Evelyn Gilbert (TVD)

The Dinner Party

(Edited)

Evelyn

Caroline and I walk into the grill and sit at an empty table. I look around to see if Bonnie's here, but instead of seeing Bonnie, I see Damon kiss the news lady.

"Evelyn Gilbert." My head snaps towards her. She looks to where Damon is sitting and then back at me.

"What?" I chuckle nervously.

"Bathroom, now," she commands. I follow her to the restroom, and she turns on the water. "Damon Salvatore? Really?"

I exhale, my guilt heavy like a lead weight. "I know. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have any feelings for him after what he did to you. Trust me, I still despise that he abused you." But then I falter, my admission raw and unfiltered. "There's something about him...I just...don't know how to explain it." As I confess, Caroline's gaze pierces through me. A blend of anger and concern that mirrors my own inner turmoil. I shake my head. "Y-You can hate me for having feelings for him or not talk to me," I stammer, desperation clawing at my chest. "But I can't bear losing our friendship. I promise I won't get with him; your friendship means more to me."

She sighs. "I don't hate you, but I can't pretend to understand your feelings for him," Caroline says softly, her expression softening. "I'm just glad you told me about this instead of getting with him right away." With a nod, she reaches out to squeeze my hand. "Besides, you told me you hit him for doing what he did to me." She smiles.

"No." I shake my head. "That wasn't enough for what he did to you. But I have to tell you something else."

"What?" She looks at me confused.

"After I got home from being kidnapped, Damon showed up at the house to give me Elena's necklace, and we...made out. It was just that one time, I promise."

Her smile fades as she processes the information, but she doesn't let go of my hand. "I appreciate you telling me this," she finally says, her voice soft but firm. "I just don't know how I feel about my best friend having feelings for someone like him." I nod, understanding. "But I know that you can't change how you feel about him." I take a deep breath, feeling relieved that she's not angry with me. She squeezes my hand gently, a small smile returning to her face. "Come on, let's go." I nod, turning off the water before following her out of the restroom.

When we walk out of the restroom, we see Jenna and Elijah standing at Damon and Rick's table. We go back to the table we were sitting at and listen in. "No, you know what? We should continue this. Let's have a dinner party," the lady says.

"Ooh, my girl. Full of good ideas," Damon complements. "I'll be happy to host." I look at Caroline, my brows furrowed.

"He's up to something," I mouthed, and she nods in agreement.

~~~

As Evelyn walks into Caroline's house, she gets a text from Damon inviting her to his dinner party. She shows Caroline the text.

"Why is he inviting me?" I look at the text, confused.

"Well, are you gonna go?" She asks.

"I don't know. Should I go? Just to see what he's up to." Evelyn questions and Caroline gives her a knowing look. "What?"

"We both know you don't want to just go there to see what he's up to," she says. "But Andy Star is going to be there; they'll probably flirt," she adds in a teasing manner.

"Oh, that's her name? I just know she's the news lady."

Caroline chuckles. "You seriously didn't know her name?"