Author's Note: Thank you to those who are reading this. Please let me know what you think. Here is the second chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.
Evelyn detests when Adrian is able to get into her head, but he can and he has. Since meeting James and discovering what a truly wonderful person he is, Evelyn has worried what type of influence she is having on him. Adrian's earlier comments about sin really bother her. Has her less than nice ways already begun affecting James? The bible is very clear about not engaging in premarital sex and there is even a commandment about adultery, both which James is partaking in because of her. These thoughts flitted through Evelyn's head the entire night before keeping her awake. With her inability to sleep, James also found it difficult to rest. He was worried about her and asked her several times she was all right. She reassured him she was fine but didn't delve into what was really bothering her. The guilt has remained with her throughout the day so she finds herself volunteering at the weekly soup kitchen James' church hosts. Maybe helping the less fortunate will ease her guilty conscience.
"You didn't have to do this, ya know?" James says as he carries over a pot of soup to a table at the front of the banquet hall where people are lined up awaiting their meal.
"I know, but I want to." Evelyn is surprised to find that she actually means it, offering James a smile.
"Ok, then," he smiles back at her, places the pot of soup on the table then gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
James heads back to the kitchen leaving Evelyn standing there with a box of plastic spoons in one hand while her other hand rests against her cheek where James' lips had just been. She must say that she never thought anyone but Adrian could make her feel so besotted, especially in an old, drafty dining hall surrounded by people who haven't bathed in ages, but James does. It isn't the head over heels in love she fell with Adrian, it's much too early in their relationship for that, but she is beginning to care more and more for this man.
"Would you mind serving for a sec? I need to check on my son," the woman, Lorraine she thinks, asks, pulling Evelyn out of her thoughts.
"Of course," Evelyn agrees, taking the ladle from the woman.
The soup kitchen has been opened for nearly half an hour so most people are already seated. Evelyn is glad because even with the lid on the pot, her nose crinkles at the smell. She hasn't said anything to James, but she can't help but wonder if these people should be eating something that smells so strongly. It can't be good for them!
"I'd like more please," a little says as he places his bowl on the edge of the tale in front of the soup pot.
Maybe it's because she believes him to be about six, or it might even be his blond hair that reminds her so much Barret's with the reddish tint to it, but more than anything it is the fact that a child is one of the many homeless in Los Angeles that has tears pooling in Evelyn's eyes. Evelyn nods at the boy, afraid her voice will crack if she speaks.
"Thank you," the boy smiles brightly at her.
Evelyn returns the smile even as tears sting her eyes. She lifts the lid off the pot and dips the ladle in, almost gagging as the smell hits her full force. She swallows a couple of times so she won't in fact gag then serves the boy a large helping of the highly questionable soup. She definitely needs to discuss better menu options with James if children are going to be eating what is served. The boy thanks her again then heads off to a nearby table where a woman, probably his mother sits. She asks if he remembered to use his manners then smiles proudly when he nods.
"Hey, you ok?" James startles Evelyn as he comes to stand by her. He notices she looks a bit upset and follows her gaze. He understands the sudden change in her mood when his eyes land on Nicky and his mother. The little boy is small for his age, looking more like a first grader than a third grader. James remembers the night Evelyn told him about her son and his heart broke for her and all the pain she suffered. Looking at her now, he wishes he could do something to help ease the pain that remains even after all these years.
"Let's go grab something to eat," James suggests, his voice low and soothing. He takes the ladle from her hand, resting it beside the pot of soup. He then wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her closer. Evelyn goes willingly, resting her head against his shoulder.
"As long as it isn't that soup," Evelyn sniffs, pointing accusingly at the offensive concoction.
"Ok," James laughs, glad that even if she is upset it isn't impeding her sense of humor or her ability to voice her displeasure.
"How can you eat that?" Evelyn asks a little bit later as they sit in the back of the dining hall, a group of elderly homeless woman sitting a couple of chairs away from them.
James chuckles, slightly amused at Evelyn as she tries discreetly keep her mouth and nose covered with the back of her hand as she speaks. He's glad to see that she isn't upset any longer, but this is rather amusing. Evelyn narrows her eyes at him, unappreciative of his reaction to her dislike of the soup.
"It grows on ya," James shrugs, laughing again when Evelyn's eyes widen in horror at the mere thought of ever becoming accustomed to something as disgusting as that soup.
"We should discuss better menu options. These people are homeless; they've suffered enough!" Evelyn gives him a pointed look.
"Don't worry, we only serve soup once a month." His words obviously do not alleviate her concern.
"Is the other food as…." Evelyn trails off, searching for a polite way to insult the soup. "Fragrant?" She decides, unable to get past the overpowering smell the soup emits.
"Most people just think it's chewy; they don't really say anything about the smell."
He has to tease her. She is doing much better than he thought she would, but honestly, no one has ever complained about the aroma of the soup. The fact that it is bothering Evelyn so much is laughable but he doesn't want to discourage her from volunteering. He has noticed that given the opportunity, Evelyn is a very caring person even if she doesn't recognize this about herself.
Evelyn offers James a bland look then asks, "what will we be serving next week?" She is very pleased when James smiles at her, surprised but also happy that she has decided to volunteer again.
"Chili," he answers nonchalantly, trying his best not to laugh when she pales at the word.
Evelyn realizes James is getting a little bit too much enjoyment out of trying to terrorize her with the menu. She sits up straighter and clasps her hands in front of her, determined to show him that she can and will handle volunteering at the soup kitchen.
"Would it be all right if I tried to find someone willing to provide more suitable meals?" Evelyn asks cautiously, not wanting James to think she is trying assume control of his church's outreach program.
"That'd be great!" He says, excited by the thought of offering the homeless something more appetizing to eat. With the church's budget it is hard to offer them the variety they do.
"Ok, I'll see what I can do." Evelyn is already running through a list of restaurant owners she should be able to convince to donate food and their time. After all, a couple of them were part of Adrian's disgusting little hobby and if they want her to remain silent about their participation, they will rise to the challenge.
"Just remember to keep it simple." James is a bit concerned by the glint in her eye, along with her at times over-the-top attitude that what is supposed to quick meals is going to turn into haute cuisine.
"I was thinking of sandwiches, salads," she lists, reading from the look in James' eyes his concern. He nods at her suggestions, relieved her ideas aren't too different from what they already serve. "And maybe soup without such a pungent odor," she has to add, unable to let go of her strong aversion to the current dish being served. James shakes his head then takes her hand in his.
"Thank you for volunteering tonight and for wanting to help acquire donations for the soup kitchen. It really means a lot to me." James runs his thumb over her knuckles, his gaze never leaving her eyes.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me," she whispers. He will never know just how much appreciates it.
The two share a chaste kiss and for a bit just sit there talking. James explains that nearly ten thousand homeless occupy makeshift encampments in Los Angeles, a larger number than anyone would like to admit are children. Evelyn is horrified to hear these statistics, once again thinking of the little boy that reminded her so much of Barrett.
"I'll talk to Marisol, see if there is something we can do to help. She is very good at being good." There has to be something they can do to help ease this epidemic.
"Hey, look at me," James says softly. Evelyn does as she's told, a bit confused by the request. "You're not too bad at being good yourself."
Evelyn beams at the compliment, forgetting where they are, she pulls James into a searing kiss. The women sitting a few chairs away nudge each other and point, but the rest of the dining hall occupants concentrate on their food. A handful of the people are focused on the two men standing at the soup table. It isn't until they hear a crash that Evelyn and James snap out of their trance. James is quickly to his feet heading off in the direction of the two men. Evelyn follows behind him.
"What's going on?" James demands as he comes to stand in front of the men. The stockier man in the plaid ear flap cap is standing but the taller, skinnier one wearing a very tattered blazer is lying in the floor. The table must have been knocked over when the man fell backwards. Neither man answer James, they just continue glaring at one another. "I'll ask you again, what is going on?" James is losing his patience with the men.
Evelyn comes to stand behind James, placing her hand on his shoulder. She hopes the touch will calm him but she can feel him grow tenser as the two men begin arguing. Evelyn, along with several other occupants, startle when James yells at pair to stop arguing. She has never heard him use such a tone before and from the way he closes his eyes and grits his teeth, he isn't proud of himself for using the tone. The two men apologize and as the one from the floor stands up, the overwhelming smell from the soup assaults her nose. During the scuffle the soup pot has been knocked off and the man is now covered in what was left in the pot.
"Trent, you're bleeding," James points out to the man who has just stood from the floor. Trent touches his nose, glaring at the other man when he sees blood on his fingertips.
"Oh God," Evelyn groans weakly. James turns just in time to catch her as she passes out.
"I'm fine," Evelyn insists as James and she enter the mansion a while later. James has his hand resting on the small of her back, ready to grab her if she even looks like she is about to sway.
"Uh-huh," James replies, unconvinced. She has been trying to reassure him of this for the past hour but he isn't buying it.
Since passing out, Evelyn has been ashamed. She can't believe she actually passed out just because of a little blood. James is more concerned about her health than he is about her embarrassment. He tried to convince her to allow him to take her to the hospital but she refused, insisting, as she is now, that nothing is wrong.
"James," Evelyn says as they enter the study. She turns to face him, his eyes filled with concern. She is touched but she doesn't need coddling. She appreciates the concern and to show that she does she places her hand to his cheek then tells him, "I'm fine, just embarrassed."
Evelyn strokes James' cheek as they gaze into each other's eyes. He wants to believe her, but she is pale and hasn't been acting like herself for the past day or so. He is worried about her and wishes she would allow him to take her to see a doctor.
"Embarrassed? What'd you do?" Adrian asks smugly from the bar, a glass of bourbon in hand. Evelyn closes her eyes and purses her lips, annoyed by Adrian's presence.
"Good evening, Adrian," James says taking Evelyn's hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Reverend," Adrian replies coolly, less than happy to see that the man is in his house for yet another night. "So," Adrian continues, his tone a bit more upbeat. He refuses to let the reverend's presence interfere with poking fun at his wife. "What did you do to embarrass yourself? You were already volunteering at a soup kitchen, so whatever it was it must've been bad." Adrian's eyes sparkle with delight as he awaits to hear just how Evelyn has managed to embarrass herself at an event for the homeless.
"If you must know," Evelyn sighs exasperatedly, "I passed out."
Of all the things Adrian expected her to say, this wasn't one of them. He narrows his eyes at her in concern. She has obviously been feeling a bit under the weather for the past couple of days, but passing out is very unlike her. At least in normal, day-to-day situations.
"I keep trying to convince her she should see a doctor. People don't just pass out." James looks pointedly at Evelyn as he speaks. She doesn't even bother to refrain from rolling her eyes.
"Actually, she does on occasion." Adrian's statement forces James to look questioningly at the two of them.
"I do not!" Evelyn scoffs, offended by the notion.
"You did last year," Adrian reminds her. Evelyn frowns at the reminder.
"Only because there was a severed leg in the roses!" She says defensively. Adrian will never understand just how traumatizing that had been.
"You found a leg in your garden?" James can't help but do a double take at this bit of information.
"It was just the one," Evelyn says dismissively with a wave of her hand. James shakes his head, unsure of how to respond to that answer. "What does that leg have to do with anything?" Evelyn asks looking between the men.
"I'm simply pointing out that, on occasion, you do faint," Adrian shrugs and takes a sip of his drink. Evelyn narrows her eyes at Adrian.
"Maybe it's the sight of blood that makes you pass out?" James suggests, drawing Evelyn's attention back to him.
"Don't be ridiculous, it was just a little nose bleed. Plenty of my friends have had nose jobs." It's Evelyn's turn to shake her head at James.
"What does that have to do with anything? James asks, mimicking her earlier words.
"Nose bleeds after rhinoplasty are rather common," Adrian explains to James, a fact he learned when his plastic surgeon had suggested the surgery after his altercation with Michael Stappord.
"Ok," James nods, again unsure of how to react to the current conversation taking place in the Powell's study.
"If the two of you would like to continue discussing plastic surgery, I'm going to bed." Evelyn takes a couple of steps towards the door.
"Evelyn," Adrian calls after her. She grits her teeth then slowly turns to face him.
"Yes?" She asks, her patience fraying.
"It's obvious why you passed out." Adrian smirks. Evelyn narrows her eyes at him, unsure of what he means. James is also curious as to what Adrian is talking about.
"Well?" Evelyn prods, wanting to know just what he thinks caused her little episode.
"You passed out," Adrian's face erupts into a smile as the two look at him, "because you were stunned. It's like culture shock. All of a sudden you are surrounded by poor people in polyester and worn jeans that probably haven't bathed in weeks. Your system was so overwhelmed, you simply passed out!" Adrian flutters his hand like a leaf falling to the ground.
"Goodnight, Adrian," Evelyn growls over her shoulder, already walking away. She has to pull James along with her because from the look on his face and the way he clenches his fist, he would rather stay down here and pummel Adrian than go upstairs with her. She understands completely.
"Just a thought," Adrian calls after them, smirking to himself before finishing off his bourbon.
"He has no right demeaning them like that," James says later that night as they lie in bed. Evelyn is wrapped in his arms, her head resting against his chest.
"James," Evelyn begins looking at him through her lashes, "are you really going to discuss Adrian after we…." She trails of, smiling coyly at him. James' anger dissipates and he chuckles.
"I'm sorry," he apologizes, pulling her closer.
"No, it's all right. You work so hard to help them you for a bond with them. They're not just nameless faces to you. Besides, Adrian's a jack ass." Evelyn strokes his cheek, once again in awe of his kindness.
"Still," James sighs, "I should be focused on us, not the homeless and certainly not your husband."
James lifts her chin so he can kiss her. The kiss starts out slowly but quickly builds in intensity. James deepens the kiss as he rolls Evelyn onto her back. They enjoy this time they spend together, kissing, laughing, and exploring each other's bodies. Evelyn is mesmerized that a man she has only known for a few short weeks, a reverend, can make her feel so alive and so cherished. It has been too long since she last felt this way.
Walking to his bedroom, Adrian finds himself making a detour past Evelyn's bedroom. James and she went to bed a couple of hours earlier so he doubts they will catch him spying. He has just stopped outside of Evelyn's door when he hears her laugh followed by mumbled words from James. She laughs again then her breath catches. Adrian quickly moves from the door. He should be the one in bed with her, making her laugh, making love to her. Sullenly, Adrian makes his way to his room.