Page 45 of Ever's Last
Austin brings out the food. Dumplings with ham. This is one of my favorites. I love Shane’s version. I really hope he isn’t trying to kill me.
“So, Eva how have you been?” I know her from my old gym, We never dated, though I did bend her over an elliptical to give her a workout.
“Good. I finally got my business license.” Shit, that’s right. She was in school.
“I’m happy for you.”
“I’m planning on opening my own jewelry line. I already sell some pieces online, but I’m hoping to grow and expand.”
“I’m sure you will.” I’ll make sure to pass on her name to some of my married friends.
We make small talk until the cameras are off.
“In five minutes, you’re going to tell them that you’re sending me home,” she says.
“I thought I wasn’t doing that until tomorrow.”
“If you do it now, it means you’re closer to the end.”
“Thanks. And give me your business card. I’ll pass on your name to my friends with girlfriends or wives.”
“Thank you so much, Memphis. And I hope you get your girl back. She’s really sweet.”
That’s one word to describe Ever.
Loyal, nice, kind, loving, beautiful, real— that’s a few more.
“Carlton, I’m making a cut,” I tell the host. He looks shocked but gets a camera going.
Once they say action, I’m on my game.
“Eva, it was nice catching up with you, but I’m not that into you.”
She smiles and hugs me, waving as she walks off camera.
“Cut.” Three more girls.
“Thank you again, Memphis.” She hugs me one more time before taking her bags and getting in a cab.
I turn to head inside but I’m blocked by Shane.
“I don’t want to fight.”
“Good. I’m not stupid, Memphis.” He chuckles sadly.
“You were right. I want to make it right. I want her to go to college. I want her to see the world. I’ll pay for it. You don’t have to tell her it’s from me.”
“That’s very generous, but I don’t want your money. I want an apology.”
And I don’t even have to ponder that.
“I am sorry, Shane. I will never forgive myself for what I’ve done. To you, to her, to Skye, to myself, to my mother. I fucked up. I should be in jail, but the sheriff is letting us go. It was an accident, but I still didn’t take responsibility when I should have. I can’t say it enough. I’ll even pay the rest of her bills, if you’d let me.”
He jerks his head to the kitchen. Ivy is in there making a pie, but she doesn’t say anything.
We sit and he pours us some shots of tequila. Shane doesn’t drink often.
“I thought you were raised better than all of this, both you and Skye.”
