You shouldn’t feel guilty about that.I’ve been thinking about how we met—the first time, in the library—I liked you the moment I saw you.But it took the Revenge Squad to get you interested in me.
Evie considers my revelation, then laughs.That’s ridiculous.You’re Viktor Zelenko, and I’m just a freshman nobody.
You’re not nobody.You’re kind, extremely intelligent, and one of the strongest people I know.I pull the sunflower out of my pocket.And a damn good crafter.
She blinks at the flower.I wasn’t sure if you’d like it.
I squeeze her hand.It’s the most inspiring gift I’ve ever received.
Evie smiles fully.
I bow my head.The past twenty-four hours have brought all my emotions to the surface, awakening feelings I’ve suppressed for years.Getting the news of my brother.Baring my soul to my coach and my team.Feeling everyone’s support and caring.And now Evie.
Can I hold you?I ask.
She smiles at me, her eyes liquid.Didn’t I once give you blanket permission?she asks.
Yes.But I thought I blew that.
She slides closer.I pull her onto my lap and wrap my arms tightly around her.I relish the feel of her soft body against mine, but for once it’s not sexual.I absorb the strength of the most resilient woman I’ve ever met.She leans her head against my shoulder, and I breathe in the scent of her.
The words burst out of me like they need to be concrete in the world.I love you, Evie.
26
THE LUCKIEST GIRL AT MONARCH
EVIE
WAITING IS HORRIBLE,IDECLARE TOANNIE AS WE MAKE OUR WAY TO CLASS DURING ANOTHERJanuary blizzard.
Oh, boo-hoo,says Annie.You’re back together with your hunky boyfriend, you helped launch the foreign student handbook, and you got the top mark on the History 101 essay.You’re the luckiest girl at Monarch.
I bop the pompom on her knit cap.Where’s your empathy?
Also, it’s only been three days.I’m sure you’re going to hear something soon.Since Annie overheard most of my conversation with Viktor, I told her about Marko being missing.It warmed her to Viktor, which I’m happy about.I want my best friend and my boyfriend to get along.
But I can’t help but worry.He is in a war zone after all.Anything could go wrong.Marko is proof of that.
Did I tell you that the Crafty Club has a problem?Well, it’s not really a problem.We’ve been making money from our repairs.Annie demonstrated how to invisibly mend sweaters at one session.We’re up to twenty members now, and we had to move to a bigger venue.
Have we been charging to fix sweaters?
Annie makes a face.It started with Vanessa from our floor.She’s such a bitch.The first time she deigned to speak to me was about the hole in her cashmere cardigan.So I told her we could do it, but it would cost fifty bucks.I thought that would scare her off, but she sent me the money on the spot.Annie makes a face.I should have charged her more.Anyway, it mushroomed from there.Strangers started bringing me repairs and offering to pay.Not just sweaters, but torn jeans and even just loose buttons.Who can’t sew on a button?I had to enlist help from other club members because you were too busy having sex.
I blush.
She goes on,Anyway, I just socked the money away and earmarked it to pay for treats during our meetings, but now we have over a thousand bucks.
Wow, Annie.That’s incredible.
She nods, snow flying off her cap.More than enough for cupcakes and even a group dinner.Maybe we can donate the rest.
You know, I might have a good cause.Let me get back to you.
We make it to the Student Union Building, stomping off all the excess snow.Annie goes one way and I go the other.I decide to get a coffee to warm up.As I’m leaving the coffee shop, someone calls out to me.I turn and see Mia.
Evie, how was your Christmas?she asks, and we get caught up.
