Evie“You like someone?” I ask when the waiter comes and takes our orders. Once she is gone, I lean over the table and whisper. “Who is she? Or he, maybe?”“It’s definitely a she, “ he grins. The waitress brings me my hot chocolate and I sip it, comfortably, asking him questions. “Is she a student?” “Yes. “ “In your class?”“Not exactly. ““I am sure she likes you too, “I say, “And you will be an awesome couple. ““You really think so?““Trust me. “ I say, my hands wrapped around the warm cup. “ Besides, I have no interest in deceiving you. Just tell her. After all, what's there to lose?”“A slap in the face?” Jules lifts an eyebrow and I laugh. “No, come on, “ I place my cup back. “Seriously, go for it. “We talk a bit more - about classes, the team and things like that. I glance at the time. “We should probably go, “ I say, “ It’s getting late and I have class early in the morning. ““Yeah, okay. “ he gets up as well, “I have patience at six. ““Six?”“Yeah, we have practice
Evie She is looking at me, expecting the answer I can’t give her. “Forget it, “she shakes her head eventually as I remain silent, “I knew it. Evie, seriously. Maybe you think you didn’t do anything wrong. And I believe you that you didn’t. “Lilian doesn’t look angry. She looks upset. “I honestly think so. Not your fault, “ she says “But I am sure Jules thought you were flirting with him. We all did. ““I wasn't. “ I raise my voice. “I’ve had enough of this, seriously, “ she says, walking away from me. Lilian is picking up her jacket again, preparing to leave. “Where are you going?”“For a walk. ““Now?”“Yes. “She pauses before going out. “Let’s pretend nothing happened. And if you’ve decided to date Jules, then…”“I am not dating him!” I yell, “I am seeing Tyson. “Her hands freeze mid-air, and then she drops the jacket. “You don’t have to stoop so low, “ she says and picks up her jacket. “This is too low of you. ““Lilian, I swear. “Then I know I only have one way of prov
Evie The gathering turns out to be bigger than expected. Lilian and I exchange a look as we come into one of the halls in the university. “I’ve never been here?” she says, looking around and fixing her eyes and the decorated ceiling. “Me neither. “ “You shouldn’t have worried you were too fancy, “ she says eventually and I laugh. “Yeah. Whatever. We look awesome. “We greet our colleagues, and I quickly catch up. We are not the only students he’s invited. Maybe some of Tyson’s female fans are disappointed because they aren’t special, but I doubt it. They bask in any chance to be near him, with or without other people around. I scan the place and find him quickly. Tyson is accepting greetings not only from those female fans he has but also from the usual old academic guys. I feel Lilian’s hand on my back. “Come on, “ she says, “You will see him later. ““Yeah. “I search his eyes in the crowd, but Tyson is busy shaking hands and answering the usual questions. “Let’s have some
Evie I shift and pull the sheet over my naked body. I open my eyes and see Tyson, sitting on the sofa, checking papers. He looks up from the sheet and his pen pauses. I sit up and smile at him. “Hey “ “Did I wake you?” he asks and I shake my head. “No. Why do you never mark papers in red?” I ask and he laughs. “I always hated this at school, then at university, “ he says, “The lines and scribbles in red. Everywhere. I hated it. “ He is wearing a plain white T-shirt and comfortable grey sweatpants. I can look at him forever. The weather is getting cold and the sunlight feels different, somehow the yellow is different and I watch it dancing on his face. “What?” he asks, his eyebrows locking when he sees me watching him. “Nothing, “ I smile and he places the sheets back on the table. “Coffee?” He offers. “No. And I should probably go. “ I glance around hastily for my clothes and get up. Tyson comes and wraps his arms around me. “I don’t regret last night. “ he
Evie I stand there unmoving like a rabbit caught in the lights. Lilian doesn't notice I am freaking out and walks into the bar. I move after her. Why the hell is he here? My palms are sweaty and I hate myself for offering to come here. Why did I even suggest it? Lilian greets George and Jules turns his back on her. What an ass. Lilian pretends not to notice his reaction and greets Killian. She doesn’t know about him, me and Tyson. I only mentioned we hung out after the party that night. “Hey, I remember you, “ she smiles as Killian greets her, “You were at our party, right? ““Yeah, “ he nods, then looks at me. “Hey, Evie. ““Hey, “ I mutter and look away, fixing my eyes on my shoes. “You didn’t call. “He says, smiling and even Jules turns to look at me. “Why would she have to call?” George asks, and waves a hand, “We agreed to hang out. “ I don’t fool them, though, because Geroge looks between me and dKillian and grins, conspiratorially. “I feel like there's a story here
Violet I get up because of the scent of coffee and something baked fills the air. I get up and head to the kitchen where I find Dominic. He is naked from the waist up and making breakfast. I lean against the doorframe and watch him as he moves. The muscles on his back shift as he outstretches his hand for another place and I shift. He turns to look at me. “Hey, good morning. ““Good morning. ““I am making breakfast, “ he says and I sit in one of the chairs around the counter. “What have you done to Dominic? “ I ask, glaring at him. “I can cook, “ he says, firmly, “You know that. ““Not that early and not on weekends. I am still suspicious, “ I say. “What’s that supposed to man? He smiles but keeps his eyes focused on the pan in front of him. I watch his hands, muscled and strong, and think about last night. I am not eighteen anymore, I remind myself, but I still can’t not look at him. “Coffee?” he asks and I get up. “I got this, “ Dominic says and pours a cup for me. “Even
Dominic I light a cigarette and go to the back garden. I lean against one of the columns and look at the place. It’s nicely decorated, even though we’ll be inside. Those things are very important to Olivia, something my mother never did. We are supposed to attend an official dinner later and I am not sure if Max will show up. I hear footsteps a few moments later and smile without turning. “Thanks. “I say and Max comes to stand next to me. He is dressed in a suit and even has a tie on. “Nothing to thank me for, “ he says. “You were right- I should be more careful. “I nod. “I’ve done a lot of stupid shit on my end too, but at least no one found out. ““Great advice, “ he laughs. “It is, isn’t it?”We chat a bit more and Max lights a cigarette too. “I am leaving in a few days. “ he says. ‘Are you ready?” “Were you when you left for the US?”“No. But that's not always a bad thing. “ I tap the ash from my cigarette and push my hands in the pocket of my trousers to avoid lightin
Evie “What happened?” Lilian asks when she comes back to the dorm. She places her bag on her bed and comes to sit next to me. I can’t stop crying. I am sitting on the edge of my bed, with my elbows on my knees. I am hiding my face in my palms because I don’t want her to see me like this. I feel her palm on my back. “What is it?” she asks, quietly. I told her about the call. “I am sure there's a …”“What?”“I don’t know…” she admits, "Maybe he was busy. ““I called him in the evening. He wasn't working or anything. ““Yes, but…What if… he was with someone else?”I look at her, my vision blurred by the non-stop falling tears. “What do you mean?” I wipe my tears and she frowns. “I just hope it wasn't another… you know…”“What?” I ask, the sobs growing. “Nothing, “ Lilian says and waves a hand, “I am sure everything is okay. This is a misunderstanding, maybe. Ask him tomorrow, or whenever. ““Okay, “ I nod eventually, “You're right, maybe I'm just making stuff up.”We decided to g
Dominic “You will be a grandfather, “ I tell the man, sitting opposite me in the small cafeteria. We arranged to meet during my lunch break today. Violet called me earlier but I told her I would be having lunch with a business partner. In a way that’s true. Frederick’s eyes filled with tears at the news I shared. “Thank you. “ he says,” For being here and telling me.” “I thought you deserved to know. “He nods and looks down at his hands, folded in front of him. “I hope you will find the strength in you to forgive me. ““I have nothing to forgive you for. “ I tell him. “No, “he shakes his head. “You do. I am not the father I was supposed to be. ““I have a father, “I argue. “And I will never argue that. But I would like you to listen to me. “I lean back in the chair and he takes this as a sign to continue. “When I met your mother, I fell in love with her at first sight. I swear. There is love at first sight. ”“I believe you, “ And I do. I fell in love with Violet the mo
Five years later Violet “Mom! I don’t want the red one!” I take a very deep breath. “Charlotte, please, “ I tell her for the tenth time, “Choose whatever you want. Just choose now. Please. “ The maid is looking at me, smiling. “I can help, miss. And you can prepare. I will let you know once we are ready.“ “It’s fine. Thank you, Marta. I’ve got this. “ I always refused to have a nanny to help me, even when Charlotte was a baby, but recently Marta’s been trying to help, seeing how busy we all are. Charlotte finally chooses the dress she will be wearing and we start preparing. Half an hour later Marta announces the driver is downstairs. “Coming!” I call out as I put on my earrings. “Mommy, you look pretty. “ Charlotte beams at me. “Thank you, sweetheart, “I kiss the top of her head, “Let’s go. Are you eager to see Aunt Evie and Uncle Max? ““Yes!” She claps and we head downstairs. “Where is Daddy?” She asks as I take her hand and we descend the stairs. “He is…”
Violet “They look suspicious, “ I watch Evie and Max as they try not to look at each other or at least not to be too obvious about it. “She went out to talk over the phone and he went right after her. And for some reason, they look really close after they come back home. Do you think it’s because of the accident and because they spent some time together?...” I look at Dominic. He looks… amused.“What are you hiding from me again? “I ask him, squinting my eyes suspiciously and he shrugs casually. If he does that, it means I am right. He is hiding something. “Dominic, “ I tell him and he eventually says. “I think they are together. And it's been going on for a while.” “What?” I exclaim, but…. Then I turn to look at them again. Among the sea of well-dressed, rich people with great manners they look so… different. As if they are in their own private world. “Yes, “ I mutter, “They are. Why didn’t they tell us?” Dominic gives me a pointed look. “Okay, you are right. We did
Evie I exit the dining hall and head down the corridor. This place is huge and I’ve always thought so, but right now it feels enormous.I pass by a library and a large door. I assume it’s a study and after I make a turn I am in front of the guest bathroom.Where is he? I keep walking and reach a darker corner of the corridor when I take another turn and bump into Max.“Woah,” I take a step back, startled. “You scared me.”As if I wasn’t the one who followed him out.“I did?” He lifts an eyebrow and folds his arms. Then Max leans against the wall next to him, observing me.“Are you following me?” “Why are you acting like this?” I hiss and glance around to see if anyone is coming.“This is what you wanted, right?”“Hmph,” I scoff and he unfolds his arms.Max leans towards me, his breath is on my neck.“I would kiss you,” he whispers and the words send a shiver down my back, “But I can’t remember.”My eyes flutter closed as he traces slow kisses down my neck. I bite my lip and lift my
Evie A few weeks later we are ready to go home. “I will arrive in the evening. “ I explain, “And you on the next day. ““I honestly don’t see why we arrive separately, “ Max admits for the tenth time today. “Because I don’t want to show up and tell them we are…”“What?”“That we are…” “See, “ he says, “You can’t even admit we are together. ““It’s not that, '' I protest, “Let’s just tell them when we are all together, or having a nice time, okay?”“I am not embarrassed to tell them. Are you ashamed of me?““What, no!” I exclaim, “I just didn't want to explain to Violet over the phone. And imagine Olivia’s reaction when…”“Fuck Olivia. “Max shrugs. “I can’t believe I'm going to say this, “ I declare, “But that's too rude. “He scoffs but eventually agrees. Max takes me to the airport and I almost miss my flight because I am reluctant to separate from him. “You chose this, “he reminds me, “We could be travelling together now? ““Don’t hold this against me. “ I point a finger a
Violet I take a sip of coffee when Dominic moves behind me, wrapping his arms around me. “Good morning, “ he kisses the top of my head and proceeds to the coffee machine. “I made some for you, too. “ I smile at him and he pours himself a cup. “What are you doing today?” He asks, and I take the cup to my lips when I suddenly get sick to the stomach. I swallow the bile and Domnic’s eyes flutter to me. “Val?”“Yes, yes. I am here, “ I put the cup back on the counter, “I have a meeting with the investors from Japan. “My stomach turns and I smile awkwardly at Dominic. “Excuse me. “I rush to the bathroom before he says anything and empty my stomach. I feel better right after. When I get back to the room Dominic is waiting for me to say something. “What is it?” he asks, approaching me “I just have been feeling sick these days, maybe it’s a stomach virus or something. ““Or it’s not. “Dominic sips his coffee, casually. “What are you talking about?” I frown and he looks at me po
Evie Max is taking my dress off, not breaking the kiss.“Are you okay?”I mutter against his lips as I see how restless and impatient he is. He unbuttons the last piece from my back, holding the upper part together.“Yes. You?”Max pauses only to say this and continues kissing me. We didn’t say anything to each other, not even hi when he got back. I didn't mind in the slightest but had to ask. “Of course.” I breathe out the words. He smiles and leans in, his lips on mine. Max trails kisses down my neck, then to my chest. He takes my bra off, and I am struggling with opening his tie. Max laughs against my lips against my frustration and helps me untie the knot. He slips the tie off and I can’t stop looking at him, at the way his pupils have dilated, making his eyes impossibly dark in the lights in the kitchen. “What?” He asks, cupping my face.“Nothing.” I smile,” Kiss me.”And he does, brushing his lips against mine, pushing me slightly and guiding me towards his bedroom. I have
Evie I get up before my alarm goes off and get dressed quickly. My classes start later today but I am still prepared to leave. I go to the kitchen for a quick cup of coffee. Max is already there, smoking. I flinch, surprised when I see him. I was sure he was still sleeping. He is leaning back in his chair, dressed in an expensive suit and a watch, and his stubble has started to grow. The blue smoke curls around him in the cold morning light, almost the same blue as the one of his eyes. Max looks like those guys in the perfume commercials. As soon as I show up he sits up. “I will put this off, “ he says, scattering the smoke with his hand and exhaling. “No, no. It’s okay. Your place, after all. ““No, sorry. ““I don’t actually mind it. “I smile and proceed to the coffee maker. “Another coffee?“ I offer. “Yeah, thank you. “I pour some for him and myself. “I hope I won’t spill it this time, “ I joke and he smiles. “If you do, I'll do a better job at cleaning it. “As soon as
Evie I get back to Max’s place and wait for him to come back. Today sucked on all possible levels. I stared into the wall for a good hour, trying to accept that I was never seeing Tyson again, no one told me he was gone, someone was going to prison because of me, and I had money - MY money - that might change things for me. Because I know the family has money, but it’s not my money. And now- I will eventually be able to have something thanks to me, however small it is. At some point, I begin pacing around and I am unable to focus on anything. On top of it- Max comes back after eleven. We exchange a greeting and he heads directly to his room. I stop him.“I got a call from the lawyer. “ I say without any ado. “And?” He asks, pausing. Max looks like he is not here. Then I realize something’s off. “Are you drunk?” I ask. “What difference does it make?”“No, just… I thought you said you had to work. ““What’s with the interrogation? ““And what’s with the way you’ve been acting recen