Author's Note: PLEASE REVIEW! I really want to know what people think of this.
Marisol must say she is very proud of Evelyn. It was surprising when the woman had arrived at work asking for Marisol's assistance in helping the homeless, but she is glad to see James is having an influence on Evelyn. Reconciling the fact that Evelyn Powell actually wants to help the less fortunate wasn't as difficult as Marisol had expected it to be. She had left Evelyn to return phone calls while she tried to get in touch with a few people that might be able to help them. That was nearly an hour ago, the past fifty odd minutes Marisol has spent on hold as she has tried to get in touch with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The call was disconnected so for a few minutes Marisol is going to try to find a website or an e-mail she can reach them at.
Entering the office Marisol is a bit perplexed to find Evelyn sitting on the end of the sofa, her head propped up in her hand as she sleeps. Marisol doesn't know why she is surprised by this, after all Evelyn did actually arrive on time today so of course she needs a nap. Marisol rolls her eyes as she looks at the red head.
"Evelyn!" Marisol says loudly as she walks around her desk. Evelyn startles and looks around, momentarily confused by her surroundings. Her eyes then rest on Marisol as the woman takes a seat.
"I'm sorry, I must've dozed off," Evelyn yawns then blinks. She is so tired this morning.
"Did you return those phone calls?" Marisol tries to keep her tone even, but she finds it rather annoying that while she is trying to find a way to help Evelyn, the woman is in the office sleeping. Evelyn nods then sits up.
"Daphne Wells scheduled a meeting with you on Friday. She is looking at for a maid with Nanny experience," Evelyn tells Marisol, rubbing her eyes as she speaks.
"Are you ok?" Marisol asks, noticing for the first time the dark circles under Evelyn's eyes. She has been acting a bit strangely recently. Even when Evelyn hasn't wanted to work in the past, she has never fallen asleep at work.
"I'm fine." Evelyn waves her hand dismissively. Marisol narrows her eyes at Evelyn then smiles, realizing why Evelyn must be so tired.
"So, I'm guessing you and James were up late last night?" Marisol asks teasingly, quickly forgetting all the things she should be doing.
"Yes, we were." Evelyn laughs at the memory, her cheeks flushing.
"Ev-uh-lyn,": Marisol drawls, surprised things have moved so fast between the two. Evelyn gives her an innocent look then lifts her brow. "How was it?" Marisol asks, work can definitely wait while they enjoy a little girl talk.
"It was extraordinary," Evelyn sighs deeply resting her head on the back of the sofa. Marisol leans forward in her chair waiting for Evelyn to dish. "James is so kind and such a wonderful man." Evelyn sits back up. "I was so afraid he wouldn't want to be with me, but even though he's such an amazing person, he likes me and wants to be with me. He is caring, loving, and very attentive." Evelyn sends Marisol a knowing look.
"That's great," Marisol exclaims, glad her friend has found such an amazing man.
"I just can't help but wonder….." Evelyn pauses, her smile fading.
"What?" Marisol asks, again concerned.
"I…" Evelyn isn't sure how to say this. It sounds ridiculous in her mind so she can't imagine how it will sound to Marisol.
"What is it, Evelyn?" Marisol asks, standing from her chair. She moves to the sofa then takes a seat beside Evelyn.
"Adrian said…." Evelyn starts to explain.
"Oh God," Marisol groans. No good can come from anything Adrian has to say.
"Adrian said that James is committing two sins, and as much as I hate to admit it, that evil little demon is right. I don't want to be the reason James turns into a person like me." Evelyn sighs heavily and once again drops her head against the back of the sofa.
"Evelyn," Marisol says, reaching out to touch Evelyn's arm. "Look at me," she instructs. Without sitting up, Evelyn rolls her head to the side so she can see Marisol. "First, never listen to Adrian." Marisol shakes her head. Evelyn seems to consider this for a moment then looks at Marisol encouraging her to continue. "Secondly, you're not the awful person you think you are."
Evelyn scoffs at this.
"Certainly you haven't forgotten some of the things I've done."
"We've all done things we regret," Marisol averts her gaze, the guilt she feels over her night with Jesse bubbles to the surface.
"But James is a reverend and he's having sex with a married woman," Evelyn exclaims as she sits up, astonished that Marisol doesn't understand the gravity of the situation.
"THAT is what's bothering you?" Marisol asks, cringing at just how surprised she sounds.
"Why do you sound so shocked that would bother me?" Evelyn looks expectantly at the other woman.
"It's just," Marisol flounders for a moment unsure of how to say this. "You've just never struck me as a very religious person." Marisol hopes that didn't sound too bad.
"I'm not." Evelyn shakes her head at the mere thought. She definitely isn't religious. "But he is. He truly believes the Bible and tires to live by it, and sleeping with a married woman is a big no-no. Even I know that!" Evelyn can't help but groan. Marisol covers her mouth and snickers. "It isn't funny!" Evelyn insists glaring at Marisol.
"I'm sorry, you're right. It isn't funny but it's just weird to see you so worked up over this." Marisol holds her hand up as she speaks not wanting Evelyn to think she's making fun of her.
"This is why I shouldn't have said anything," Evelyn moans and throws her hands up in the air.
"Evelyn," Marisol says gently, deciding to be straight forward. "You are putting a lot of responsibility on yourself."
Evelyn is confused by Marisol's words.
"James is choosing to be with you. He knows what the Bible says and he has his own beliefs, too, and if being with you goes against any of those belies, then that's on him, not you. You aren't forcing him into this relationship." Marisol gives her a sympathetic smile, hating to see the usually confident woman second guess herself. Then to lighten the mood Marisol asks, "are you?"
"No," Evelyn laughs, feeling better a bit better.
"Then stop worrying. He likes you and you obviously like him so just enjoy it. And please, do NOT listen to Adrian." Marisol wishes she could stress this bit of advice more.
"Thank you, Marisol, I needed that." Evelyn smiles appreciatively.
"You're welcome." Marisol returns the smile. "Do you want to grab some lunch?"
"Ok, but first I need to call Geneviève and get the name of her private chef." Evelyn stands quickly from the sofa the room suddenly begins to spin around her. She grabs onto the arm of the sofa to stead herself.
"Are you ok?" Marisol asks, alarmed, as she comes to stand by Evelyn.
"Fine, I just stood up too fast." Evelyn gives her a reassuring smile and when she no longer feels dizzy, she goes to call Geneviève. Marisol watches Evelyn walk out of the office, concerned about the woman.
"Why would I help you?" Geneviève asks, annoyed that the red head would dare call her and even more aggrieved with Rosie for taking the call. Why can't Zoila just come back so she can fire that girl?
"It isn't for me, it's for the homeless." Evelyn doubts appealing to Geneviève's senses will help but she might as well give it a try. Instead of a snarky remark, Evelyn is met with laughter.
"You…want to help…..the homeless?" Geneviève manages between a fit of giggles.
"Yes, why does that amuse you so?" Evelyn asks growing annoyed with the woman. The giggling continues before Evelyn finally receives an answer.
"You're serious?" Geneviève asks unable to believe that Evelyn Powell would even think about the homeless, let alone want to help them.
"Of course I'm serious!" Evelyn scoffs.
"Oh." Genvieve's disbelief quickly turns into curiosity. "Why?"
"Why what?" Evelyn closes her eyes and shakes her head. She should have just visited Genvieve in person instead of trying to have this conversation over the phone.
"Why do you, Evelyn Powell, want to help the homeless?" Genvieve can't wait to hear this answer. In all the time she has been acquainted with the Powells, neither of them have ever done more than donate money to help others.
"Well, if you must know, and you must because you are a nosey little busy body," Evelyn's description is accurate, Genvieve's only response to nod in agreement. "I'm seein Reverend James Hamilton and he…."
"You're dating a preacher?" Genvieve gasps then once again busts into a fit of giggles. Evelyn groans but confirms that she is in fact dating a preacher. "He's gorgeous!" Genvieve gasps.
"Yes he is," Evelyn smiles in agreement. Before Genvieve can ask any more questions, Evelyn tells her of the soup kitchen and why she wants Guy's number. Genvieve agrees her personal chef would provide wonderful food then offers to set up a meeting between Evelyn and Guy. Evelyn thanks her then gets off the phone as quickly as possible because Genvieve grates on her nerves.
Genvieve only agreed to and arranged this meal sampling due to curiosity. She has met Reverend Hamilton before but she wants to know why he has chosen to date Evelyn. Surely she isn't the type of woman the reverend usually dates. Unfortunately for Genvieve, the reverend will not be joining them tonight; he is at the hospital visiting a sick parishioner. Genvieve's private chef, Guy, also has an ulterior motive. The only reason he agreed to do something like this is because Evelyn Powell, though she looks a bit pale and tired, is still the heartless bitch she has always been. The moment she called him he knew that the only way his lover would not find out about his little habit would be to agree to her terms. He expected to be catering an elaborate dinner party not providing food for the homeless, but since Evelyn will have no problem telling his boyfriend of his favorite past time, he will pretend to happily prepare this food.
The table in Genvieve's dining room is lined with dishes, the aromas mingling and hanging in the air. Evelyn wishes she had sent Marisol to do this tasting since the smells alone are causing her stomach to do flips. She isn't sure how she is going to manage actually eating this food. Guy offers both Genvieve and she a glass of wine, a way to cleanse the palate he says, but if the scent of the dishes is any indication of the taste then Clorox will not be able to cleanse her palate. Resigning herself to the fact she will just have to suffer through the tasting, Evelyn turns her attention to Guy. He busies himself telling Evelyn of the fresh ingredients he has used in his first dish. She is glad to hear this since her main request has been for the food to be made with fresh, healthy ingredients. Guy places a bowl of soup in front of Evelyn, glancing at Genvieve when Evelyn swallows.
"Is something the matter?" Genvieve asks Evelyn hoping the red head doesn't do something to alienate Guy. If she loses her personal chef because of Evelyn's behavior she will kill the woman, or at the very least make her very miserable. Judging from Evelyn's coloring she feels rather miserable as is.
"I'm fine," Evelyn says dismissively. She doesn't want to discuss anything of a personal nature with Genvieve and besides, tonight is about acquiring healthier alternatives for the soup kitchen.
Guy and Genvieve look expectantly at Evelyn as she glances down at the bowl of soup. It is a simple dish, and even though it looks and smells much more appetizing than that so called soup that was served at the soup kitchen, it still makes Evelyn queasy. Somehow she manages to lift a spoonful of it to her lips, impressed by the flavor and the amount of vegetables. She gives Guy her approval, taking a quick sip of wine before he places another dish in front of her. This time it is a simple pasta salad with carrots and peas. Again Evelyn doesn't find it too aesthetically pleasing but it tastes good. She can't wait to inform James of these new dishes.
Before Guy even places the third dish in front of her, Evelyn's stomach is already lurching. At first she didn't really think this would be difficult since it's just a simple salad, but once he lifts the lid on another dish, Evelyn closes her eyes, forcing herself not to be sick. Guy is unaware of her predicament as he details how he has prepared the chicken, Evelyn's stomach churning, her palms have become sweaty but she's too lightheaded to move. It isn't until Guy places the plate in front of her, forcing her to stare at the chicken that she is quickly to her feet and dashing off to the bathroom. Guy looks at Genvieve in shock.
"It's not your food, honey," Genvieve tries to reassure him. Obviously he doesn't believe her, a sulk settling on his face. "I'll get Rosie to put this away. I think Mrs. Powell is just a bit under the weather tonight." Genvieve offers him a forced smile then stands from the table in search of Evelyn.
Evelyn should be embarrassed, but by this point she is beginning to worry. She hasn't felt all that well for a couple of weeks now but she has blamed it on the pending divorce. Constantly battling with Adrian is exhausting and staying at Marisol's, while she is greatly appreciative of Marisol's hospitality, it definitely isn't what she's accustomed to. Unfortunately, she can't blame this on-going nausea and rather frequent dizziness on the divorce now can she? Standing in front of the mirror, scrutinizing the dark circles under her eyes the concealer didn't completely hide and her paler than usual complexion, she can't help but wonder if she's sick. Oh God, it could be cancer! She's absolutely terrified by the thought.
"Evelyn, don't you dare puke on that bath mat; it's brand new and very expensive!" Genvive calls from the other side of the door. Evelyn rolls her eyes then turns to look at the bath mat.
"It's hideous; a layer of vomit might improve it," Evelyn replies dryly, less than amused that while she fears she might have cancer, Genvieve fears for a bath mat that looks neither new nor expensive.
"Are you all right?" Genvieve asks a few seconds later.
"Your bath mat is unharmed." It's the only answer Evelyn can give because she most certainly is not all right.
"I didn't ask you about the mat." Genvieve is getting frustrated. Why does Evelyn make it so hard to be nice?
"I'll be out in a moment," Evelyn says, willing the woman to go away. When there's no response, Evelyn turns back to the mirror wondering if she does in fact have cancer.
Evelyn is surprised to find Genvieve sitting in the living room, Rosie standing in front of the coffee table as she pours tea.
"Are you ok, Mrs. Evelyn?" Rosie asks in that annoying, whiney tone. Honestly, Evelyn doesn't know how she tolerated it for so long and can't believe Genvieve has.
"What's this?" Evelyn ignores Rosie's question and motions to the tea.
"It's ginger tea, very good for upset stomachs," Rosie says, holding a cup of tea out to her.
"Thank you, Rosie." Evelyn accepts the tea doubtful anything will soothe her stomach but she is willing to give it a try.
"That'll be all, Rosie. Thank you." Genvieve smiles at the woman and once Rosie is out of ear shot, she turns to Evelyn who has taken the opposite end of the sofa.
"How upset is Guy?" Evelyn asks after taking a sip of tea.
"Guy's fine. I told him he could deliver the samples of the food to Hamilton House and that either your or Reverend Hamilton would be in touch."
"Thank you." Evelyn nods, appreciating Genvieve stepping in and directing Guy as to what to do with the left overs. Whatever is going on with her, she doesn't want it to affect the charity and those it helps.
"Have you seen a doctor?" Genvieve asks, deciding straight to the point is really the only way to handle Evelyn. Evelyn groans and sets the tea cup down on the table with more force than she intended. Genvieve grits her teeth in concern for her china.
"Genvieve, we aren't friends; I'm not discussing this with you." Evelyn states matter of factly.
"We used to be," Genvieve argues.
"Before you sent the police to my house to investigate my possible involvement in a murder," Evelyn scoffs, certainly Genvieve hasn't forgotten that.
"And before you shared my sex tape with the entire country club," Genvieve reminds, her cheeks coloring slightly.
"What do you want me to say?" Evelyn asks picking up the tea cup so she will have something to do.
"I just want you to tell me if you're ok or not." Genvieve scoots closer to Evelyn. "I know divorces can be difficult but you look awful."
"Gee, thanks." Evelyn rolls her eyes then takes another sip of the tea. It is actually helping a bit.
"I'm not trying to insult you," Genvieve insists, Evelyn shoots her an unbelieving glare. "Honest!" Genvieve reiterates. "You just look very drained and though we might not be accustomed to such common meals, that was not a normal reaction."
Genvieve waits for a response but the only reaction she receives is Evelyn hanging her head. Her shoulders begin to shake and a small sob escapes her throat. Genvieve most certainly wasn't expecting this. She tries to soothe Evelyn, wrapping her arm around the red head's shoulders then tries to carefully extract the tea cup and saucer from her trembling hands. "It's ok!"
"No, it's really not," Evelyn shakes her head.
"What's going on?" Genvieve asks gently, not sure how she will handle an even more upset Evelyn. Again Evelyn shakes her head. "Do I need to guess?" Genvieve asks having used this trick on Zoila from time to time.
"Please don't," Evelyn says miserably. When left to her own imagination, Genvieve can come up with the most outlandish ideas.
"Then what's going on?" Genvieve can't help but smile triumphantly; she knows how to get people to talk. Evelyn groans but sits up.
"I haven't felt well for the past couple of weeks, but I just thought it was stress from dealing Adrian and the divorce." Evelyn pauses for a moment and Genvieve nods knowing all too well how trying a divorce can be. "Besides, I was staying with Marisol and her guest bed was so uncomfortable so no wonder I was tired." Evelyn waves her hand dismissively at the thought.
"Show room mattresses, when will they learn?" Genvieve rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
"Precisely." Evelyn is glad someone understands. "Anyway, I just assumed all of that was due to the divorce and my living arrangements, but for the last few days I've been nauseated and dizzy, and last night I even fainted." Evelyn covers her face from the memory.
"Oh," Genvieve gasps, realizing what is wrong with Evelyn. "Have you been to the doctor yet?"
"No, I haven't really given it much thought but now that I have, I'm afraid at what he might tell me." Evelyn sighs heavily and leans back against the sofa.
"A lot of women your age go through this, it's nothing to be afraid of. Of course there are risks considering your advanced age….." Genvieve pauses when Evelyn sits up and looks at her with wide eyes. "What?" She asks.
"Nothing to be araid of? You think cancer is nothing to be afraid of, and just what does my age have to do with anything?" Evelyn's eyes flash with anger. Is Genvieve really this insensitive?
"Cancer?" Genvieve asks very confused.
"Yes, cancer! What did you think I was talking about?" Evelyn is very worried but not enough to overlook her growing frustration with Genvieve.
"I thought you were pregnant," Genvieve shrugs. It seemed rational to her.
Evelyn sits there a moment staring at Genvieve in disbelief then bursts out laughing. She wraps her arms around her stomach and doubles over as more laughter bubbles up. It is the most ridiculous thing she has ever heard.
"That is absolutely ludicrous," Evelyn manages between guffaws.
"Doesn't seem that ludicrous to me," Genvieve says simply. Evelyn continues to laugh, only stopping when she realizes that Genvieve is serious.
"It isn't possible, Genvieve," Evelyn states definitively.
"Why isn't it? Have you gone through menopause or had a hysterectomy?"
"No, I'm not that old," Evelyn drawls.
"You are getting old though," Genvieve reminds her.
"By you're still older," Evelyn smirks.
"Touché," Genvieve says forcing a smile. "So why do you say it isn't possible?" Genvieve wants to know why this is outside the realm of possibility. Evelyn shakes her head not liking to think about it let alone talk about it.
"Barrett's birth was difficult and there was a lot of scar tissue. The doctor told me I'd probably never be able to conceive again and that was fine. We had Barrett; we didn't want anything more." Evelyn takes a deep breath and clasps her hands in front of her, her eyes misting over. "Then when he died, we saw a specialist and confirmed what my doctor said. So see, it isn't possible." Evelyn sniffs then looks away.
"Honey," Genvieve says gently, taking Evelyn's hand in hers. "My doctors told me I'd never have children and I had Remy. Doctors aren't always right, especially plastic surgeons." Genvieve offers her a smile hoping to lighten the mood.
"Did you use fertility drugs?" Evelyn has to ask.
"No, just too much champagne and a coat closet at a party." Genvieve smiles fondly at the memory. No matter what else happened, her son was conceived in love.
"It still isn't possible," Evelyn shakes her head then a thought occurs to her. She remembers throwing a party a couple of months before Genvieve announced her pregnancy. "It better not have been my coat closet!" Evelyn says pointedly causing Genvieve to laugh. Genvieve looks at her questioningly. "There hasn't been any hot coat closet sex, or any other kind in quite some time, at least not with Adrian." Genvieve's ears perk up at this. "And with James…well pregnancy symptoms do not appear that quickly." Evelyn shakes her head.
"You had sex with the Reverend?" Genvieve asks, her mouth agape. Evelyn snorts.
"You suggest I'm pregnant yet the shocking admission of the night is that I'm having sex with a reverend?" Evelyn finds this amusing.
"Well I'm sorry, but he is a reverend and don't they have rules about having sex, especially when they aren't married to the person they're having sex with and that person is married to someone else?" Genvieve doesn't claim to be a religious person but she is aware of the basic rules, even if she has broken all of them. Some of them she's happily broken more than once.
"I had the same thought," Evelyn admits.
"Well?" Genvieve asks, curious as to how Evelyn and the reverend justify this behavior.
"Marisol explained that he has his views and essentially it's up to him. She's right! He made his choice and he seems fine with it." Evelyn shrugs.
"Ok, sex with the reverend aside, don't you remember the Hart's Memorial Day Celebration?"
Evelyn's eyes widen and she looks at Genvieve in shock. She remembers very little of that night, her memory clouded by too much alcohol. What she does remember is a very sloppy sexual encounter with Adrian in the back of the limo. How Genvieve knows about this perplexes her.
"How do you know about that?" Evelyn demands.
"The limo driver told your maid and your maid told my maid, blah, blah, blah." Genvieve waves away the rest, both of them have employed help long enough to know how quickly gossip spreads.
"Oh God!" Evelyn groans, burying her face in her hands.
"From the details Diego gave, it's like I'm in the limo on the night in question." Genvieve's smirk is met with a glare from Evelyn.
"Regardless of what happened in the limo, that was a few weeks ago," Evelyn once again begins to explain why she can't be pregnant.
"Eight weeks. It was eight weeks ago." Genvieve fills in.
"How do you know that?" Evelyn asks.
"Because in four more weeks I can get more botox." Genvieve smiles brightly. Again Evelyn rolls her eyes.
"It doesn't matter," Evelyn declares, tired of this conversation. "I'm not pregnant!" She says it with such certainty and finality Genvieve can only nod.
"Just because you're not pregnant doesn't mean you're nausea and dizziness is caused by cancer." Genvieve hopes Evelyn is wrong with her self-diagnosis.
"Then what could it be?" Evelyn asks throwing her hands up.
"Menopause!" Genvieve states plainly. Evelyn sits there a moment considering what Genvieve has said, a smile forming on her lips.
"That would make sense," Evelyn says, relief flooding through her.
"Better than cancer," Genvieve offers.
"Yes, definitely better than cancer." Evelyn is so glad that they have decided on a conclusion as to what is wrong with her, thankful that it isn't cancer.