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I couldn’t believe it, and I certainly didn’t understand it. How did Eve do this? I tried not to scream in the coffee shop, and instead squeezed my plastic cup with a noisy crunch.
She really had been trying, and after the hateful things I’d said to her, Eve continued to fight for my forgiveness. Maybe it was real, maybe I had been too cruel. I couldn’t help but wonder, what if Nathan was too late that night of the fire? What if I had gone down with the house? What would I have left behind? Hate and regret? Although it hurt, the cheating, the lying, I still loved Eve, and I hated how I spoke to her.
I know I didn’t owe her forgiveness, and it was my right to take my time. It would never be easy, but it had to begin somewhere, and a call felt like a good place to start.
I stepped away to a quiet corner, passing the banana nut muffins that I foolishly forgot to order. I wanted to steal the tray and run. I imagined stuffing my cheeks in an alley, coping with the fear of calling Eve. Instead, I leaned against the wood wall, pressing the call button below her number. A hesitated silence buzzed on the phone, leaving me in contemplation before its first ring.
Right away, Eve answered, “Jules?” She sounded worried, I didn’t answer, instead she continued, “I am… I am so glad you called. I’ve been so worried sick, even though Dad told me not to worry. I couldn’t help it. He said you’ll come around, but I didn’t know, and then I wanted to write or send flowers, but I thought you would be mad… Shit. I’m rambling.”
I smiled wide as I listened to her talk at the speed of light, unable to catch every word. “Yeah, you are. I, uh,” I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I just wanted to thank you. Prestige just called, and… I don’t know what to say. It’s like a dream come true.” I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cry. I kept my voice low to avoid any and all glares.
“I’m so happy they called. I’ve been going crazy trying to find contacts that I know in New York. I came across a one-night stand who owed me a favor. I figured spreading my legs got me into this mess, it might as well get me out too.” I couldn’t help but laugh as she continued.
“How did you know about New York Prestige? Do you have spies along with lovers now?” I could hear Eve laugh over the phone. It felt good to hear her voice, and for a moment, it felt like nothing ever happened.
“Well, Nathan may have helped me with that. He seems to know you better than me now!” She said teasing.
I grabbed my purse while on the phone, scurrying out of the shop to hail a cab.
“Nathan? When did you talk to him?”
“Almost every day.” She sighed loudly. “Willie has to force him to come out with us, but you know. He’s not the same. I can tell it has been hard for him without you. Do you miss him?”
Hearing her words made it too real. My chest constricted, twisting my pathetic heart. It hurt, and it always had since I left. I stayed quiet, trying not to cry. “Of course.” I replied, hiding a sniffle with the slurp of my coffee. “Hang on a sec, Eve.” I said, hailing a cab in the freezing cold air.
I straightened my expression from its sadness. I hopped in as a cab pulled over, keeping Eve in suspense. “Columbus and Seventy-second, please.” I directed the driver.
“I just don’t know what to think. It’s my turn to just listen to my heart, to chase my dreams and be who I want to be.” I exhaled loudly, noticing the driver’s eyes curious with each exhausted breath.
“And what does your heart say? Who do you want to be?” Eve asked. It made me pause, unable to answer. For once, I felt stumped.
The path I planned for used to seem so simple, as if I had no choice but to pursue it. Now was different.
“For what it’s worth, Jules, I know you’ll make it on your own. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known. I would know, I’m strong. I save lives, but even then you’re my role model for strength.”
Her words were kind, sweet, and caring. I hadn’t known Eve to act like a sap, or beg on her knees, but she surprised me.
I chewed on my chapped lip, tearing away at it thinking about Nathan, Eve, about North Carolina. Everything seemed like a mess, and I just wanted to start over. I wanted my friend back in my life.
There was a clear silence between us. The moment of truth where I’d finally cave and this was my opportunity to rid myself of this horrid grudge. “I-I’m sorry.” We both said in unison, catching each other off guard.
“No, Jules. I’m really the one who is so sorry for how I’ve treated you.” Eve persisted. "The truth... The truth is I’ve taken you for granted and maybe you were jealous of how free I seemed, but in reality, it was me that was jealous of you. Of how easily you could love, how you could leave town and live your dream. Friendships are a two-way street, and I made it completely one-sided for far too long. No more, I swear it with all my heart.” The sincerity in her tone threatened tears that I tried to keep at bay. The cabbie was already checking his rear view mirror for any potential hysterics. I was sure he had seen it all from his time of driving around the city.
Wow, I was sure it was difficult for her to admit all of that, but somehow, I believed her and understood why she may have been hurt, even if it was twisted.
“You know what, Eve? You were right about something.”
“Huh? About what?” She asked reluctantly.
“Robbie wasn’t the one I should have been so easy to forgive. I was so clouded by… well myself. I put him and his opportunities before anyone else, and it almost cost me everything. I’ll never do that again. I’ll always listen to my heart, and right now, that means telling you how much you mean to me. I love you, Eve.”
A loud sniffle sounded on her end of the line, which caused my tears to slip down my cheek. Right away I swiped at it, drying my cheek before the water would freeze on my skin.
“I love you too, Jules. I know you’ll always make the right choice. Maybe that means calling Nathan. Don’t let that one go, please. I actually like him.”
“Please, tell me… you didn’t sleep with him.” I teased her as a devilish smirk grew across my lips. We were silent after my comment. “Too soon?”
“Yeah, Jules, just a bit too soon. Don’t you have an interview to prep for? You better go!” She clicked off immediately, leaving me with a lasting smile.
