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Neither of us wants this to end, but I have an afternoon appointment, and Harvey must sense it. “I’ll let you carry on with your afternoon, beautiful, but come this weekend, you, Miss Jackson, are all mine.”
His parting words sit with me for the rest of the day, and once I’m tucked into bed, I know my dreams will be consumed by Harvey.
Chapter Eleven
Evelyn
It’s ironic that this mid-winter dinner marks close to the three-month anniversary of my crash. I’ve come so far from when everything was suddenly ripped away from me. My friends, my career, my ability to walk, let alone dance.
I’ve built myself back up the best I can, and if it weren’t for Josey, Harvey and the FORT Center, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. Without a wheelchair or walking frame, turning my life around once again.
After my dinner with Harvey, I came to terms with my accident and current situation. It made me realize my career isn’t over and I want it back, so I started working harder and became more determined, and Harvey was there to support me through it all. He went as far as bringing in a Return to Dance Progression session for me, and it’s not only helping my recovery but rebuilding the muscle tone I lost throughout my entire body.
As promised, Josey and I are getting ready together; I stick with my statement of treating her like a sister. She has so much to give and has done more for me than my own family.
“Do you know how big this dinner is going to be? Mrs. M mentioned it’s an annual fundraiser for training therapy animals before they are paired with their forever homes.”
Josey’s eyes become heavy, and if I wasn’t paying attention, I’d swear she was holding back tears. “The fundraiser is for theFurever Homes Guidance Shelter; my parents started it. Every year there’s one mid-winter dinner and then a fair during the warmer season. Tonight is big, Eve, like red carpet big.”
“I’m sorry, Josey. I didn’t know.” I go over and give her a hug. She holds on tight to me, and I can feel her inner battle with this event. It would conjure up many emotions and for this girl to have a brave face twenty-four-seven, I’m surprised she’s lasted this long.
Wiping away the lone tear with the back of her hand, Josey rights herself and builds those barriers back up like a vault.
“Let’s get ready, shall we? We have two men to impress. Speaking of, Harvey asked me to bring you something. I had to hide it in the back of your wardrobe while you went to physio. Go look.”
I search the racks and come to a halt. There in front of me is the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen. Don’t get me wrong, I used to wear some fabulous dresses but this—this is stunning. As I reach for the hanger, I spy an envelope attached to the hook, so taking it off carefully I open it up and read the card inside.
Yellow is a symbolic color of hope, something I haven’t had a lot of lately—until you came along.
I know it can be a bold color for a lot of people, but I know you will pull it off because you, Evelyn, radiate beauty within.
I shall see you soon.
Yours,
Harvey
It’s now my turn to cry, and I have no hesitation in letting the tears fall down my warm face. “I can’t believe he bought me a gown. It’s so pretty.” I become blubbery as I run my hands through the silky material. Pulling it off the rack and resting it against my body, I come to see its full shape. It’s a strapless princess silhouette with a prominent skirt that drapes to the floor with elegance.
“I love it.” I turn to Josey, who is wearing a beaming smile.
“I hope it fits. He asked for my help.” I hug it to my body, impatient to get it on. “He’s going to have a hard time letting you out of his sight tonight,” she says confidently.
“Where’s yours?” I ask Josey. She looks at me with sadness in her eyes. “I’m not going. This is the first dinner without them here. I’m not ready to face it all just yet. Preston’s coming over to the house to watch movies with me.”
I raise a pencil sharp eyebrow at her. “I hope you’ll be alright, Josey. We’ll miss you there,” I say, hoping to make her feel less powerless.
“I’ll be fine. Anyway, I’m here to help get you ready. Go, shoo, get in that bathroom and start getting ready. Harvey will be here in an hour.”
Like the persistent friend she is, I do as she says and start doing my hair and makeup.
An hour later, I’m standing in my doorway, my tongue running over the length of my lower lip in appreciation as my eyes roam over a sexy man fitted in a navy-blue tuxedo.
Meeting his fiery eyes, I notice they’re glossed over, and his pupils are dilated. It makes me happy to see these reactions in him toward me as I know my feelings for Harvey are on the surface waiting to be told.
“You look”—he takes a long pause while looking me over again— “incredible, gorgeous, captivating, sexy.” He rounds off a list of compliments that sets my whole body alight.
A sharp and high-pitchedyapcomes from Harvey’s feet. Looking down, I see Asher, and he’s wearing the cutest little tuxedo and bow too. “Naw, buddy, you look so handsome.” I look up to meet Harvey’s gaze again. “Just like your daddy.”
