A Prior Engagement

by S. L. Scott

  Everleigh knew her fate had been mapped out long before she even comprehended she had other options, and sadly, had accepted her reality.

  She always felt her English degree would allow her to excuse her escape into books with dreams of one day working in publishing. She dreamed of discovering a hidden gem of a writer who somehow slipped through the fingers of major players in the industry.

  But these were dreams she had during the daytime hours. She reserved her nighttime hours for the fantasies of the books she relied on for comfort—knights in shining armor, angst-ridden heroes who found their soul mates and the forbidden love that withstood all else in the end—even death. She never spoke of these dreams to anyone. Especially not Tom, who because of his privileged upbringing, believed his love was the ultimate gift.

  She rolled her eyes thinking of his arrogance then brushed it off, accepting he would never change. She was resolved to the life she was committed to, like it or not.

  She left the library deflated, reminded of her obligations and the promises she made as a teenager. But as she walked out of the Beaux-Arts building, the sun was still shining and it instantly brightened her mood.

  She continued down the steps, almost skipping, when she heard someone yell, “Hey!”

  She turned to see her classmate from inside the exhibit walking across one of the large platform steps toward her. He stopped two feet in front of her then adjusted down a step to give her the upper vantage point. They looked at each other, not rushing to speak. William, after a second, broke the silence first and asked, “How’d you like it?”

  “It?”

  “The book collection? How’d you like the collection? Pretty amazing, huh?” He shoved his hands in his jacket pockets, feeling awkward and full of self-doubt.

  “Yes. I wish I could have touched them. To feel something that old and fragile and important . . .” Her eyes turned to the sky, letting her sentence trail off, and she smiled. She caught herself and dragged her wandering thoughts back to the present. “It was amazing.” She took a step down, putting her closer to William and said, “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow in class.”

  She didn’t wait for him to respond since she was in a hurry. She walked down the rest of the stairs, embarrassed she had acted so weird in front of him, and blushed from the humiliation of what he must think of her.

  William was in complete and total awe, watching her walk down the sidewalk. The twinkle in her eyes when she spoke of the books made him feel close to her. He had never met someone who felt the same as he did about books and he made a pact to get to know this girl. He had to find out more about this fascinating creature, starting with her name.

  That night a hundred names crossed his mind, but none of them seemed to fit the beautiful girl. Her beauty wasn’t common. She was a classic beauty with her straight nose, defined cheekbones, and slender neck. Tiffany, Pamela, or Christy didn’t seem to suit her at all. They were pretty names, but improper for her. After spending way too long on this exercise, he finally fell asleep.

  Chapter 3

  Everleigh hurried home from the book exhibit in a great mood, even if she had embarrassed herself in front of the handsome guy from school. She smiled, enjoying the brief interaction a bit too much.

  As she walked into the lobby of her building, Walter handed her bag back, and gave her a warning, “Mr. Whitney is in a foul mood.”

  “Thank you,” she said. Her stomach flipped once before sinking further into her body. As she rode the elevator up, she felt ill-prepared for the potential confrontation.

  She walked into the foyer of her family’s apartment and looked around, feeling immediate relief when she discovered he wasn’t there. She ran to her room, dropped her bag and shut the door behind her, feeling safe.

  She needed a few minutes to gather her wits about her and to freshen up to look presentable again before seeing him. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t get those few minutes because to her surprise, Tom was already waiting for her by the window.

  She gasped out of fear, startled to find him there. His body language told her he was angry without him saying a word.

  “You seem a bit on edge, darling,” Tom said. His pace was slow, but calculated as he walked toward her. With every step he took, her heart beat louder in her chest, pounding in her ears.

  She gulped, telling a lie. “No, not at all.” She was terrified. It was the buildup that frightened her more than the act itself.

  “Where were you today?”

  “I, uh, I—”

  “I, uh, I . . . that doesn’t sound like you. You’re usually very well-spoken. You’re babbling and it’s unbecoming. It’s a simple question.” He stopped in front of her and searched her eyes for the lie he knew was coming. It wasn’t like her to lie, but she wasn’t acting herself and that worried him.

  “I went to see an exhibit on books—”

  “Where was the exhibit?” he asked, turning his back to her while crossing his arms over his chest. Tom felt his insides seething and he hated feeling betrayed. So when she responded “Downtown,” he lost it. She knew his body language enough to recognize what was coming, and terror caused her to cower against the door.

  “Who were you with?” He fisted his hands at his side.

  “No one.” The words fumbled from her mouth as she pressed harder against the door behind her, shrinking further against it for safety.

  He spun around and just as Everleigh thought she might get a chance to beg for forgiveness for breaking an unspoken rule, it was over.

  She held her hand against her flaming cheek as he walked around her. Opening the door, he stopped without looking. “Please don’t keep us waiting for dinner. It’s rude.”

  He didn’t slam the door behind him as he left her room, but it would’ve felt more appropriate considering what had happened.

  She exhaled out of relief because if that was the extent of her punishment this time, she could handle it. A simple slap, no problem, she convinced herself. The pain she had become accustomed to, but the daily emotional beating she still had trouble dealing with.

  She changed clothes, heeding his request to hurry. After touching up her make-up, she pinned her hair back away from her face the way Tom preferred. The red from the slap faded minutes later, allowing her to join her family for an early evening cocktail.

  After the first sip of wine, Everleigh eased back into her role flawlessly. She walked over and gave Tom a proper kiss on his cheek before whispering her apology in his ear. “I’m sorry.” As she said those words, she found herself confused to why she should be sorry.

  He looked to her, tilting his head, and clarified the situation. “I can’t have you traipsing about the city by yourself, Everleigh. It’s dangerous. Furthermore, what if someone had seen you downtown wandering the streets? Then I would have to explain that your mind tends to live in the clouds. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. You need to be focused on our future. I hope you don’t get any more unseemly ideas in that pretty head of yours.” He paused as if waiting for something.

  As expected, she filled in the blanks. “I apologize for disobeying.”

  His hand slid down the graceful curve of her back, coming to rest on her bottom. With a small pat and smile, he said, “Thank you, darling. Let’s be more aware of how our actions affect others from now on, shall we?”

  “Yes.” Hoping to move on from this topic, she asked, “How was your day?”

  He smiled down at her knowing all he wanted was her loyalty, which to him also meant obedience, before he would walk down the aisle. This is how she would have to be all the time. He had patience, though it was starting to wear thin. She was worth it in beauty and pedigree and tonight, she proved she was still willing to learn which made him happy.

  As an incentive for her, he raised his glass and proposed an autumn wedding date. Her family began celebrating a fall nuptial as Everleigh’s stomach churned, magnifying all the doubts she’d been suppressing. She looked down at her wine, swirling it aro
und the inside of the crystal glass a few times, hoping to shake the horrible feelings swirling inside of her.

  When she looked up, she caught her sister’s gaze. Audrey was the only one not toasting the supposedly happy occasion. Her little sister quirked an eyebrow up and tilted her head in question.

  Everleigh put her shoulders back and lifted her chin up with a smile in place. She raised her glass, hoping to throw her sister off. Audrey didn’t deserve to be burdened with her problems. Everleigh wanted nothing more than for her sister to have the life that she couldn’t—happy and carefree. A seventeen-year-old shouldn’t have to worry about her troubles behind closed doors.

  When no one was looking, Everleigh rubbed her temple and shook off the uneasy feeling that was lodging itself into her heart. She played the role of ecstatic fiancée until she crawled into her bed later that night, and cried until she fell asleep, finally able to release her true feelings with every tear cascading down her cheeks.

  When William walked into class the next day, he tried to contain the pangs of excitement he felt. He scanned the room, attempting nonchalance, before spotting the girl eight rows up, sitting in the middle of the auditorium. He chose the ninth row and one seat past hers, sliding down and getting comfortable.

  He wanted to talk to her, but had trouble finding the words that felt right in the moment.

  She tried in earnest to concentrate on her note taking, but sensed someone behind her. She peeked over her left shoulder to find the now familiar boy listening to the professor’s lecture while a pen hung from the side of his mouth.

  Indulging in her crush, she stared at him, finding him more handsome than she should. He fascinated her and seemed thoughtful with his relaxed expression and the pen resting against his lips. Seeing him made her feel funny inside—in a good way.

  She closed her eyes needing to stop herself from staring before she got caught, but when she reopened them, he was looking at her. He grinned, followed by a wink. Her mouth dropped open in shock and she spun back around as her faced flamed red. Sticking her own pen between her teeth, which she never did, she bit down hoping to ease the discomfort of being caught.

  The class felt longer to her today. Every second of every minute weighed on her as it passed. Although, she felt a constant nag inside to look back at him, she feared being caught again and knew she wouldn’t be able to handle another of those sexy winks. Sexy? She shook her head, surprised by her feelings.

  She wanted to know his name and she wanted to know if he would be her school friend. No pressure at all. I don’t have any other school friends. Will you please fill that role for me? She reined in the crazy idea and stood with the other students, realizing Professor Lang must have dismissed them while she was lost in thought.

  Gathering her materials, she walked to the end of the row. He was standing there, almost as if he was waiting for her. An awkward smile graced her face then she filed in front of him. By the time she entered the hall, her cheeks were hot again just from his proximity. Uncomfortable in these new emotions, she escaped into the nearest restroom.

  She wasted enough time to allow the students from her class to disperse from the hallway. Leaving the security of the bathroom, she exited the Lit building and made her way down the two blocks to Bean There.

  Only having visited the coffee shop a few times, she already looked forward to coming after class because she enjoyed the quiet, relaxing ambiance. She also liked that she had seen him there before. She ordered her coffee and turned to go to the table she liked best, but to her annoyance, it was already taken.

  The girl at the counter made a suggestion. “There are tables in the front by the window.”

  Everleigh was distracted though when she discovered he was the one occupying the table. With confidence, she walked toward him and set her books down on the table next to his as he had done two days earlier.

  As she unloaded her laptop onto the small bistro table, he leaned toward her and introduced himself. “I’m William. What’s your name?” He asked her this as if the world would stop if he didn’t know.

  Looking up at him, she replied, “I’m Everleigh. It’s nice to officially meet you.” She pushed her hand forward and he took it between his own, covering hers completely. The gesture was sweet and gentle, just like the boy doing it.

  Everleigh looked from their joined hands straight into William’s eyes where she saw a spark flicker as his pupils widened, drawing her in. She wanted to say her breath hitched at that moment in reflection, but it didn’t. It lurched, swan-diving right off a cliff, then stopped altogether.

  In that moment, she knew her life would be changed forever.

  Chapter 4

  Everleigh, Everleigh, E-V-E-R-L-E-I-G-H. Her name was perfect no matter how many times William repeated it. There was not a more fitting, more perfect name than Everleigh, he thought as he smiled at the girl. He was reluctant to release her hand, but did. “Everleigh is a beautiful name.” He said her name because he wanted to see how it felt on his tongue, and it did not disappoint.

  “Thank you, William,” she said, emphasizing his name as if trying it out for the first time. It’s not like she hadn’t heard the name William before, but she’d never given it much thought until now. Now, it seemed fitting for the thoughtful man sitting next to her.

  They sat together smiling, sitting close, but still feeling too distant. The warmth between them radiated, pulling them toward each other. Though their bodies never shifted, their hearts most definitely did.

  Everleigh, he inwardly sighed. It might have been outward, too, but he hoped not.

  “You can call me Evie if you like.” She surprised herself by making this spur of the moment suggestion. Everyone called her Everleigh, except for her sister who called her Evie, so she didn’t know why she offered to let him call her that, but it felt right.

  “I’d like that very much,” he replied, and they both smiled. He didn’t know if everyone called her Evie, but her offer felt special to him.

  They returned to their individual studies, but couldn’t stop from peeking at each other every couple of minutes, observing without the other person noticing. He studied her profile and she focused on his kind eyes.

  More time passed before she eventually looked at her watch, and in a sudden shock of horror, she gasped. She bolted from her seat and slammed her laptop closed without turning it off, threw her notebook into her bag, and swung it over her shoulder. She hurried past William as he jumped up, confused by her actions. At the door, she stopped, taking the time to say good-bye, “I’ll see you Friday, William.”

  Surprised by her sudden departure, he remained standing and watched her leave the coffee shop. “Bye, Evie.” He rushed his words, but she was already gone and didn’t hear him. He noticed Tracy watching him as he dropped back down into his chair. He gave a forced and tight smile, trying not to be concerned by Evie’s abrupt exit.

  He started reading his book again. Even though his eyes were scanning the pages, the words meant nothing. His entire mind was focused on Evie, not on the text.

  Her voice replayed in his head over and over again. The way she said his name was as if they knew each other much more intimately and that made him smile.

  Everleigh had too many thoughts going through her mind to formulate an excuse that would defend her tardiness. She still hadn’t come up with any legitimate reason by the time she reached the car, so she resolved that the truth would be best and to face the consequences head on.

  She lowered down into the spotless sports car, and smiled at Tom. “I’m sorry I’m—”

  “Please don’t insult me with some poor excuse you conjured up while keeping me waiting on you.”

  “Oh, I would never—”

  He turned his hard glare on her, which made her lose her ability to speak. The fury in his eyes cut through and his disappointment was evident. She shrunk into her seat with complete fear of being trapped inside this car. Even though every bone in her body told her to run, sh
e stayed in spite of her instincts. He put his hand on her leg, recognizing the fear he had created. With a calm and softened tone, he said, “I would appreciate if you don’t keep me waiting again, but if you’re going to be late, call me and let me know. I was worried.”

  This change in him surprised and relieved her. She couldn’t believe he was going to let it go. Exhaling a long breath, her body relaxed as she buckled her seatbelt.

  “I will.” She leaned over the console and kissed him on the cheek.

  They drove to his place and as they rode the elevator up to the apartment, he took her hand in his. After he unlocked the door, she retreated into the bedroom closet to her small designated section. But unaware of their plans for the evening, she walked into the kitchen where he was mixing a drink, and asked, “Are we staying in or going out tonight?”

  “What would you like to do?” He was uncharacteristically leaning against the counter with his sleeves rolled up. He looked exhausted.

  She knew what she wanted to do. “I’d like to stay in.”

  “Then we shall. Maybe we can order Chinese food and watch a movie.”

  She shook her head in disbelief wondering what had happened to Tom. Chinese food and a movie? That sounded nice and not like him to make such a suggestion.

  “Does that sound good to you, Everleigh?”

  “Yes, that sounds great. I’m going to change clothes for . . . Chinese food and a movie then.” She went back into the bedroom, closed the closet doors, and walked over to her one allotted drawer in the dresser. She pulled out a T-shirt and for a split second, she almost opted for a pair of his boxers, but decided that wasn’t a wise choice. Instead, she grabbed a pair of terrycloth shorts instead. Unsure of her choice in attire, she was apprehensive when she returned to the kitchen.