Under the Grit

Like Real People Do

Evangeline's breath caught as her eyes locked with Arthur's, both of them frozen for a moment. Panic flickered across his face, quickly replaced by a steely resolve as he pushed off the wall and straightened himself. He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it down as he adjusted his jeans and shirt, his movements quick and purposeful.

"Stay here," he whispered, his voice low but firm. His blue eyes darted to the door and back to her. "I'll take care of it. Just... don't move."

She nodded wordlessly, her heart racing as she pressed herself back against the counter, her fingers gripping the edge for stability. The sound of Mary's footsteps grew louder, her voice calling again, closer this time.

Arthur took a deep breath, his jaw tightening as he reached for the door handle. Before he opened it, he glanced over his shoulder at her one last time, his expression a mix of determination and regret. "Stay put," he repeated, softer this time, before stepping out into the hallway.

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Evangeline alone in the silence of the bathroom. Her heart pounded in her chest as she leaned against the counter, her mind racing. She strained to hear what was happening outside, her breath hitching when Mary's voice became clearer.

"Arthur?" Mary's tone was sharp, impatient. "What the hell are you doing in here?"

Arthur's response was calm but clipped. "Was just gettin' a minute to myself. What d'you need?"

Evangeline swallowed hard, gripping the counter tighter as she waited, every second dragging on like an eternity.

There was a beat of silence, followed by the distinct sound of Mary's heels clicking against the wooden floor. "You've been acting weird all morning," she said, her voice laced with suspicion. "What are you hiding?"

Evangeline's chest tightened, her breath hitching as she pressed herself further against the counter, as though the cool surface could anchor her. She shut her eyes, her pulse pounding in her ears, straining to hear Arthur's response.

"I ain't hidin' anything," he replied evenly, though there was an edge to his tone. "Just needed some space. You got somethin' to say, or are you just lookin' for a fight?"

Mary scoffed, her tone turning icy. "Don't talk to me like that. I came to find you because everyone's asking where you are. I thought maybe you'd want to, I don't know, act like you're here with me."

Arthur let out a sharp exhale, clearly frustrated. "Fine. Let's go," he muttered, his footsteps echoing faintly as he moved away from the door.

Evangeline felt a wave of relief wash over her, but it was short-lived as Mary's voice cut through the moment again. "Hold on," she said abruptly. "Why were you in the bathroom for so long?"

Evangeline's heart leapt into her throat, her grip on the counter so tight her knuckles turned white. She prayed silently, willing Arthur to stay calm.

"Jesus, Mary," he snapped, his tone hardening. "Do I need your permission to take a goddamn shower? You done interrogating me, or you wanna keep at it?"

Mary huffed, her indignation palpable even through the door. "Fine," she said sharply. "Let's go."

The sound of their footsteps retreated down the hall, and Evangeline let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her body sagged against the counter, her heart still racing as she tried to process what had just happened.

The bathroom was quiet again, but the tension lingered, thick and suffocating. She knew this wasn't over-not for her, not for Arthur.

The sun was warm against Evangeline's skin as she stepped out onto the deck, the soft fabric of her sundress brushing against her legs with every step. The scent of grilled food wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and conversation coming from the patio where the group had gathered. Her damp hair, loosely falling over her shoulders, glinted in the sunlight as she made her way to the large table.