Page 44 of On Broken Wings

“No.” I sighed. “I’m a big girl. I need to do this.” I think I was trying to convince myself more than him.

“Ok. Well, you know where to find me if you need me.” He backed up and glanced at his phone, I’m guessing to check the time. “I’m closing tonight, so I’ll be late, but I will be home later. Dani has to get up early tomorrow, so I’ve been given strict orders to stay at my own place tonight.”

“Seriously. I’ll be fine. I just need to get out of my own head. Evan and I will probably call it a night early. We’re just watching movies.” I turned to go back to my scrubbing.

“Ok. Sure.” Mason waved me off as he turned to leave. “Need anything, call me!” he shouted one last time before I heard the door click shut and the lock slip into place.

ooooooooo

The afternoon went much like the morning with me bleaching every surface that I could. I sniffed my hands as I sat on my bed staring at my closet. I’d taken a shower and was trying to get ready before Evan came over. I smelled like bleach even though I’d rubbed my favorite Bath and Body Works lotion all over myself. I’ve been addicted to the Love and Sunshine scent for months now.

The fact that we were staying in made this so much harder. Should I pull on something like yoga pants and tee, or did I need to look nice? What was Evan going to wear? I grabbed my phone and fired off a quick text.

Jenni: Clothes?

It took a minute, but the “read” message flashed and then the three dots appeared.

Evan: Are totally optional to me

I couldn’t help but laugh. Of course, he’d go there, but what did I expect? I mean in all the time we’ve been talking, he’s gotten one kiss from me. I’m sure he’s trying to move things along.

Jenni: Haha What are you wearing?

It took a minute, but a selfie revealing only his chest appeared. He had on an Iron Man tee that pulled tight, revealing his muscular chest. The bottom of the tat on his arm was peeking out of the sleeve.

Evan: Your turn

Jenni: Not quite. I just got out of the shower. Nice shirt.

I waited for a few minutes thinking he’d fire something right back, but he didn’t.

When one minute turned into five, I pushed myself off the bed and shuffled over to the closet. Yoga pants and tee were it. I wanted to be comfortable, and I think Evan would be happy with anything I chose. I quickly slipped into my comfy attire, ran a brush though my hair, and pulled it up in a messy knot on top of my head. Just as I checked my phone again, there was a knock at the door. I furrowed my brow. Evan had not rung the buzzer, so who could it be? You had to have a code to get in the main part of the building.

I slipped my phone into the waistband of my pants as I made my way down the hall. When I reached the door, the knock sounded again only this time it was accompanied by a voice. “You can’t tell a guy you just got out of the shower and not expect him to race over here. Let me in.” Evan laughed.

I yanked open the door, causing a breeze. “How did you get up here?”

“I have a way of talking people into things.” He grinned. My face fell as Nate’s image appeared in my head. He used to tell me the same things. “Relax, Jen. I held the door for your neighbor. He was trying to get his dog out, and the damn thing was fighting him.”

“Sorry,” I muttered as I stepped back and let him in. “I’m a mess. Ignore me.”

Evan set the pizza box on the counter behind me and then turned to face me. He placed both of his hands on my shoulders and held me in place. “You’re not a mess. I know that douche bag messed up your head, but I’m not him. I’m not trying to hurt you, and I’m definitely not trying to pretend I’m someone I’m not.” His eyes glanced away before he met my stare again. “K?”

“Ok.” I nodded. “I’m starving. Can we eat?” I grinned as I sniffed the air. I loved pizza. It’s one of my favorite foods. Mason and I used to eat it at least once a week when we first got this place.

“I’m game. Where are the plates?” He stepped around me, and went into the kitchen.

ooooooooo

“What movie did you pick?” I set my empty plate on the coffee table in front of us. I’d had four pieces, and was stuffed.

“You promise not to make fun of me?” Evan grabbed the DVD box and held it to his chest so I couldn’t see what it was.

“Are we about to watch some sci-fi or “dumb humor” guy comedy?” I narrowed my eyes.

“Nope.” He leaned back to get out of my reach but I leaned forward, hoping I could snag the box out of his death grip.

“What is it then?” I rolled my eyes.

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