Chapter 21
CHASE
Christmas Eve. Finally.
I’ve been a wreck since Evelyn left, doing all I can to pass the time until she comes back.
I’ve missed her. That smile, her snarky attitude, the way that light perfume she wears ignites my senses.
I know I made a pact to keep this business, but God, how I want her.
However, I dare not tell her how I feel until I’m sure I’ve got a shot. I won’t risk having my heart broken.
Been there. Done that.
Percy pulls up and we all dash out to greet Evelyn and BB. And by all, I mean all—Mom, Dad, Mads, Granny, and Bob. They’ve all missed her, too.
“Evelyn, welcome back,” Granny says. “Maddie and I made some lasagna in an episode of Cook Like a Foodie today. I felt like Martha Stewart.” She pats down her hair and a dusty-rose color brightens her cheeks.
“Oh, I can’t wait to watch it.” Evelyn beams, looking as beautiful as ever.
After they all bombard her with their individual hellos, we gather in the kitchen and eat the lasagna Granny and Maddie lovingly prepared.
I keep my distance from Evelyn, not because I want to, but because no one has really allowed me time to get a word in edgewise.
Bob disappears into the kitchen and comes back with some cake he and Granny made earlier. When he approaches the table, BB darts out in front of him, causing him to trip.
Oh. My. God.
Cake flies onto the table landing, right in the middle. Frosting here, cake crumbles there. It looks like a baking championship gone totally wrong.
We all stare in silence, mouths dropped, at the cake-mess explosion. Then all break out into laughter so strong, we end up crying.
Evelyn wipes the frosting, that made its way onto her face, and blinks one of her eyes. “I think a cake crumb got in my eye.”
Mom rises, the seat scraping the hardwood floor underneath her. “Ooo honey, let me see.”
Evelyn waves her hand and giggles. “Oh no, Zia. It’s fine. I’m pretty certain I got it out.”
Despite the mess, we all enjoy a slice of cake, then help with the cleanup.
Evelyn excuses herself to take a shower and get ready for bed, explaining how eager she is for tomorrow to get here so she can distribute presents she bought for all of us while she was gone.
“Leave BB down here. I’ll bring her up soon after she finishes her dinner and takes a potty break,” I say.
Mom breaks in. “Or, can BB hang out with me tonight? I’ve missed her.”
Evelyn nods. “Of course she can hang out with you. She doesn’t seem to be in a rush to come up with me anyway.”
BB barks, tail wagging, as if she’s in agreement.
While giving Evelyn time to herself I hang out downstairs with Mom, Dad, and Maddie.
“Are you going to tell her tonight?” Mom’s eyes are glazed with curiosity.
I shrug. “Not sure yet.”
Maddie grins, arms propped on the table. “I totally think you should.”
“Shouldn’t you be in bed, waiting for Santa Claus or something?” I reach over and pinch her nose.
“Seriously? I realized Santa’s not real, like four years ago.”
Dad takes a sip of hot cocoa, then says, “But, your brother makes a good point. You should head up to your room and get some sleep. You know you’ll be the first one up tomorrow morning.”
“Can BB sleep with me tonight?”
Mom nods. “Okay, but she’s sleeping next to me tomorrow, if Evelyn says it’s okay.”
BB follows Maddie and they disappear upstairs, and minutes later, I follow suit.
