Chapter 21
Steve wasn’t sure how they’d ended up in this situation, but something told him that if he let her walk away now, their relationship would never recover–it might even grow colder than before.
His heart pounded like a drum in his chest, so loud he could hear it in his ears. He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself.
“Evelyn, I was drunk last night,” he began, his grip tightening on the door handle. “I acted out of line, and I’m sorry. But I remember everything. I was the one who made you stay. I was the one who said I liked you.”
He took a deep breath, his voice steady but vulnerable. “It’s not because of what happened last night that I’m saying this. I like you, Evelyn. That’s why, even when I was drunk, I couldn’t let you go. And now, sober, I’m telling you–I like you. Will you stay with me?”
His heart felt like it was about to burst, a mix of hope and fear swirling inside him.
Evelyn was silent for a long moment, her ears turning bright red. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft. “Can you… step back a little?”
Steve’s heart sank. He thought this was her way of rejecting him. His hand dropped from the door handle, and he took a few steps back, his head hanging low like a kicked puppy.
When Evelyn turned around, she saw him standing there, looking utterly dejected. Despite her own embarrassment, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Hearing her laughter, Steve looked up, his expression a mix of confusion and hurt.
“I didn’t say no,” Evelyn said, her voice teasing. “Why are you acting like I just broke your heart?”
Steve’s eyes lit up, but he hesitated, still unsure. “So… does that mean you’re saying yes?”
Evelyn thought about the past year with Steve. He’d always been there for her–through her highs and lows, her struggles and triumphs. He’d never doubted her, even when she doubted herself.
She smiled, but then shook her head. Before his hope could crumble, she added, “But your confession was terrible. No flowers, no romance–just a drunk, smelly mess. Is that really how you want to do this?”
Steve laughed, a little defensively. “Hey, I was drunk because I was taking all those drinks for you! And you’re not exactly fresh as a daisy yourself right now!”
Evelyn pointed at him, her cheeks puffing out in mock anger. “Well, then I definitely don’t want this kind of confession!”
Steve stepped closer, pulling her into his arms. “Fine,” he said, his voice soft but determined. “I’ll give you a proper one–flowers, romance, the whole thing.”
“That’s more like it,” Evelyn said, resting her chin on his shoulder.
Just as she relaxed into the moment, her phone rang.
She pulled it out, frowning when she saw the caller ID: Mrs. Shelton.
12:15
Cleared for Departure: So Is My Love
63.8%
12:15 Sat, 17 May
She patted Steve’s back, signaling him to let go. Once he did, she answered the call, stepping into the living room.
Now that they had been divorced for a year, why would Mrs. Shelton suddenly call her?
“Evelyn,” Mrs. Shelton’s voice was shaky, barely holding back tears. “I know Martin hurt you, and I’m sorry for that.”
She didn’t want to waste time, so she said directly, “Mrs. Shelton, just say what you need to.”
“Evelyn, if you have time, could you visit Martin? He’s been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. The doctors say he doesn’t have much time left. His last wish is to see you.”
Co(2)
(0)
