AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re welcome. Now, can we go in there and do what you came here for; run a fundraiser for our furry friends.”
“I’d almost forgotten about Asher. He’s been so quiet.” Harvey steps back then brings Asher forth and rubs his head.
“You’re never this quiet bud. Did I scare you?”Yap.“I’m sorry.” Harvey gives Asher a little more attention, then pulls the door open, allowing me through.
“I’ve been to many events in my career, but I’d forgotten how busy they were. Harvey,” I turn to him, wrapping my free arm around his once more while I revel in the people here for an amazing cause. “Look at all of the people here to support you.”
There have to be at least twenty tables set, which means there are two hundred plus guests attending tonight. Speaking of guests, Mrs. M has spotted us and is walking over with Tag—Josey’s guidance dog. “You look…”
“Like a ray of sunshine.” Mrs. M is cut off. As I turn, I’m greeted by the most gorgeous girl in an ivory gown, wearing sparkling canvas sneakers. “Josey! You’re here! How?”
“Well, considering you’ve managed to get this guy here, I thought I should come and support my uncle and my parents’ legacy. Also, the puns are loud tonight.” She laughs.
“That definitely didn’t go unnoticed.” I joke with her.
“Hazel and Preston helped me get ready. I wasn’t going to come but someone talked me into it. He’s been good like that lately.” Josey looks at her boyfriend with adoration and sparkles in her eyes.
“It’s good to have you here, Josey. Your parents would be so proud.” Harvey’s words touch us all, Josey the most though as she wipes a lone tear from under her eye. I bend down, wrapping my arms tightly around her, my cane near missing Preston in the process. “Oops, sorry.” I move away and cover the embarrassment on my face with my clutch.
“It’s fine, Eve. You were in the moment,” Preston says, sweetly.
“Right, shall we take our seats before the room starts to fill in with people? I bet Eve and Josey are run off their feet.”
“Mrs. M.” I cover my heart with my cane in hand and feign shock. “Did you just get punny with us? Josey, did you hear that?” I’m being dramatic, but we all know Josey and I are joking around.
“Why, yes. I do believe so. Mrs. McGuire, I have taught you well.” Josey bows in her chair, extremely proud of herself.
Once the theatrics are over, Harvey announces he needs a drink. Us ladies decide to find our seats at the front of the room, close to the stage, while the men go in search of the bar.
“So, Eve, how does it feel to be back in the spotlight? You must have razzed the media earlier because when we came through, they were asking nearly everyone who was entering if they knew about you and Harvey and what your connection is. It was actually quite amusing, and definitely took the awkwardness of answering my own questions away. I guess a thank you is in order.” Josey looks more relaxed about being here than she was when I was getting ready, or the moment she entered the building.
“What can I say? I’m a seasoned professional.” If I can take a fraction of her pain away, then I’ll happily play the fool for her.
I lean toward Josey, needing to use a hushed voice for my next question as I don’t want everyone else seated at our table to overhear. “HowdidPreston get you here?” I ask.
She turns a shade of beet red. “Seeing how happy Harvey was when he first laid eyes on you, I wanted that too. Preston told me that if I didn’t come, I’d regret it. Then I realized he was right. I was being selfish, really; not wanting to be here for all the wrong reasons. It still hurts to be here, but I’m also surrounded by the most supportive family, so here I am.” She looks around the table to all who have been around to help her, then she looks to Preston by the bar and I know they’re having their own silent conversation.
Young love, it’s so sweet.
Chapter Thirteen
Evelyn
Harvey finally makes it to his seat after being stopped by everyone in his path. He motioned for me to come to him and meet some people, and I happily joined him, but eventually, I became tired of being on my feet.
“You okay, dear?” Mrs. M asks.
“I’m fine,” I say, plastering on a smile. “I forgot how these events can drag on, and we haven’t started dinner yet.” And it’s true. I had forgotten. The amount of smiling you have to do, the introductions and questions. “It’s a wonder how I ever used to stand through all that when I’m struggling now.” I’m overanalyzing and Mrs. M knows it too.
“You can’t beat yourself up, Evelyn. You’ve done amazingly well with your recovery and beyond that, your mindset has been the biggest success of all. You will be able to dance again, and that’s the physiotherapist in me speaking.”
“Damn right she’ll dance again.” The deep, gravelly voice behind me scares the bejesus out of me.
“Harvey, you scared me,” I tell him and the whole table.
He leans in and presses a soft kiss to my cheek. “Sorry, beautiful.” Taking his seat, he then surprises me more by taking my hand in his and bringing it to his lips.
“Get a room,” Josey coughs behind her hand.
