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“You’ve known Rhett for three years?”
“Yeah, but it feels like I’ve known him all my life, or at least the part that matters.”
“What did he say when you told him you were eighteen?”
I hate that Evie had such a hard life, but the romantic part of me wants to hear how he swept her off her feet and saved her.
Evie looks down at her cup as unshed tears make her eyes sparkle.
“He started asking one question after the other. Where was my family? Why was I so skinny? I panicked and tried to run away. Where I came from no guy showed interest in you unless they wanted you to spread your legs.”
Evie places the empty cup on the coffee table. I quickly do the same before I lean back and take her hand in both of mine.
“Rhett wouldn’t let me leave. Only after he explained that he wanted nothing from me, did I calm down enough to talk to him. I was honest. When I told him I just started the job and couldn’t afford to lose it, he got upset. I explained that I was living on the street and it was my one chance at getting a place to stay. He offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse.”
I have to bite back the tears as my heart bleeds for Evie so I can squeeze out, “What kind of deal?”
“He said he would make sure I had a place to stay, and he would pay for my studies as long as I kept my clothes on.”
“Huh?” Now I’m really lost.
“The guys pay my rent.”
My mouth drops open in surprise.
“The guys?”
“They all took me under their wing. They pay for everything I need.”
“And all you have to do is keep your clothes on?” I ask to make sure they’re not taking advantage of her.
“Yeah. I have to focus on my studies. No dating. No screwing around. Nothing which involves me getting naked.”
“Seriously? No dating. That’s a bit much, don’t you think?”
“They’ve made it clear. The guys want me to focus on my studies so I can make a life for myself.” Evie leans closer to me until she catches my eyes. Her smile is soft as she whispers, “They want me to become independent. All my life I had to live with the scraps people threw my way. Rhett and his friends aren’t throwing scraps at me, Willow. I don’t even have words to describe what a difference they’ve made in my life. They are giving me the power to take care of myself by helping me get a decent education.”
I swallow hard on the lump in my throat and lean in to hug Evie.
“I’m glad they’re helping you,” I say as I pull back. “If you don’t mind me asking.” I bite my bottom lip, hoping I’m not pushing things. “Why were you upset when you saw Rhett with that other girl?”
Evie takes a deep breath as her shoulders slump.
“I love him. He just sees me as a little sister, and I know I should get over it, but I can’t. Believe me, I’ve tried.”
“Does he know how you feel about him?”
She nods with a look of dejection on her face.
“I told him last year. He said he cares about me, but he doesn’t want a relationship with me.”
“That sucks,” I say as I feel myself deflate next to her. It would’ve been a perfect ending to their story if Rhett could love Evie back.
“I’m going to sleep. Thanks for listening to me.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
We hug, and as Evie walks to her bedroom, I take the empty coffee cups to the kitchen.
