by K. C. Crowne
Chapter 2
Eva
“How does it feel to be Eva Stone?” Gerard Murphy asked as he snapped a photo of me against the backdrop of my paintings.
“Oh Gerard, how can I even begin to answer such a question?” I placed a hand on my hip, smiling for the camera. “I’ve always been Eva; I wouldn’t know what it’s like to be anyone other than me.”
“What were you like before you became famous?” he asked. “No one knows anything of your childhood or your past. It’s like you didn’t exist until five years ago and suddenly you were everywhere.”
“Well,” I said, thinking over my answer carefully as I turned my body, facing my work as Gerard moved to the side. “I was always an artist, it’s just in my blood. I went to NYU, as you know, and was lucky enough to work with artists all over the world before I opened my own gallery in Manhattan.”
“We know all of that, Ms. Stone. But what about before NYU?”
Everyone wanted to know about my life before NYU. I remained quiet as I thought about my childhood. The overly controlling father. The bullies who made my life hell. The burning desire to leave and never look back.
“Who cares about my childhood? Did you get enough photos? I’m getting tired of posing.”
“Sure, of course, take a seat,” Gerard said, motioning for me to sit down at one of the cocktail tables set up for the event.
“I’d rather talk about the present than the past. My event tomorrow evening, for instance.” I placed my hands in my lap and smiled sweetly.
“Yes, the art auction. All proceeds are going to be donated to the Brooklyn Art Center. Can you tell me more about why that organization speaks to you?”
“I’ve always had a soft spot for children, and the center is looking to expand its offerings and courses to those who may not otherwise have access to art programs. Many public schools are cutting funding to art programs,” I continued, warming up to the subject. “I feel that everyone should be able to create art, that it shouldn’t be limited to only those who can afford it or who go to private schools. The endowment will also include scholarships for those high schoolers hoping to enter art programs at university.” I smiled sheepishly. “Listen, I know most people believe art is a fairly useless degree program, but they’re overlooking just how important art is to everyday life. It’s everywhere. Graphic design, video games, music, the very books we read - all art. And if someone has the talent and the drive, they should be given the opportunity for success.”
“You seem very passionate about this cause, Ms. Stone.”
“I am, and I hope to do more in the future, hopefully expand to other cities.”
The glass doors of my gallery opened, and my eyes widened as my favorite person in the world walked in. He was wearing his usual jeans and a flannel shirt with a cowboy hat to complete the look - and make him look even more out-of-place than usual.
The security guard at the door stopped him. “Sir, I’m sorry, but the gallery is closed at this time—”
“He’s my brother,” I called out, slipping from my seat. “Please, let him in.”
The guard motioned for Matt to pass, and I hurried to my twin, trying to contain my excitement. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “I didn’t know you were in the city?”
“Well, I heard about the event and wanted to support you,” Matt said with a sweet grin, his eyes wandering over the gallery. He wasn’t able to get to New York often and hadn’t yet seen my new space. “I’m impressed, sis. Wow. Look at this place.”
“Thank you, but you seriously came all this way for a charitable event?” I asked.
His eyes fell to the floor and he stuffed his hands in his pocket. “I also wanted to see you. Is that such a crime? I’m worried about you, sis.”
“There’s nothing to be worried about. As you can see, I’m doing very well.”
“Are you though? The last time we talked, you sounded—”
I cut him off because Gerard was watching us intently. “I need to finish this interview. Can we meet for lunch in about an hour?”
“Harold’s Deli?”
My face hurt from smiling so widely, and I couldn’t remember the last time I smiled like that. “Of course. I’ll be there in an hour.”
“See you then,” he said. He waved at Gerard as he left.
Gerard stared at him with an incredulous look on his face. “Your… brother? I don’t think anyone knows you have a brother.”
I took my seat primly and properly, putting on my normal, blank mask. “Oh yes, my twin brother actually.”
“And where does he live? Because clearly he’s not from New York City.”
My throat nearly closed up, but I managed to choke out, “He’s a teacher in Utah, but I would prefer to keep my family out of this. He has no desire to be in the media, and I’d appreciate it if our interaction was kept off the record.”
Gerard looked disappointed but nodded. “Of course, Ms. Stone. Back to tomorrow’s event. There are rumors that Kai Tanner will be there. Will you two be attending together, or…”
“Kai and I are only friends,” I assured him. “He’s interested in my artwork and the cause, and regardless of what else you might have heard, there’s nothing going on between us.”
“You two looked pretty cozy at the gala last month.”
There was a brief moment when I was interested in Kai, mostly because he was hot as hell. An underwear model with Calvin Klein, I mean, my childhood self would have died knowing that someone like that would be interested in little old me, but after getting to know Kai, I realized I needed more than just a physical attraction to be happy.
“I’m honestly happier single and don’t have any intention of settling down. Ever, in fact. I don’t want anyone to hold me back.”
I checked my watch, and even though we still had fifteen minutes left, I was bored with the interview. I was bored with all interviews, honestly. At one time, I thought it was exciting to talk about myself, and these journalists had wanted to know everything. It used to make me feel special, but now it just made me feel like a target. I had to watch everything I said or did, and it was exhausting.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Murphy, but something has come up. I think you have plenty of information about the event, and I will see you tomorrow. So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to cut this interview short.”
“Very well,” Gerard said as he started to pack away his camera. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Stone, and I looked forward to the auction. One last question - who will you be wearing?”
I plastered on a fake smile. “You’ll just have to wait and see like the rest of the world, Mr. Murphy. I have a very special dress picked out.”
“Not even a hint?’
“My lips are sealed. The designer custom-made it for me and has asked that I keep it a surprise.”
“Well, I’ll be eager to see it.”
The way his eyes moved over my body… Gerard was checking me out. Not that I was surprised; he’d always been a little too curious about my love interests. He was an older man, but attractive and cultured. A girl could do worse. But I’d meant what I said. I didn’t want to date anyone. They’d only hold me back, and no one in this world was interesting enough to be worth it to me.
Everyone just felt so… fake. As much as I hated to admit it, and I felt pretentious just thinking that, but it was true. Gerard would always be a journalist first, and I wouldn’t be able to trust myself around him. I couldn’t be myself around him or Kai or any of the other men who had expressed interest in me.
I showed Gerard out, and as soon as he was gone, I let out a breath that I hadn’t realized I was holding. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I texted my brother as I prepared to leave.
Just need to change and I’ll be right there.
I loved the designer dresses and duds, but sometimes I really missed wearing jeans and a t-shirt. And when I was with my brother, I had permission to dress down.
I s
lipped into the booth across from Matt.
“No designer gown for our lunch meeting? I’m disappointed.”
“Hush,” I said. “If it makes you feel any better, the jeans are still designer.”
“As is the shirt, I presume?”
I glanced down at the white t-shirt with a Van Gogh painting on the front. “I don’t think so. This was a gift.”
Matt cocked an eyebrow. “A gift?”
“Someone I dated briefly. I can’t remember if it was Tom or Jacob.”
“Tom Huntington or Jacob Graham, right?”
I sighed. “Yes, Tom from that movie that came out three years ago and Jacob whose band was hot for two seconds last year. What does it matter?”
“Does it ever feel weird being you?”
“Why is everyone always asking me things like that?” I asked, staring at my brother. “Of all the people in the world, you’re the last person I’d expect to ask me that.”
“Sorry, it’s just, well, you’re not the Evelyn I remember growing up.”
“I’m Eva now,” I reminded him, pulling out a menu even though I already knew what I planned to order.
“Yes, I know, and how does it feel to be Eva? Is it better than being Evelyn?”
My eyes rolled upward to stare at him over the menu. My brother and I were twins, and from looking at him, you could tell we were related. We both had the same jet-black hair and grey eyes, but that’s where the similarities ended. My brother was always athletic, playing football in high school and now coaching it at the same high school. He’d removed his cowboy hat, setting it beside him on the table, and his hair was messy.
Not much had changed for him over the years. A few more lines on his face, some facial hair, but he was still the same Matt he’d always been.
I knew it was hard for him to witness my transition. I’d changed so much, and so quickly. As soon as I left Liberty, the day after graduation, I’d decided to reinvent myself. I took our mother’s maiden name - Stone - and decided to go by Eva instead. My mom, trying to reconnect with me after all those years, had spoiled me with a fancy New York shopping spree and makeover. No more band tees and skinny jeans. No more space buns, I traded it in for a trendy bob at the time. And I actually learned how to wear makeup.
When I moved to New York, it became evident - I could be anyone I wanted to be. No one knew Evelyn Palmer, and I no longer wanted to know her either. The mousy, awkward girl was gone.
“It is better, yes,” I said, finally answering my brother’s question.
“It took you a long time to answer,” he observed, leaning back in the booth. “Are you sure you’re happy, Eva?”
The waitress appeared just in the nick of time, and I gave her my order - hoping my brother would forget his line of questions by the time we finished ordering.
But alas, Matt was anything if not stubborn. “So?”
“So what?” I asked, distracting myself by adding sweetener to my tea while pretending I had no idea what he was talking about.
“Are you happy, Eva?”
“Yes, of course I’m happy,” I said, throwing my hands in the air. “I mean, look at my life - I’m living my dream of being an artist. I’m successful beyond words. I get invited to celebrity parties, and I can date pretty much anyone I want.”
“Do those things make you happy though? Because something has been off with you for a while.”
“I told you, I’ve been struggling to create more art that I’m happy with,” I said. “It’s bringing me down a little, but overall, my life is good. I’m sure my creative juices will start flowing again soon.”
“Is that it?” Matt asked.
I sighed and pursed my lips in frustration. “Listen, Matt. I just got out of an interview. I really don’t want to be grilled by you right now.”
“I’m sorry,” Matt said, lowering his head and staring down at his hands. “I’m just worried about you. Dad is too. He’s been asking—”
I stopped him before he could continue. “You know my one rule, Matt.”
“I know, we don’t talk about Dad or Liberty, but you know, Dad isn’t getting any younger, Eva. And he’s sorry, he really is. He wants a relationship with you.”
My jaw tightened at the mention of our father. I hadn’t seen him since the photos of me with Declan had become public knowledge and he had laid into me hard.
“Maybe he should have thought about that before calling me a whore, Matt.”
Matt looked up at me, his mouth open but no words came out at first.
When he did speak, he said, “Wow, Eva, I had no idea. You never told me he did that. I’m sorry.”
“Well, I know you love Dad, and I didn’t want to cause problems between the two of you. After all, he was always good to you. He just couldn’t handle raising a girl, I guess.”
The waitress brought our food, and I checked the time.
“I’m sorry, I have a million things to do before the event tomorrow,” I announced. “Do you mind if we take this to-go? You’re coming to the auction, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Matt muttered, running a hand through his hair. “And sure, I know you’re busy right now and have a lot going on. We can catch up after you’re settled down.”
“When do you fly back?”
“Two days from now.”
“Then we will certainly have time to catch up,” I said, wrapping my sandwich in the paper and waving down our waitress to ask for a to-go bag.
I felt terrible for cutting our lunch short, but I was no longer hungry. Talk of my father would often do that to me. My stomach was in knots, and my head was spinning with memories from that day - easily one of the worst days of my life.
Matt was staying at the restaurant, so I gave him a quick hug before bolting out of there. As soon as I was out on the busy Manhattan street, it felt like I could breathe again. I loved my brother dearly, and I knew he meant well - but his questioning and pressure to reconcile with our father often weighed on me, made me not want to spend as much time with him.
I couldn’t blame him, not completely. He didn’t know the full extent of our argument that night. He wasn’t there, and I didn’t think Dad would admit to what he said to me or to the fact that he’d slapped me. I’d never talked about it because I just wanted to put it behind me.
I kept repeating, “It’s all in the past, Eva,” in my head as I walked toward my apartment.
I was so tired, and I knew that as soon as I got home, I would take a long, hot bath and go to bed early. Tomorrow was going to be a long day of preparations.
I called Lily as I walked, and she answered on the first ring.
“Hey there. How did the interview go with Gerard?”
I groaned.
“That bad, huh?” she laughed.
Even though I had initially hired Lily as my assistant, and she was a damned good one too, she became more like a friend. Part of me had wanted to call her not just to get it over with, but because I knew she would make me feel better about the day I’d had.
“Yeah, you’ll be able to read about it in a few days. I’d prefer not to talk about it right now. My brother is in town and—”
“Matt’s in town?” Lily asked. “When did that happen?”
“He came in today, I guess. He wants to go to the auction. Which reminds me, please make sure he’s on the guest list.”
“Should I give him a plus-one?”
I pondered that question for a second. I could ask him if he had a date, though considering he was alone at the diner, I had a feeling he hadn’t brought anyone with him.
“Just mark him down as one.”
“Got it. How’s he doing, by the way? I haven’t seen him since he came in for Thanksgiving.”
I smiled as I remembered the small get-together I’d thrown at my penthouse - just the three of us, though Mom had stopped by briefly. That part hadn’t gone over so well. But the time with Lily and Matt was special. A great memory.
&nbs
p; “He’s, well, he’s Matt. It’s hard to tell, honestly. He just wanted to talk about our dad, and I wasn’t in the mood for that right now.”
“I’m sorry, Eva.”
“Thanks, Lily.” I loved that I didn’t have to explain myself to her. She never poked or prodded or pressured me to make amends with my dad. I was now approaching my building and ready to sink into my jetted tub. “So, do I have any messages? Anything important I should know about?”
“You have a couple messages. Someone named Eli Harvey called but didn’t leave a message.”
“I don’t know of an Eli Harvey. Did he say where he knew me from?”
“Just said you were old friends.”
“Ah, well, probably just someone who met me once years ago and is hoping to network. Anyone else?”
“Yes, Kai called and asked if you had plans for after the auction.”
“Next, please,” I muttered under my breath as the doorman held the door open for me to enter the building. I smiled my thanks. My heels clacked on the marble floor as I walked toward the elevator.
“Oh yes, a Declan Wilde called for you and—”
“Wait, what did you say?” I stopped right outside the elevators, frozen in place.
“Declan Wilde? Also said he was an old friend, so I assume he’s someone you hardly know again.”
My heart literally stopped. The world around me continued to move along, but I forgot how to breathe. I just stared at the elevator buttons as if I had no idea where I was.
A voice from the left of me asked, “Excuse me, Ms. Stone? Would you like some assistance?”
It was the concierge. I shook my head and said, “Uhh, no thanks.”
I pressed the button for the elevator and stepped inside as Lily waited for my response.
I closed my eyes as the elevator ascended. “Declan Wilde? Really?”
“Yes… so you do know him?” Lily asked. “Would you like his callback info?”
Would I like to speak to Declan again? After all these years? After that night? Why was my past coming back to haunt me right before such an important event?
I swallowed the lump in my throat and said, “No thanks, Lily.”