Only A Memory Page 11

  Connor: Whatcha doing?

  Me: About to walk into the shower.

  Connor: Ooooh, are you naked?

  I can’t help but to laugh at his question.

  Me: Wouldn’t you like to know, eh? Not just yet.

  Connor: Need help? I’m an expert at taking off clothes.

  Me: Thanks for the offer but I think I can handle it myself.

  Connor: If you change your mind …

  Me: I know where to find you. Thanks.

  I throw the cell on my bed and walk to the bathroom. When I step under the refreshing spray of water, I can already feel my muscles relax. I spend a few minutes with my head tilted back, letting the water caress my body. I soap up, and wash my hair. Clean and smelling nice, I wrap myself in a towel then hurry back to my room. There’s a light blinking on my phone, announcing a new text message.

  Connor: You sure? I’d have no problem sacrificing some of my precious time for stripping you.

  He really knows how to cheer me up.

  Me: Can you believe it – I managed to do it without you.

  Connor: I would’ve done a much better job.

  Me: I don’t doubt it for a second.

  Just as I put on my PJs, I get another text.

  Connor: If you’re bored, you can come over to my room, I’ve got all your favorite things: bed, beer, action movie, and, of course, me.

  I laugh.

  Me: Only one of those things sounds nice right about now.

  Connor: Me. I know. I’m irresistible. You don’t need to play coy.

  He’s really something else. I’m grinning like an idiot. I’m also glad he’s feeling better.

  Me: I see you’ve got your strength back.

  Connor: Now that you mention it – I think I’m feeling under the weather. My muscles hurt so bad. You should come over and give me a massage.

  Ha. Nice try.

  Me: Some other time.

  Connor: Was that a promise? Because I won’t let you back out of it.

  Me: Good night, Connor.

  Connor: Night, Ev.

  I really like the direction our friendship is going. We’re getting along great, talking about serious things but also joking about everything. When I think back to how worried I first was about living in his house … I’ve been accepted as a member of the family, and I’ve gained true friends. I fall asleep with a smile on my face, knowing I can count on them.

  A va’s birthday is finally here. She’s invited a few of her friends from preschool, the neighborhood, and a couple of girls from the gymnastics club she joined a few weeks ago for a small party. The weather is perfect for an outdoor celebration and grilling. Everly kept her promise of renting an inflatable castle, and Ava is head over heels in love with it. Even though none of the kids have arrived yet, she’s bouncing inside the castle, shrieking in joy.

  “Need help?” Everly walks into the kitchen when she sees me holding two juice cartons. She’s dressed in a summer dress, looking beautiful and effortless.

  “I can handle it.” I shake my head gingerly. “But you can take the plastic cups if you want. They’re on the counter. Oh, and could you grab the balloons, too? They should be there somewhere.” I lift a chin to the top drawer.

  We carry everything to the backyard.

  The first guest to appear is Dana. Dolores lets her inside. Dana doesn’t hide her grin when she sees me. I haven’t even invited her to the party, she invited herself when she overheard me discussing it with Phoenix the other day. I know she likes me, she’s plainly told me countless times. She also offers herself to me on a daily basis, but I keep telling her that I’m not interested. We had sex a few times, but that was over a year ago. The first time it happened, we were headed home from a business diner. I drove her home at her insistence, and she dropped her sexy, skintight dress on the floor the minute we stepped inside, revealing her lean, soft body in nothing but tiny lacy panties and high heels. I was drunk enough I didn’t resist her. I’m just a man after all, and she’s excellent at seduction. Afterwards, she wanted more than the purely physical relationship we agreed on in the beginning, so I gently let her down and ended things before we got further involved and feelings could get hurt.

  “Hi, Connor, darlin’.” Her eyes take a leisure stroll up and down my body. She’s holding a wrapped gift in her hands.

  “Dana.” I nod curtly. I’m always trying to act polite and cordial because that’s who I am. Besides, Phoenix and I rely on her heavily when it comes to Mi Vida. Dana divorced her husband two years ago when she discovered he’d been screwing around with a new, younger woman. She got a huge settlement out of it, and since they didn’t have any kids she can afford to support her lavish lifestyle. She’s wearing an expensive black dress with a plunging neckline more suited for a gala event than a family picnic with her hair impeccably styled. Her stilettos are sinking into the grass while she’s trying to regain her composure.

  “Where’s the birthday girl?” she asks, looking around. Pointing at the bouncy castle, I call out Ava’s name. “Happy birthday, princess,” Dana gushes when Ava runs over to us, and hands her the gift. Ava says thanks and dashes off.

  “You didn’t have to bring a gift, but thank you,” I say. That was thoughtful of her.

  “Ah”– she waves her hand in answer– “it’s just something small. I’m so glad to be here celebrating her birthday with her.”

  Everly steps outside, carrying plates full of ham and cheese. “Excuse me for a second,” I tell Dana and hurry to Everly’s side to help her. Dana follows suit.

  “What is she doing here? I thought she was just an employee.” She creases her nose in disgust.

  I stop, and she almost collides with my back. “What did you just say?”

  “I thought there were only going to be family and friends at the party. You don’t need employees here, too.”

  “Dana,” I say through gritted teeth, trying not to sound too harsh, but slowly losing my patience with her. “This is none of your business. Everly and Ava are friends, and Ava wanted her at her party, so why would she not be here? Everly loves Ava, she’s like family to us.”

  Luckily, Everly is too occupied with keeping her hands steady and doesn’t hear my exchange with Dana. I grab one of the plates out of her hand. I really don’t want Everly to feel like she’s not wanted here, that’s far from the truth.

  “Thanks! I was afraid I was going to drop something. These plates are heavier than they look.” Everly’s lips turn up into a smile. “Oh, Dana, hi.” Her greeting is sincere, and she even offers Dana a small smile, which is much more than Dana deserves in my opinion.

  “Hello.” Dana raises her chin like she’s some sort of royalty. “Since you’re carrying stuff around, why don’t you bring me a glass of white wine? A cold one at that.”

  “Dana” I grind the word between clenched teeth, giving her a warning glare. What’s enough is enough. “Everly isn’t here to serve you. She’s a guest just like you.”

  “It’s okay, Connor.” Everly puts a hand on my forearm. Her touch is soft and warm, her breath caressing my cheek. “I’ll be right back with the wine.”

  Once Everly is out of earshot I let my anger loose. “That’s enough, Dana. I mean it. I don’t know what your problem with Everly is, but I won’t allow that kind of behavior under my roof.” Friends or not, she still needs to show respect to people in my life.

  Dana stares at me with her mouth wide open. She blinks three times, gulps, and nods.

  Thirty minutes later, the backyard is filled with shrieking children playing in the bouncy castle and running around the backyard. Twelve kids showed up with their parents, and Ava is thrilled with all the attention and gifts she’s getting.

  Standing to the side of the yard, a beer in my hand, I watch the kids have fun. My gaze keeps wandering to Everly, who looks homey with all the guests, and she seems to get along with everyone, laughing and talking animatedly. Her simple baby pink dress shows off her legs, and I can�
��t keep my eyes off them. I know she does yoga, but I had no idea it can help shape her legs so beautifully. They are toned and go on for days. Gavin, who arrived a few minutes ago with his son Drake, walks up to her. It looks like they already know each other because he kisses her cheek in greeting, and they start laughing about something, talking animatedly. I’m too far away to hear what they’re saying, but I see Gavin is already laying his moves on her. My lips form a straight line. I don’t want him hitting on Everly. She giggles at something he says and tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. The sight of them together frustrates me. Gavin is a buddy of mine, and a good man. He’s been through a difficult and nasty divorce recently. He deserves a nice woman who’ll treat him right and love him unconditionally, but since I’m a selfish bastard I don’t want that woman to be Everly.

  Gavin takes her hand in his, stroking her palm with his thumb. I clench my teeth together, overwhelmed with jealousy. I hate feeling like this. I’ve been successfully avoiding any kind of feelings in the past, but since Everly I’m a walking emotion, bleeding slowly and painfully. She never flirts with me or openly showed her interest in me, like other women usually do. And I find it refreshing. I’m not blind, she’s an extremely attractive woman, but I’m also not stupid. I know better than to get involved with someone I live with. Tilting my head back, I down the cold liquid and frown. Everly is great at her job, and she’s amazing with Ava; she makes my girl so happy. And me? I’m not an important factor in this equation, that’s why I can’t fuck things up by getting involved with her. Everly and I have only known each other for a few months, so I shouldn’t care what she does and who she does it with. But I do care. And I hate that. Right when I’ve gotten used to it being just Ava and me. Anabel was my one and only, the love of my life. When she died, she took my ability to love again. So why is Everly making me feel things I shouldn’t be feeling? I don’t even know her that well; she is always so closed off. She’s such a mystery. I run a hand through my hair in frustration.

  “You like her.” Dolores shows up out of nowhere and stands next to me. Her words almost make me spill my beer.

  “What?” I pretend I didn’t hear her.

  “Everly. I’ve noticed you looking at her for quite some time now.” She lifts her chin at where Everly is still talking with Gavin.

  “I’m looking at everyone, not just her.” I really don’t need to discuss my love life with my mother-in-law.

  “Nothing’s wrong with liking her. You ended up alone at such a young age, at thirty-three you have your whole life ahead of you. I don’t expect you to grieve my daughter for the rest of it, nor do I want you to. I know you loved my girl, and I’m grateful for that. My baby was happy with you, you gave her everything you had. But nothing is wrong with finding a woman you want to spend the rest of your life with. Everly would definitely be a great choice. She’s lovely, smart, and beautiful. She loves Ava, and Ava loves her. She’s down to earth which I love. I see the way you look at her, it’s been a long time since I saw a spark in your eyes.”

  Crushing the empty beer can in my palm, I sigh. “I don’t want you and Carlos thinking I forgot about Anabel. It’s not easy for me, you know. I’ve thought about falling in love again, finding that special connection with someone, but my priority is Ava. I admit, Everly is a gorgeous woman with a big heart. Any man would easily fall head over heels in love with her. But I need to think about my daughter. She is the one who matters here. What if things didn’t work out between us? Then what? Ava adores her, she’d be crushed if Everly went away. You know well enough Everly wouldn’t want to stay here. Besides, there’s this whole me not knowing whether Everly even likes me or not. There’s a good chance I’m not even her type.”

  “Oh, Connor.” Dolores shakes her head, clasping her hands together. “You are an amazing man, but sometimes you can be so blind and stupid. Anabel is gone, we have to live with this fact no matter how much we want her back. I want you to be happy again. I really do. Don’t think about all the bad things that could happen, think about how you can create something beautiful with someone. Love can be freeing, and sometimes, it’s almost as important as oxygen.”

  “What about you and Carlos?” I frown.

  “What about us?” She gives me a questioning look.

  “Wouldn’t it be hard for you to watch me with someone else? You’re always going to be a part of my life no matter what, and I have nothing but love and respect for you. How would you feel if you had to watch me be happy with someone who’s not your daughter?”

  “Connor, listen.” Her gaze locks with mine, and she places a loving hand on my cheek. “It’s your life we’re talking about, and if you’re happy, we’re happy. You’re like a son to us. We know how much you’ve suffered. All we want is for you to find happiness. Know that you have our blessing and full support if you do decide to let love back in your life. We love you so very much.” The softness in her voice is genuine, so real.

  I wrap my hand around her shoulders, pouring all my love into the embrace. “Thank you for this. I’m so grateful to have you and Carlos in my life. In Ava’s life.”

  Dolores gives me a comforting pat on the back, and as we break the hug, I notice her eyes are starting to tear up. “I can’t believe she’s five years old already. She’s growing up so fast, our little girl. I wish Anabel could be here, celebrating with her.” We watch Ava chatting with a friend, brimming with laughter and happiness.

  I kiss the top of her head. “Yeah, me, too.” We both watch Ava play for a few more minutes, before I break the silence. “How’s Carlos doing?” Everly’s doing her best to get him out of his bed every day, to walk around and interact with others. The worst thing that could happen would be if he stopped trying, if he didn’t want to even leave his bed.

  It takes a while before she speaks. “The doctors say his condition is okay for now.” Her eyes stare sadly into the distance.

  “He’ll get better, you’ll see.”

  “I wish that were true, but I’m not holding my breath. Every day he finds it harder to get up. If it weren’t for Everly the only thing he’d do would be to sleep all day. Even turning around in bed is hard for him. He fell the other day when he wanted to use the bathroom. He’s covered in bruises.”

  “What? Why didn’t you say something?” I exclaim, maybe a little too harsh, but I can’t believe she kept me in the dark about this.

  “There was nothing you could’ve done. You were at work, and I didn’t want to scare you unnecessarily. Everly helped me pick him up and patch him up.”

  “Still, I would’ve come home.” I care about his health.

  “I know you would.” She pats my hand lovingly.

  “Your cake turned out perfect.” Everly takes the birthday cake out of the fridge. She offered to bake it, and since I’ve tasted her baked goods and food she cooked, I didn’t doubt for a second it wouldn’t taste good. Ava loves mermaids so Everly created a figurine of a mermaid out of some sort of colored-clay looking compound. She told me what it’s called but I forgot, and Ava got to play with the leftovers.

  “I’m glad you like it,” she says modestly and grabs five candles. “I like to create, make things with dough, it calms me.” She sticks the candles in the cake.

  “I saw you talking with Gavin earlier.”

  “Yeah. He’s a nice man. I can see why you’re friends.” She looks over her shoulder as she searches for a knife to cut the cake with.

  “Well, we’re not really friends. More like acquaintances. His son and Ava get along really well. That’s why we even know each other. And Ava insisted Drake coming to the birthday party. I think she likes him.”

  “I think so, too. She can’t stop talking about him, and they’re giving each other heart eyes all the time.” Everly giggles. “They’re so adorable. First love is so exciting.” I can barely keep myself from reaching over and caressing the silky skin around her lips.

  “So you’ve met Gavin before today?” I can’t help but to as
k.

  “Yeah, we’ve met a couple of times.” She shrugs, opening and closing the cabinets. “Where did I leave the paper plates?”

  “I took them out earlier.”

  “Oh, that makes sense. Okay,” she says, and scoops up the forks.

  “So what were you two talking about?” I prod. Everly stills, giving me a weird look. “What? Just making conversation,” I tell her, plastering a grin on my face to hide how much it actually bothers me. I need to know if there’s more between them.

  “Well, if you must know, we didn’t talk anything special. Mainly about Ava and Drake, his job, the divorce. He asked me out for drinks, though.” She bites down her lip, looking at me sideways.

  “Drinks?” I ask, surprised. Well, not surprised he invited her out, she’s a beautiful woman, but because he acted so fast. “Did you say yes?”

  “Not yet. I told him I’ll think about it and let him know.”

  “You’re not right for him.” Shit, that came out wrong.

  Everly halts, shocked at my words, pinching her lips in a straight line, but doesn’t say anything. “Why don’t you carry the cake outside? The birthday girl is waiting.” She hurries through the doors that lead to the backyard.

  “Fuck.” I rub my eyes with a sigh. That didn’t come out the way I intended it. Shit. I run after her and stop her, wrapping my fingers around her elbow, but she rips is out of my grasp, her steps quick and furious. “That came out wrong.”

  “I don’t care.” She doesn’t stop, marching as fast as she can to get away from me.

  S tanding in the corner hiding, I watch people have fun. I’m fuming on the inside, furious with Connor. How dare he say something like that? You’re not right for him. Yeah right. Who’s he to judge? I didn’t expect him saying something like that. I thought we were friends. But I’m obviously just a caregiver, not worthy of a businessman like Gavin. It hurts that his opinion of me is this low. As if Dana didn’t insult me enough earlier, treating me like I’m a piece of garbage. But I’m a human, too, with emotions.