This is a short filler chapter, but one I wanted to get in for relationship purposes between Christine, Meg, and Evie. If you're really good and review for me, I may post chapter 5 later today...it's ready to go...it's up to you.

Had to add one more thing, I put a plug in this chapter for adoption. I was adopted at 8 months of age by the most wonderful people whom I am blessed to call Mom and Dad. I dedicate this chapter to them.

MAN OF SORROWS

CHAPTER 4

Evie Sybille was everything Meg had anticipated she would be, and more. It was the consensus that most people who had experienced the success level that she had were snobbish and condescending; but Evie was neither of those things.

"Oh Christine, she's absolutely stunning!" Meg whispered as they approached the tall, graceful woman.

Christine had to admit that Evie Sybille was, indeed, a beautiful woman. Her movements were graceful and there was an air of sophistication about her that screamed European heiress; but no one knew much about her.

As they came up on her, Evie turned her blue/green eyes to them, gave them a confident smirk, and spoke in perfect Elizabethan English.

"You must be Meg Goldwyn, you're photos don't do you justice."

Her tone was honest and held no guile, and Meg was astounded that this woman would even know her name.

"Ms. Sybille, it is an honor to be given the chance to work with you."

Evie smiled, showing straight, polished white teeth; then her gaze rested on Christine; her smile remained, but here was something else resting in her warm eyes.

"Hello, I am Evie Sybille."

Christine was almost in a state of shock; this woman had actually noticed her and had spoken to her – directly.

She opened her mouth to speak, and was mortified when only a croaking sound emerged. She cleared her throat and tried again.

"I am Christine Daughtry, Meg's best friend."

Evie winked and tossed her long, raven braid behind her, sending it cascading down her back.

"Everyone needs a best friend; that is a surety."

The look in her eyes reminded Christine of someone remembering the past with painful clarity. The look was fleeting, and Evie soon had both women under her spell.

She showed Meg over to her display of designer clothing and was insistent that Christine accompany her.

"I know you're not the model, but best friends should be involved in the whole artistic flow of things…." she looked from Christine to Meg and back again, "…don't you think?"

Christine suddenly felt as though she were walking on clouds. In a matter of ten minutes, this beautiful, charasmatic woman had made her feel more important than anyone had in years – besides Meg.

Meg could not get the smile off her face. The clothing was fantastic, and every piece spoke of comfort and elegance; two things that seldom came together; especially in clothing designed for the everyday working woman.

"Your clothing is so fresh and flowing…so unlike any other design I have seen." Christine stated.

Evie had come to stand beside her as the photographer captured Meg at her best.

"Thank you…but I can't take all the credit – there are so many wonderful people behind the scenes that have made me what I am."

Christine shook her head in agreement, but was inwardly impressed by this woman's humble nature; it was a rarity in this world – and, even more so, in this line of work.

Every so often, Christine sensed that Evie was sizing her up for some reason. Her aqua eyes were so expressive and Christine could feel them on her.

Evie eventually noticed that Christine kept wearily eyeing her and smiled.

"Forgive me, but you remind me of someone…someone I knew long ago."

Christine creased her brow and smiled softly, "Was this person dear to you?"

"Yes she was. It's not so much in the way you look – but the fluctuation in your voice and the way you carry yourself."

Christine smiled, "Well, as far as I know, I had no sister."

Meg was finishing up, but it appeared that Evie was not through with Christine.

"Have you any family?"

Christine frowned visibly; that question always left a bleeding hole in her heart.

"Both of my parents are gone. My father died ten years ago from a massive heart attack…." Her eyes drifted away – staring at nothing in particular, "…my mother only lasted a few months after he was gone."

"How tragic for you, my dear….you're so young to have had parents that passed."

"I am twenty-eight…I was adopted by my parents when my mother was forty-three and my father was fifty – they had been trying for years to have children of their own."

Evie shuttered at the thought of the two monsters she called parents, "Some people should never be parents…adoption is a wonderful thing."

Christine sensed a deep anger within Evie - one that threatened to explode if properly provoked.

"Sorry dear, I didn't mean to alarm you….I can be a bit abrupt at times – especially where my childhood is concerned."

Christine didn't press the issue, for the shadows that lurked in Evie's eyes were dark and looming.

Thankfully, Meg was done and her bubbly personality lifted the moment as she praised Evie once again.

"This was the chance of a lifetime; thank you so much…I hope you will think of me again, should you choose to market your clothing in the United States."

"I will be sure and let you know, I have thoroughly enjoyed this time – that doesn't happen often."

Evie chuckled, remembering a few of the other photo sessions she had attended – they had all been disasters – for various reasons.

"I rarely have the opportunity to talk with anyone when I come with Meg…" Christine chimed in, "…I am usually slinking back in a corner somewhere, hoping to not be noticed."

"Christine has major self-image issues." Meg blurted out.

Christine managed a horrified glare at Meg, making the taller woman appear to be uncomfortable.

"What?" Meg asked, "You do…and you know it...no matter how much I tell you how attractive you are."

Christine rolled her eyes and looked back over at Evie – who had an amused look on her ravishing face.

"This is what I have to put up with – every day."

Evie laughed, feeling completely at ease with these two young women, "You're blessed."

Meg and Christine looked at each other and nodded; yes, they were blessed, indeed.

"Ladies, it has been a pleasure…I don't know that I will ever see you again – if not, added success to you both."

Christine actually felt a glitch in her heart as Evie walked out. Her crew had loaded everything into the trucks and the lights were going out; it was time to return to the real world.

TBC