Chapter 48

Evelyn

I barely move when the tow truck finally shows up. I’ve fallen asleep, I realize, and I’m wrapped in a blanket I’ve never seen before.

I crack my eyes open, wincing at the bright tow truck lights beaming into the truck.

Sebastian moves quietly, trying to keep me from waking up. I give the faintest of smiles as I cuddle back into the car seat.

We’re towed back to the house, thankfully inside Sebastian’s truck, which makes me feel better. I don’t want to leave the car out in the middle of nowhere.

When we return to the house, I lazily walk from the truck, Sebastian’s hand touching the small of my back as I go. Even after hours in the cold, his hand warms me so fast.

When we reach my door, he whispers, “Goodnight, Princess.” I lift my eyes to look at him, and not wanting to risk getting in trouble, I just smile.

“Goodnight.”

I crash the second I hit the pillow, memories, and dreams of Sebastian’s soft lips greeting me in the land of slumber.

When I wake up, I’m really groggy, disoriented, and a bit confused.

I sit up a little to read my clock, already after noon. The sun is streaming in and once again, I’m blinded.

My phone sits on the nightstand, and still struggling to wake up, I grab it.

My mom has texted me, which I’m confused by. I click into the message, worrying for a moment.

“Sebastian left a note about what happened last night. I’m sorry we weren’t awake, Eve. I hope you are alright. Sleep however long you need. I love you, and I’m sorry again.”

My heart goes out to her and her compassion.

After our conversation while Christmas shopping, I feel like we’ve been reconnecting with one another in new ways, we spent so long acting like we had no struggles, but now we’re learning so much more.

And her genuine kindness and compassion is sweet.

I text her back.

“Not your fault, Mom. Don’t worry, though; we were saved around two. Just make sure Gregory isn’t hard on Sebastian. His truck just stopped working, and it made no sense.”

That gave me pause last night. My mind went straight to Isabella and William. But what doesn’t make sense is that Sebastian, who knows so much about these engines, swears nothing is wrong with his truck.

I may be paranoid at this point, but his truck breaking down still doesn’t add up.

Rolling over, I recount the previous day and its stressors.

Ava saved Sebastian.

Even after all we’ve gone through, she still stood up for him and ensured Sebastian wouldn’t be in any accidents. That has to mean something, right? Even if all that means is that she didn’t want him to get hurt.

Sucking in a breath and swallowing my pride, I send a text to Ava.

“Thank you again for keeping Sebastian safe. It really meant a lot to us both.”

The message is sent, and ten seconds later, she reads it. But no typing is returned, no texts, nothing.

I let out a long sigh. I don’t want to continue begging for any chances to talk. So, instead, I send one more text.

I’m going to leave well enough alone after this.

“I won’t bother you again after this. I would really like the chance to explain everything to you. No drama, no one else around to make things difficult. You deserve to hear the full, honest truth.”

I put the phone down after hitting send, knowing there’s nothing left to say now. Ava will do what she wants now. The balls in her court, and I’m done fighting her for the time being.

Sitting up, I finally stretch myself out.

We’re leaving right after the new year to head to Hawaii. I’ve got to start packing and getting ready. There’s so much to plan; the closer we get to leaving, the more excited I become.

I send Sebastian a text to see if he’s awake yet, but don’t have a chance to put my phone back down before seeing a response text.

It’s…it’s Ava.

“We can talk in person. If you’re free today, there’s a restaurant that I know isn’t far from the house.”

She’s answered me.

I let my mouth fall open in shock. Am I awake? Is this real?

Not wanting to waste this opportunity, I immediately respond. “Send me the name. If you’re free, we can talk shortly.”

Ava replies immediately.

“Joe’s Bar and Grill, in an hour?”

“In an hour.”

Realizing what miracle I’ve just been handed, I go to my closet to get everything I’ll need. I can’t even believe this is happening right now.

I’ve wanted to talk to Ava for a month now, and there is no end to this fight in sight. But now, I have a chance.

I have one chance, and I can’t fuck it up.

I quickly text Sebastian that Ava is meeting me for lunch, but he still doesn’t answer. Must be passed out from last night, which I don’t blame him for.

I get downstairs to my mom, sitting at the table, reading a book.

“Where are you off to?” She asks, chipper.

“I might have an opening to fix a friendship,” I say honestly. “Please, please, can I borrow your car?”

Her dark eyebrows raise. “Who said they don’t want to be friends with you, Eve?”

“No, Mom, it’s not like that, I did some stupid shit to push her away. This is really important to me to fix; I have to own up and apologize.”

“And you need my car?”

“Not like I have one,” I reply sheepishly.

“Just be careful, okay? And tell me when you get where you’re going and leaving. After last night, now I’m deathly afraid of you two leaving the house without us.”

“Just be glad Gregory and Sebastian have insurance for a tow truck to come in the middle of the night.”

She smirks. “As long as you two are okay. I just felt so bad this morning after we both saw we’d missed your calls and messages.”

I hug her, kissing the top of her head with her own thick curls. “I told you it’s not your fault. We’re not mad at either of you.”

“Then why did you ask me to ensure Gregory wasn’t hard on his son?” It’s a fair and thoughtful question. Even though my number one thought right now is getting to Joe’s, I linger behind to answer her.

“I know he hates Sebastian racing. We’ve grown…a lot closer these past few months, and I know Gregory and Sebastian don’t always see eye-to-eye.”

I wonder again if she knows he’s put his hands on his adult son.

“So, why am I defending him?”

“Because Sebastian’s truck died, and I thought Gregory might use that as an excuse not to let him race anymore.”

My mother waves this off as if it’s a silly thought. “Oh, trust me, sweetheart. I tell Gregory at least once a day that racing is good for Sebastian to blow off steam and keep a hobby that helps him exert his energy and that he enjoys. I’m not looking to take racing from him at any point.”

Relief floods through me, and I know I have to get going. Instead, I hug my mom even more tightly to thank her.

“Get going to meet with your friend. Just please be safe out there with the ice.”

“Of course,” I promise, running out the door to her car to finally have a conversation that’s been a month in waiting.