Page 71 of Holding on to Chaos
“Of course you are,” Eva said.
“Hey, weren’t you wearing that last night?” Ellery asked, frowning at Eva’s outfit. “And isn’t that Sheriff Cardona’s SUV you drove up in?”
“I won’t comment on your coffin tables if you don’t comment on my walk of shame.”
“Deal.” Ellery beamed, slipping her arm through Mason’s.
Eva waved the happy couple off and stole their table. It offered her a view of the hustle and bustle coming in through the door. Her drink turned out to be a soy cinnamon latte and good enough that she considered making it her official usual.
Everyone seemed to be sane today. A chorus of pleases and thank yous echoed from the cash register. There were smiles all around as caffeine surged through systems. It was as if the momentary insanity that had the town in its grip had passed and everyone was back to normal.
Eva waved to Rainbow Berkowicz as the woman picked up her decaf and loaded it with enough sugar to choke a horse. She smiled at Ernest Washington who was huddled at a table with the ancient Old Man Carson. The two eyed up every pretty girl who walked into the shop and then went back to arguing about football.
Shelovedit here. The vibrant community had accepted her with open arms. It was something she’d been seeking, subconsciously, since she was a child. That easy acceptance, that genuine interest. She belonged here, and she was starting to think that maybe she belonged here with Donovan.
The front door chimed again, and Eva grinned when she recognized her father and Phoebe. The delight on Franklin’s face when he spotted her warmed her already full-to-bursting heart.
He hurried over and dropped a kiss on Eva’s cheek. “There’s my pretty girl,” he said.
“Phoebe, don’t you make this poor man coffee in the mornings?” Eva teased.
“We’re treating each other after a late night,” Phoebe announced, pretty in her cozy purple turtleneck. Her cheeks carried a flush that didn’t have anything to do with the morning chill.
“Don’t tell me you two are falling victim to the planetary crossing,” Eva laughed.
“Oh, no! Not at all. This was just our normal Naked Wednesday,” Phoebe said, smiling up at her husband.
Franklin cleared his throat guiltily. “I think I’ll just go get our coffees,” he said, all innocence.
Eva laughed when she watched him practically skip to the counter.
“You look happy,” Eva told Phoebe.
“You’re looking rather pleased yourself,” Phoebe said, watching her shrewdly. “So pleased that your incredibly observant and intelligent stepmother would be willing to bet that you had a late night yourself.”
Eva blushed scarlet and picked up her coffee to give her hands something to do. “There may have been a few late hours,” she admitted.
Phoebe drummed her finger tips together like a diabolical mastermind. “I am so happy to hear that. Donovan I’m assuming. Oh, I just knew you two would find each other.”
“You could have given me a head’s up!”
“Sweetheart, I was one of the founding members of the Beautification Committee. Shoving romance into someone’s face rarely works.”
“You were?” This was news to Eva.
“Another story for another time,” Phoebe promised. “Now, back to you and your front-page story onThe Weekly Monthly Moon.”
“I need to see this paper,” Eva muttered, wondering exactly how much trouble she was going to be in when the Beautification Committee found out she’d jumped head first into relationship territory. “Anyway, as you so astutely guessed, it is Donovan and we did have a late night, and he is just…” She trailed off, at a loss for words.
“Isn’t he though?” Phoebe said, understanding exactly what Eva meant. “I’ve known that boy as long as my own, and he is one of the best this world has to offer. And you know what?”
Eva leaned forward. “What?”
“You’re pretty spectacular yourself. Don’t you forget that and get all caught up in comparing yourself to Donovan’s perfection. He had a solid upbringing, the best parents, and there was no room for self-doubt. You took some lumps when you were younger and had to work for your confidence, your independence. Don’t discount that work. You’ve earned every inch of where you are today.”
“How did you know that I was…”
“Feeling a little insecure?” Phoebe grinned, her blue eyes lighting up behind her glasses. “I’m your stepmother, and I love you to the moon and back. And I would feel exactly the same way in your position. You’re a wonderful, amazing, talented, smart woman, Eva. Don’t forget that.”
