Author's Note: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I truly appreciate it.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.
Zoila did not mean to spend her evening dining with Adrian, but when the phone rang she answered it without looking at the caller ID expecting to hear Rosie on the other end instead of Adrian. Once she did hear his voice she could tell he was upset so when he invited her to dinner she felt she couldn't decline. Something is bothering him, that much she can tell, but as they stand in the middle of a crowded restaurant, she begins to feel uncomfortable. She is starting to rely too much on their friendship, odd as it may be, and even though she is trying to deny them, there are certain feelings she is experiencing towards the man she shouldn't be having for any married man, but especially Adrian Powell.
"I didn't think this place would still be so busy," Adrian comments, looking at his watch. For nearly three minutes they have been standing at the door waiting for the hostess.
"Didn't this place just open?" Zoila asks, vaguely recalling Carmen mentioning the grand opening and how packed it had been.
"Two weeks ago, I believe," Adrian says, his eyes scanning the crowd for their hostess. He has heard rave reviews about the food here, but if the service is always this slow, he certainly will not make a return visit.
"You'll have to try the sushi; it was great when a few donors and I ate here on opening night," an all too familiar voice says from behind the two.
Adrian whips around at the voice, nearly bumping into Zoila. She jumps back to avoid contact with him. He narrows his eyes at her in confusion; they should discuss her peculiar behavior. That, however, will have to wait, because at the moment he is much more interested in the fact his wife and her new boyfriend have also decided to visit this establishment. He is pleased to see she no longer looks upset. A good cry over the photo albums usually cheers her.
"Evelyn, Reverend," Adrian smiles brightly at the two.
"Oh God," Evelyn groans with a roll of her eyes. She really just wanted a nice evening alone with James.
"Reverend?!" Zoila practically chokes. She looks at Evelyn and the gorgeous man she's with then turns to Adrian. There is no way he is serious.
"Oh that's right, I haven't told you about my wife's new beau." Adrian makes a mental note to tell Zoila all about the seemingly 'good' Reverend.
"Ha!" Zoila laughs then immediately reddens. "Sorry," she apologizes to the Reverend, not Evelyn.
"James," Evelyn begins, clearing her throat. 'This is Adrian's friend, Genvieve's maid, Zoila." Evelyn crinkles her nose at Zoila, unhappy to see the other woman.
"Nice to meet you." James takes Zoila's hand and shakes it. He must admit he is surprised to see Adrian out with someone like Zoila. He really thought Adrian, much like Evelyn, would have more Caucasian friends. Then again, Evelyn is dating him now.
"You as well," Zoila mumbles, embarrassed by her little outburst.
For a moment the four of them stand in awkward silence, the hostess still no where in sight. James feels as though he should say something to Zoila, he doesn't want to be rude, but this isn't the evening he envisioned. He doesn't even have to look at Evelyn to tell she's uncomfortable. He can feel the tension radiating from her. This divorce is much harder on her than she is willing to admit, and James hates that his suggestion of a relaxing evening out together has led them here. He doesn't imagine it is too comforting to see her soon-to-be-ex-husband with another woman.
"I'm so sorry for your wait," a young brunette says breathlessly, practically running to them. Evelyn and Adrian share a loo, their mutual dissatisfaction showing. "Table for four?" The girl asks a bit too enthusiastically for either of the Powell's liking.
"Actually…" James begins.
"No, we…." Evelyn starts at the same time as James.
"I don't think…." Zoila tries to explain, the three talking over each other so the girl can't understand any of them. The hostess goes wide eyed; she definitely needs a new job.
"I only have one table available," she says, bracing herself for the unhappy responses that will more than likely follow. The red head gives her an angry glare.
"We can go somewhere else," James offers. Evelyn huffs at the idea of conceding to Adrian.
"How long before another table is available?" Evelyn asks, forcing herself to remain calm.
"It'll be a while." The words pain the girl to say because these Beverly Hills types are a nightmare when they don't get their way.
"We'll wait at the bar, you two can have the table," Zoila offers.
"Ok, that's settled. Come along, James," Evelyn says happily, starting towards the table.
"Evelyn," James sighs, shaking his head at her. They aren't going to steal the table from Adrian and Zoila. Evelyn narrows her eyes at him then decides on another tactic.
"I thought you said you weren't a goody-goody."
"I'm not and you know that," James says playfully, placing his hand on her hip then leans in for a kiss.
"Ugh," Zoila makes a face at the disturbing display.
"Try living with that," Adrian mutters, rolling his eye at the pair. Zoila shakes her head, a look of disgust on her face. "I thought Christians were supposed to set a good example for the rest of us mere mortals," Adrian says, this nauseating display having gone on long enough. Evelyn pulls away from James to glare at Adrian.
"I am," James says simply, refusing to allow Adrian to get the best of him. Ignoring the man is the only way to handle him.
"By making out with a married woman in a crowded restaurant? Forgive me, Reverend, but I don't recall reading that in the Bible." Adrian takes on a tone of superiority. Evelyn's eyes are flashing with anger as she looks at him, and even Zoila appears ready to throttle him.
"When did you ever read the Bible?" Evelyn scoffs, never before has she even seen Adrian glance at the book. Zoila looks expectantly at Adrian for an answer.
"I'm simply showing a beautiful, amazing woman the love and attention she deserves," James smirks at Adrian then pulls Evelyn closer. He places a kiss against her temple.
Adrian narrows his eyes at James then looks to Evelyn. She smiles up at James, absolutely love sick as she glances at the other man. For a second he contemplates pulling Zoila in for a kiss but if he plans on making it through this dinner alive, he knows he will do no such thing. Instead, he has another idea how to get back at his wife.
These have to be the strangest people she has ever seen, and she has been in Los Angeles for nearly five years. Throughout this entire production, and that is exactly what this is because she has seen movies with less theatrics, the hostess has quietly stood by watching the four people. The line is backing up to the door and if she doesn't do something about that very soon, her manager will chew her out. Somehow she has to find a way to appease all of four these very odd people.
"I still just have the one table available," the hostess interrupts, gulping back fear. Again James, Evelyn, and Zoila begins speaking at once causing the hostess to want to scream.
"We'll take it," Adrian announces, the other three falling silent. "Table for four!" He smiles brightly at the three, the looks on Evelyn's and James' faces priceless. Zoila shoots him a questioning glare; she certainly did not want to spend her evening dining with him, his wife, and her boyfriend. Before any of them can say anything, Adrian places his hand on Zoila's back and guides her forward, following the hostess. This is going to be fun.
It doesn't bother Evelyn to be sitting across from her soon-to-be ex-husband as he is on what appears to be a date with Genvieve's maid. His preference for maids has never shocked her; they are meant to serve without question which sums up perfectly why Adrian has such a fondness for them. What surprises Evelyn in all honesty, is the fact that Zoila is dating someone like Adrian. The maid has always seemed to carry herself with an air of moral superiority, so why is she seeing a person like Adrian? Then again, the same could be said for James. Why is he, a reverend, dating a woman like Evelyn Powell? Evelyn sighs, refusing to entertain these thoughts. Adrian is more than welcome to date whomever he chooses, and she is more than happy with James.
Glancing up from the menu, it is obvious that James is questioning his sanity for agreeing to this. He is studying Evelyn, to reassure him she reaches over and pats his arm. Adrian notices this little exchange and rolls his eyes. The two haven't even been together that long and already they are communicating through glances and touches. It really is nauseating. Deciding to ignore the interaction between his wife and her boyfriend, Adrian turns his attention to Zoila. She is obviously uncomfortable, her shoulders tense as she stares at the menu. Much like James, she seems to be reconsidering this dinner. Then again, Adrian figures they all should have their heads examined. This might be Los Angeles, but only the insane agree to a double date with their soon-to-be ex and their respective mates.
It starts out innocently enough, Evelyn rearranges the fork and knife because like most of these 'upscale' restaurants, they have placed the utensils backwards. James has seen her do this a few times so he ignores it. Adrian, very accustomed to this quirk of hers, forces himself not to groan. It would be so nice for once to sit down to a meal with this woman and not have her rearrange everything on the table. Evelyn is apparently the only one that heard the almost inaudible groan from Adrian, James and Zoila are too busy trying to not look uncomfortable to notice an explosion. Evelyn purses her lips deciding whether or not it is worth it to have a little fun at Adrian's expense. Before she can decide, he begins tapping his index finger against the table as he tries to appear busy studying the menu. She narrows her eyes; he knows full well she hates it when he does that. If he wants to play this game, then she is more than willing to oblige.
To most it would appear as though nothing is happening, but for Zoila, closely followed by James, it is obvious the two warring spouses are trying to irk the other. Adrian has decided tapping out a beat with one finger isn't enough so he has started tapping the table three times with his thumb then twice with his middle finger. Evelyn rearranges the salt and pepper shakers then moves them back to their original position before once again rearranging them. It is obvious from Adrian's narrowed eyes and Evelyn's pursed lips they are trying their hardest not to let the other know just how annoyed they are. Zoila casts a sideways glance at the two, sighs heavily, then looks at James. He shakes his head, unsure of what else to do.
"Would you two stop?" Zoila hisses, fed up with the juvenile behavior. Evelyn, Adrian, and even James startle at her sudden outburst.
"We're not doing anything," Evelyn sniffs, busying herself with her napkin. Zoila shoots her a bland look. "We're not!" She reiterates.
Before anything else can be said, the waiter finally appears. He introduces himself and asks for their drink orders. Adrian orders his favorite; a bourbon. Zoila surprises Evelyn by ordering a double scotch, mumbling something about definitely needing it tonight. James, never one for hard liquor, orders white wine.
"And for you ma'am?" The waiter asks Evelyn, turning to her with a smile.
"I'll have a mer…." Evelyn pauses, remembering that she can't drink. "Just water, please." She ducks her head, hoping no one noticed the little blunder.
"Since when don't you drink?" Adrian asks with a lifted brow. Evelyn narrows her eyes as she lifts her head to look at him. James and Zoila also give her questioning glances.
"I don't always have alcohol with a meal," Evelyn defends.
"Yeah, ya do," Zoila says, remembering all the times the woman has barked at her for a refill.
"I'm just not in a drinking mood tonight." Evelyn pins Adrian and Zoila with a look, hoping to portray the fact this is not open to discussion.
"You're much more fun when you drink," Adrian smirks, remembering all the times she has stumbled drunkenly out of a restaurant then been all over him the moment they were in the car. Evelyn cuts a look at Adrian, well aware of his meaning then drops her gaze to her menu.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out what Adrian is alluding to, and it is obvious Evelyn is uncomfortable by the mention of it. No matter what she says, this divorce is harder on her than she would like. James reaches out and places his hand on her cheek, rewarded with a smile as she looks up at him. He wants to make sure she is all right so to reassure him, she places her hand atop his. Adrian rolls his eyes dramatically at the display, yelping in pain when Zoila's heel collides with his calf. He looks at her accusingly but she shakes her head. Maybe this isn't going to be as much fun as he thought it would be.
The drink order misstep was quickly forgotten. There is more than enough tension coming from everyone at the table for any of them to wonder about the messed up drink order. What does catch everyone's attention is how Evelyn sits with the back of her hand pressed to her nose. She tries to make it seem like she is just propping her head on her hand, but she has paled and is taking frequent sips of her water. The aromas from the all the dishes are mingling, making it rather difficult for Evelyn to focus on anything other than the nausea. When James and she entered the restaurant the smell was the first thing she noticed but she was momentarily distracted by Adrian's presence. Now that they are seated, the nausea is plaguing her once again. Adrian shoots her a questioning glance but she refuses to look at him. James places his hand on her arm and quirks his brow but she only offers him a slight smile. Thankfully, before anyone asks, the waiter appears to take their order.
On the way to the restaurant, James went on and on about the sushi and how she must try it, so of course that is what he orders. Adrian is very pleased to find one of his favorites on the eclectic menu and orders grilled swordfish. As Zoila deliberates over what she will have for dinner, Evelyn actually looks at the menu for the first time. This is the weirdest menu she has ever seen. None of this food is appealing, even if she wasn't pregnant she wouldn't eat this. Hopefully, a simple salad won't bother her.
While they wait for their meal, Zoila talks about Fiona, her new boss. The woman has returned from her trip earlier than anticipated. Adrian asks how that's going, considering the hot, young beau of hers thinks she is the owner of the house. Zoila groans, takes a sip of her drink, then launches into a story about setting drapes on fire to get the man to move back in with his mother. James shakes his head at this, realizing that if one is involved with either Powell, then they must be a bit insane. Evelyn actually finds herself laughing at the story, happily surprised Zoila is being so deceitful.
After a ridiculous wait, and even more ridiculous tales from Zoila about Fiona and James about some of the people he has come in contact with over the years, the waiter brings over their food. He places large plates in front of James and Adrian then turns back to the cart to retrieve the other two dishes. He places a salad before Zoila then sets a plate filled with pasta and shrimp in front of Evelyn. Her eyes widen, she gulps, and her stomach rolls at the smell of the boiled shrimp.
"That's hers," she croaks.
"That's mine," Zoila says, speaking over Evelyn. The waiter apologizes and moves the plates around then heads off to another table, the guests looking rather unhappy about something.
"The service is lacking," James comments as he looks at his food.
"Indeed!" Adrian agrees. "and I should know bad service; Carmen's our maid." Zoila and James both laugh.
While her date and her husband actually agree on something, Evelyn is trying her best to remain seated. The nausea she has been experiencing due to the aromas of the restaurant were manageable, but since that stupid waiter placed the wrong dish before her, all she can smell is boiled shrimp. She grabs for her water hoping a couple of small sips will help alleviate the nausea but it doesn't. She glances around the table hoping to find something to take her mind off her upset stomach but everywhere she looks she is met with the sight of food that makes her queasy when she isn't pregnant. Even the plain salad makes her stomach lurch.
"Try a bite?" James asks, holding a piece of sushi out to her.
"Excuse me," Evelyn barely manages before gagging, her hand covering her mouth as she stands to her feet. She quickly scurries off in the direction of the bathroom.
"Poor thing's never really been one for seafood," Adrian shrugs, smirking at James.
"Oh, I didn't know," James admits feeling a bit badly for insisting Evelyn try this place.
"Of course you didn't." Adrian looks directly at James as he speaks, hoping the other man will rise to the bait.
"Adrian," Zoila growls. He shoots her an innocent look and shrugs. He was only making an observation.
"I should probably go check on her," James says placing his napkin on the table.
"I'll go," Zoila offers reluctantly. Both men look surprised by the offer. "Just try to behave while we're gone," she tells the two, giving Adrian a stern look. The two men nod in agreement then Zoila excuses herself from the table and heads to the bathroom.
Evelyn was hoping in the bathroom, behind closed doors surrounded by the scent of some overbearing floral spray, she would be able to escape the smell of boiled shrimp. Unfortunately, it clings to the inside of her nostrils, allowing the nausea to keep her in its grip. She doesn't feel as queasy as she did at the table but she isn't ready to return to the dining room yet. All of the aromas will wreak havoc on her. The sound of the handle of the door causes Evelyn to turn, her eyes widening when Zoila steps in.
"You left them alone?" Evelyn can't help but ask, afraid of what they will go back to since the two men have been left alone without supervision.
"They think they can behave until we get back out there," Zoila says with an upturned lip. She has as much faith in them as Evelyn does.
"I doubt that," Evelyn scoffs. James might be on his best behavior but Adrian will try everything he can think of to goad the man.
"Me too," Zoila agrees, coming to stand beside Evelyn at the sink. "Are you ok?" she asks carefully.
"I don't really like seafood," Evelyn shrugs running a finger beneath her eye to wipe away the smudged mascara.
"I can tell."
Zoila reaches into her purse to retrieve a tube of lipstick. The two women stand side by side looking into the mirror as they try to appear to fix their makeup. On more than one occasion they catch the other staring. Zoila's scrutinizing glance unnerves Evelyn.
"Just so ya know," Zoila begins, turning to face Evelyn. "There's nothing going on between Adrian and me."
"I don't care," Evelyn says calmly. "As I said earlier, Adrian is free to do whatever or whoever he pleases," and with that Evelyn turns back to the mirror, this time fussing with a loose curl.
"You seem happy with the Reverend," Zoila tries again. Evelyn isn't sure why the woman is talking to her but she nods; James does make her happy. "You look a lot brighter than you used to," Zoila says, her eyes resting on Evelyn in the mirror. "You have a healthy glow to your cheeks and you don't look as thin as you used to. Dating a Reverend works for you," Zoila laughs.
Evelyn freezes, her hand in midair as she continues to fight with the rebellious curl. She looks at Zoila, horrified by the woman's words. She didn't mind the comments until Zoila mentioned that she wasn't as thin. She is well aware of the 'well-meaning' people in her life that comment from time to time on how 'frail' she looked. A couple even suggested she might have an eating disorder. The only 'disorder' she suffers from is missing her son. When a mother loses her child, the last thing she cares about is eating. In the beginning of this hellish existence without her child, she would frequently go to bed without eating all day, the only thing in her stomach alcohol and a sleeping pill. In those days she supposes she was too thin, too frail, but those days are long gone. She has learned to better handle her grief, to care for herself. There are periods of time when she reverts back to her old ways to handle the grief, but recently she has been much too busy to allow herself any time to dwell on the past. She's been much too focused on freeing herself from Adrian.
Evelyn realizes that Zoila, much like so many of those 'well-meaning' people, have once again assumed her fragile and ill equipped to take care of herself as she works to separate her life from Adrian's. She understands what Zoila is saying and why she is saying it, but the words still alarm her. She has always heard women start showing sooner with their second pregnancy but she is only eight weeks along. There is no way she is already showing. She just can't be!
"Are you saying I've gained weight?" Evelyn demands, her tone violent. Zoila realizes too late her mistake. Working for Genvieve should have taught her long ago not to comment on someone's appearance, especially where weight is concerned.
"I only meant you look healthier," Zoila tries to remedy but it doesn't do any good. Evelyn only glares at her. "I'm just gonna stop," Zoila sighs.
"Please do," Evelyn huffs turning the water on and scrubbing furiously at her hands. Zoila nods and heads for the door.
Once Zoila is out of the bathroom and the door is closed, Evelyn turns off the water, dries her hands then turns sideways. She studies her reflection, scrutinizing her waist. There is no visible proof but as she places her hands on her stomach, she is surprised there is already a slight swell. How she hasn't noticed this before she isn't sure, but until just a few hours ago she wouldn't have thought anything about a little bloating. James is still learning the curves of her body so he won't notice the subtle change, even if he does they are still too early on in the relationship for him to comment. She doubts even Adrian, who is well attuned to her body, would pick up on the little change. If anything, he would attribute it to a regular, monthly occurrence.
Content there is no visible proof of her pregnancy, that Zoila was only trying to make small talk, Evelyn turns back around and leans her palms against the sink. There might not be a visible baby bump but her eyes, more than anything, gives away there is something different. She remembers being pregnant with Barrett, a memory she has blocked away for years, only allowing herself tiny windows of time when she will think about it, but she remembers how the few bouts of nausea she experienced with him left her eyes weak, red rimmed, with dark circles underneath that no concealer could touch. Her makeup is applied immaculately, but just like before, nothing can hide the fatigue and nausea she is experiencing. Some things, she supposes, don't change even after twenty-some years. She just hopes that with this pregnancy, like with her previous one, she won't start showing until nearly five months. She doubts it, but to keep this news to herself for just a while longer would make her feel so much better. She hopes a time will come when it is no longer necessary to feel the way she does about allowing others to know this bit of information, but until she holds a healthy baby in her arms, she doubts her apprehension will abate. Even then, she is well aware that sweet child can be taken away from her at any moment.
Dwelling on all the negatives, or even the positives, is only a stalling tactic. She needs to deal with all of these emotions and thoughts, but in the bathroom of a supposedly 'five-star restaurant', is not the place to do it. Besides, if she remains in the bathroom she is worried James and Adrian might send Zoila back in to check on her. The maid grates on her nerves as is, the fact that she has noticed the subtle change in Evelyn's body is just one more reason to avoid her.
Evelyn takes one more quick glance at herself then heads for the door. If, for some reason, someone comments on the imperceptible swell of her stomach, she will just blame it away on her clothing. After all, Carmen is her maid and the woman is always ruining something in the wash.
The scene that greets her is one she is familiar with. Adrian always must make some form of inappropriate comment to the person they are having dinner with, tonight is no exception. James looks ready to throttle him but as always he is trying to be nice. Zoila looks less than impressed with whatever Adrian has just said. Evelyn notices Zoila kick him under the table, smirking when Adrian jolts from the pain. He looks to Zoila offering her an innocent smile. Evelyn, along with Zoila, roll their eyes.
"Evelyn," James says happily, noticing her standing in the distance.
Evelyn smiles as he rises from the table. She closes the distance between them and once she is at the table, he places a kiss on her cheek, his hand caressing her back.
"Feeling better?" he asks softly. She nods, touched by the concern. He really is such a good man. "You should've told me you don't like seafood."
"It's fine," Evelyn waves him away, sending a pointed glare at Adrian. Of everyone at the table he is the only one that is aware of his dislike of most seafood.
"Oh please," Adrian groans and rolls his eyes. All three turn their attention to him. "You were sick! How is that 'fine'?" He looks at Evelyn questioningly, unable to believe that she is so willing to just go along with what James wants. She has never been like that with him. Adrian almost hisses in pain when the very pointy heel of Zoila's shoe collides with his calf. She digs it much deeper than she previously has causing him to break eye contact with his wife.
"It's called dating, Adrian," Evelyn says in a patronizing tone as James pulls her chair out for her. "Two people getting to know each other, learning their likes and dislikes." Her gaze doesn't leave his as she speaks. That is what normal couples do, things they used to do before their world was torn apart and all the scheming and lying became their normal.
"You should've just told him your preference. Instead, you made yourself sick trying to impress him. Was it really worth it? Did impressing Reverend Boyfriend ma…." Adrian trails off when Zoila delivers yet another sharp, digging kick to his leg.
Zoila has had it with Adrian's snide comments to the reverend and his overall behavior. There are many issues between husband and wife, that is no secret and Zoila understands that, her marriage had many issues as well, but to so publicly parade those issues is something Zoila can't tolerate. The fact that James looks ready to leap over the table and tackle Adrian, although it is tempting to let him, also plays a role in why she wants Adrian to shut up.
"It's really none of your damned business," Evelyn snaps. She, too, has had enough of his behavior.
"You're my wife…"Adrian begins.
"Soon-to-be ex," she reminds him. He simply rolls his eyes.
"Be that as it may," Adrian starts again, trying to appear calmer than he feels. "I find it rather disconcerting how you seem to have changed your entire personality to accommodate this man."
Evelyn's jaw clenches, her eyes narrow, and if looks could kill, Adrian would be dead. Never before has James seen such a hate filled, murderous look cross her face. He is also coming to the point where he is about to strike the man, but Evelyn is much more affected by the words. Zoila is painfully aware of the tension and looks heavenward. There is only one thing she can think to do.
A sharp heel digging into his calf is one thing, but when Zoila stomps down on his toe Adrian isn't expecting it. The pain radiates through his foot, causing him to bounce from his seat and hit his knee on the table. He can't decide which is more painful.
"Damn it, Zoila," he yelps, massaging his knee.
"You do realize you are only arousing him?" Evelyn asks blandly, looking directly at Zoila.
"Excuse me?" She asks, squinting at the red head. What the hell is she talking about?
"Oh yes, Adrian is turned on by pain." Evelyn explains.
"I had to, being married to you; it's called adapting." He continues to rub his knee, glaring at his wife as she begins explaining.
"He was into S&M but had to give it up due to a health scare," Evelyn continues, ignoring the comment. Zoila's eyes are wide in shock. James just drops his head in his hands and shakes his head. He knew this was going to be a disaster.
"Ah yes, that health scare that led you to decide to adopt a child." Adrian decides if Evelyn wants to fight then they will fight, even if they are in the middle of a restaurant. James, apparently unaware of this fact, turns to Evelyn with a questioning look. Adrian smirks at this.
"Which led you to hiring a private investigator to find Deion's father. Then I was faced with, once again, having a child I loved being ripped away from me!" Evelyn is filled with pain, her breath hitching. "THAT is why we are divorcing!"
Evelyn stands from the table and tosses her napkin at Adrian. She mutters to James she will be in the car then quickly exits the restaurant.
Adrian is stunned. He can't form any words and his mouth is agape as he realizes, for the first time, exactly how much losing Deion hurt her. Yes, he saw her collapse in sobs as the boy was driven away. He tried to comfort her but she pushed him away, and before he could think of something to say, something to do to make it up to her, she began demanding a divorce. The fiasco with Sebastian and the explosion occurred, he faked paralysis and then everything else happened. During all of it, he never stopped to think how she was feeling. Her hurt and anger have fueled her through the past few months and ultimately led them to this moment. It honestly never occurred to him that after losing Barrett she could ever be so devastated again.
He was wrong!
"You're a bastard!" James growls leaning across the table. Adrian only blinks. James slams his fist down on the table causing Zoila to startle. He is so angry at Adrian and all the pain the man has caused Evelyn. More than anything he would like to put his fist through Adrian's face, but he knows that won't help anything. Instead he turns and walks away. He will take care of the bill then go take care of the distressed red head who is probably weeping in his car.
"Adrian?" Zoila finally says, her mind still trying to process everything. Slowly he turns to look at her but doesn't say anything. He is too shocked. "Are you ok?" She asks, finding herself once again feeling badly for this man. Adrian shakes his head.
"She hates me," he declares miserably. "And she has every right to." He sounds resigned to this statement.
Zoila is at a loss for words, and even though she is taken aback by what she has learned tonight, she can tell Adrian is hurting. He never meant to cause Evelyn pain, Zoila believes, but in true Adrian fashion he messed everything up without intending to. All Zoila can do is pat his arm in comfort.
Evelyn stares out the window waiting for James, her mind running through everything that was said. She didn't want for their relaxing dinner out to turn into this catastrophe, but she isn't surprised it did. She never should have agreed to actually sit and try to have a meal with Adrian and Zoila. She might not like the other woman, but Zoila wasn't the problem. No, as always the problem lies with Adrian. He just had to keep pushing and like always she pushed back. She didn't intend for all those things about the past, about Deion to come out, but there is still so much pain there. So badly she has wanted to be a mother. She had that with Barrett then it was ripped away. With Deion, though he wasn't biologically hers, she was gladly fulfilling the role of mother until once again her child was taken from her.
Resting her hand on her abdomen, she sighs heavily, realizing that she has already fallen in love with this unborn child and that terrifies her. Tragedy can strike at any moment. There are no guarantees in life, no guarantee that this pregnancy will end happily with a sweet baby to cuddle. She knows the pain that could result from this pregnancy, but she can't dwell on that. Just like with Barrett and Deion, she will not allow herself to wallow in grief. There are far more pressing matters that need to be taken care of first. Even if she had all the time in the world, she still isn't ready to deal with all the hurt from her previous losses.
The door to the car opens shaking Evelyn from her thoughts. James slides into the driver's seat offering her a sympathetic smile. She responds with a sound of despair as she sits up, quickly removing her hand from her stomach.
"I'm sorry," she says wiping at her eyes.
"Why are you apologizing?" James shakes his head at the apology. She certainly isn't the one that should be sorry. That should be her husband, but James doubts Adrian feels the least bit badly about what transpired tonight.
"For that," Evelyn sighs, waving her hand in the direction of the restaurant. "I ruined our evening. I shouldn't have mentioned all of the things that happened in the past."
James turns in the seat so he is facing Evelyn then places his hand on her cheek. For such a strong, fierce woman, she blames herself for so much. He can't help but wonder how much of that goes back to Adrian blaming her for their son's death, but thinking of the other man and how he treated her only makes James want to go back in the restaurant and assault him. His thoughts should be on Evelyn, on making her realize this isn't her fault.
He traces her jaw with his thumb, her eyes slowly lifting to meet his. She is perceived by most as a cold-hearted, sometimes bitter person, but the woman he has become acquainted with over the past few weeks is neither. She is a strong, formidable woman that can slice her opponents with her razor sharp tongue, but underneath it all, she is a caring, loving person. James hates that so much of her life she has spent building a façade to hide her best qualities.
"Would you stop apologizing, please?" James asks softly looking into her eyes. Pain shines brightly back at him.
"Why are you still here?" She is afraid he soon won't be.
"Because there is this red head who isn't at all what I thought she'd be like, and even though she thought I'd be a real dud, I charmed her. She's charmed me, too." James grins at Evelyn, her eyes soften and a smile erupts on her face replacing the hurt that had just been there.
"You are so amazing," Evelyn says, absolutely astonished by this man. The two share a gentle kiss then Evelyn leans back in her seat lacing her fingers through his as he starts the car and they head back to the mansion.