‘Hello,’ said Lizzy, realising what had got her friend’s attention now. ‘I don’t think there’s any need for me to meddle and set up a blind date.’
Evie looked away, embarrassed she’d been seen looking. ‘Him? Oh God, no. He’s not someone I’d date.’
Lizzy shook her head.
‘What?’
‘You’re both into each other, I can totally tell!’
‘No we’re not.’ Evie scooped up the remains of the coleslaw, filling her mouth so she couldn’t speak for a bit.
‘And you’re blushing!’
Reluctantly, she finished chewing. ‘I’m not!’ Jack had already gone on his way.
‘You are so, Evie.’
‘If you must know, he’s a bit of an ass.’
‘Oh? Tell me more.’
‘That’s all I’m saying. He knows Nicole, and take it from me, I’ll be steering well clear.’
Thorello appeared and cleared away the plates quickly and efficiently, and they ordered another couple of drinks. When he left, Evie added, ‘He’s really not a nice person.’
‘No? He looked all right to me.’
‘Looks can be deceiving.’
Lizzy shook her head, unable to stop grinning.
‘Lizzy.’
‘Don’t “Lizzy” me. You need to get out there, get some man action! And I don’t mind saying,hewas gorgeous!’
Evie rolled her eyes. ‘Anyone would think a girl can’t function without a bit of sex.’
‘Oh, we can function all right, but we need oiling and maintenance every now and then, if you know what I mean.’
‘Yeah, well, not him.’
They relaxed over their second beers and changed the chat to Lizzy’s upcoming visit to her parents for Christmas. ‘Always a stressful time,’ said Lizzy, referring to the messy divorce they were going through. They discussed Evie’s plans to spend it with Nicole as usual, and by the time they left the café, Evie was back on an even keel, less worried that what she’d built up could be snatched away from under her, like a tablecloth whipped from a table, taking everything piled neatly on top and smashing it over the floor.
‘Dinner same place, same time, next week?’ Lizzy was about to take the steps up to her apartment as Evie hovered at the top of the flight to go down to the basement.
‘So you liked Thorello’s?’
‘I’m sold. It was a lovely place, very you: simple, yet elegant in its own way, with a warm atmosphere.’
‘I’ll let Thorello know you’ll be writing their next review then, shall I?’
‘I’d love to.’ Lizzy smiled. ‘Goodnight, Evie.’
‘See you.’ Evie carefully took the icy steps down to her basement studio and took out her keys. She’d have to throw salt onto the concrete first thing in the morning; the winter weather made it treacherous, and she didn’t fancy breaking a limb simply going to work.
About to put the key in the lock and cursing that she hadn’t fixed the security light above the door yet—something Nicole regularly nagged her about—a figure stepped out of the shadows and her keys crashed against the concrete below.
How could she ever have doubted his persistence?
She froze, her breath held. She backed up to the door, unable to go any further, and he closed the gap. He breathed against her face as he began to speak, his eyes pinning her to the spot.
‘Good to see you again, Evie.’ His voice sent shivers right through her.
Deep down she’d always known it’d only be a matter of time before this happened.
