Where I End Read online

  I turn and give him a nasty look. "There's no way I'd ever touch Tasha like that. Even if she were on her knees with her mouth open, I wouldn't do anything. She's been off limits since the day I realized she was Evie's closest friend."

  "But she's not anymore. There would be nothing stopping you from going after her."

  "I don't care what she is. All that matters is it would hurt Evie if I did."

  "So, you finally admit you care about hurting Evie?"

  I shake my head. "I was foolish back in high school. I should have never done that to her."

  "Now you can right your wrongs, yet you're still sitting here sulking, hurting her all over again. You just need to tell her the truth. That's it. You don't need to do anything else. I think she's accepted the fact that you don't want to talk to her. But this shit with Tasha, it’s not right. Just tell her it's not what she thinks, or I will."

  I stop what I'm doing. "How often do you talk to Evie?"

  "It's not like that and you know it."

  I raise an eyebrow. "Do I? All I'm hearing is how my best friend is talking to my girl behind my back."

  "Now she's your girl?" He laughs. "You should fill her in on that. I might not want to date her, but someone will. You've gotten lucky all these years that she hasn't settled down and found someone serious. It's only a matter of time, though."

  I scrub a hand over my face. "You aren't telling me anything I haven't already thought about."

  "Well, then there's not much more I can say, except if you want her, if you consider her yours, then make it known to her before it's too late."

  I grumble something unintelligible and turn back around to the laptop. The thought of Evie with someone else is enough to drive me wild with rage, but at the same time, her being with me won't do her any good. I’ll only end up hurting her. She's mine and has been since day one, freshman year when I first saw her. She didn't know. No one did. They still don't. The fact will never change. As long as I'm breathing, she's mine, even if she doesn’t know it.

  Maybe that's the problem. If I'm gone there will be less toxicity in her life. I shake my head to rid my mind of the thought. No more thinking about suicide. I've come too far these past few weeks. I don't want to go backward. Only forward.

  Forward right now is focusing on work so I can contribute to bills around here, even if Parker doesn't let me. My truck is paid for. The insurance is covered for the remainder of the year. I have zero credit card debt. No student loans. I'm not doing bad financially, thanks to my mom paying for everything all my life. There is also the money, which was left to us when my dad died. I'd rather have him here than the money. If he were here, I would never have gone through what I did with Everett. I could’ve had a childhood like everyone else did with parents who loved and cherished them. I’d like to think that even if I were never abused at Everett’s hands, I still would have found Evie. There’s something about her, like a magnet always pulling me in.

  Seven

  Eve

  Well, this has been one craptastic day from start to finish. I'd love to blame Cy and Tasha, but it was my reaction to them that set the tone for the day. I still can't believe I saw him with her, and that he demanded I talk to him. He's lost his ever-loving mind if he thinks I owe him anything after the way he's treated me.

  Yes, I want him healthy and well. I would never wish him any ill will, but how dare he talk to me like I owe him an answer. I've tried speaking to him. Even Parker has told me to stay away. And I have. Then to see him with a woman. Actually, the woman normally wouldn't have mattered. I've seen him parade around with women nonstop, but it wasn't any woman. It was the one I considered my closest friend through high school. The one who dropped me as soon as we graduated.

  Let's not forget the interview I went on. It could have gone worse, but it could have gone a hell of a lot better. I tried putting my best smile on and being happy and upbeat for my interview; however, I couldn't get the image of Cy with Tash out of my head. The whole time I was being talked to, my mind kept drifting. Somehow, and I'm not sure how, I answered questions and didn't fumble once. But it wasn't my best performance, not even close. Anything else I probably would have been able to push out of my mind, but it was Cy. He has made this space in my head since high school, and he's never left.

  Back then, it was how awful he was to me. How arrogant and pretentious he was. He rode my last nerve every day. If there was a way I could have been homeschooled, I would have been. My parents wouldn't bite. They said being in a public school was good for me, and I needed to socialize. I couldn't help it that I had minimal friends and liked being home better than out with others.

  When my parents up and moved, and I ended up working for his mom, I'd see him often. New day, new flavor on his arm. But then I remember the look on his face as he pressed the gun to his head, and I saw someone so broken, so utterly tired of the pain. It changed how I saw him. It changed everything.

  From that point on, there was no turning back for me. He doesn't feel the same. If he did, he wouldn't be freezing me out. Why can't I let this thing, whatever it is, go? I know he's been in my life for a long time, though most of it in a bad way. Is that why he won't leave my fucking head? I want him happy, healthy, and safe, but I have a feeling the longer I let him reside inside of me, the more likely I'll be hurt again. He’s not only occupying space in my head but a part of my heart as well.

  After my mediocre interview, I ran into Parker at the gas station. Truth be told, the more I get to know him, the more I like him. Strictly in a friendly way. He cares about Cy. He also seems to care about me.

  He asked me how I was doing, and I sarcastically told him how wonderful my day was going. Next thing I know, I'm bitching about Cy and Tash and how awful it was seeing them together. Parker must have seen right through me. He must know I feel something for Cy, even if I'm not sure what that is. Parker tried to tell me Cy hasn't been seeing anyone since he went to stay with him. I laughed without feeling it and told him I didn't need him covering for Cy. In fact, I had zero right to know anything about him. Then I finished pumping my gas and left. I had nothing more to say. Poor Parker got the brunt of my frustration. God, I bet he went back and told Cy. Poor, pathetic, Eve was at the gas station, going on and on about how she saw her ex-best friend with a man she doesn’t even talk to. Yup, I bet I came off really good in that story.

  I throw my purse on the couch and go into my bedroom to change. I want out of this suit and into a pair of sweatpants and a comfy t-shirt. I have no one to impress. Just me, myself, and I, like always.

  Once I grab a yogurt from the refrigerator, I throw myself down onto the couch and put on a show. I'm not really watching it. I'm trying to think of how I'm going to keep paying my bills. Or what will happen if I can’t find a job. I don't want to move to Florida, which I will have to do if I don’t find a job.

  My phone chimes inside my purse. Using my foot, I lift my bag and drop it in my hands. Digging my phone out, I see it's a text from Parker.

  Parker: Has your day gotten any better?

  Me: Nope.

  Parker: No job offer yet?

  Me: That's funny.

  Parker: You never know, Eve. Maybe the perfect job is right around the corner.

  Me: What do you know?

  Parker: Nothing...

  Me: If you were here, I'd throw this phone at you.

  Parker: Lol! Enjoy your day!

  I reply with the middle finger emoticon.

  Ten minutes later my phone rings. "Hello?"

  "Eve Adley?" The voice on the other end is feminine.

  "Yes."

  "My name is Brenda Simone, and I received your resume from a friend of yours." Ummm...holy shit. Brenda Simone graduated eight years before I did and went on to become a hugely famous author. Her books have hit all the major bestseller lists. And she's local. She lives on the ritzy side of town where Risa does. Wait, which friend would have sent her my resume? Parker!

  "Hi, Brenda. Sorr
y, you just surprised me a little."

  "No worries. I'm impressed with your background. You have your degree and have, until recently, worked for Clarissa Revere." Shit. What do I say about why I no longer work for her? Well, you see, she's a fucking cunt, and I had to quit.

  "Yes, we parted ways."

  "Parker didn't tell me the reason for your departure, only that it was a very personal decision and that ethically, you couldn't work for her anymore. He assured me you know how to do your job well. I've known Parker for years and trust him. His father also helps me out whenever I need him. They are a great family."

  "I had no idea."

  "Not many people do. I try to keep my private life just that––private. Anyway, I'm in desperate need of someone to help me. I've tried having virtual assistants, but they never worked out, and people who are local just want to work for me because they are fans of my books. I want someone professional who can focus on the business side of my career and keep me organized. I travel often, my house looks like a tornado tore through it most of the time, and my office has boxes and boxes of books piled up. I need help, Eve."

  "It sounds like it. I can certainly help get everything in order, but I'm looking for something long-term. Is this a position you see lasting for a few years, at least?"

  "Yes, definitely. I love writing and want to keep doing it. Without the right person by my side, I'm afraid I'll just continue to get buried in all the work and not be able to write."

  "I'm very interested. I would love to find out more about the position."

  "Great! Can you come by tomorrow around noon? We can have lunch, I'll show you around my office, give you an overview of what I need help with. I will say this isn't going to be a typical nine-to-five job. There will be some nights I'll need you to work, but not normally early in the morning. There's also some work you can do virtually from home. Not all of it can be done from there, though."

  "Sounds good."

  She tells me her address, and I notice it's only a few houses over from the Revere's. Luckily, the houses are spaced apart, so I shouldn't have to see them at all, unless I pass them on the street.

  My day has taken an unexpected turn. I owe Parker huge for this.

  Me: Thank you for the job reference.

  Parker: Anytime. I was happy to do it. You didn't deserve to lose your job after what happened with Cy.

  Me: Yeah, but I wasn't fired. I quit.

  Parker: Doesn't matter. You did the right thing by helping him and by no longer working for her. Now you won't have to worry about where you'll get money from.

  Me: Well, I don't have the job yet.

  Parker: I know you can't see me, Eve, but I just rolled my eyes. You’re really good at what you do. If you weren't, Cy's mom wouldn't have kept you for as long as she did.

  Me: I guess. I'm meeting with Brenda tomorrow.

  Parker: You got this.

  Me: Thanks, Parker. I really appreciate it.

  Parker: You’re welcome.

  Today was one of those days where I wanted to do nothing but bury myself in bed under all the blankets and not come back out for a while. Then Parker did something amazing for me, and I now have hope I'll have a job and be able to pay my bills.

  Brenda Simone. I still can't believe she called me about working for her. I've read all her books. She's a huge romance author. It's surreal.

  My phone chimes with a new text.

  Parker: Have dinner with me tonight to celebrate.

  Me: I don’t have the job yet.

  Parker: Please. It’s as good as yours.

  I ignore his comment and go back to dinner.

  Me: I don't think dinner is a good idea.

  Parker: Not as a date. Just two friends getting out of our homes for a meal together.

  Me: Okay.

  It’s not like I have anything better to do, plus I owe him for helping me with the job.

  Parker: Great! I'll pick you up at seven.

  What the hell is going on? It's like I've entered some parallel universe where I have friends. Or a friend, for that matter. This isn't any normal friend either. It's Parker. Cy's best friend. Why would he want to have dinner with me? Unless he has something important to tell me about Cy and didn't want to do so over the phone. I doubt it has anything to do with the job. Great, now I'm going to worry until he picks me up and I find out what's going on.

  ****

  I have no idea what to wear to dinner since Parker didn't tell me where we were going. I throw on a pair of nice jeans and a sleeveless shirt. Screw it. I don't do fancy anyway.

  He shows up at seven on the dot and drives us to a small pizza place. I'm thankful it's nothing more. My stomach has been in a knot since he asked me to dinner. I don't think I'll relax until I know why he asked me.

  We sit in a corner booth and decide to split a plain pizza. There's no way I can eat four slices, but he can take any leftover pieces home with him.

  "Okay, are you going to tell me why we're here?" I ask. I tried asking in the car, but he blew me off.

  He smiles as his green eyes crinkle a little at the corners. "I can't ask you to dinner for no reason?"

  I scoff. "No. We weren't exactly friends before this whole thing with Cy. You were a dick to me in high school and still pretty much an asshole when I was working for Risa."

  He holds his hand over his heart and gasps. "Yeah, you're right." I crumple up a napkin and throw it at him. "Yes, I was a prick in high school, but shit has changed."

  "That's no excuse for how you behaved a month ago."

  "No, but haven't you ever realized you fucked up?" I nod. "Well, I fucked up where you're concerned, and I'm sorry. I'm trying to make amends."

  I raise an eyebrow. "With pizza?"

  "Hey, it's the thought that counts."

  I smile. He's trying. I’ll give him that. Although, I'm still waiting for something to happen or for him to drop some bomb on me. "Fine. I forgive you."

  "Hooray!" he shouts, and everyone in the restaurant turns toward us. Good Lord, why did he do that? I sink a little lower in the booth in an attempt to hide. "Why, Eve, do I embarrass you?"

  I throw another napkin at him. "Shut up."

  The waitress comes over with our drinks and says our pizza will be out in a few minutes. We make small talk. Nothing substantial. He brings up Brenda and I thank him again for giving her my name.

  Just as the pizza arrives, so does Cy. He comes through the door of the pizza place like a pissed off bull. He scans the restaurant and finds us, his eyes settling on me. I can't look away from him. The way his gaze holds mine has me feeling like I'm caught in a snare. Parker must notice, because I see him turn to face Cy out of the corner of my eye.

  Cy walks over to our table, stopping next to Parker. "Something we can help you with, Revere?" Parker asks him. "We have enough pizza for three if you'd like to join us."

  "Move over," Cy tells him with a frown.

  Parker doesn't hesitate to slide over so Cy can wedge his muscular frame into the booth. Sitting next to each other, I take in their differences. Parker isn't small, but he's not nearly as muscular as Cy, who leans his elbows on the table, not taking his eyes off me. His arms flex, muscles making the sleeves of his shirt pull tightly over his biceps.

  "To what do we owe the pleasure?" Parker asks. Cy nudges him with his shoulder, but doesn't say anything. Parker laughs and grabs a slice of pizza.

  "Aren't you going to eat, Eve?" Parker asks me.

  "I'm not hungry anymore." The knot I had when I walked in has become a rock sitting in my stomach. No way can I eat with Cy sitting across from me, watching me so intensely.

  Eight

  Cy

  It was a mistake coming here. That much is certain, but I'm here now and there is no turning back. The only thought running through my mind as I drove here was that Parker was having dinner with Evie, and it sent jealousy rocketing through me. He made it clear he had no romantic interest in her; that they were just friends. I believe
him, but I'll be damned if I'm okay with him having dinner with her, just the two of them.

  I take a slice of pizza and start eating, even though I'm not hungry. At least it keeps me busy and not staring at Evie like some kind of creeper. It's bad enough I showed up unannounced. Although, Parker did say where he was going. Did he want me to come? Fuck. I bet he did it so I'd show up and have no choice but to talk to Evie. Son of a bitch. I can't even get my head on straight, let alone try to formulate what to say to her.

  I finish my slice and glance up to find her watching me. Her hair is pulled up in a ponytail, her long bangs hanging partially over her forehead swept off to one side. She peers at me like she can see into the very depths of my soul. Like she's slowly trying to chip away at the wall I've built between us. It makes me shift in my seat. I shouldn't have come here and need to leave. Too bad Evie beats me to it.

  "I have to go," she says, and places her napkin on the table.

  "You haven't eaten," Parker observes.

  "I'm sorry. I just...I need to leave. Thank you for dinner." She stands and grabs her purse, then rushes through the restaurant and out the door.

  I glance over at Parker, who raises an eyebrow at me. "I drove her here. She doesn't have a car."

  "Shit," I curse. I need to go after her. The last thing I want is her trying to find a way to get home.

  When I get outside, I see her standing on the sidewalk in front of the building, scrolling through her phone. She hasn't realized I'm here as I take a few steps to get closer to her, her shoulders stiff as she types quickly.

  "Evie?"

  She jumps and spins, her hand going to her chest. "Shit, Cy, you scared the hell out of me!"

  The corner of my lips turn up. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

  "Why are you out here? Go back inside and have dinner with Parker. I'm sure you don't want to be anywhere near me." She types and scrolls through her phone again.

  "That's not why I came."