Bittersweet Love

Chapter Five: An Unexpected Date

Evelynn

Juniper: Travis and I will be there in about two hours. Make sure you’re ready for tonight and try to remain strong.

Me: Can I just fake sick? I think I can make myself throw up all over him. The sight of his face makes me nauseous anyways.

Juniper: As much as I would love to see that, you doing that might make him stay home too. We need this time to help pack your stuff.

Me: How about if you go for me? Yeah. I like that idea.

Juniper: I might get arrest for assault if I see Trish there. No. Not assult. Attempted murder most likely.

Me: Facts. How about if I pretend to have an emergency with a client or something.

Juniper: Stop it. Go get ready and look breathtaking beautiful. Make him wish he kept his d**k in his pants and then when you’re done, you come here and hang out with us.

Me: But I don’t want him to wish that. I don’t care anymore. Honestly. I feel like this was something that was bound to happen.

Juniper: Then go in there and make all the other guys wish you were their date. Maybe snag someone else to come home with.

Me: Okay. I guess you’re right but not about bringing someone home. I have to look the part for now because on Monday he should be served with the papers.

Juniper: That’s my sexy goddess. Show him how hot you are and then send him packing. Now, go shower and get ready. I’ll let us in when we get there.

Me: So pushy.

Juniper: And you love it.

With a puff of air, I stood up from the bed I was laying on, a bed I used to love because it was the one place where we could be together and in bliss, I mean, when it actually happened the way I like it. In the past year, whenever we did have s*x it was quick and unemotional like he was just trying to get himself off. But now I can’t help but wonder if they’ve done it in this bed. I’m sure of it and I shudder at the thought.

I know I’m being childish about tonight and the whole situation. I should come right out and say something but a part of me is stuck. He’s a sweet talker and if I say something I’m afraid I’ll fall for his stupid charm and not have the strength to leave.

Everything on my end is set. I have the house and the money has been transferred into a new account under my mother’s name. I have a job with a consistent paycheck and Aless is enrolled in school. Now, it’s just ending my relationship with my husband for good.

I went into my dresser and moved some things around to pull out an folder that had all the information I needed inside. It has Marsh’s information along with the new dead to the house and everything. It’s official. Come Monday, I am a free woman and it’s a bittersweet feeling.

After tucking the folder back in my dresser with instructions to June to not forget it, I headed into the shower and did my thing, showering, shaving and slowly getting ready for the night. After my hot shower and drying my hair into soft beach waves that was pulled back slightly and held with a crystal clip, I wrapped myself in a towel and headed to the closet, looking at the dress June helped me pick out for tonight.

It was a beautiful dark blue floor length, form fitting dress with one shoulder sleeve. At the top of the sleeve was a clip of crystals that matched a thin line around the waist as the fabric faded into a darker purple at the bottom, which had a slight shimmer throughout the bottom of the dress. It was truly beautiful and I was a bit upset that this was going to be wasted on someone like Evan on a night like this.

I don’t know how long I was standing in the closet but I heard a knock at the door and it squeaked open, knowing it was June.

“Hey pretty.” She whispered as she wrapped her arms around me and put her head on my shoulder, “The dress will look amazing with the way your hair is done and make up.”

“I know but it’s going to be wasted on Evan. Can I just wear something I already have?” I grumbled. She let go of me and grabbed the dress and shook her head.

“No because this dress is all you. This is your style, your color, your everything. It’s Evan’s fault that he did this and you shouldn’t have to tone things down or change anything because of him. Make yourself feel beautiful because you want to do it for yourself. Put on the sexy lingerie because you want to. Go and eat dinner and talk to some friends because you want to. Don’t let him ruin something what could potentially be a good night for yourself. Worst case, you get a free dinner out of it and a night out of the house and when you’re done, go to your grandma’s place and Travis, Aless and I will be there waiting for you with pizza, ice cream, popcorn and Monopoly.”

“Woah, that’s a huge promise right there.” I laughed and she grinned.

“I know! You know how much I hate that game. Cheater.” She snickered, which only made me smile more.

“Never.” I smiled at her as I whispered, “Thank you.”

“Of course. And I’ll be with you Monday at the office while you work so I can work on my own wedding planning while you sketch and do event planner things that way, when Evan comes storming in, you have protection.”

“He’s not going to do anything.” I shrugged, “He doesn’t have the guts to lay a finger on me or the balls to say anything.”

“But that doesn’t mean he won’t. You never know what he could do when he’s upset. This isn’t the first time he’s cheated but it could be the first time he touches you like that.”

“Don’t remind me.” I grumbled as I sat on the bed and laid back. She laid next to me and held my hand, “Why did I even give him a second chance when I knew he was going to do it again?”

“Because of Aless.” She whispered, “I mean, it happens unfortunately. You wanted to keep the family together.”

“But I always told myself I would never forgive infidelity.” I sighed but her hand tightened around mine, making me turn my head towards her, “Right? Like, how could I just accept him back?”

“Of course babe and honestly, I don’t know. We tried talking to you after the accident but it was like you were almost brainwashed or something.” She sighed out, “I’m not blaming you at all but we should have tried harder to talk to you.”

“I should have listened to you guys instead of him.” We laid in silence for a moment as I was thinking about that day. Why would I listen to him instead of my best friend? And why did I shut the others out when it came to talking about my past? I know I saw the messages on his phone and everything but thinking about it more, it didn’t make sense.

She turned her head to me, smiled, and grabbed my hand in hers “I honestly can’t wait for the divorce to happen. We have so much to talk about.”

“We do?”

“Yeah.” She sat up and ran her fingers through her dark hair, “We have so much to talk about and it’s going to hurt but it will be worth it in the end.”

“Why do I have a feeling that whatever you want to talk about is going to be life changing?”

“Because it’s going to be. But enough of that. Let’s get you dressed and on your way.” She jumped up and pulled me out of the bed so I could get ready.

I looked at the clock and it read six fifteen. She helped me into the dress after I put on some dark purple lacy lingerie that I made myself and slapped on some black heels with dark crystals on the top of it. I turned to look at myself in the mirror and smiled, feeling beautiful for the first time in a long time. I felt like a new person. I felt like I did before all this happened.

I miss myself this way. Who knew that a little make up and a pretty dress can make you feel like this? As I stood in the mirror admiring everything, I couldn’t help but think that tonight is going to be the start of something new. The new me and the old me clashing and coming together as one.

I’m done letting him run my life. I’m done letting him hurt me. It’s time I do this for Aless and I so we can live our best lives.

Happy.

“I swear, I should dump Travis and we should be lesbians together because you look good enough to eat.” June laughed while hugging me from behind.

“We totally could but too bad we both like c**k too much.” We laughed and then I let out a sigh, “Well, let’s go downstairs and wait for him.”

We headed downstairs to where we heard the echoing of laughter from Aless playing with Travis. I’ve known him since college as well, since he also played as a quarterback on the team with Evan and Zander. He was always a down to earth guy and has always put others before himself. He is also adorable in that brother kind of way. I remember when he wanted to propose to June and he came to me, scared shitless. He asked for my permission since she doesn’t speak to her family and I just hugged him and laughed.

He’s been there for me through so much, more than most and he was the same with June. When she found out the most devastating news of her life, he was there for her every step of the way. She wanted to break up with him because it wasn’t fair to him when she found out she couldn’t have children.

“I don’t care how we have them. Naturally, adoption, foster or even stealing Evie’s future babies.” he laughed, “As long as we do it together and you are in my life, that is all that matters. Blood or not, whenever we’re ready, which ever child we get, we will love them together, no matter what.”

We stood at the bottom of the stairs watching the two while he had Aless on her back and she was kicking her legs at him and of course, he was not even phased. The scene was everything and this is why I know no matter what, Aless will be okay. She has me, her Auntie June and Uncle Travis and between the three of us, she will be more loved than anyone else in the world.

“Aless, sweetheart.” I said, making her look over and her eyes go wide. She kicked his hands away and ran over to me, gripping my legs and smiling up at me with those big doe eyes.

“You look like a princess mommy.” She whispered, “You’re so pretty.”

“Thank you my love.” I said, bending down and pulling her to me, kissing the top of her head, “I want you to be good for Aunt June and Uncle Travis. Make sure you take a nice bath and get to bed on time in case mommy isn’t home soon, okay?”

“Yes mama.” She nodded, “Is daddy coming?”

“He should be. Do you want to wait with me?”

She looked between all three of us and shook her head, her pigtails hitting the side of her head, “No. I wanna go to my new room and play with Uncle Travie.”

I gave her a soft nod and looked at the two of them, “You guys should go. I’m sure Evan will be here soon.”

“Babe, I really do think we should wait for him or maybe have us drive you.” She sighed out and I looked at the clock over the couch. He was late, “I mean…the time…”

“I’ll be fine. I promise now, shoo.” I said pushing them out the door and with one last look over her should, she gave me that look, “I promise. I’ll be okay. If anything happens I’ll give you a call.”

“You better. Knock them dead.” She winked as Travis picked Aless up and swung her over his shoulder. She pushed on his back and waved.

“Bye mama!”

“Bye Aless!” and they left the house and the quiet was quickly overwhelming. I stood in the foyer looking at the door, willing for it to open and for almost anyone to walk through. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The wind started to slowly pick up outside and you could hear the rustling of the trees and leaves.

With a puff, I sat on the couch and took out my phone to message Evan.

Me: Where are you? I’m waiting and you’re late.

I watched the message deliver but he never opened it. I shrugged it off, thinking maybe he was on his way. Who am I kidding. I mumbled to myself. A part of me knew he wasn’t coming but for some reason I still held out for him.

After twenty minutes, I went into the kitchen and looked for some ice cream. It was now seven twenty and the banquet was now starting and I was becoming more pissed off. I didn’t get ready in this dress with this hair and make up to just sit in a house that is no longer my home.

I pushed myself from the table and started to make my way back upstairs to change, telling myself f**k it. If he didn’t want to go with me then just tell me. No more secrets, I’m over it.

As I was about the step off the top stair with my phone in hand so I could text Travis and have him come get me, the front doorbell chimed, making me pause. I was so utterly confused as I made my way back downstairs. Evan never answered my message and as far as I know he never even opened it plus, it’s his house, he would walk in. June would do the same thing and Travis would always be right behind her. Mom and dad would have messaged or called me first and Connor is in New York for work.

I opened the door and I was stunned at the sight in front of me. I never expected him to actually be here but right in front of me was a tall, dark and handsome man holding a single white rose. His hair was freshly cut and gelled a bit so it was slightly spikey in a messy way. He was wearing a smooth black tuxedo with a dark blue tie that matched my dress. He stood there was a small smile on his face.

How did he even know where I lived? I never told him…

And why wasn’t he with his wife?

“Well, don’t you look like a goddess.” He smoothly said, giving me a slight blush. I looked up at him and was drawn to his eyes. I felt something familiar, something that was missing when I looked at him. We both stood there for a moment just looking at each other not saying another word until I was broken out of our trance.

I shook my head, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to pick you up for the banquet you worked hard to plan.” He said softly as he handed me the rose. I took it and our fingers brushed and a sensation of warmth flowed through me from that little bit of contact.

“But why? Aren’t you supposed to be with your wife?” I asked Zander as he stood in the doorway. His eyes never left mine as he slowly took a step forward.

“And aren’t you supposed to be with your husband?” he asked right back, making me roll my eyes. I wanted to tell him to go but something inside me was telling me to stay here and talk to him, “Anyways, I got a call from June saying you were still here waiting for Evan so I came over.”

“How does she know he isn’t here?” I asked and he just c****d his brow at me as I pursed my lips and nodded, “Never mind. Don’t answer that.” I threw my head back and let out a sigh as I walked away from him and went towards the couch, sitting down, “You should go. I’m going to go upstairs and change.”

“Why would you do that?” he asked as he sat next to me, a bit too close but yet a bit too far. I shouldn’t be thinking like this so why do I? I haven’t as so much as spoken five words to him since I woke up in the hospital and never even thought about him and now, he’s here, in front of me and all I can think about is why do I feel these inappropriate things for him.

“Because obviously he forgot all about me and left me here so what’s the point of showing up alone to this thing? Mom can handle the logistics of the night, it was always her plan anyway so it doesn’t matter really, it’s not like I went to these things in the past anyways.”

“True. You haven’t. But why let him make what you did and what you worked on go to waste?” he tilted his head and looked right at me, “You really don’t remember much, do you?”

“Remember what?”

“What happened before your accident.”

I shook my head, “No. All I remember is a fight between Evan and I and then I wake up in a hospital and it’s eight months later.” I shrugged.

“Did anyone tell you what happened?”

“Yeah. June and Travis told me, Evan, mom and dad, and the stories are pretty much the same story. They told me that Evan and I got in a fight and we were going to break up but then he begged for forgiveness. I didn’t want to but for some reason, I accepted him back. That’s the last thing I remember. It was after the dinner we all had at that seafood restaurant.” I purposely left out the messages I saw from him to Evan that hurt me more than anything.

“Good.” He nodded as he leaned forward and linked his fingers together, “But nothing after that?”

“No. And no one would tell me why you were there though.” I whispered while looking down, playing with my fingers, “I remember you there with June and Travis. You looked…sad.”

He shrugged, “It’s complicated. I’m sure you’ll find out more soon and if not, then it’s probably best left in the past. Now, come on. Let’s go to this thing and see what magic you worked.” He gave me a soft side smile, stood up and held his hand out to me.

I looked from his hand to his eyes and paused, thinking. Is it smart to show up to this thing with him? What would Evan say? They hate each other and we’re technically still together, but yet, he’s sleeping with his wife.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea…” I whispered.

“Come on Elle. Let’s go and I promise…I won’t let anything happen to you.” That nickname made me feel something inside, something familiar, something meaningful. I just wish I could remember. And with a sigh and everything telling me not to, I placed my hand in his and stood up. We stood there for a moment just looking at each other as his thumb rubbed the back of my hand. I noticed his eyes flicker a bit as he looked down at me. There was a slight sheen to them. He looked like he was holding in something. He opened his mouth just to close it. It just made me wonder what he was going to tell me. His eyes are this amazing green color mixed with a bit of brown, so mesmerizing.

While holding my hand, his other went and cupped my face while his thumb rubbed my cheek. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head, “Come on. Let’s go. Don’t let him ruin a night out for you.”

And I left the house with him to go to this dinner, a dinner I planned not knowing that I was going to get hurt more than I ever had before.