Page 57 of On Broken Wings

“Try being honest.” Her head rolled to the side as she stared out the window.

“I’m working on it,” I mumbled as I cranked the car.

ooooooooo

Jenni

It didn’t take long to get to Evan’s place. It was nothing like what I expected. The building was only four stories. Evan lived on the third floor. His apartment was a one bedroom. When you entered it, it was much like mine and Mason’s. You entered in the living room and the kitchen was to the right. Unlike my place, Evan’s was purely a bachelor pad. Mason and I had both decorated our apartment. We had things like a giant TV, but we also had pictures and girlie things.

Evan’s place was all black, chrome and leather. A large leather sectional wrapped around two walls in the living space. An entertainment center housed several game consoles along with a Blu-ray player and a huge flat screen. The kitchen counters were empty except for a countertop grill and a block of knives. I bet he only has beer in his fridge.

“Have a seat.” He motioned to the couch as he tossed his keys on the counter. “Want a snack? I don’t have much, but I do have chips and dip.”

“I’m fine.” I lowered myself onto the leather as Evan took off the jacket he was wearing. He came around the couch and sat a few feet away from me. We just stared at one another, both a little too afraid to speak. This was new territory for me. I didn’t know what exactly he wanted and we’d never been to his place before. “Why am I here, Evan?”

“I want to show you who I am. All those times we talked, it was me. I have a degree in criminal justice, but I have a minor in business. I took all those classes when I went to college the first time. It was easy for me because I wasn’t getting real grades, they were audits. I knew the information though. I like pizza and sappy movies and I really like you. I’d come home every night and lie in bed thinking about you. I was almost taken off the case because of it. They kept me on because of all the time and work I’d put in.” He inched closer to me.

I swallowed because I was getting ready to ask the question that I didn’t think I wanted the answer to. “Were there other women during this job?”

“What?” His head snapped back. “Do you mean was I dating someone else too?” His face crumpled as if I’d hurt him.

“Dating, fucking?” I shrugged. I was past the hurt and moving on to anger at this point.

“No.” He reached for me, but I slid back out of his reach.

“Where were you that night you left me?” I glared at him.

Evan’s face morphed from stoic to pure agony. “Leaving you that night was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.” He inched closer and this time I didn’t back away. “I had a feeling that something was going to happen that night and I couldn’t sleep. My phone started buzzing with texts from my mark. He was into some real bad shit, Jenni. Like stuff people kill for. I had to leave. He was calling me in and I was at a point where I was going to be able to bust him. If I didn’t go, the case could have fallen apart.”

I nodded as I bit down on my lip. I believed him, but it didn’t make it easier to hear. “And now?” My voice quivered. I was trying so hard to be strong, but I was mad and hurt, and it was all bubbling back up inside me.

“And now, what?” His brow furrowed.

“That case is closed, but what about the next one, or the one after that? There’s always gonna be another case, Evan.” I felt the first tear fall and turned away from him. I didn’t want to give him anymore tears. I felt like he’d had enough.

“I’ve requested a transfer.” He reached up and cupped my cheek. “If it’s approved, I’ll be moving from Narcotics to Homicide.” He shifted closer and smiled at me. “Do you think we could just start over?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think I could trust you,” I murmured as Evan slowly nodded.

“I get it, but could we try? I want to try with you, Jenni. I want to take you out and not worry about someone seeing me who knows I’m hiding something. I want to meet you after class. I want to cook dinner for you. I want to help you study. I want to be normal with you.”

“Weren’t we doing normal things before?” I tipped my head to the side.

“You only saw what I wanted you to see.” Evan smiled as he leaned in and kissed the tip of my nose.

“And now?” I leaned back and peered up at him.

“Now, I’ll show you everything.” He stretched his arms out wide. “Say you’ll try. Please?”

I inhaled deeply, closed my eyes and then let it out. Could I do this? Did I want to do this? Once a liar, always a liar was what I’ve always been told, but Evan was protecting me. “Fine.” I sighed. “You have to be honest with me about everything from now on. No secrets.” I pointed my finger at him before scanning the room again. It really was comfortable in here.

“Deal.” Evan grinned as he quickly moved in for a kiss.

When I pulled back, I laughed. “So tell me.” I tapped my chin. “Was The Best of Me really your favorite movie?”

Evan’s nose crinkled as he pursed his lips. “Yeah. Why would I lie about that?”

“Ok.” I shrugged as I stood from the couch.

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