Chapter 9
EVIE
I hope this isn’t all a dream.
I catch myself smiling as Rhett drives to another apartment. I’ve been laughing so much today that my cheeks ache. It’s wonderful. We’ve already seen three places, which were way too big and expensive.
At the last one, we argued for the first time. Accepting Rhett’s help doesn’t mean that I’ll let him get an apartment that’s bigger than any house I’ve ever lived in. That’s just crazy.
When he stops outside another luxurious building, I scowl.
“I can already tell you that I’m not going to agree,” I say as he opens his door.
“You haven’t even seen it yet,” he says, grinning at me.
“Can’t we look in a normal neighborhood where the rent will be reasonable?” I ask, but he gets out of the car before I’ve even finished my sentence.
When I open my door, he says, “Let’s just have a look.”
I relent and follow him to the second floor. When we walk inside, I’m actually relieved to see that the kitchen is much smaller than the other ones we’ve seen.
The living room is also a decent size, and I love all the light streaming in through the large windows.
I turn in a full circle and frown when I count three bedrooms. That’s a bummer.
“I only need one bedroom,” I say.
“You can use one of the other bedrooms for a study,” Rhett starts to argue.
“I don’t need an extra room for a study. One bedroom will be fine. I can also study in the living room.”
“Woman, will you stop being stubborn for one second. This apartment is situated in a nice area.” He actually rolls his eyes at me. “You know most women would just say thank you and take it.”
I frown at him, not missing that it’s the first time since we’ve met that he’s called me a woman and not a kid. Twice.
I get a feeling that Rhett is used to giving money out as if it were smiles. If that’s the case, he’s got another thing coming.
“All this space is a waste of money, Rhett.”
“You can always rent out the other two rooms.” He walks closer to me, trying to stare me into submission, which almost works. One look from those dark eyes is enough to make me lose my ability to think, never mind form a coherent sentence.
“I don’t know anyone,” I mumble, feeling lame that I’m admitting something like that to him.
Rhett takes a deep breath then pins me with a penetrating look. I’m not sure I like that look. It makes me feel self-conscious around him. It’s as if he’s trying to figure out what I’m thinking.
I don’t even try and deny that Rhett is way too much male for me to handle. Knowing that he isn’t much older than me, and adding that he’s been nothing but kind to me, only makes him so much more attractive. There are moments where I feel at ease with him, but then there are instances like this one where I feel way out of my comfort zone.
When we were viewing the second apartment, Rhett took hold of my hand to hold me back when I wanted to leave, and it made my stomach flutter. I’ve been cautious ever since.
I have to be careful that I don’t mistake feeling grateful for attraction. Besides, Rhett’s made it clear that I’m not his type so it would be a waste of time on my part.
“You’ll meet girls once you start classes. I’m sure you’ll make friends.”
I take a step back and breaking eye contact with him, I glance around the apartment again.
“I’m sure everyone attending school will already have a place to stay.”
“I’m going to put in an application.”
“That doesn’t mean that I’ll move in here,” I throw at him over my shoulder.
“Dammit, Evie. It’s a safe neighborhood. You’re close to the school. I live right around the corner. This place is perfect.”
Turning to face him, I cross my arms and glare at him.
“It’s too much.”
“Too much what? Money? Last time I checked that was my problem,” he snaps as he starts to lose his patience with me.
“You don’t like hearing the word no, do you?” I ask as I realize that Rhett is used to getting his way. “I know it’s your money, Rhett. Trust me, I’m highly aware of that fact.”
Once the words are out, I pinch my eyes shut. I didn’t mean for it to sound so harsh.
I let out a sigh and drop my arms to my side. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I’m grateful for all your help. Not only is this place costly, but it’s too much for me. I’ve never had my own bedroom before. I wouldn’t know what to do with all this space. I’d rather have something small and comfy, than something big and empty.”
I give Rhett a pleading look, hoping he’ll read between the lines. All this space will only remind me that I’m alone.
“I really like this place.” My hope goes up in a puff of smoke. Rhett’s too stubborn to see things from my point of view. “Just try it for three months. If you can’t find roommates, then we can look at smaller places.”
My eyes dart back to his. “Really? You’ll be okay with that?”
“Yeah,” he says, smiling. “Can I go fill in the application now?”
“It’s not like anything I say will stop you from doing what you want,” I tease.
“You’re a quick learner, Evie Cole,” he teases back. “Stick with me, and I’ll make you famous.”
Laughter bubbles over my lips. It amazes me that the one second we can be arguing and the next we’re laughing. I’ve never met anyone like Rhett. Being around him is actually pleasant, and it makes it easy to like him. I think it’s the same for him because he’s starting to joke with me.
∞∞∞
(Six months later.)
As I pull the brush through my hair, I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
Everything has changed over the last few months. It happened so fast that I’m still overwhelmed when I think of it.
Living on my own has been an adjustment. Then I had to worry about surviving, where now I have too much time to feel lonely. I’m still looking for a job, but at least now I’m able to be more selective in my choices. I’m hoping to hear back from the gas station down the road. Yesterday I applied for the cashier position, and with a little luck, I’ll get it.
During the first three months, I used to see Rhett a lot, but since I’ve started studying I only see him once a month. He had me open a bank account, so he could easily transfer money into it, instead of having to go shopping with me. He gives me way too much, but I only use what I need. The rest I leave, hoping that once I’m done studying I’ll be able to repay him much quicker.
If I’m honest with myself, I have to admit that I miss Rhett. He crawled into my heart those first two weeks. I thought we were becoming friends, but seeing as he chose to put distance between us, I must’ve been mistaken.
I stand up and take one last look at myself before I grab the sweater from where it’s lying on the bed, and my bag. Since I’ve gained back all the weight I lost while living on the streets, I’ve been experimenting with clothes. I scour all the thrift stores for bargains, and that way I’m able to save a good portion of the monthly allowance I receive from Rhett.
It’s getting colder, but with the boots and sweater, I should be fine wearing a dress today. I fell in love with the dress the second I saw it. It’s vintage with a high waist and pleated skirt. The bodice is cream which complements the deep green skirt. As I leave the apartment, I have to admit that I actually feel pretty. It’s a foreign feeling, but one I bask in.
I haven’t decided what to study yet, but luckily I have plenty of time before I have to decide on a major.
I get to class with some time to spare, doodling in the front of my notebook, when a girl sits down next to me. I smile at her before returning to my not so great drawing of a palm tree.
“Damn, I should’ve grabbed a coffee. I was worried I would be late for class if I stopped to get some,” the girl sitting beside me says.
I drop my pen on the table and smiling at her, I say, “Coffee would be nice.” Glancing at the time, I see that there are only five minutes until class starts. “I don’t think we could get some and be back in five minutes.”
“Yeah, this lecture is going to be torture without my caffeine fix. I’m Willow,” she says.
“I’m Evie.”
We share a smile and I just know I’m going to like her. She’s tall and beautiful. Her blonde hair looks silky soft, and intelligence shines in her warm, brown eyes.
“I love your hair,” I can’t help but pay her a compliment.
She lets out a burst of laughter. “It takes me thirty minutes to straighten it like this. I usually just leave it to air dry, but then it curls like crazy.”
I point to my curly mop of red hair. “Nothing can straighten this mess.”
We have to pay attention when the professor comes in, but I can’t stop smiling. It’s nice talking to a girl.
When class is over, I shove all my stuff into my bag.
“Do you have another class now?” Willow asks.
“No, I only have one later this afternoon,” I say. Right now I want to get something to eat and a cup of coffee.
“Want to join me for coffee?”
“That would be great.” I should’ve thought to ask her, but I’m glad she did. Maybe we can get to know each other and become friends.
The cafeteria is bustling with students, all looking for a caffeine fix after class. We grab our orders, and I choose a muffin for myself while Willow takes a bagel. We pick a table outside for which I’m grateful. It’s freezing in the cafeteria.
With the sun baking on my back, I enjoy some of my coffee before I ask, “Do you live on campus?”
Willow rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh. “I do. My roommate drives me insane though. She’s out every night, and when she comes in late, she makes one hell of a noise.”
A slow smile spreads across my face. I feel a little embarrassed and nervous as I say, “I have an apartment off campus, and I’m looking for roommates. You’re welcome to come look at it.”
Willow’s eyes widen with surprise. “I’d love to see your apartment. It would be wonderful to sleep an entire night through without being woken up.”
“We can go now. I don’t have any plans,” I offer.
“Are you sure?” she asks with excitement coloring her cheeks a pale pink.
“Trust me, I’m desperate for a roommate. The silence in the big place is killing me.”
“Do you want me to follow you?”
I frown, and for a minute I don’t understand what she’s asking.
“My car is parked in front of my dorm. If I’m going to follow you, I need to go get it quickly.”
“Oh no, don’t worry about that. The apartment is close by. We can walk if you don’t mind.”
We finish our coffee and breakfast before we walk to the apartment. All the way there I’m silently sending up prayers that Willow will like it enough to want to move in with me.