Defect

Together Forever

Peggy sat on a park bench, enjoying the sunny day. She lifted her face toward the sun, and closed her eyes. The warm rays felt good on her skin. A gentle breeze blew a couple strands of red hair across her face. Evan leaned against a tree across the walkway, and watched her. She was so beautiful. Her belly was a lot bigger, now. He thought it only added to her beauty. He took a deep breath, then walked over to her. 

"Peggy?" He said, sounding genuinely surprised to see her. Peggy's eyes snapped open, and looked at the man standing in front of her. It took a moment or two for her eyes to adjust from being closed.

"Evan? What are you doing here?" she asked, just as surprised to see him. 

"I was just out for a walk, when I happened to see you." He lied. 'Or, I followed you. Same difference.' He thought to himself.

"How have you been?" she asked him, smiling. She at least seemed happy to see him. 

"Truthfully, not good. You're not an easy one to get over." He said, sadly. 

"I know. I'm sorry." She was truly apologetic. She hated the way things had ended. But, she still felt she was doing the right thing.

"Do you think we could go somewhere and talk?" He asked, hopefully. She squirmed. Evan seemed to be a bit more intense than she remembered. 

" I don't know, Evan." She was suddenly very aware of how close he was, and how intently he was looking at her.

"Please? I bought something for you." His eyes pleaded with her.

"Evan." He could tell by the tone, she was going to reject his gift. He quickly clarified his intentions.

"I bought it before the break up, but I still want you to have it." She stared at him, still unsure. Evan decided to use his ace. "I have petit fours." That got her attention. There was the beginnings of a smile on her lips.

"Not Petite Sweets? From the cake festival?" Her smile grew. 

"The same." He nodded. She went back and forth in her mind. She looked at him, and his expectant expression. She exhaled.

"Okay. But only for a little while." she relented.

"That's all I wanted." He said put his hands up in a defensive gesture. They walked back to his car together.

Peggy and Evan stood at his kitchen counter gobbling down the petit fours with gusto. They both were making noises that could make a seasoned hooker blush.  Evan opened the cabinet, and pulled out two glasses. He filled both with cold water, and handed one to Peggy. 

"It has got to be a sin for something to taste this good." She said while shoving another in her mouth. Evan laughed heartily.  He was feeling better than he had in quite a few weeks. This whole scene made him feel warm and comfortable.

"I'm glad you're enjoying them." He nudged her arm gently. "If you ever want more, just call me." Peggy's smile faded as she chewed her last bite. Evan frowned. "What's the matter?" he asked.

"Evan, you know I can't do that."  she said, putting a little distance between the two of them.

"Why not?" he asked, his face crestfallen.

"It's not right." she replied. "I can't do that to Nash."

"So, the guy that ran out on you. He gets the chance." Evan's voice was curt. Peggy looked at the floor. "What about the guy that loves you?" He asked, trying hard to soften his tone. He grabbed her hands, and squeezed them gently. "Dammit, Peggy. I love you!" He pleaded.

"I know you do." she said, when she finally spoke again. "I see it in your eyes when you look at me."

"Please, Peggy." She faced the counter, turning her back to him. "Do you love me?" He asked quietly. He heard her sniff  a couple times. She turned to face him, her cheeks streaked with tears. She lifted her watery eyes to meet his.