Flawed Perfection (An Eve Sumptor Novel)

by Jourdyn Kelly

  “I’ll see you at home.”

  He closed her in, knowing she was in good hands. Lainey wouldn’t let anything happen to her, and after their talk and the letters, he knew he could trust them both.

  Eve would spend the rest of her life showing Adam and Bella that she deserves them and their trust. Knowing that Lainey would be there to help her, only strengthened that resolve. She didn’t know how she could ever thank both Adam and Lainey for being there for her throughout the most difficult times of her life, but she was glad she was going to have the chance to figure it out.

  Inspiration will return, she was sure of it. She didn’t know when, or if this sadness that was so deep down she didn’t know how to get to it, would go away. But, she was ready to focus on a drama free—or at least murder free—life with the people she loved the most.

  Seven months later …

  “Eve, honey? Where do you want this?”

  Eve turned to where Lainey held up a creative sculpture from a local artist. The lines and curves gave the piece a sexy feel to it, and Eve liked it.

  “I think up front so that it’s one of the first sculptures to be seen. Perhaps next to the ‘Evolution of Eve’.” She grinned, as always, when she thought of that sculpture. Why not? She felt as though she has been through an evolution of her own. Here she was in California, with Lainey, setting up her new gallery. Adam would be there in a few hours to put finishing touches to the main display area, as well as making sure everything else was just perfect.

  On a good day, she could put everything that happened with Laurence and Billy out of her mind, and pretend it never happened. She didn’t always have a good day, but it was getting easier. Eve glanced up towards the offices, knowing Bella was up there with Lexie, and smiled. Yes, it was getting easier. She had a lot to be happy about these days, and she was determined to do just that.

  “Good morning!” Blaise waltzed in bearing gifts of Ellie’s coffee and croissants. Eve decided then that Blaise was definitely someone she liked. “Oh, wow! It’s starting to look so amazing in here!”

  Eve took the coffee that Blaise held out to her. “Thank you.”

  Lainey joined them, graciously accepting the to-go cup from Blaise. “There are so many talented artists here in LA,” she commented, looking around the gallery that held similarities to the one in New York, but also had its own flair. It was Eve’s way of having any type of continuity in her life. Lainey had always wondered about the reasoning for that, but never got around to asking Eve. Maybe one day. “Including you, Blaise. Your flower arrangements are amazing.”

  Blaise offered a shy smile. “Thank you. It’s always easier to be creative when you love what you do. I’m sure you both understand that.”

  “Hmm.” Eve took a sip of her coffee in lieu of replying. She figured it wasn’t something Blaise necessarily wanted a response to, so she changed the subject. “How are things with Mr. Steele?”

  “Ugh, the man is infuriating!”

  Eve and Lainey exchanged a look before laughing.

  “Men can certainly be infuriating. Especially …”

  “Stop right there,” Blaise warned Lainey. “I get enough of that from Ellie.” She popped a piece of croissant into her mouth, hiding her slightly annoyed grin. “Your flowers for the opening are going to be beautiful.”

  “Nice segue,” Eve teased. “But, I’m excited to see them.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to see what I’m doing first?”

  “I’m sure. I’ve seen enough of your work to know they’ll be perfect.”

  Blaise beamed at her. “Well, I thank you. And, on that note, I suppose I need to get to the shop. Keep up the great work!” She called as she walked out. Blaise waved through the front window, causing Lainey and Eve to smile.

  “She’s nice.”

  “Mmhmm.” Eve moved to the display Lainey had finished earlier. It was as magnificent as the one in New York, and Eve—no matter how much she fought it—felt a pang of jealousy. Damn it.

  “Eve …”

  “I don’t want to talk about it, Lainey. Please?”

  “Okay, honey. That’s fine. But, you know I’m here if you need me.”

  “I know.” Eve gave her a small smile. “I’m glad you are here. I couldn’t imagine doing this without you.”

  Lainey grinned. “I hope not. Mikey, by the way, is still a little miffed that he couldn’t be here.”

  “Someone needed to run the gallery back home. He’ll get over it.”

  Eve winked at her, and Lainey’s heart smiled. Eve had kept herself guarded since what happened, allowing only a small amount of emotion, or even playfulness, to show. Unless she was with Bella, Eve rarely showed that carefree side. Both Adam and Lainey missed it greatly.

  “I’m sure he will, but I bet he would’ve like to be here for the opening.”

  “Well, I hope so, since I’m flying him and his mother out for the event.”

  “Oh, Eve! That’s wonderful! He’s going to be so excited!”

  Eve lifted a shoulder as though it wasn’t a big deal, but she really did hope he would be excited. He had been a trooper throughout this whole ordeal, Eve figured he deserved at least this much. Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts, and she grinned at the ringtone.

  “Hello, amant.”

  Adam didn’t even try to hold back the groan that stemmed from hearing her sexy voice. They had been apart for four days since he had to fly back to New York to take care of things at his own office. He missed her like crazy.

  “Hey, beautiful. I just landed, so I’m on my way.”

  “You’re here?” Eve’s grin grew into a full-fledged, mega-watt, totally Eve smile. “Finally.”

  Adam cleared his throat, shifting in his seat in the back of the town car. He could imagine her smile, hear her sensuous voice that dropped an octave when she spoke to him, and knew whatever she was wearing—which was probably jeans since she was setting up the gallery, and his favorite—she looked amazing. He couldn’t wait to get to her.

  “How’s our baby girl?”

  Eve chuckled at Adam’s obvious change of subject. “She’s perfect as always. Lexie is teaching her about the sounds that animals make today. Wait until you hear her ‘moo’.”

  Adam laughed. “Moo, huh? I can’t wait. How’s Lainey?”

  Eve loved him for thinking to ask about Lainey. She knew he forgave her completely for her affair, and forgave Lainey, as well, but he didn’t have to ask about her. That he did meant so much to her. “She’s well. She’s standing here wondering where to put a particularly explicit sculpture and blushing.”

  Eve burst out laughing when Lainey gave her the finger. She couldn’t know that both Adam and Lainey cherished that sound, hoping that one day very soon, Eve would be laughing like that more often.

  “Well, I’ll be there in a little while,” Adam told her, laughter ringing in his voice. “Tell her I’ll give her a hand.”

  “You just want to see the particularly explicit sculpture,” Eve teased.

  “It has been four days since I’ve seen my wife. I may be a little … ready for particularly explicit.”

  Eve turned away from Lainey, walking far enough away that she had privacy. “I’m ready for that, too, amant. Very much so.”

  “I missed you, baby.”

  “I missed you, too, gorgeous.”

  Lainey caught a slight flush creep up Eve’s neck, and she knew that this part of the conversation was a private moment between a husband and a wife. With a knowing smile, Lainey turned away and gave them their moment.

  Eve Sumptor-Riley—Session One

  “How are you today, Eve?”

  I studied the woman in front of me. Poised. That’s probably the first word that came to my mind when I first saw her. She had to be in her mid-fifties, well-groomed with warm chestnut hair that sparkled with a touch of gray. When I did my background check, I found that Dr. Willamena Woodrow has been a psychiatrist for more than twenty-five years, wi
th a degree from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University. She had a soothing voice, but it still aggravated me. It’s not her fault, really. I just don’t want to be here.

  “I’m fine.”

  She smiled, a nice, understanding smile. “You realize we have an hour together? It may be helpful if you were more elaborate with your answers.”

  I felt the corners of my mouth twitch for the first time since walking in this office. That actually made me like her a little more.

  “I’m actually not sure what to say.”

  “Why don’t you start with why you’re here.”

  I laughed. “Because my husband and best friend thought I needed to talk to someone.”

  “You don’t think you do?”

  I watched her twirl her pen in her fingers, but noticed she still hasn’t written anything down. Of course, I haven’t said much.

  “I’ve done well enough on my own so far,” I answered.

  “Hmm.” This time she did write something, and then picked up a stack of papers to her right. “I’ve read your story, Eve. Anyone would have a difficult time in your situation. It isn’t uncommon to seek someone to talk to.”

  “I’m not used to seeking anyone out.”

  “Maybe it’s time you do.”

  Whether it was time or not, I didn’t feel I had much choice. Adam and Lainey bombarded me with this request, practically giving me no choice but to agree.

  Dr. Woodrow watched me silently, patiently, but when I still said nothing, she sighed. “Have you started painting again?”

  The question made me wince, and wish that I hadn’t disclosed that bit of information to her in the preliminary interview.

  “No.”

  “Why do you think that is?”

  I couldn’t bite back the sigh. How the hell should I know why I couldn’t paint. My relationship with Adam is strong again. My friendship with Lainey is wonderful. Even Adam and Lainey’s relationship was mending. So why can’t I paint?

  “I don’t know.” My voice sounded smaller than I would have liked, but not being able to paint is killing me.

  “Then, let me help you find that out,” she said softly.

  “I’ve survived a lot in my life. I just don’t understand why I can’t get past this.”

  “You may have survived, but are you certain that you’ve gotten over your past, Eve?”

  I thought about her question. Okay, yes, I’ve had moments when the past catches up with me, but mostly I’m fine. I think.

  “No.” My answered surprised me. I opened my mouth to say yes, so why isn’t that what came out?

  “Then we should start there. In fact, why don’t we start with your childhood.”

  I honestly tried to stifle the snicker at how clichéd that sounded to me.

  Dr. Woodrow’s expression held the tiniest bit of disapproval at my laughter. I didn’t think psychiatrists were allowed to show emotion, however, that she did, made me trust her a little more.

  “Where should I start?”

  “What’s the first thing that comes to your mind?”

  I closed my eyes and thought back to things I wanted to forget. The first image that popped into my head was of my mother, bloodied and crying, huddled in the closet with me. She would rock me, whispering that everything would be okay, and I would believe her. Until it happened again and again. Eventually I stopped believing her, even resenting her more and more each time we huddled in that closet.

  “Help me forgive my mother.” My voice was barely a whisper, and the words that were said brought tears to my eyes. I had no idea I still harbored feelings of blame for my mother. My love for her had always overshadowed everything else.

  Well, hell. I guess there is something to this shrink business after all. I’m glad I’m rich. With as many things as I have gone through, it’s going to take many, many hours to get through them all.

  Be sure to follow Eve’s therapy sessions online at:

  http://blog.jourdynkelly.com/

  to see how Eve copes with coming to terms with everything that has happened to her.

  This is my third book, and I have come to realize that I rely on the same people to give me honesty. What that tells me, is that I have a small core of people that I trust dearly.

  Again, my family shows me that they believe in me without fail. Mom and Dad, you are always in my corner, and your continuous pride keeps me feeling like I can do anything. Kayla, your opinions are far more mature than your twenty-two years of age! I appreciate your honesty. Ty, I believe in you and your talent! Go for it! Thank you and Kayla for your support. Amber, you’ve come so far, and I’m so proud of you. Thank you for being on my side. Chelsea and Terry, your support is greatly appreciated (and I will get to the next Destined now, Chelsea!).

  Daisy, once again I thank you for your patience with my sometimes incessant writing and obsessing over these characters. Your support and opinions are important to me, especially since you never pull any punches. Thank you!

  Wanda and Sherry! You ladies gave me wonderful feedback on Flawed Perfection! I love that you love Eve as much as I do. Your honest opinions on Flawed Perfection helped me tremendously, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

  Angela McLaurin (Fictional Formats), I couldn’t be happier that I found such a talented formatter! You’ve made my books beautiful! Having a book that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the brain is so important. Thank you for all you do.

  To my readers. Eve Sumptor (Riley) has been my favorite character to write. I couldn’t let her go, which is why you will still find her online in her own words. I don’t know where these therapy sessions will take Eve, but I hope you’ll tune in to see her progress! Thank you all for reading and letting Eve, Adam, Lainey and Bella in your life. I hope to see you again for Blaise Knight’s story!

  Jourdyn Kelly currently resides in Houston, Texas, writing novels and designing websites. Jourdyn has always enjoyed the arts in one form or another. Having completed her third novel, she believes that her love of writing comes from the fact that she loves to read. She was captivated by books that led you into different and exotic places and through impossible scenarios, letting you become someone else for a time. As she read, she was inspired to write herself and bring the characters in her mind to paper. She hopes that her writing will inspire others, or give them a way to escape from everyday life.

  Jourdyn has spent her time working in a different area of the arts. As web designer, etc. for singer/actress Deborah Gibson, Jourdyn has had the opportunity to be involved in wonderful experiences, travel around the country and meet exciting people. Jourdyn believes this has helped with creating unique and lovable characters.

  Other than writing Jourdyn spends her time caring for what she equates to as a zoo with 3 dogs, 2 cats, a bearded dragon, 3 frogs and 3 turtles. In the recent years, she has changed her lifestyle to include working out and eating right. She now competes in triathlons, has run her first half-marathon, and loves Muay Thai kickboxing, boxing and Krav Maga.

  Jourdyn is presently working on the follow up to Destined to Kill.

  Connect with Jourdyn Kelly online:

  My Website:

  http://www.jourdynkelly.com/

  Twitter:

  https://twitter.com/JourdynK

  Goodreads:

  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2980644.Jourdyn_Kelly

  Facebook:

  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJourdynKelly