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Mom is a few steps ahead of Dad when Dad pauses. “You and Evan are just friends, right?”
His wariness causes my stomach to dip. “Why would you ask that?” My tone is a little high-pitched.
“I don’t know. You seemed very tense on the plane,” Dad replies.
I was tense about seeing Andrew and maybe wanting to jump Evan.
“We are just friends,” I assure Dad.
“Things could get complicated with your job if you weren’t. Evan would be risking a lot with his career too. He’s a nice kid and I like him but. . .” His words trail.
“You don’t like him for me,” I finish Dad’s sentence and pat his shoulder. “You don’t need to worry. Evan has become a good friend, but that is all we are.”
The tension seems to leave Dad’s shoulders and he deflates. “I love you, honey. I want to see you happy. I’m just worried there would be fallout if you got together with Evan.”
“Don’t worry, Dad, that isn’t happening.” I laugh and roll my eyes.
“Okay, I better go catch up to Mom,” he states, who is close to the elevators. I stay back and take a breath. I feel so wound up. I’m horny and nervous, and I feel terrible about wanting Evan. He is so good to me. He’s a caring friend. I feel like I’m taking advantage of his kindness.
I suddenly worry Andrew might be staying in the hotel too. I really don’t want to be by myself when I see him. Something makes me want to tell him off because I’m angry about the way he screwed me over. I was innocent and naïve. I don’t think Andrew really had bad intentions though. I do believe he wanted me, even loved me on some weird level, but he was terrified about what it all meant. He was raised by a single mother and his father hadn’t been in the picture. His mom told him she was knocked up by a hockey player who never took responsibility, and so when Andrew got me pregnant, he was there for me but he was also freaking the hell out. When I lost the baby and saw his relief, it was painful. It gave him the out he clearly wanted, and I know I was better off without a guy like him in my life.
I look around the lobby. I don’t see anyone I recognize. I head up to my room and take my dress out of the garment bag since it got a little wrinkly. Then I take a warm shower and lie down for a bit.
My phone ringing wakes me. “Hello,” I say to Evan with a groggy voice.
“It’s five thirty, Patty. The rehearsal dinner starts in half an hour. I was texting you, but you didn’t answer. I had a feeling you fell asleep.”
“I did, sorry, but I showered already so I just need to put on some makeup and get dressed and I’m good,” I explain.
“You’re beautiful just the way you are, but I get the need to prepare for an event,” Evan responds, and he makes my heart gush with his sweetness. I’ve more than fallen for Evan. These feelings feel like the most real feelings I’ve ever had. They make me want to run out of fear, but I don’t need to run. I don’t need to be scared because we are friends, and this is safe.
“You’re sweet,” I reply.
“And handsome,” he adds. “You shouldn’t forget what a handsome friend you have.”
“Lol. You’re handsome too,” I agree. “Maybe you can hook up with a bridesmaid,” I say because I am scared and an idiot.
I hear him blow out a breath. “That’s the last thing I want,” he declares. I don’t understand him. It’s been months since he broke up with Evie and he’s refusing to hook up. For some reason the thought irritates me, and it has nothing to do with the fact that I’m feeling sexually frustrated and wanting him in one breath.
“Okay, whatever you say,” my voice singsongs.
“I’ll be at your room in twenty. You’re in room 720, right?” he asks. He obviously heard because he was there when I checked in.
“Yes, see you soon.”
“I’m on the same floor. Room 741. You’re just down the hall, see you soon.”
I find it weird he made a point of telling me his room number. Was that an invitation to join him in his room because if I did, we would need a lot longer than twenty minutes. I have a slew of fantasies I would like to try out.
“’Kay, bye.” I say and we end the call.
I pinch my eyes shut and shake my head because Evan clearly doesn’t want to hook up with anyone. He says he isn’t hurting over Evie anymore, but my gut tells me he is, in fact, still hurting because he would’ve wanted a hookup at some point. It’s only natural to want sex. Only he’s been as chaste as a nun.
I get out of bed and head to the bathroom to wash up and put on makeup. Then I slip into the beige slip dress I brought for the event. Since it has spaghetti straps, I wear a nude lace strapless bra, and I match it with a no seams lace thong.
When I slip the dress over my body it fits like a glove. I’m even pleased with the cowlneck neckline which is a little lose in the front and gives the dress a nice drapey look. I match the dress with nude pumps. To finish off the look I put on some red lipstick.
A knock comes on my door.
