Love and Fate - Evelyn's Story

Chapter 2

Last night was a disaster, but I only have myself to blame. How else did I expect it to go?Pretending to be German could only last so long. But still, I felt bad knowing I had deceived someone, even if he was a stranger in a bar. But the confusion and disappointment in Jason's eyes made me feel like the worst person in the world. I felt terrible when his head hung low with embarrassment and he refused to meet my eyes. There was nothing I could do, no way to explain myself to make things right, and Tony and Jason left Camila Tequila soon after. Chrissy was mad at me too, for wrecking her night with Tony and any chance she may have had with him.

Despite all that, a part of me was happy it happened. For one brief moment, a good-looking guy was interested in me, and I alone, held his attention. That made me feel special and wanted. It awoke something in me and I planned on getting that feeling again, honorably, without deceit. I didn't need to be German, I just needed to be me.

My phone rings and I know right away that it's Amber. Will she be happy or sad this morning?

"He's getting a divorce!" Amber shrieks with joy. "He told me last night that the reason Charlotte is picking Liam up now, is not because of his job, it's because they're separating and she wanted to keep that private."

Amber takes a deep excited breath and lets it out in a whoosh of words. "Evie, he told me he loved me last night!"

I'm not sure how to respond to this. Bruce could be lying to save himself, or he could be telling the truth. The last thing I want is for Amber to be hurt, so I choose to be happy for her this morning.

"That's wonderful." I say. "Will you be seeing him today then?"

Amber hesitates, "No, not today. He said he's going to be busy with his lawyer all day, to finalize the separation agreement, or something like that."

I don't have the heart to tell Amber what I really think is going on. She'll find out on her own eventually, and Chrissy and I will be there to lift her spirits.

"Do you feel like going for some ice cream?" I ask her. I know how much she loves soft serve, but the invitation is more for my benefit than hers. I'm still feeling rattled by last night. The way Jason viewed me after finding out I wasn't German, is haunting me and I need ice cream to soothe the burn of regret and lost chances.

"Give me an hour, and I'll be right over!"

While waiting for Amber, I tie my dark brown hair into a high ponytail and brush my teeth and wash my face. I may be fat, but I have gorgeous skin! Where most people have cellulite on their inner thighs and bum, my skin is smooth, tight and firm. Not a dimple in sight, except on my cheeks, when I smile. My blue eyes are my best feature and I play them up with dark liner and mascara.

I button up my navy blue shirt-dress and pair it with a pale colored jean jacket and black ankle boots. I'm ready just as the doorbell rings, and Amber and I head out to our favourite ice cream parlor.

The place always cheers me up with its soft pastel colors, green, pink, yellow, and blue shades are splashed haphazardly on the walls as if bubble gum ice cream exploded and stained every surface it touched.

It reminds me of childhood, when my dad was still alive and we would walk together and just happen upon an ice cream shop, similar to this one. We both loved our frozen desserts!

Amber and I just settle into a corner booth when a tall, voluptuous woman waltzes into the shop. She's beautiful, with flowing blonde extensions and an expensive looking purse to match her scarf. She's clearly into fashion and looking her best at all times. The man accompanying her is about an inch shorter than she is, with an arm firmly fastened around her waist. Afraid to let go in case another man might snatch her away. He's kissing her cheek, her shoulder, her lips, he's patting her bum and she smiles at him. She whispers something in his ear that makes him smile too.

I turn to Amber to laugh with her about the odd display of affection, but her face is frozen in a scowl. Her eyes are bugging out and her face is turning purple and I have no idea what is happening. Before I can ask her if she's ok, Amber is up and out of the booth and rushing the couple!

"Tell me Bruce, is this the lawyer you brushed me off for? Does she know we made love last night? Does she know you told me you LOVED me last night?"

Amber screams the word "love" and her voice cracks with anguish. Her facial expression changes then.

"Are you even getting a divorce? I bet Charlotte," Amber faces the shocked blonde woman. "His wife, would love to know about it!" Amber shakes her head in disgust. "Charlotte's at home every night, taking care of Liam, thinking you're working late while all along, you're fucking around with every woman you come into contact with!"

My jaw drops when Amber slaps him across the face.

"I should tell her what you're up to." Bruce's red cheek pales. "But I won't for Liam's sake. And just so we're clear, we are DONE! Don't call me ever again!"

I scramble to collect our things as I follow Amber out the door. I step quickly around Bruce and just before the door closes behind me, I hear his blonde fashionista ask. "Does that girl think I'm a lawyer?"

I hurry as fast as my short pudgy legs will allow and catch up to Amber who is leaning against her car and hyperventilating.

"I don't know what came over me!" She says trying to get her breath. "I just saw red, especially when I thought of Liam."

Amber bends over, bracing her hands on her knees. I rub her back, keeping my eye on the front door of the ice cream parlor.

"Let's get out of here," I say when I see Bruce and blondie exiting the shop. As fun as it was to watch the first time, I don't care to see the sequel.