Claiming What is Rightfully Mine (Walter Deville)

Chapter 13

Nicolette gave Evie a stern look. "I'm going to worry about you no matter what. You know this."

"I know. But if I don't take this opportunity, I will regret it. It's possibly the only time that I can learn about the other side of my family. You worry too much about me. Sometimes the way you worry, it makes me wonder if you're hiding a huge secret from like; something like the fact that we're long-lost sisters or something." Evie said in a joking manner, before noticing that Nicolette wasn't laughing. "Shut up. Are you a sister of mine?"

"More like another cousin. I did a DNA test, before meeting you. And found out about you, though you have your mother's last name," Nicolette said.

Grace's jaw dropped. "Evie, you never told me that you had two white cousins running around."

"I just found out," Evie said. "How is this even possible?"

"Your father has the Winters blood running through him. Our ancestor Lucas he had a brother who, kept not only the Winters bloodline going, but at some point, much later down the line, a daughter was married off to someone from the Alexander name, who became a mother to a beautiful baby girl named Emmeline. That is how you and I are connected. You have Winters blood running through your veins, though it's not as predominant as the Alexander blood, which you hold many of the Alexander family features. I'm sorry I kept it hidden Evie, but I didn't want to overwhelm you. And I feel the strong need to keep it a secret," Nicolette explained.

"Why," Evie asked.

"I was cleaning my room, organizing things and putting books away, when I stumbled upon a letter addressed to me. In it, the letter stated that I was to keep the Winters name a secret and avoid going to some manor that is located across the ocean. I don't know what any member of the Winters family did, but I'm being warned beyond the grave to avoid going," Nicolette said.

"That's so cool that you got a message from beyond the grave. Do you think that your ancestors robbed someone, and they are trying to avoid getting caught," Grace asked.

"Your imagination is running away again Grace." Nicolette said before glancing at the clock. "Well, it's that time. I should be getting ready for work."

"Oh come on. Do you really have to leave now, when everything is getting good," Grace asked as Nicolette walked away.

"I will talk to her more tonight and fill you in," Evie said.

"Thanks. I should be heading home anyway. I'll speak to you later tonight," Grace said while getting up and leaving the apartment.

An hour later

Evie walked into the restaurant, making her way to the table where she sat down where a white man with blonde hair was seated.

The man looked up when Evie sat down at the table. "Evelyn?"

"Yeah. Are you Oliver Alexander," Evie asked.

"Yes I am. I'm so glad that we have this opportunity to meet," Oliver said.

"Truth be told, I thought I was the only one left of my family," Evie said.

"Well, I'm glad you decided to look for more family. You have been left int he dark about us. Your father's side of the family that is. You are related to a prominent family over in England. You have Alexander blood running through your veins. When I told the rest of the family about finding you, they were hoping that you would come back to England and attend a wedding that is taking place in the manor. It would be a great way to not only meet the family but get to mingle among the guests at the wedding," Oliver said.

"I don't know. I would have to talk to my friend, Nicolette about that," Evie said before she spotted Nicolette walking towards them.

"Evie, what are you doing here," Nicolette asked.

"I'm meeting my newfound cousin, Oliver Alexander," Evie said while pointing to the British man sitting across from her.

"Oh, I see you met my regular who likes to drop in for lunch," Nicolette said while looking at the blonde man. "Your usual?"

"Yes please," Oliver said.

"You already know my order," Evie said.

"Coming right up," Nicolette said before walking away.

Oliver watched as Nicolette walked away, before turning his attention to Evie. "You didn't tell me that you knew my favorite waitress, who works at this lovely establishment."

"You didn't tell me that you came here and met Nico," Evie said. "I didn't think you would come to the very restaurant that my friend and roommate works at. How did you find this place?"

"I found it by accident. I also stumbled upon your friend as she was finishing up her shift. I wanted to be sure that she was the one that got the tip for staying to take care of me until I paid my bill," Oliver explained before an idea popped into his head. "Do you think your friend would be interested in coming to England with you, to attend the wedding? She could be your plus one. And the young woman wouldn't be stuck at home worrying about you, and she can have a good time."

"I would have to talk to Nico about that. She may not want to come to England with me," Evie said before Nicolette came back placing the orders down.

"Talk to her now," Oliver urged.

Nicolette looked at Oliver before turning her attention to Evie. "What does your long-lost cousin want you to talk to me about?"

"Nico now is not the time to talk about this. We can talk about this when we get home," Evie said before Oliver spoke up.

"I had asked your friend to come along to England, to attend a wedding of a family member. I told her that she should ask you to come along as Evelyn's plus one. I believe that it would do you some good to get away for a bit. I believe that it would do you some good to get away a bit. I can tell from all the time I seen you, that you are practically burnt out. Think of it as a much-needed vacation," Oliver said.

"I don't know. Do you think that the rest of your family would appreciate Evie bringing a complete stranger to a wedding for one of your family members," Nicolette said.

"It will be fine. Any friend of Evelyn is welcome to come. The more people there the merrier. The family loves to have many guests and hope to have a big extravagant wedding. Please say that you will come and attend the wedding. You don't have to worry about getting anything to attend the celebration. All expenses are taken care of. If you need a dress, consider it taken care of. Please say that you will come along with Evelyn, and have a good time with us," Oliver begged.

Nicolette was about to tell Oliver an excuse as to why she couldn't go out but was cut off by Evie speaking up.

"You have vacation time. I know you have more than enough vacation time here and at the club, because you barely ever use any of your vacation time. If you wanted to, you could take at least two weeks' vacation time off. Come on Nico, please say that you will come with me. It will be loads of fun," Evie said.

Nicolette let out a defeated sigh. "Fine. I will go to England with you. But you owe me for going along with you to this wedding celebration."

"We can do anything you want. But it will take place after we go to this wedding. Thank you," Evie said.