Liam laughed, hard. “You’re evil. You know that, right?”
She shrugged. “You’re the one who suggested we make him jealous.”
“Whoa!” he stated, but left her hand in his. “I did not suggest that we do anything. Just holding your hand is putting me in the path of Jackson’s wrath. But I’ll play along. And if he doesn’t make that move, I want a second date.”
“Deal,” she said. She didn’t want to think about it, but there was a good chance she could end up on a second, real, date with Liam.
They walked hand in hand over to George and Bekah who both looked completely taken by surprise at their feigned affection for each other. Liam played his part well, keeping up his flirtatious ways.
“Liam’s going to take me home.” Evelyn tried to act infatuated with Liam. Smiling was easy enough to do; not laughing was another story completely. They didn’t wait for a response. They just turned and left, grabbing their coats at the door.
Liam put his arm around her. A hearty laugh sang out of him. “You’re a lot of fun, Evelyn. It’s a shame this will be the last time I get to go out with you.”
Evelyn laughed with him. She had changed so much over the past semester. It was completely comfortable to be walking closely with Liam and laughing about their scheme for Jackson. “Don’t worry. If I know Jackson, it won’t be the last time he lets someone else…wait, that’s wrong. It will be the last time he tells someone to hang out with me. Do you know what it’s like, having a grown man force people to be my friends? If he wants me out with other men, I think it’s time I start deciding on who and when.”
The ease she felt with Liam was bewildering. He seemed like a kind soul, and she couldn’t deny she enjoyed his company as well. But she had to wonder if it had something to do with her frustration over being set up with other guys, by the one man she cared for.
“Well, I’d welcome another time out with you. But what am I supposed to say when he tries to kill me after this?” Liam asked, still with laughter in his voice, but also a hint of seriousness.
“Liam,” Evelyn said, sidestepping his question. “Would you like to take me out next Thursday? School will be out and we can celebrate.” She laughed at his confused expression. “You said you’d welcome another time out with me.”
“Yeah,” he answered, still looking confused. “I would, but I’m supposed to go out with Jackson and some other people that night.”
“Oh.” The realization that she wasn’t being included as one of Jackson’s friends stung, and seemed like enough evidence against his interest in her, further convincing her that he must see her as nothing more than a sister. What grown man would want a little girl hanging out with him and his friends?
“I’m gonna end up regretting this.” Liam rubbed her arm roughly. “Alright. We’re going to a tavern, and you’re coming as my date. Taverns are loud with live music and noisy people, so don’t wear what you’re wearing tonight. Just wear jeans and something comfortable. They get hot, so dress in layers so you can add or remove what you need to be comfortable.”
Evelyn was impressed that he explained it so well to her. “It must be pretty obvious that I’ve never been to one,” she said. “I appreciate the heads up.”
They got to Evelyn’s apartment and Liam hugged her goodbye and left, whistling as he went. She closed the door and shook her head. Whatever results tonight would bring, at least she would know before Christmas if there was any hope for her and Jackson.
Chapter 34
“I didn’t do anything to her!” Liam yelled at him, pushing Jackson away from himself.
Jackson was fuming. He knew Liam was a flirt, but he had thought, George had promised him, he was a good guy.
“She was pretty mad when I told her you were the one who told me to go out with her in the first place,” Liam shouted again at him. “She just wanted to arrange her own date, instead of it being arranged for her. You think she wants you treating her this way? Gosh, Jack, she’s young, but she’s not a child!”
Jackson needed to hit something. He wanted to hit Liam. He’d come to realize he had a big temper with a small fuse when it came to Evelyn. “Do you swear nothing’s going on between the two of you?”
“Yes,” Liam answered. “I swear. Just don’t expect everyone you send out with her to keep their word to you and not make a move on her. She’s gorgeous and a lot of fun. In fact, after Thursday, don’t expect me to play by your rules either.”
Jackson was glad that Liam left after that. He was preparing to say some things he knew he’d end up having to apologize for later. He didn’t know what to think. Bekah and George both told him Evelyn and Liam were holding hands when they left. Just the fact that Evelyn was willing to be alone with Liam unnerved him. Bekah’s confusion over Evelyn’s behavior also ate at him. He knew, though, that he was being unfair. He had told her to show everyone there was nothing between them. If along the way she fell for someone else, it was his own fault.
He took his frustration out on his work. He trained with the officers and worked them hard in everything. At the shooting range he demanded perfection. At the gym, he pushed heavier weights, further runs, and harder punches. But at the end of the day his fire still burned, and his muscles ached.
Evelyn never left his mind. Nothing was going the way he had hoped with her. He’d told himself to use the time before Christmas to show her how he felt, and instead he’d barely seen her. And now she was hanging out with Liam of all people!
He prayed fervently for her. He missed her fiercely.
By Thursday, Bekah still hadn’t asked anything about Liam. Evelyn wasn’t sure if she didn’t believe their act or if she did, but Bekah not asking meant Evelyn not explaining, and she was happy with that.
School was done now for the semester. She’d worked her last day at the library for the year and she’d managed to finish Jackson’s quilt. To top it off, she’d found what she hoped was the perfect gift for Charles and Natalie. A shipment of used books had come into the library earlier in the week, and with it came a Bible. A real Bible. All sixty-six books bound in a beautiful navy leather binding and in almost new condition. She wasn’t sure how it managed to find its way to the library, or how it managed to stay in such an amazing condition but, when she saw it, she knew she wanted Charles and Natalie to have it. It was against the law for the library to have the book, or for them to even sell it, so she tucked it safely in her bag and brought it home.
She had finished Jackson’s quilt on Monday. She was folding it up and putting away her sewing things when Sarah walked in with Tom. It felt like time stood still, freezing her in a state of panic and terror when she saw him walk through her door. No one else was with them, and Sarah disappeared into her room. She said she needed to change, but Evelyn wondered if she was telling the truth.
Evelyn was alone with Tom. Gathering her things to retreat to her room was a failure. He had her cornered before she could take the first step. She wanted to look straight at him, prove she wasn’t afraid, but couldn’t bear his gaze and dropped her eyes. She didn’t want to show any signs of fear, but she knew he saw it written all over her face.
“How are you?” Tom had asked her.
Her hands shook as she held the quilt against her like a shield. Lord, help me. “I’m okay.” She had managed to put on a brave face for everyone; but the reality was she was drowning in her fear. Every time she left class, she worried Tom would be waiting for her. She’d wake from a nightmare and ache for Jackson. She would read the book of John now when she couldn’t sleep, and she repeated Jackson’s words over and over to herself that God had given her a spirit of power, not of fear, and that He was with her. But she was young in her faith and she needed help.
“I’m sorry, Evie. What I did, it was inexcusable. I feel awful about… about all of it.”
Kind. Humble. This wasn’t the Tom she knew. Even at his best, Tom had never been humble.
“Do you even understand what you did?” she aske
d quietly, speaking more to herself than to him. He did look sorry, though; he almost looked hurt. But his pain was his own doing, if he really felt pain, and her pain was worse.
Tom moved towards her. “Please forgive me.”
It looked as if Jackson’s plan was working and Tom apparently thought he had a chance of walking back into her life.
Evelyn praised God when Bekah walked in and saved her, making up a lie about needing her assistance on a paper and helping Evelyn carry her things to her room. Bekah stayed with her until Tom left, but the nightmares were worse than ever after that night.
She waited now for Liam to pick her up. Her bags were packed and ready to leave for Jackson’s parents’ in the morning, but tonight they were going out, celebrating Jackson’s graduation. Jackson never did invite her, nor had he spoken to her in a week, but she had seen him. Twice she had woken from nightmares and looked out her window, just to see, and he was there. It was in those moments her hopes soared that Liam was right.
Bekah had left for George’s house earlier, and Evelyn and Liam would be meeting up with them there soon. Jackson had arranged for a couple of cars to take them so they all could travel to the tavern together. Apparently, this tavern was some distance from campus.
Evelyn waited to choose her outfit until after she saw what Bekah was wearing. She decided on a pair of jeans with a plain white tank top, with a fitted brown leather jacket and boots to match.
“What do you think?” She asked, spinning for Liam when he arrived. “Am I dressed ok?”
Liam gave a low whistle. “Ok is not the word that comes to mind…”
She tossed him a reproving look. “Let me just go put my hair up and we can go.”
He caught her waist as she turned and pulled her close. “Leave it down.” He twirled a strand between his fingers. “It suits you. And I’ve a feeling ol’Jacky-boy’s gonna love it,” he added with a wink.
Evelyn wiggled from his arms, laughing and rolling her eyes, but she took his advice. He helped her into her winter jacket and then set off for Jackson’s.
“So,” she asked as they walked. “Do you regret agreeing to this yet?”
“No. At least not yet. Jack’s good and angry with me though. I hope you’re prepared to give him a little encouragement tonight.” His arm found her waist. He knew Jackson was seriously emotionally invested in her, and tonight she was still technically off-limits. He’d respect that for her sake, not Jackson’s. Even so, something was keeping Jackson from moving forward, and he wasn’t entirely convinced Jackson would get past whatever was holding him back.
“What do you mean?”
Liam looked down at her. “Sometimes even Jack needs a little help.”
She swallowed. “I thought the plan was to make him jealous?”
“Yeah, well,” Liam said, giving her a small squeeze. “I’ve already been slammed into a wall over this, and I’d rather not get punched. Jack’s a little bigger than I am, if you haven’t noticed, and I don’t want my pretty face to get messed up.”
She laughed with him, but was shocked that Jackson had been so violent.
Soon, they were walking up to Jackson’s house. “Alright,” Liam said.
Evelyn knocked on the door. “Here we go.”
Jackson was smiling, in mid laugh, when he answered the door. The humor left him when he saw Liam with his arm around Evelyn. Liam removed his arm to shake Jackson’s hand.
“Hey, Jack,” Liam said enthusiastically.
Jackson gripped his hand a little firmer than he needed to. “Hey, Liam.” He held the door open for Liam and Evelyn to walk in. “The cars should be here any minute. Everyone’s in the kitchen.”
“Thanks,” Liam said, and he left for the kitchen.
Evelyn stayed just outside the door. Jackson looked upset, but the fierceness of his expression trapped her eyes on him. He looked bigger, too. Once Liam had walked away, Jackson turned back to her. “Do you mind that I came?”
“Why would I mind?” Jackson asked. She tormented him, but he wasn’t mad at her.
“You didn’t invite me,” she shrugged. “I thought maybe you didn’t want me to come.”
He heard the hurt in her voice. “Get in here,” he ordered. He rolled his eyes at her as she walked in. “You know I always want you with me.”
She swallowed and butterflies flitted in her stomach. Jackson took her jacket for her and hung it on a hook by the door. They stood facing each other for a moment; she was supposed to be encouraging him, flirting with him. She stood on tip-toe and kissed his cheek, then smiled. Tried to smile. “Happy graduation Jackson Monroe.”
He would have taken her in his arms right then if she hadn’t turned and walked away. It was going to be difficult to see her with Liam, instead of himself, tonight. Of course, it was his own fault.
It took an hour to get to the tavern. Evelyn rode in one car with Liam and four other people she didn’t know. Jackson rode in the other car with George, Bekah, Everret, and two others. So far Liam’s theory wasn’t proving true.
Liam had been right, though, about the tavern. It was much different from the other places she’d been. She liked it. It was loud and it was bright. People were dancing and laughing everywhere, and it wasn’t sectioned off like the clubs.
Liam held her hand as their group weaved their way to a couple of booths where they all left their jackets and other winter items so they could dance. Women noticed Jackson when he walked by them, as they always did. There was no doubt, Jackson was the prize they’d all be seeking tonight.
Evelyn followed Liam out to dance, and he was sure to stay in eye sight of Jackson. “Are you really sure about all of this?” she finally asked.
Liam spun her away and back to himself, making her giggle and her hair swirl. “Are you not having any fun with me?”
“I am. But there are a lot of women here, and so many of them keep looking at him.”
“So?” Liam challenged. “There are a lot of men here too, and we’re all looking at you. Besides, if he likes you, and he does, none of these other girls should matter. If they do, then he doesn’t deserve you. If you really want to know how he feels, I can just kiss you. But you’d have to promise to keep him from killing me.”
“No!” Liam laughed at Evelyn’s panic. She was glad he was joking…hoped he was joking. “What about this whole encouraging him thing? I don’t know how to do that.”
“Oh,” Liam laughed again. “You’ll be fine. Now, would you please give me a break from all this and just have some fun?”
It was so easy to smile and laugh with Liam, so she obliged him, and they danced and laughed. She’d known him such a short while, but she was sure she’d found a long-term friend. How strange it was to have gone through most of life alone, and suddenly have friends.
Liam was attentive. Respectful. She’d never laughed like she did with Liam. He was a bit like Bekah, just a man.
But where Liam’s focus remained on Evelyn, hers wandered, and after a few songs, she noticed a woman sitting at the bar, staring at Jackson. Jackson noticed her too.
Jackson had been watching Evelyn, and Liam’s hands on her. Jealous wasn’t quite the right word to explain his emotions. It was like watching someone else flirt with his wife. He just couldn’t justify the pain or the violent anger, because he had no real claim on her. She was not his. So he laughed and smiled with his friends, but underneath those smiles he was boiling.
He noticed Evelyn’s glancing to the bar. Interested in what was distracting her, he turned to see who it was. When his eyes met hers, she smiled and made her way over to him.
He had developed a coldness towards women who looked a certain way, who dressed like vixens and painted their faces with harsh makeup. But this woman was not like them. She reminded him of Evelyn, but she clearly was nothing like her. She looked to be closer to his age, her blouse was not buttoned all the way up as Evelyn’s always were. She had short blond hair. Her lips and cheeks were painted pink, unlike E
velyn’s natural color, and she looked straight at him, claiming him. Evelyn was never so bold. She was the perfect temptation, a mixture of sweetness and confidence. With his nerves already raw, he needed to be careful.
She leaned her hip against the end of the booth he sat at and smiled sweetly down at him. “You and your friends seem to be having a good time.” Her voice was rough for a woman’s, but not unattractive.
“We should be. We’re celebrating.” Jackson wondered if Evelyn was still watching this woman; or if Liam was watching. Would he wait to pursue her if he thought Jackson was flirting with another woman?
“Would you like to join us?” Everret invited her, breaking off Jackson’s thoughts.
“I’d love to,” she smiled at Everret.
Jackson stood to let her slide into the seat and sat back down. The booth looped around in a U shape, and she now sat between him and Everret. She slid only far enough to stay close to Jackson.
“So,” she said. “Do I get to know your names?”
Everret answered for them. “I’m Everret, this is Jack, and Matt.”
She smiled at each of them as Everret introduced them. “I’m Emma.”
“And what brings you out tonight, Emma?” Jackson asked. So far so good; she didn’t appear to be up to trouble.
“Same as you, Jack. Out celebrating.”
Jackson didn’t like how easy it was to smile with Emma, or that she kept his eyes off of Evelyn and Liam. But, it wasn’t her fault he was in love with someone else, and that that someone else was currently dancing with another man and driving him crazy. “What are you celebrating?”
Unspoken Words (Hope and a Future Book 1) Page 23