Inevitable - Kristen Granata Page 0,17
scratch at the scruff on my jaw, unsure of how much I should say. “It’s a high-profile case. Pays well. I can mail you a check at the end of the month.”
She’s quiet. She wants to tell me that I don’t have to send her money, but she knows she needs it. So instead, she says nothing.
“Let’s have lunch when I’m done with this case,” I say. “I miss you and Gwennie.”
“We miss you too, big bro. Just let me know when you’re free.”
When I’m free.
Free from this job. Free from my father’s chokehold. I’m counting down the seconds to be rid of it all.
My glance slides over to Eva.
But I don’t want to be rid of her.
Eva
I’m in no mood to go out tonight.
Instead, I plan a date with my nightly bath, a luxury I don’t take for granted.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy you a big-ass bathtub to soak in when life gets hard.
I pour in half a bag of Epsom salt and swish it around with my foot before lowering myself into the hot water. Between planning this event and nursing a tequila hangover, my head is pounding and my muscles are wound up tight.
It also might have a little something to do with the fight I had with Deanna earlier, and even more to do with the words Graham scolded me with.
I was out of line with Deanna. I admit that, and I’ll apologize to her tomorrow. We go through this every once in a while. She pushes me a little too hard, and I pull back. We’ve been friends for years. It’s what we do.
But Graham had no right to insert himself into my business.
No matter how true his words were.
I lash out when I’m upset. It’s defense mechanism 101. But nobody’s ever called me out on it. That’s just Eva, they say. People label me as a bitch or a hard-ass, and I don’t bother to correct them. It’s easier that way. Easier than telling them why I’m so angry all the time. Easier than opening up, and letting them in.
Nobody gets in my face. Nobody tells me off. But Graham sees through me like I’m made of glass, and he puts me in my place.
He’s getting under my skin.
I practice deep breathing and try to clear my mind so I can relax. But no matter how many times I start over, my thoughts keep bringing me back to those damn green eyes, and the man they belong to.
There’s something about him that has my attention, and it’s more than bulging biceps and a handsome face.
And captivating jade eyes, and hair thick enough to pull on, and full lips I would give up my left foot to feel, and ...
You get the point.
Graham’s gorgeous, but I’m drawn to him on a deeper level.
He’s not like the people in my world. Often times, I’m reminded that I’m not like these people either. Not Deanna, as much as I love her. Not even my own father.
Eric was my person, but he left me here alone.
I’ve only known Graham for a couple of days, but it feels like I’ve known him longer. He sees me in a way nobody else has.
Maybe we’re kindred souls. Eric would love that notion. He always used to say that everything happens for a reason. Maybe the reason I got attacked the other night was to bring Graham into my life.
Don’t be ridiculous.
I almost laugh out loud at myself. I’m a job to Graham. Nothing more.
But why do I feel like there’s more?
I heave a sigh and give up on relaxation. I pull the plug out of the drain and get out of the tub. After throwing on sweats, I let my hair air dry and pad into the hall.
“Evangeline.”
I back up a few steps and pop my head into Dad’s office. “Yeah?”
He smiles, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. “Come in. Tell your old man about your day.”
Great. Meaningless small talk, as per usual. I drag myself into the room and plop down into the chair.
“How’s the event coming along?”
I shrug. “Fine.”
He sighs, sliding his glasses off and setting them onto the desk. “Why do you insist on making conversation so difficult?”
“Why do you insist on picking such insignificant topics to talk about?”
His head jerks back. “I thought this event was important to you.”
“The charity is important. You want to discuss mental health, Dad? I’m all ears. Please, tell me what you think about depression.”
“You act