Hopelessly Strong

**Chapter 4**

"What can I do for you Tyler?", I asked him. I tried to sound calm, when in reality I wanted to jump out of my skin right then and there!

"Can we meet? I have something I need to discuss with you." was all he said. 

"I don't know Tyler. I really don't have much free time these days." I knew I was lying through my teeth. I could make time, if I wanted. There had just never been anything important enough to tear me from my job.

"Please, Leanne? It's important."

(sighhhh)

"Fine. How about we meet tomorrow night at La Boca, say around 9? I'll see you then.", I said as fast as I could.

"See you then. Thanks Leanne!", he said before hanging up.

Sh!t....... I am still such an idiot.

I really didn't have much time to fret, I had to get ready. The hospital was opening a new children's oncology wing and we were having a huge party tonight with the sponsors and hopital head honchos. I hated attending these things, but some of the kids would be there so that would be fun.

I hurried home and hopped in the shower. I took a long shower, taking a long time to think. 

I decided to leave my hair down. I had a love/hate relationship with my long auburn hair. I usually just let it hang slightly damp until it dried in waves down my back. But tonight, I added some bouncy curls. I applied minimal make-up, adding only mascara to my pale blue-green eyes and some clear lip tint to my lips. Finally, I slipped into my slate-gray dress that I loved because it accentuated my dark complected skin. Some heels and a clutch and I was out the door!

I called a cab and made it to the event by 9 sharp!

I mingled through the crowd, chatting up the important people and avoiding a certain "tall,dark, and handsome" who had been eyeing me all night.

When it seemed like I couldn't avoid it any longer, I allowed myself to stand alone. Immediately, Evan walked up to me. He looked ravishing in his tuxedo. If I didn't have my wits about me, I could have flown into his arms.

"You are looking stunning as ever tonight, Dr. Parker", he said with a geniune smile.

"You clean up nicely as well, Dr. Clark", I replied. It surprised me that I actually meant it.

"Where's your date? And don't tell me he's just getting you a drink, that line is getting old". He had to ruin it, didn't he. Here I thought he was being a gentleman, he burst my bubble with that one remark.

"If you must know, Evan, I came alone." Did that sound as pathetic as I think it did? Shoot me, please.

"Well then, now you have no reason not to dance with me!", he said as he gently took my  hand, leading me to the floor.

"I..I.......I'm not a very good dancer...", I mumbled under my breath.

"Just hang on, and follow my lead Leanne." he reassured me.

So, we danced. It seems as though we were actually getting along too. He asked me about myself, and I was being honest with him. I told him about my family and my nieces. I noticed that he was actually listening too. 

I began to ask him about his life as well. He told me about his dog, Otis, and how he let his little brother live with him while going to school. It seemed like we were making some progress. But, with every beginning, there is an end.

"There you are! I have been looking all over for you.", said a eerily familiar voice.

"Trishia?", I said.

How could it be. I felt like throwing up and running at the same time, not sure how that would pan out. I began to scan the room for my exit route.

"Well if it isn't my old buddy Leanne. So, whatcha been up too? Got yourself a new boyfriend yet?", she scowled.

Grr... 

"I've been splendid, Trishia, thank you for asking. Now, if you'll both excuse me." I muttered as I began to back away.

"Wait! You two know each other? Ha, what are the odds?", Evan said honestly.

"We've met" was all I could say.

I felt the knot in my throat tighten. Must.leave.now...

"I'm sorry, but I really must go", I managed to choke out before turning my back and nearly running out of there.

I thought I would never have to see that woman again in my life. I thought I left her behind with Tyler. This is all too much of a coincidence. Tyler calling me. And now I see her too, after all these years.

I was fumbling with my keys when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It made me jump a little.

I slowly turned around.

"What Evan?", I nearly screamed. 

"Whoa, I just wanted to make sure you are alright. You looked like you had seen a ghost and then just ran out of there"

"I'm fine. Thank you. Now, don't you think you should get back to your date?", I said. I knew I sounded like a bitter woman, but hell, I WAS bitter!

"She's just a friend, Leanne.", he told me.

Yeah, like I hadn't heard THAT line before. 

That was what Tyler would always say when I brought up my concerns about his "underdressed" secretary. Cliche? I know. He screwed his sexy secretary, in front of my eyes.

"I don't care what she is to you, Evan. Really. It is none of my business.", i tried to say calmly.

I wondered why he would come with "just a friend" anyway. I could practically hear the pitter pats of every female's heart that laid eyes on him. He could have brought Miss Universe with him, if he wanted. This seemed weird.

"Well, anway. As long as you are okay. You are, right? Okay I mean?", he asked.

"Peachy keen, Evan. Now go back in." And with that, I got in my car. Once I saw that he was walking away, it happened. A small, lonely tear ran down my cheek. Damn, it had been a long time since I cried.

I made up for lost time, however. I think I cried every tear my body could produce that night. Old memories flooded my mind. It felt like I was reliving every heartache I had ever had at once. i could barely breath, let alone sleep. But somehow, between the sobs and the headache, slept found me.

vripvrip....... vripvrip.......vripvrip......

Huh?

vripvrip..... beep

It was early. My eyes opened slowly, feeling like someone had snuck in a glued them shut while I was sleeping.  I looked at the phone on the nightstand. I must have not taken it off vibrate last night. 

2 missed called. Number: UNKNOWN.

1 new voicemail.

"Hey Leanne. I just wanted to make sure we were still on for tonight. I can't wait to see you, it's been so long!", said the haunting voice.

Tyler.

I groggily stood up and shuffled to the kitchen to make a very large, very strong pot of black coffee. While it was being made, I cautiously allowed myself to recap the former night's events. Though the tears were no longer on the edge of my eyelids, I still felt sickened and awful about the whole situation. I would really need to concentrate on avoiding Evan today. 

 ***Evan----------------------------------------------->