Aaron stood up, nervously running his hands through his hair. He turned his body toward Evelyn. “I love her.”
“Yeah, right. Why are you here in the first place?” Evelyn said. She whipped her head around and directed her rage at me. “Cal?”
“He stopped by to drop something off Delilah made for me, and we started to talk and stuff,” I replied.
“What?” she shouted. “How could you let that asshole into the front door after what he did to you?”
“I think it best I leave you two to talk about it on your own for now. Evelyn, I have no idea what you must think of me. When things calm down, I’d like the chance to explain,” Aaron said, standing. “I’ll talk to you later, Callie.”
“You’ll what?” Evelyn said. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. You’re going to let him walk back into your life after all these months?”
I stood up to face her. “Evelyn,” I said as calmly as I could. “I love you. I couldn’t have gotten through these last months without you, but for right now, I need to sort this out on my own. I need to sort through it all with him. We can talk about this after he leaves.”
“Why don’t you want to talk about it now?” she said. “You don’t want him to know the truth?”
“He knows the truth, Evelyn,” I replied, anger bringing tears to my eyes again.
“Well, great,” she said. She plopped herself down on the couch and folded her arms. “So he knows how I was sick with worry after he threw you out like trash? Does he also know you missed weeks of school and almost fucked up graduating because you were so devastated? Does he know you had to grovel to your creep of an ex-boss for your job back? Did you tell him—”
“Enough!” I screamed. “I’m sick of it. What I do or who I do…”
“You DID him?” Evelyn asked.
“Shit,” Aaron said under his breath.
“Aaron, you don’t have to answer that,” I shouted. “It’s none of her business. Why don’t you go ahead and go home? I’ll talk to you later.”
“You did!” Evelyn said. “You slept with him?”
I sighed loudly. “Would you excuse Aaron and me for a minute?” I didn’t wait for her to answer before I crossed the room and followed Aaron out the door. Once we were in the hallway, we looked at each other, both horrified at the reaction we’d gotten.
“I’ll talk to her and she’ll chill out,” I explained. “She’s…well, I put her through a lot.”
“It’s understandable and deserving.” He grabbed me around the waist again and hugged me tightly. “I’m so sorry, Callie. I promise you’ll trust me again.” He whispered into the top of my hair.
“Me, too.”
And though that’s how the night ended, it’s also how the new start of us began.
* * *
I’d be lying if I said the two months between the night Aaron showed up at my doorstep and my graduation was easy. It wasn’t easy at all, but it was the most comfortable and content I’d ever felt in my entire life. Shortly before I graduated, I moved out of the apartment I shared with Evelyn, partially to be closer to my new job, but more importantly, because I could. I’d saved for months to be able to do it, and once school started, I’d be doing just fine. For the first time ever, something was mine, and I didn’t have to lean on anyone else to help me. It was freeing and cathartic. I felt like I did as a child, running and running, but never being out of breath. I could breathe so deeply, so satisfying now, I never realized how long I had been holding it.
With moving, finishing school, and starting a new job, things were frantic, but somehow I made time to start dating again. Someone new. He looked the same as he always had, but Aaron was new to me all over again. When he showed up for our “first” date, he was nervous and awkward, standing in my doorway with a bouquet of wildflowers. We went to dinner and to a movie that he let me choose. He walked me to the door and gave me a quick peck of a kiss.
He left me with butterflies…
And searching through packed boxes for Trix.
We went out again the following week and twice the week after.
I met up with him and Delilah at the zoo one day and had been to her ballet practice twice.
On our fifth date, we made out in his car for forty-five minutes, and I let him go to third base.
He told me in painful detail about his relationship with Lexie and how the aftermath of her leaving affected him. In kind, I explained to him more about me, about how my father’s death impacted my life daily.
It was strange and unconventional and made no sense to anyone but us what we were doing. Giving the term starting over a very true meaning.
If I hadn’t known him before, I would fall in love with him. Instead, I was falling in love with him all over again.
When I graduated, he was there, along with Evelyn and Abel. I wore my earrings Aaron had given me to the ceremony, and later that evening, when we were all having a celebratory dinner together, Aaron caught me staring into the mirrored wall next to us.
Evelyn was giving Abel a dirty look. “Really? That’s your pickup line? A goldfish has more game than you,” she said.
“Feisty,” he said, nodding his head. “I like that.”
I laughed before I turned my attention to Delilah. Her precious face smeared with chocolate cake, talking animatedly with our server and giggling.
I gazed at Aaron and now I knew, with all my heart, we were in the right place. We may have messed up, taken detours, but we were on the right track and where we should be.
His fingers brushed against my neck. “What are you staring at?” he whispered in my ear.
I repeated the words he once said to me. “My future. My future is in that mirror.”
Acknowledgments
The name Melissa Marino wouldn’t be on the cover of this book, or any book, if it wasn’t for the faith and encouragement of my Super Agent and fellow Kate Spade enthusiast, Kimberly Brower. Kimberly, you took a chance with me and believe in every word I write. Thank you for always knowing by your secret agent powers the moments to say, “Good but you can do better,” or “Don’t panic.” Grateful doesn’t even cover the gratitude I have for you.
I’ve been blessed by having not one, but two editors at Forever Romance who loved this book enough to work tirelessly on its behalf. So many thanks to Megha Parekh whose excitement for this series made my hopes and dreams for these characters come true. Lexi Smail, your endless eagerness, keen eye, and The Bachelorette shouty caps make my life, my work, a delight. Also, Yasmin Mathew, Kathleen Scheiner and the entire team at Forever Romance for making this book more amazing than I could’ve ever imagined.
Brighton and Anna, thank you for aiding in the original version. I have never forgotten all the input and hand-holding you did so many years ago.
My writer friends turned life friends: Sarah Cannon, Carla Cullen, Rachel Goodman, Tara Sue Me, The Wolf Pack, and Ann Marie Walker. Each and every one of you has encouraged me in countless ways.
My sweeties and two of my biggest cheerleaders, Lo and Christina. There was a time I was ready to give up, and you two sat across from me as we ate maple bacon doughnuts to tell me to keep pushing. You told me I was almost there. I trusted you and you were right. Thank you for your friendship and for celebrating every tiny publishing milestone with me.
Nina Bocci. My dear Nina. Absolutely none of this would be possible without you. A lifetime of lip glosses are owed to you.
My soul mate and boob-bumper, Amy E. Reichert. You virtually hold my hand daily, filter hysterical FaceTime calls, and encourage cocktail hour(s). Thank you for pushing me creatively and reminding me I can do anything. Your spirit is one of my most treasured joys.
To my lobster muffin, Sarah Wells, who calms my crazy, reminds me of my strength, reads countless words, and has never made me doubt why she is my person. Thank you for being the Rachel to my Monica.
All the creatives, teachers, and staff at StoryStudio Chicago who guided me in my early days an
d read drafts that were far from readable at that point. Also, enormous gratitude to Jama Kehoe Bigger, director of Midwest Writers Workshop, and the entire faculty of this life-changing conference. MWW is the creative kick in the butt I’ve needed every year, and the people I found there have made my journey so much more enjoyable.
So Twisted would not be a book if not for the community of amazing readers, writers, and human beings in the fandom that embraced the original and gave me more than I could ever give them. ::pats my heart:: Twi fandom. You are some of the most dynamic women I’ve ever known, and I carry you and all we’ve shared in my heart forever.
When I told my very conservative, very religious father about this book, his response (after I explained to him he would probably be uncomfortable reading it) was priceless. “Melissa. I trust you know what you think I can handle. In that case, let me get a pen and write down what the book is about so I know what to say when I brag about it.” I won the parent lottery with him and my mom. Both have supported every decision I’ve ever made with love and solid advice. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without you, Mom and Dad.
To my two boys. L, the fact I’m even writing this acknowledgment is proof that your unwavering faith and stern talks, when I struggled, to pull up my big girl pants is how I reached my dreams. I simply couldn’t have done any of this without you, and I will never, ever forget that. J, you are never allowed to read this book because your father and I simply don’t have the funds for the kind of therapy you will need after. Thank you, my darling, for being proud that your mom is “a mom who writes books” and for making me know boundless love.
And lastly, to the original DILF and Nanny. When I asked the night we met, “If you’re out with the nanny, who is watching the kids?” DILF answered pointedly, “I had to hire a fucking babysitter so I could take out the nanny.” Both of you—and I—had no idea that a story would be sparked and lead to this. I thank you and wish you continued happiness.
Evelyn Owen, a career-minded wedding planner and serial dater, meets her match in Abel Matthews, a womanizing bartender. But their hot and heavy romance is cut short when Evelyn is sent off to open a West Coast location. When Evelyn comes home a year later, she’s shocked to meet her newest client: the groom Abel.
Please turn the page for a preview of So Screwed
Available Early 2017
Chapter One
EVELYN—
I glanced at my phone as I flung the glass door open and hurried inside, wondering what the appropriate length of time was to stay at the funeral of my best friend’s boyfriend’s father’s mother. It wasn’t like I’d ever met the woman. The fact that I was there at all should’ve been enough of a gesture of support without worrying if a condolence and bolt was out of line. After unbuttoning my coat, I smoothed my hands down the front of my skirt as I shook my head to fluff my long blond hair. I followed the muffled sounds of the bereaved conversing and entered the stuffy viewing room.
Why did funeral homes always have a weird smell? Was it from all the flowers and fresh dry-cleaned clothes of the family? Was it from the embalming? Was it too morbid to even be thinking about as I stepped around the others, waiting to get myself to the front of the line? Probably.
Mr. Matthews stood next to the open casket of his now deceased mother as he chatted quietly with another older gentleman. He removed a handkerchief from the pocket of his dark suit jacket and dabbed his eyes.
Yup. Get that all out of the way now. No tears with me. I can’t deal with almost strangers crying.
My eyes scanned the room around me, looking for a familiar face or even an unfamiliar one I could stare at for a moment. Anything to avoid the dead woman to my left. The gentleman talking to Mr. Matthews walked away, and I waited a few seconds before stepping in.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I said to Mr. Matthews. “I’m not sure you remember me. I’m Evelyn Owens, Callie’s friend.”
“Of course I remember you. Thank you so much for coming, Evelyn,” he responded, nodding his head and grabbing my hand. He turned to his mother. “She was a wonderful woman.”
“I’m sure she was.”
He kept staring at his mom. I stood quiet, as he continued holding my hand, wondering how long I had to stand there.
Wasn’t there a way to make these things less awkward? No one ever knew what to say or do. There had to be a way to lighten it up. It wasn’t like it had to be a full-out bash. Just something to break the ice enough—something more like a wedding. Weddings I was good at.
“So, how are you, Evelyn? Has any lucky guy caught you yet?” Mr. Matthews asked.
And just in case awkward wasn’t enough, the inevitable inquest into your love life from the father of your best friend’s boyfriend should slide you right into face-peeling uncomfortableness.
He took my silence as an invitation to press the issue.
“I still have a single son,” he said.
He dropped my hand and waved it with authority above my head. No doubt inviting himself into matchmaking.
“Oh, Mr. Matthews. I’ve met…”
“Excuse me, kids,” Mr. Matthews said stepping away as I felt a brush against my lower back.
“Evelyn,” said a low voice behind me.
I turned and lifted my head because he was that tall. The few times we’d met before I’d taken notice of his stature, but standing next to him served as a reminder.
Mr. Matthews’s youngest son, and award-winning eye candy, was dressed in a slim blue suit tailored to perfection. His dark pompadour and closely shaved beard made his blue eyes stand out in contrast. The entire package was quite startling.
“Abel,” I said. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks for coming to pay your…respects.”
His eyes scanned up and down my body with deliberate aggression.
“God,” I hissed. “Your dead grandmother is laying there.” I stabbed a finger in her direction. “Can’t you check me out some other time?”
The corner of his mouth lifted into a tiny grin while his eyes found mine. Dimples. They were just visible from beneath his beard, extending onto the smoothed skin of his cheeks.
He was hot, but blatant cockiness wasn’t a flattering look on any man outside of the bedroom.
“It isn’t exclusive to today, Evelyn. I check you out every time I see you. How could I not? It’s you who hasn’t wanted to pursue anything.”
“And now I remember why.”
“Come on,” he said, touching my arm. “I think you and me together would be what Grandma Dorothy would’ve wanted.”
He was a handsome, handsome guy. I’d give him that. No doubt a line of panties dropped wherever he went. Hell. I would’ve maybe dropped mine if I didn’t think it would cause drama. My best friend’s boyfriend’s brother? Not ideal.
“Ev,” Callie, my best friend, said, coming up next to me. She took me in a hug as her boyfriend, Aaron, came up next to her. They were one of those couples others hated. Strikingly good-looking, her with her long auburn hair and perfect skin, and him tall and built just like his younger brother, with a smile that warmed up a funeral home.
I stepped over to Aaron, and squeezed his hand. “I’m so sorry,” I said.
His eyes shifted between Abel and me for a brief moment. “You’re a sweetheart for coming.”
“You are two of my favorite people,” I said. “It’s what friends do.”
Aaron and I had our differences in the past when Callie and he had their troubles. I wasn’t happy with him for a long time because of the way he handled things when they broke up, but ultimately, they made up. Over the last year, I’ve seen how much he made her happy and that made me happy.
Abel cleared his throat. “Want to make it three of your favorite people?”
Handsome and ballsy as shit. It was appealing, but the undercurrent of douche bag was a bit too prevalent for me to take him completely seriously.
“I have to run and get back to work but wanted
to stop by,” I said.
“I’ll walk you out,” Callie said, linking her arm through mine.
“Thanks again, Evelyn,” Aaron said.
“You’ll all be in my thoughts,” I replied. I turned to Abel. “Sorry again.”
Callie and I started to walk away, but Abel’s hand on my arm stopped me. He stepped close, hovering over me. “How about a drink later?”
“I don’t think so,” I said.
Callie remained quiet, but the tug on my opposite arm began to pull harder. Abel was trying to catch me as Callie tried to save me.
“Please,” he begged, batting his dark eyelashes at me. “I’m in mourning. You wouldn’t want me to be all alone, would you?”
“Abel.” Callie sighed. “The list of phone numbers you have of willing ladies is the size of the first draft of the Bible. Quit creeping on my best friend.”
“Are you trying to cockblock me at Nana’s funeral?” Abel snapped.
Callie yanked on my arm and tugged me away. “Really, Abel?” she said over her shoulder.
I chuckled because I appreciated the persistence on his part, but Callie’s response only solidified my decision. We left the room and headed for the exit with her shaking her head the entire time.
“Sorry about him,” she said. “He’s about as civilized as a toddler on a sugar rush.”
“It’s oddly charming.”
She stopped in her tracks and spun around, placing her hands on her hips. Her eyes narrowed like she was looking for some hidden message behind them.
“Oh, shit,” she said. “Please don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Bang my boyfriend’s brother.”
And like any best friend could, she read me like a book. It wasn’t something I would do, though. I had boundaries.
“I’m not,” I promised. “I won’t.”
About the author
Melissa Marino is a full-time writer and part-time Stormtrooper collector. When she’s not writing, you can find her watching Friends reruns, mastering her cupcake frosting swirl, and hunting for the perfect red lipstick. Melissa lives in Chicago with her husband, son, and very opinionated dachshund.
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