Page 64 of Paradise & Vodka
"How long are they giving him?"
"The docs in Mobile said five years, but that was before he went to New York. They are hoping for longer."
I closed my eyes briefly. "And when was he diagnosed?"
Everleigh thought for a moment. "It's been about a year now."
"A year?" I snapped. "You've all known for a year?"
She nodded.
"So, we might only have four years left with him?"
"Or more. The docs in New York are trying everything they can."
"Then we definitely need Douglas to know you're alive." I paused, hating my next sentence. "We need his money."
"And that's why I did it."
I took another sip of my drink. "But, you did love him at one time?"
She stared at me for a few seconds. "I did."
"How could you do that to me?"
Everleigh chugged her vodka cranberry. "Honestly, we were both drunk. I didn't mean for it to happen that night."
"But you continued to date him, Evie."
"I know." She blew out a breath. "At first, I continued the relationship with him because I was getting back at you."
"Getting back at me? For what?" I furrowed my brow.
"I've always been jealous of how smart you are. You got to move to New York and go to college, while I stayed in our Podunk town."
I snorted. "You cared more about your looks than books, Evie."
"Because that was all I had. You had both.Iwanted both."
"You can't be serious." I chuckled again.
"I am, and when your boyfriend hit on me, I took that opportunity to get back at you."
"But I didn'tdoanything to you," I hissed.
In an instant, Nick was standing in the aisle next to me. "Everything okay?"
I looked up at him. "Yes. Just getting answers."
He leaned down and kissed my lips softly. "Let me know if you need me."
"I will." I smiled.
He winked and walked back toward the bathroom.
"Has … Has he said anything else to you?" Everleigh asked.
"What do you mean?"
