Between Octobers

October 10.5

October 10.5

By the time the tires hit the stone driveway I was a ball of nerves, wondering about Maria and dreading the possibility of an embarrassing outburst.

“Nice yard,” Evan remarked in his cool, swoony accent.

A weak “Thank you,” was all I managed. Normally, I’d brag a little since I did most of the landscaping myself, but the aching in my stomach was distracting.

I led the way up the path. Halfway to the porch, my feet suddenly felt like lead. Evan crashed into my back. His hands flew up to my shoulders as he steadied himself.  

He chuckled when I turned. “You stopped short.”

 “I should warn you. My mother-in-law . . . well, Sol’s mother, is probably inside.”

“Do you need back up, in case a fight breaks out?” He jumped around with fists in the air, guarding his face like a boxer.

“You may not be far off.”

He looked passed me at the front door and the sunshine hit him in a way that made me want to reach out and touch him, but I kept my hands at my side. He was beautiful. And his eyes were not brown like I thought when I first saw him in the elevator, like they seemed beneath the track lighting of the museum. His eyes were blue and green with large golden flecks in them. Evan had hazel eyes. His brow furrowed, blocking the delicate sun and darkening his features.

“Would you like me to wait in the car?”  

“No,” I scoffed.  The very idea that I’d have to walk on eggshells in my own house—though I had for many years already—was suddenly insufferable. “I just never know what to expect from her,” I explained. “Oh, and my sister-in-law, Lily, she’ll probably recognize you, so be prepared.”

 “Right. Either a slap or a kiss.” His face held a look of deep concentration, which gave way to an easy smile as he shook out his arms, pretending to loosen the muscles. I had no choice but to smile back.  

Evan took a spot on the sofa in the formal living room while I continued towards the kitchen, the most likely place to find someone. I rounded the corner, passed through the vacant family room, and peeked into the kitchen. Lily was leaning into the open fridge. Several empty plates sat on the counter behind her. I guessed she was aiming for an early dinner of leftovers.

“Hey, girl!” 

She jumped, tossing the Tupperware high into the air and swearing. With a quick flick of her hands, Lily caught the plastic tub before it hit the ground. 

 “Good catch.”

She fumbled the food onto the counter. “Really nice, Grace.”

“It was, wasn’t it?”

She looked irritated for the slightest moment; then it was gone, replaced with more surprise. “How was the museum?”

“Good, actually. Remember how I lost my phone?”

“He found you!” She sighed in relief.

“How did you know?”

“He called and Mom told him where you were.”

“Oh.” I put my fingertip to my lips.

“She’s not here. Been gone since three-thirty.” 

“In that case, there’s someone I want you to meet.” I turned, waving for her to follow. 

Evan was resting his head on the back of the couch. His eyes were closed. I clomped my feet a little louder than necessary over the tiles. He opened his eyes, which appeared brown in the soft living room light and lifted his head.