Page 37 of On Broken Wings

Evan: I’m good with whatever you want as long as you’re there.

The three little dots appeared again, but disappeared before an answer showed up. This went on for several minutes, but she never responded again. I’m guessing she couldn’t decide what to say. I’d love to find the asshole who made her this way. There are moments when I think I’m with the real Jenni. They’re fleeting and unpredictable, but they’re beautiful. Jenni’s like a dove with broken wings, and I want to be there when she finally flies.

Ooooooooo

When I pulled up to Ford Stevenson Securities, Jenni was sitting on the front steps. She was dressed in a blue sundress, and carrying a white sweater. I didn’t remember her wearing this earlier, but I could have missed it with everything I’ve had on my mind. She had the leather cuffs on her wrists, a staple in her wardrobe since the summer started.

“Hey.” She smiled as she stood, and bounced toward me. She was in a better mood than this morning, and I sighed a little inside. I shouldn’t have stood her up today.

“You look beautiful.” I smiled back as I opened the door for her.

“Thanks. I went home when you didn’t come for lunch. I wanted to change for tonight.” She blushed as she settled in the front seat.

“I’m sorry about that, really.” I closed her door, and rushed around to the driver’s side. “Where to?” I buckled my seatbelt and turned in her direction.

“Ever been to one of the Concerts in the Park?” She pressed her lips together.

“Not this year.” I put the car in gear, and headed to the park. “I went to a couple last year.”

“Daughtry’s playing tonight.” She bounced in her seat. It was the first time I’d witnessed an excited Jenni.

“And you wanna go?” I grinned.

“Un huh.” Her head nodded furiously.

“Then we’re going.” I got as close as I could to the park before parking on the street. I scored us a spot about four blocks away. I could have used my badge and gotten us in much closer, but I had to hide that from Jenni for now. Her safety was priority, and I had to be careful I wasn’t seen by Vince or Michael. This would be the perfect place to sell. It’ll get dark soon, and even though there’s security, they can’t watch everything.

We hopped out, and headed toward the gate. Jenni actually let me hold her hand. To say I was surprised was an understatement. I was fucking shocked. It shocked me even more when she leaned into my side.

“Crowds make me uneasy.” She murmured as we made our way to a grassy patch to sit down.

“I’ll protect you.” I winked. She didn’t know how true that was right then, but I would protect her, with my life if I was ever asked to.

ooooooooo

Jenni

“Here’s good.” I started to lower myself down as Evan scanned the crowd as if he was looking for someone. There was a slight shake to this head before he sat beside me. “The vendors should be passing through soon. We can eat from the carts.” I bounced on the ground slightly. I couldn’t help it. I loved Daughtry, and having Evan here meant that I didn’t have to worry about getting hit on.

“Are you sure you’re ok with that? I’d take you to a restaurant, Jenni.” Evan’s brow dipped as he leaned closer. I don’t know why that didn’t bother me tonight. There were a lot of things about Evan that weren’t bothering me anymore. Maybe I was starting to trust myself more, I don’t know. I do know that Evan has been sticking around when most guys would have given up. Evan treats me like Mason does. I just wish I could totally let go.

“Thanks for agreeing to this.” Evan smiled as he stretched his legs out in front of himself.

“I should be saying that to you.” I grinned. “I did kinda throw this at you.”

“Nah, I like Daughtry too.” He shrugged.

I matched his pose, placing my hands on either side of my hips. We hadn’t touched since I released his hand, and the only reason I held it was because of the crowd. He was the lesser of two evils. Now, as we sit here waiting for the music to start, I find myself missing his touch but too afraid to ask for it. I slowly let my left hand move toward him. Inch by inch until our pinkies are touching. Evan didn’t move a muscle as my finger brushed his. He seemed unaffected almost. I crept closer, this time letting my finger be more insistent.

Evan smiled, and without looking my way, he lets his pinkie brush back. We stared at the stage, continuing our little dance as the band came out and the crowd at the front began to go wild.

“This was a good idea.” Evan leaned closer and knocked his shoulder against mine. “You hungry?”

A cart was just making its way toward us. It looked like one of the hot dog and burger vendors. “Sure. I’ll take a Chicago dog.” I grinned as he stood, and flagged the guy down. Within a few minutes, he was sitting back down, and handing me my hot dog. “Mmm.” I sighed as I took a giant bite. I closed my eyes and chewed slowly. I hadn’t had a hot dog like this in forever. When I was younger, I wasn’t allowed to. It wasn’t on the approved diet from my gymnastics coach. I got in the habit of eating healthy, and I’ve never really stopped.

“That good, huh?” Evan chuckled.

“Oh yes.” I slowly opened my eyes to see Evan staring right at me. I licked my lips and blinked, unsure of what to do.

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