She went to the side door where she’d parked her car and propped the double doors open. Thankfully Alan was nowhere in sight as she started to unload from her car boxes of table linens, candles and glass holders for the candles.
After her third trip, she’d managed to get it all inside before Alan came into the ballroom. Perfect timing. She certainly didn’t want him offering to help her. She’d rather walk over broken glass barefoot than to accept anything Alan Carter had to offer.
“Evelyn,” Alan said, smiling as he crossed the room, “you’re looking stunning tonight.”
Was this jerk for real? Did he think putting on an act around other people would make him look less of an arrogant asshole? Other people may buy into his pretty boy act—son of a state senator, perfectly parted hair—but she didn’t. It actually made her sick to think that at one time she totally trusted him as much as she did Dylan and Vin.
“I’m going to work on the table linens if you want to rearrange the chairs.” She turned her back to him, surprised when he grabbed her arm to turn her around to face him. “Get your hand off me unless you want to cause a scene,” she whispered between clenched teeth.
He kept his hand in place and sneered at her, “Playing the ice bitch is really getting old, Evie. There’s no reason to be ugly.”
She jerked from his grasp and glanced around the room to the two caterers who were paying absolutely no attention whatsoever to them.
“I’m getting ready for a party, which I could use your help with. I assumed you would be helping since you orchestrated this whole ordeal to get me alone.” She laughed at his narrowed eyes. “Oh, did you think I was still naïve, Alan? Did you assume I wouldn’t catch on to your little game?”
“It’s no game,” he snarled. “You know how I feel about you. Why can’t you see that we have something?”
Silence settled between them and she realized he was serious. “Dear God, Alan, you’re sicker than I thought. The only thing we have between us is a possible lawsuit and charges. Are you willing to risk pissing me off?”
“You don’t have a leg to stand on,” he said, shoving his hands into his pants pockets. “Nobody would believe you over me, there’s no evidence except your warped memories and you wouldn’t risk hurting my father over your selfishness.”
“My selfishness?” she asked, trying to keep her voice down. “You’re unbelievable.”
Before he could say another word, the doorbell rang.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes. “I’ll get that. Why don’t you do something that won’t make you look like more of an ass.”
Without waiting for him to say a word, because whatever he had to say was just wasted air in her opinion, she went to the door. The DJ had arrived and once Evie got him squared away where he could set up, she continued unloading her boxes and decorating the tables.
Evelyn refused to let Alan ruin her plans. He’d ruled enough of her life over the last nine years, she wasn’t going to give him any more.
A bit of giddiness bubbled inside. The rest of her life she fully intended to devote to Vin. The man who loved her, no matter what heavy baggage she carried. He’d claimed more than once he’d carry it all for her.
Thankfully Alan left her alone. He was more than likely pouting or plotting. Right now she didn’t care. All that mattered was Rick. She glanced at her watch and noted the guests would be arriving any minute. She carried her empty boxes back out to her car, which was parked on the side where Rick wouldn’t see it.
Evelyn had hired a couple of valets to park the cars in the spacious yard around back. Rick would never know. She’d never thrown a surprise party before, but she was loving this one. She absolutely couldn’t wait to see his face.
The DJ started working on his music, playing different volumes, testing the speakers. The caterers had nearly everything set up and Evelyn glanced around the room, pleased with how this didn’t look too fussy. The room said party, fun and classy, but not over the top.
The tables were draped with navy linen. She’d accented each table with tall pewter bases for the fat, white candles. Bold, simple, elegant.
The DJ found a good mix and on the third song the guests started trickling in. Evelyn greeted them. Most she knew, a few she didn’t. By the time Rick’s assistant arrived, Evelyn was starting to feel more confident about tonight. They’d managed to pull off a party without Rick having any idea, since his birthday wasn’t for another month, and she was quite secure and happy in her relationship with Vin.
Happiness could be hers—all she had to do was reach out and grab it with both hands, instead of leaving one of those hands in the past.
“Dylan’s car just pulled up,” a guest announced to the crowd.
The DJ lowered the volume of the music and everyone’s attention turned toward the door. Evelyn moved toward the closed double doors and anxiously waited. Male voices mixed together on the other side of the door and Evelyn could tell they were getting closer. She turned the knob on one of the doors while another guest turned the other one.
When she heard Dylan’s code word, she and the other guest pulled the doors open and everyone yelled “surprise” as Rick entered the room. Evelyn watched as he laughed, hugged guests, then looked around the room. When his eyes landed on her, his smile widened.
Evelyn went into his welcoming arms and relished the familiar squeeze. “Happy birthday.”
“It’s not for four more weeks,” he said over the noise of the people and music. “You finally managed to take me by surprise. I had no idea you all were planning this.”
Evelyn leaned back to look at his face. “We didn’t want you to guess so we decided to do it early.”
“You didn’t need to do anything for me,” he told her. “But I won’t turn down cake.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. “Always the sweet tooth, huh? Don’t worry. There’s plenty of cake. I made sure the caterers knew your love of buttercream icing.”
Rick’s eyes darted around the room and came back to hers. “Where’s Alan?”
Evelyn looked around too. Dylan was talking with one of the waitstaff, more than likely getting her phone number, and Vin was over with the DJ, leaning in, probably trying to give directions over the loud music. But Alan wasn’t to be found.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him for a while,” she told Rick. “I’m sure he’s here and there’re just too many people. He was helping me set up.”
If harassing and helping were in the same family.
“Why don’t you go mingle,” she told Rick. “I’ll find him for you.”
Rick gave her a quick kiss on her forehead and disappeared into the crowd. Evelyn searched again for Vin and saw him heading her way.
“Have you seen Alan?” she asked once Vin reached her.
“Not since I came in. Why?”
Evelyn glanced through the crowd again. “Rick didn’t see him and I haven’t seen him once these tables were set up. It’s like he disappeared.”
Vin’s eyes darted around too. “I’m sure he’s here. He’s not going to miss his father’s birthday party.”
Dylan came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Well done, sis. The place is amazing.”
Evelyn glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Thanks. I’m just relieved we pulled this off. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
“Well, once he knew Dylan was buying stock in my resort, Rick was intrigued enough to want to know more.” Vin smiled. “All I had to do was mention the plans and we went to the office and looked everything over. I was afraid we’d be late in getting back because he had so many questions and wanted to know about future projects.”
Evelyn laughed. “That’s Rick. Always looking ahead.”
“Where’s Alan?” Dylan asked.
“We’ve been wondering the same thing,” Vin answered. “Rick was looking for him and Evelyn said she hadn’t seen him for a while either.”
“Maybe we should look through the rest of
the house,” Dylan suggested.
As much as she’d rather eat marbles followed by scalding water, Evelyn nodded in agreement.
“I’ll look around outside,” Evelyn offered, thinking that would be the least likely place to find him.
“I’ll walk through the ballroom once more to make sure,” Dylan offered. “Vin, why don’t you try the living room and kitchen.”
Evelyn wondered what would make Alan miss his father’s surprise party, but in all honesty, she was glad he’d vanished. The way he still looked at her gave her the creeps. Even though she wasn’t an innocent, naïve sixteen-year-old anymore, she was still leery of being alone with the man.
She only hoped he wasn’t off somewhere preying on some other innocent girl.
Vin left the noisy ballroom and headed toward the living area across the massive foyer. But he didn’t get too far before he saw Alan sprawled on a sofa with a near-empty bottle of scotch.
“Well, lookie who it is,” Alan slurred. “Where’s the rest of the posse?”
Great. Alan was totally plastered at his father’s party. His father who was a state senator. His father who was seeking reelection soon.
“What the hell are you doing?” Vin scolded. “Are you insane?”
Alan laughed and tipped the near-empty bottle up for another swift swig. “I’m not insane at all. Just having a little party of my own right now.”
Vin moved closer and flicked on a table lamp, illuminating the room even more than just the golden sunset streaming in provided.
“Why are you in here drinking at all?” Vin asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
Alan took another swig. “I’ve found out the woman I thought was meant for me is actually planning her life with another man.”
A good portion of Vin’s anger dissipated. He couldn’t imagine how he’d feel if Evelyn didn’t want to be with him. His heart would certainly be ripped out. Vin eased the bottle from Alan’s hands and set it on the table.
“Why don’t you go upstairs and get cleaned up,” Vin offered. “We’ll cover for you.”
Alan rose to his feet and laughed. “Isn’t that just like you? Always wanting to step in and take my place?”
Vin shook his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but you need to go upstairs so you don’t embarrass your father. I’ll tell him you weren’t feeling well or something.”
Alan’s eyes narrowed. “You have no idea, do you?”
“Excuse me?”
“Evie is mine,” Alan growled. “I loved her before she ever knew you.”
Realization dawned on Vin. “You’ve been in love with Evie?” God, this could get messy. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
“She knows how I feel,” Alan replied. “She knows I’ve loved her for years. She loved me too or she wouldn’t have given me her virginity.”
I’ve only been with one man.
He stole my virginity.
He raped me.
Vin couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t draw in enough air with this tight band around his chest as Evie’s tearful words slammed into him.
But he didn’t need to breath in order to take action.
His fist connected with Alan’s jaw before Alan could even blink.
“You sick bastard,” Vin yelled as he pulled Alan around to hit him again. “You were the one!”
Alan tried to get a swing in, but ended up falling backward against the couch and rolling onto the floor.
“Get up, you piece of shit! Get up and fight.”
Vin couldn’t control his anger, didn’t want to. Of all the people, Alan had never crossed Vin’s mind as Evie’s rapist. God, this wasn’t happening. Vin had wanted to come face to face with the nameless bastard, but…
Alan shoved himself to his feet and yelled while charging Vin stepped aside and Alan went sprawling out into the foyer, sliding on the chestnut floor.
Vin marched out after him. This fight wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. Alan scrambled to his feet, stumbled and tried once again to swing at Vin, but Vin caught his fist and squeezed, twisting his arm behind his back.
“Vin!” Evelyn yelled. “Stop!”
She rushed into the room with Dylan on her heels.
“Dude, let him go,” Dylan yelled. “Vin!”
Vin jerked Alan’s arm even tighter and higher up his back until Alan screamed in pain. When he let go, he gave the bastard a shove forward.
“What the hell is going on?” Dylan asked.
Evelyn was staring at Vin like she’d never seen him before and Vin wanted to go to her, wanted to hold her, wanted to know why the hell she’d covered for Alan all these years.
Vin turned to Dylan when he saw Alan out of the corner of his eye, coming at him again. Turning, Vin braced himself. He actually wanted a good fight, instead of storing up all this anger and hatred for the man who’d raped Evelyn and gotten away with it.
When Alan’s body slammed into Vin, Vin actually laughed. God, it was going to feel so good to pummel this asshole he’d considered a friend for so long.
Because Alan was drunk and not near as muscular as Vin, Vin was able to take that strength and push back. He and Alan grappled until Alan was backed against the ballroom doors. Vin’s fist connected with Alan’s jaw once again, this time sending blood streaming out of his nose.
The doors behind Alan gave way and Alan fell into the chaotic ballroom. The music was blaring, people were laughing and talking until a couple of ladies screamed. One scream turned into another as Alan took a swing at Vin.
Dylan stepped between them, taking the blow. A couple of male guests intervened and pulled the fight apart, which pissed Vin off even more because he was barely warmed up.
But damn, he’d totally forgotten about the party. Seriously, all he’d thought about were the tears he’d seen falling down Evie’s cheek, her frightening memories from being raped, the nightmares that had kept her up at night.
Vin took in a deep breath, shrugged Dylan off his back, and said to Alan, “Get the hell out of my sight.”
Alan wiped his bloody mouth with the back of his hand. “Don’t lay your damn hands on me again. And this is my father’s house. If anyone is leaving, it’s you.”
“What on earth is going on here?” Rick demanded as the crowd parted to let him through. “Why are you two fighting?”
Vin looked at Rick and shook his head. “Rick, I’m sorry for ruining your party. But there’re things you don’t know and now isn’t the time to get into them.”
“So you all just use your fists to settle things?”
“Dad, leave it.” Alan stormed out of the room without looking back.
Vin raked a hand through his hair and glanced at the doorway where Evelyn remained out in the foyer, tears streaming down her cheeks, her breath coming in gasps.
Shit. He’d done this. He’d let his anger get out of control, he’d let his selfish emotions override how this would affect her, or even Rick.
Vin turned back to Rick. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Rick. But trust me when I say that things aren’t what they appear.”
Rick crossed his arms over his massive chest. “Then enlighten me, Vincent. I’m a fair man. What just happened?”
“With all due respect, sir, you’ll have to wait on that answer.” Vin glanced around the room to the still-stunned, silent guests. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Dylan followed him out, but Vin held up a hand and turned to his old friend. “Not now, Dylan. I need to see Evie first. Then I’ll talk to you. Just give me a day.”
Dylan searched his face and finally nodded. “One day.”
When Vin turned back to Evie, she was gone.
Chapter Nineteen
Evelyn couldn’t put her clothes in her bag fast enough. There was no way she could stay with Vin now. No. Way.
First of all, she couldn’t look him in the eyes after he’d uncovered the truth. How could she ever be with him again once he knew she’d been with Alan?
Finally, there was no way she could stay because more than likely Vin wouldn’t want her here. She couldn’t imagine how he could or would still love her now that he knew the truth. She imagined some of that anger she’d witnessed from him tonight was geared toward her. He had to be angry that she had technically covered for Alan.
She’d never been so scared, so humiliated and mortified, but most of all as ashamed as she had when she’d seen Vin pounding Alan. She hadn’t needed to ask what was going on. She’d known.
She double-checked the drawers she’d been using and zipped up her bag. With the way Alan’s crazy moods had been lately, she had no doubt he’d said something referring to her and Vin had pieced things together.
He was smart like that and he’d been determined to uncover the truth.
With a swipe of the back of her hand, she cleaned her face of tears. Crying wouldn’t do anything at this point. She hoisted her bag up over her shoulder and turned.
“Going somewhere?” Vin asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Evelyn squared her shoulders. “Don’t, Vin. I don’t want to fight.”
He shrugged. “I don’t want to fight either, but I think I deserve answers.”
Evelyn dropped her bag at her feet, braced her hands on her hips. “Where do you want me to start?”
“Maybe at the part where you were covering for Alan, or why you never said anything years ago, or why the hell you didn’t tell me when I asked. Pick one.”
A band of guilt tightened around Evelyn’s chest. “I think the reason I never said anything would be obvious. Rick was my guardian and he was running for senator when I first came to him. Alan convinced me it would ruin his father.”
Evelyn ran a hand down the red gown she still wore. “I’m not placing all the blame on Alan, but—”
“Stop it!” Vin yelled as he stepped farther into the room. “Why are you still covering for that bastard, Evelyn?”
Sins from Her Past (Scandalous) Page 16
