isn’t just sex and it isn’t just the fun we have when we are together. It’s the total package. I can’t explain it.”
She offered a smile. “That’s probably why people who are in love don’t describe it. They just smile a lot and feel joy.”
“I do feel a lot of joy. When I see his name on my phone or think about getting to see him, I get little butterflies in my stomach. This last two weeks has been the real test. Instead of me just being like oh well I have work to do, I miss him. I’m not worried about him forgetting about me or what we have fading away because we haven’t seen each other. It’s solid.”
“Stop,” she groaned. “You are making me so jealous.”
I laughed. “I’m sorry. I wish I could explain it better. I want to understand it better myself. I want to know if it’s love.”
“Would it change things?”
“No. Yes. I mean, I think I would be more inclined to heal the major rift between him and my father if I knew it was love.”
“That will come with time. Rarely does anyone like their in-laws. You are getting a head start in that department.”
“That’s an understatement. I wonder if his dad will like me.”
“How could he not like you?” she teased.
“The same way my dad doesn’t like him. He’ll probably think I want Xander for his money.”
She waved a hand. “That’s stupid. I don’t think you should worry about what anyone thinks. This is between the two of you. You guys get to figure out what comes next for you both. Don’t worry about what I think or what anyone else thinks. For the record, I’m all for it. I’ll miss you, but you’ve got to move on.”
“I wouldn’t ditch you,” I protested.
“It’s the girl code. It’s the way it goes. You are going to have a man and you won’t need me as much. Don’t feel bad. I’ll get a man one day. Maybe. I’m not sure I want one.”
I laughed, pushing my hair back as I did. “When you get one as good as I have found, you’ll want one.”
“Probably.”
“I should really get going,” I said, fighting a yawn.
“See? It’s already starting. You are ditching me at eight o’clock on my night off.”
“I have to work tomorrow,” I argued.
“Yeah, yeah, I get it. You are mature and responsible, and you have a real job.”
“Damn the adulting thing,” I teased.
She got to her feet and gave me a quick hug. “If I don’t see you tomorrow, please tell your father congratulations for me.”
“I will do that—assuming he will talk to me.”
“He will. Are you going alone or are you going to take Xander?”
“Xander doesn’t think it would be a good idea for him to go. He doesn’t want to rain on my father’s parade.”
“He’s got a good point.”
“I’ll be all by myself, the odd man out, but I’m going to do it anyway.”
“Take care. I’ll talk to you soon. Let me know what color my dress will be.”
I stopped walking. “Your dress?”
“For when I’m your maid of honor. I don’t do pink. Do not put me in pink.”
I laughed and walked out of the bar. I was glad I at least had her support. It was too bad my father wouldn’t give his. Thinking about a wedding just made me feel sadder. Would my dad walk me down the aisle? Would he refuse to participate?
“Relax, Evie,” I scolded. I was getting way ahead of myself.
Chapter 43
Xander
I was tinkering on my boat when my phone rang. I glanced over, ready to let it go to voicemail until I saw Evie’s number. I quickly wiped my hand on my pants before grabbing the phone.
“Hello,” I said, unable to stop the smile from spreading over my face.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I’m working on my boat.”
She laughed. “Of course, you are. Your actual boat or the little boat you are using as a prototype?”
“My actual boat. What are you doing?”
“Well, my client canceled at the last minute. Turns out I have nothing to do on a Friday night. I was wondering if you were free.”
“I’m always free for you,” I told her.
“I like that.”
“Come out to the boat,” I said.
“Are you sure? If you’ve got big plans to tear apart a perfectly good boat, I don’t want to get in your way.”
“Woman, I’m free. You’re free. Get your ass out here or I will hunt you down. You cannot put this man off another day.”