He’d reached the car when Zita called out.
“Evan, wait.”
He breathed slowly out before he turned. Zita hurried up to him, Teresa hanging back. He felt bad for the girl. The art center might have been good for her.
“What do you mean I’d be adding to Carly’s workload?” she asked. “I was just going to ask her a question.”
He shook his head. She had no idea how this worked. “Z, why do you think Carly asked for the proposal?”
Zita shook her head.
“Because she knows most people will find it’s too hard and won’t bother. If they do bother, she can get Hayden to review it for her. If you ask her, it’s back on her plate and she has to deal with it directly. She already works way too much.”
“I never realized. She never said anything.”
“That’s because she loves you too much to say no. You do know the only day she takes off each month is when she goes to your place for lunch?”
Zita’s eyes widened. “No.”
“You’ve got to stop asking her for so much. Sure, she’s rich in money, but she’s poor in time.”
Zita was looking increasingly guilty. He hugged her. “I know you’re doing it because you’ve got a good heart, Z, but someone needs to take care of your older sister.”
She examined him. “It seems like you’ve nominated yourself for the role.”
He wasn’t so sure. He glanced at Teresa. “If you don’t want to come back here, I can always give Teresa lessons, or help you find another center.”
“A center would be great. She’s not real comfortable around most men.”
“I’ll look around and give you a call.” He checked his watch. “I’d better get back to it.” He had a whole lot of painting to do and he would have to find a new arts center for himself. He wasn’t sure he wanted to deal with Isobella and Desmond again.
He got in his car and waved the girls goodbye.
***
It was dark when Carly woke. Disorientated, she closed her eyes and waited for her head to clear. It didn’t. All the muscles in her body ached and her head pounded. She sat up carefully and turned on the light, hissing at the brightness. It was eight o’clock. She must have slept the whole day.
Very slowly she got up, went to the bathroom, and then shuffled into the kitchen to get some water. Her stomach grumbled, but the thought of eating made her feel nauseated.
She should call Hayden. Make sure there was nothing that had come up at work. She dialed his number while she checked her fridge for something she might be able to keep down.
“How are you feeling, Carolina?”
“Like death,” she admitted, her voice croaky. “Anything happen at work today?”
“The whole company went under because you weren’t there.”
“What?!”
“Kidding, Carolina. It was fine. There were no issues rescheduling your appointments. I got Lisa to represent you in a couple of meetings and I took the minutes as normal.”
“How did Lisa go?”
“She was great. She’s changed recently, not so obsessed with money.”
Carly sighed in relief. “I’ll check my emails now I’m up and I’ll be in tomorrow.”
“No, you won’t. You’ll go straight back to bed, and if you do anything, then you can watch some television. I don’t want to see you this week.”
Annoyance stirred at Hayden giving her orders. “Sure,” she lied.
She hung up and found some dry crackers in the cupboard. She ate one, drank a glass of water, and was exhausted. But she couldn’t go back to bed, she needed to check her email. A shower would make her feel better.
Halfway to the bathroom, she changed direction and headed to her bed. Crawling under the covers, she fell asleep again.
***
Evan hadn’t heard from Carly in two days. He wasn’t exactly surprised, because he’d seen her calendar for the week. Still, he was a little hurt. He’d meant to call her, but didn’t want to disturb her at work, and then he’d get lost in his painting and not come out until the early hours of the morning. He’d sent her a couple of text messages instead, which she hadn’t responded to.
Today he was going into the city for a meeting with Basil. He arrived a little early, so he went to the top floor to check if Carly was in.
Hayden was back at his desk.
“Glad to see you’re better,” Evan greeted him.
Hayden raised his eyebrows. “How did you know I was sick?”
“Carly told me. Is she in?” He didn’t want further questions.
“No. I passed on the flu. She’s been off all week. I’m a little worried about her. She didn’t call to check in yesterday.” There was real concern in Hayden’s eyes.
Evan frowned. It had to be something awful for Carly to be away from work at all, let alone for three days. “Is anyone looking after her?”
“Not that I know of. I’m under strict instructions not to call her mother.”
That sounded like typical Carly. “I’ll drop in after I’ve finished my meeting.”
“Thank you. I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries.”
“I’ll give you a call.” He took one of Hayden’s business cards and handed him one of his own before going to his meeting with Basil.
***
Two hours later, Evan walked into Carly’s apartment building and smiled at the doorman. “I’m Evan Hayes. I’m here to see Carolina Flanagan.”
“One moment, sir.” The man rang a number and waited. “There’s no answer,” he said as he hung up.
Evan frowned and rang her cell. It went straight to voicemail. Concern shifted through him. What if she was unconscious, or lying injured and couldn’t respond?
“Have you seen Carolina Flanagan today?” he asked.
“No, sir.”
“I was supposed to meet her, ” he lied. “She’s been sick, and I’m a little worried she might need help. Is there any chance you can let me into her apartment?”
The doorman checked on the computer and shook his head. “You’re not on my list, I’m afraid, Mr. Hayes.”
“What list?”
“Residents can authorize access to certain people.”
“Who’s on her list?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you that.”
Who would Carly trust? It had to be her sisters and her mother. He turned away and dialed Zita’s number.
“Hey Z. Have you spoken with Carly in the last couple of days?”
“No. Not since the party.”
“I dropped in to visit her at work and Hayden tells me she’s been sick all week. I’m at her apartment now and she’s not answering. The doorman tells me some people are authorized to get access, are you one of them?”
“Yes. Let me talk to Harold.”
He handed the phone to the doorman. “Zita Flanagan wants to speak with you.”
A minute later Harold handed the phone back.
“I’ve got you access,” Zita said. “Call me back and tell me how she is.”
“Thanks Z.” Evan hung up and took the key Harold handed him. “Thank you.”
By the time he got back up to Carly’s apartment, his heart was pounding. He opened the door and walked in. “Carly?”
Nothing was disturbed in the living area, so he made his way straight to her bedroom. She was lying in the middle of the bed, the sheets tangled around her legs as she tossed from side to side. Evan rushed over.
“Carly, are you all right?”
She moaned.
“Wake up, Carly.” Her forehead was boiling and her skin was damp.
“Papa?”
Was she hallucinating? “It’s Evan, Carly.”
“Evan?” Her eyes fluttered open and she squinted as if trying to figure out what he was doing there.
“How are you feeling?”
There was a pause, before she finally said, “Awful.”
“Have you had anything to eat or drink?”
&
nbsp; “Water.” She pointed to the empty glass on the bedside table.
“Let me get you some more.” He raced to the kitchen, filled up a clean glass with water, and then checked her fridge and cupboard for food. There was barely anything in there. He returned to her room and helped her to sit. She was so incredibly weak. How had she managed two and a half days like this? She should have called him.
“Drink up,” he said.
She took a couple of sips and put the glass down, her hand shaking a little.
“Drink some more,” he insisted, holding the glass near her mouth. She did as he said without complaint. “Have you eaten?”
“No.”
There was nothing in the apartment, but he didn’t want to leave her alone. The closest person who could help was Hayden. Evan grabbed his phone.
“I need a favor.”
After he explained what he needed, Hayden said. “I’ll be there in thirty.”
“Who did you call?” Carly asked when he hung up.
“Hayden.”
“You can’t get him to run personal errands for me.” She was horrified.
“He’s getting some medication and food, is all.”
She shook her head and then closed her eyes and put a hand to her forehead. If it was possible she looked even worse.
“Stop moving, sweetheart. You’re only making it worse. We’ll get some food and fluids into you and you’ll feel much better.” He hoped. “Just let me call Z back. She’s worried about you.”
He walked out of the room and called Zita to fill her in on her sister’s condition.
“I’m due at the courts this afternoon,” said Zita, “but I’ll come and look after her when I’m done.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll move in here for a couple of days.” Evan didn’t question the overwhelming urge he had to care for her. “Can you take care of McClane?”
“Oh. Sure.”
He could tell she was surprised. “I’ll grab my things later. I can work from here.”
“Thanks for caring, Evan,” Zita said quietly and hung up.
He did care. More than he thought he was able to. Carly had touched something in him that he’d thought was long dead. But he didn’t have time to examine it now. Carly needed him.
She was still sitting up when he went back into her room, but her eyes were closed. She looked vulnerable and young. He watched her for a while until Hayden arrived holding two big shopping bags.
“I got fluids, chicken noodle soup, and all her favorite foods, for when she feels like eating again. For me it was about five days before I started on anything solid.” He unpacked the bags onto the kitchen bench.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Hayden glanced toward Carly’s bedroom and lowered his voice. “I’d do anything for her. She’s the best boss I’ve ever had, and she doesn’t take care of herself nearly enough. She’s so selfless.”
Evan nodded. “Can you clear the rest of the week for her?”
“Already done. I slept for the first four days, only waking when my roommate fed me. If Carly hasn’t been eating, it might take her longer. Give me a call if she’s not getting better by Saturday and I’ll clear next week’s appointments too.”
“Thanks.” He shook Hayden’s hand and walked him to the door.
When he was gone, Evan heated the soup and took a bowl in to her. “Carly, it’s time to eat.”
She opened her eyes. “I’m not hungry.”
“I know, but you need to try. It’s chicken noodle, guaranteed to chase all those nasty bugs away.”
She managed a smile.
He held the bowl for her while she took some spoonfuls.
“What are you doing here?” she asked after a while.
“Hayden told me you weren’t well. When you didn’t answer the door, Zita convinced your doorman to give me a key so I could check on you.”
“Oh. Thank you.”
She ate about half a bowl before she put the spoon down.
“Do you want to take a shower, or are you going to go back to sleep?”
She yawned. “Sleep.” She shuffled back down into bed.
If what Hayden said was true, Carly should sleep for a few hours, which would give him time to go home. “I’ve got to go grab a couple of things, but I should be back by the time you wake.”
“OK.” It was a testament to how ill she was that she didn’t question why he was coming back or what he was doing.
Evan waited until she’d drifted off to sleep, made sure she had a full glass of water next to her, and kissed her forehead. Then he went downstairs, told Harold that Carly was all right and that he’d be back, before driving home.
***
It was over a two-hour round trip by the time Evan arrived back at Carly’s apartment. Harold gave him access to the parking garage, so he parked his car and loaded his gear into the elevator. Carly was still sleeping, so he took another couple of trips to get the rest of his stuff, and then set it up in the living room near the windows, being careful to spread out his dropcloth so he didn’t splash paint on the floor. When he was finished, he heard Carly stirring. Quickly he went to her bedroom where she was sitting on the edge of her bed.
She gasped when she saw him. “I thought you were a dream.”
He smiled. “No, I’m real. Are you hungry?”
“I need to go to the bathroom.”
“Do you need a hand?” He wasn’t sure how steady she was on her feet.
“I should be able to make it.” She stood and swayed a bit as she took her first step.
“Let me help.” He put his arm around her and helped her across the room to the adjoining bathroom. He waited outside until she emerged again, and then helped her back to bed. He handed her a glass of water and she took a sip.
“Why are you still here?”
“I’m taking care of you,” he said.
“I’m fine. You’ve got work to do.”
“I can do it here. I’ve been home to get my things. I’m going to take care of you until you’re better.”
“But you might catch what I’ve got.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. You need someone to help you.”
“I’m fine,” she said again.
“No, you’re not.” Frustration rose up in him. “You were barely lucid when I got here, Carly. You scared me, and you worried Hayden. I’m going to stay here until you’re well again. Now, do you want some more soup?”
Carly stared at him for a moment and then said, “Yes, please.”
But by the time he got back from the kitchen, she’d fallen asleep.
He propped a note against the glass of water, which said, Call out when you wake up and went to paint.
***
Evan set his alarm each hour and set the phone to vibrate. Each time it buzzed, he put down his paintbrush and went to check on Carly. Her skin was still very hot but she was sleeping solidly. It was six o’clock before she woke again and he heated her some soup.
“You’re determined to make me eat,” she said, taking a sip.
“And drink,” he said, handing her a glass of an electrolyte mixture.
“Thank you.” She smiled at him.
When she was done eating, Evan helped her into the shower, and quickly changed the sheets on her bed while she was in there. When she got out, he dried her hair for her, and helped her back to bed again.
By that stage she was yawning and went straight to sleep.
He sat there watching her for a while. She had become such an important part of his life in such a short amount of time. Should he be worried? He hadn’t had anyone important in his life before, hadn’t allowed himself to need anyone. Not after his parents had constantly let him down. But Carly was different. She didn’t expect anything from him, didn’t need him, and for the first time in his life he wished she would. He wanted to be needed by her.
Wasn’t that ironic?
He got to his feet. He had more painting to do.
; Chapter 15
It was Saturday before Carly had the energy to get out of bed. She woke up early and Evan was asleep next to her. He’d been by her side constantly throughout the past three days and she’d worried he hadn’t slept, but here was proof. Carefully, she got out of bed and stood for a moment to make sure she didn’t get dizzy. She crept out of the room to the kitchen and opened the cupboard. She was definitely hungry today.
Inside, there was a veritable array of food, including her favorite raspberry and white chocolate muffins. She grabbed one and took a bite, before switching on the kettle. She’d have a cup of tea, because she wasn’t sure her stomach would handle something as strong as coffee yet. While waiting for the kettle to boil she turned to look out of the window and stared.
Carly’s living room had been transformed into a studio. There were three easels lined up, and multiple canvases spread out across the floor, and the dining room table was covered in a collection of different paints.
So this is what Evan had been doing.
She was glad. She’d been worried he wasn’t going to have the time to paint while he was nursing her. She strolled over to peek at the paintings. The first was of the Day of the Dead celebrations; there was color and laughter and community. The next was of an office lobby with a doorman who looked suspiciously like Harold, and the third took her breath away. It was her mother in her garden, looking as content as Carly had ever seen her. It was beautiful. It was as if she could reach out and touch her.
“Carly, are you OK?” Evan was rubbing his eyes, dressed only in a pair of boxer shorts. Her heart gave a thud. He looked so tired, but so sexy.
He frowned at her standing by the paintings. Surely he didn’t mind her looking at his work?
“Evan, these are magnificent.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Thanks. How are you feeling?”
“Much better.” She walked across to him and gave him a hug. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“You’re most welcome. You were a pretty easy patient, what with all the sleeping.”
The kettle clicked off. “Do you want a drink?”
“I’ll get it. You sit down.” He accompanied her to the bar stool and she sat.
Carly had never been fussed over by a man before and it was kind of nice.
Change of Heart (The Flanagan Sisters, #2) Page 16
