Eve placed her hands on her hips. “You better not be trouble, Mr. Manning.”
“Or what, Mrs. Manning?”
Eve took a step back. She dropped her arms. “Stop calling me that. The name’s Eve.”
“Then I insist on you calling me Robert.”
“Fine, Robert.”
Robert nodded. His voice dropped. “Eve.”
Eve’s shoulders dropped. Her hazel eyes widened. She turned and ran towards the entrance of the park. Robert followed.
Eve’s step quickened as she entered the park. She made a turn and took a seat on one of the dozen benches that faced the pond. Clark and Lewis were there, looking at a pair of ducks that were floating around one another. The boys were a silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun. She stiffened when Robert came to join her. Did he understand that she didn’t want him around? She turned to him. “Why are you following me, Mr. Robert?”
Robert turned toward Eve. An arm rested on the bench back; his face propped up on a closed fist. His red hair perfectly held in place. His dark blue hooded gaze held hers. He looked completely calm. “Eve.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know where we live.”
Eve was silent for a moment. She just looked at him, staring into his beautiful face. And then, she laughed. Her whole body went into it. She held her sides as she continued to stare at him. His face’s stillness only served to feed her laughter. Once she calmed enough, she said. “If you ask someone, I’m sure they’d give you directions.”
Robert nodded. “And if I had done that, how would you have felt when you came home and I was there?”
Eve’s smile slipped away. “Invaded.”
“My point, precisely.”
“Well, why didn’t you just say that?”
Robert sighed. “I want you to like me, Eve. It would make both of our lives so much easier.”
Eve leaned back into the bench and stared straight ahead into nothingness. “Life will never be ‘easy’ for me, Mr. Manning.”
“Robert.”
“Okay, Robert.
“What leads you to believe this?”
Eve looked over at him. “Well, let’s see. My mother died when I was young. I married a man who only stayed at home enough nights to get me pregnant before leaving town. My father dies and the board threatens to take my family’s company until I marry. You tell me, Mr. Manning. Does that sound like a life full of ease?”
Robert’s expression softened. “No, it does not.”
Eve turned away, settling back into the bench. “No, it doesn’t.”
Robert turned his body forward as well. “Life has dealt you a hard hand, Eve.”
Eve didn’t respond, but she glanced over to find him still watching her. His next words a whisper. “I do not wish to make your life harder.”
“Then give me my share of the company back.”
Robert shook his head. “No.”
“Why not?”
“Because, it’s something I’ve always wanted.”
Eve stood. “Then there is nothing else for us to discuss.”
Robert stood as well. He took her head. “Don’t hate me, Eve.”
Eve stared into his eyes. “I don’t hate you, Mr. Manning, but that’s only because I haven’t the time to put that much energy into you.” She took her hand back. “Home is this way.” She started to walk further into the park, taking the shortcut that she’d been taking sin
ce she were a child. Clark and Lewis followed. So did Robert. She didn’t hate him, but she had the feeling that it was only a matter of time before she would. And that alone gave her hope. Because she couldn’t love someone that she hated.
* * *
5
Chapter FIVE
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“ Whether I am or have ever been married
is no longer any of your concern.”
.
The next day the young prince and Princess Evelyn reached the sea, they took a boat and a ferocious crab tried to drown them. The young prince said, “Allow me to slay this crab for you.” But Princess Evelyn said, ‘No, I slay my own crabs.” And she did.
The next morning, a knock on the front door made Eve jump. She’d just finished looking in on the twins when the knock had sounded through the halls. It was much too early for them to be up, but still, she’d wanted to see to their welfare. Eve had woken up before the sun and had dressed. Waking up with or before the sun was something she was used to doing, but she didn’t know many others like her. She hurried and made it to the door just as the second round of knocking began. She opened the door and found Clara standing there. Clara was not an early riser. Eve gasped. She had completely forgotten about her friend the other night. Clara lived with her. “Clara, where were you last night?” Eve looked behind Clara and spotted the always cheerful Joshua Dawson. ‘Joe’ to his friends; a status of intimacy that he gave freely.
Clara’s face held no expression. “You look tired.”
Eve narrowed her eyes. “Well, thanks for the compliment.”
Joe’s green eyes had the shine of an early riser. His short golden blond hair was parted on the left and then pushed back from his face. He wore a white shirt and light blue dress pants. “You look stunning as ever, Eve.” He brought to Eve’s attention a basket that sat in his hands. “I come bearing breakfast.”
Eve smiled. “You’re the best man I know, Joe Dawson.”
He nodded. “I try.”
Clara spoke again. “I bought Cynthia’s old house yesterday.” Cynthia Miller had moved east after being discovered for her voice. She was off to pursue a career in the opera. Cynthia really could sing, so the town had sent her off with well wishes. Cynthia’s house had only been empty for a month. Perfect timing. “Joe is here to help me move.”
Eve nodded and then gestured the pair in. Clara walked past and gracefully made her way up the stairs; her black dress flowing behind her. “Drop off the basket and then come help me, Joe.” She made it to the top of the steps and then looked down towards Eve. “Robert will allow you to visit me, won’t he?” She then disappeared behind the wall; letting the hand that rested on the side of the wall be the last thing Eve saw.
Eve shook her head and headed for the kitchen towards the back of the house with Joe on her heels. She walked past the living space and then stopped at the kitchen’s entrance. Robert. He wore a dark green suit today with brown loafers. He sat with the daily paper in hand. One leg propped up on his knee. An elbow leaning on the table. He brought the paper down to show his face. A smile. “Good morning, wife.” Robert’s eyes drifted to Joe then back to Eve. He lifted a brow.
Joe walked further into the room. Robert stood to meet him. Joe put the basket down and then shook Robert’s hand. “Joe Dawson, I’m a friend of Clara’s.”
Robert’s shoulders eased. “Robert Manning.”
“I heard you saved Haines Press. I’ve heard nothing but good things.”
Robert grunted. “From Clara?”
Joe laughed. “Oh, don’t mind Clara. She hates everything.”
Robert laughed. “That’s reassuring.”
Eve walked further into the room. “She doesn’t hate you, Joe.”
Joe smiled, his emeralds twinkling. He looked fresh in so many ways. “Just lucky, I guess.”
Eve smiled. Lucky didn’t have anything to with it, she thought. Eve turned to Robert. “Joe brought food.”
Robert turned to Eve. “Do you cook?”
Eve tilted her head. “Why?”
Robert shook his head. “Never mind.” He turned to Joe. “Thank you, Joe. Will you be joining us?”
Joe blushed. “Well, I did bring a feast.”
Robert nodded. “Then it’s settled.” He moved and pulled out a chair at the end of the little kitchen table and then looked expectantly at Eve. Eve hesitated before taking the offered seat. Once seated, Robert pushed it in and then went around to take the other head of the table.
Clara chose that moment to enter the room. “Might I join the festivities, Mr. Manning?” she asked brightly.
Eve turned towards her, narrowing her eyes. No, Eve didn’t really like Robert that much either, but she didn’t need Clara to make her life more difficult. She’d had the night to think about how she wanted things to proceed with Robert. It was better to be on his good side than not. It was more than just her own life she was gambling away. She had Lewis and Clark to think about.
Robert waved Clara off. “Of course, you can join us.”
Clara curtseyed before she took a seat. They all extended their arms, holding hands and bowed their heads to pray. Eve’s eyes floated towards the ceiling. She closed her eyes and sent up a silent prayer. She opened her eyes just in time to meet everyone else’s eyes. Joe then walked around the table and both of the men sat. Robert smiled across from Eve with an expression of pure pleasure.
Joe opened his basket and took one dish out right after another. He really had packed a feast. Biscuits, eggs, cheese, bacon, potatoes. Eve’s eyes widened. “Joe, who’s supposed to eat all of this?”
Red spread up his neck. “Sorry.”
Eve shook her head. “Let’s bless this food the right way, shall we?”
Everyone bowed their heads.
“Dear Father—” Eve said.
“Dear Lord—” Robert said at the same time.
Everyone’s heads went up.
Eve looked at Robert. “I always say grace in my house.”
“Yes, but it’s the proper protocol for the man of the house to say grace—”
Clara cut him off, grabbing Eve’s hand. Her sea-colored eyes glowing. “Yes, Eve. It is proper protocol! Proper protocol, indeed,” Clara said in her own version of a British accent. Her hold tightened as she gave Eve a look that said so much.
Eve took her head back. “Fine, Robert. You can say grace.”
Clara threw her hands up. “Will he be saying all your prayers to God now?”
“Clara,” Eve warned.
Clara sighed, but fluttered her eyes closed; preparing herself for prayer.
Joe looked around a little before closing his own eyes.
Eve closed her eyes too.
Robert said the prayer.
The meal started off in silence, but then Joe started a conversation. “Robert, would you mind lending me your paper? There’s supposed to be news of the next Jack Danger book.”
Robert brightened up. “By C.C. Reed?”
Joe smiled. “Are you a fan?”
Robert smiled. “I love the series.” He turned to Eve. “I meant to tell you, I’ll be wanting to meet some of Haines Press’ writers. And definitely, C.C. Reed.”
Eve kept her eyes from drifting towards Clara. It was hard, but she managed it. “C.C. Reed isn’t available to meet people.”
Robert frowned. “Why not? Is the man ill?”
Eve shook her head. “Uh, no.” The man just isn’t a man, she thought.
Clara cut in. “I heard a rumor that C.C. Reed was going to end the series soon.”
Everyone’s eyes widened. Clara simply sipped her apple juice. Her eyes staring straight ahead.
Robert leaned towards her. “Where did you hear this?”
Clara rolled her eyes. “Around.”
Robert shook his head. “Now, I truly must meet this man. Losing him would be a grea
t loss to Haines Press.”
Eve narrowed her eyes at Clara. “Yes, it would,” she all but hissed.
Clara turned to Eve. “Well,” Her pretty face expressionless. Her blue-green eyes were framed with dark lashes and even darker eyeliner. Clara looked like an exotic feline. So pretty to look at, but would strike without warning. “You know writers. They’re unpredictable,” she said.
Joe spoke in a low voice. “Such an awful thought, but I guess we’d just have to all move on.” He turned to Clara. “But I’d miss reading the books with you.”
Clara turned towards Joe. Her eyes fluttered as if coming out of a daze. “Well,” she put her cup down and started to mess with her dress. “You know rumors. They’re never true. Just gossip. Petty talk is all.”
Joe smiled. “You think so?”
Clara nodded a few times. “I’m sure of it. Just nasty rumors. I don’t know why I bothered spreading them.”
Joe’s face brightened like sunshine. “Yeah.”
Eve smiled. How could Clara not see how deeply she was in love with Joe? Eve looked across at Robert and found his smile directed at herself. Eve leaned back in her chair. Did he know? Could he have possibly guessed that Clara was in fact C.C. Reed? Robert didn’t move, just sat there, staring at her. He knew. Eve looked to Joe. He’d gone back to his food, still smiling. Joe was probably the only one in the room who didn’t know. Eve would leave him in his bliss.
* * *
6
Chapter SIX
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“ Whether I am or have ever been married
is no longer any of your concern.”
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