She waves her hand dismissively.A lot of political nonsense.You know, I don’t see the point in creating a big gala to raise funds.It’s more about partying than the charity.
I shrug.This can’t be what’s really bothering her.
Her grey eyes meet mine.I quit Alpha Z.
Ahh, finally the real problem.
Over the charity problems?
She shakes her head.It wasn’t a good fit for me.
You can only live your own dreams.Evie mentioned that her mother idealized that sorority.Belonging to a fraternity has never been something that appeals to me.I have hockey teammates, and we’re bonded by a love for the sport and shared experiences.Most people want to belong to something bigger, but Evie is strangely removed from that.
I had all these dreams about what college life would be like, but my dreams keep shifting.
I nod.That happened to me as well.I came to university expecting to excel at D1 hockey and possibly get signed by an NHL team.Instead my first year sucked and now I’m here, enjoying a lower level of hockey with little future in the game.
When I look up, Evie is staring at me.I know that look.That look means that a woman is going to ask for something big from me.It was too much to hope that Evie wouldn’t be the same.
I inch away.Look, if you’ve had a bad night, I’ll walk you home and you can unwind.
Her smile is sphinx-like.Want to make a trade?
Trade what?I face her, which lets me move even further away.
Information.We both get to ask one question.
I shake my head, but she plows on.I want to get to know you better, Viktor.And you like to figure out what makes people tick, so here’s your chance.
She’s right.Evie’s entire past is a big mystery.In fact, I don’t know if one question would be enough.Still, I’m intrigued.Even if we end up splitting tonight, at least my curiousity will be satisfied.Okay.One for one.
Her genuine smile appears.Great.You go first.
I have so many questions about where exactly she has lived, why she was completely home-schooled, how the hell someone who looks like she does has never dated and has no idea how pretty she is.But I settle on the one that makes her the most uncomfortable.
What’s your father’s job?
Oh.The colour drains from Evie’s already pale face.I wasn’t expecting that one.Well, I’ll tell you, but can you promise me that—when we break up—you won’t tell anyone?
I’m taken aback at the way she’s phrased the question, like our breakup is a foregone conclusion even though that’s exactly what I’m considering.Evie is too good at reading my moods.
Fine.Who would I tell anyway?
I know it’s ridiculous, but it’s not really my secret.She straightens, puts her hands on her knees, then speaks in a flat, formal voice.My father works for a federal agency that specializes in worldwide information gathering and analysis.
I squint at her.Do you mean the CIA?
Instead of nodding, she gives me an obvious wink, and I can’t help laughing.
Don’t you think you’re being a little dramatic?It’s not like anyone is listening to us.
I’m just establishing plausible deniability,she replies, sounding exactly like a lawyer…or a spy.
A lot of things about Evie now fall into place.I’m pretty sure that she speaks Russian or at least understands it.Maybe this even explains her poise in a crisis and her ability to shoot a laser gun.
Now I have a dozen follow-up questions,I complain.
Evie giggles.Go ahead, if you want me to have that many questions for you.
