“Yup.” I nod like a goof.
“Ok. Start from the beginning and don’t you dare skip any details. This church parking lot is about to hear a lot of unholy chatter. Go!”
I spend the next hour having breakfast with Nikki on the phone, going over the last two days. She cried when I told her Evan said he loved me. And that is just one of the many reasons I love Nikki. She puts up a hard shell sometimes, but is pure mush for the lucky few she loves.
“Ok Amelia, but you guys have to cut the crap with the fake/trial dating bullshit. You are full blown dating now. I’m sure it’s probably great for a weekend sexcapade, and must make things feel a bit more naughty, but you’re not gonna pull that crap once you’re back in the city. I won’t let you,” she scolds.
“Easy there, tiger. I know things have changed, but I can’t go from being engaged three months ago, to dating a man my entire family knows. Plus, even if my family weren’tchismepiranhas, Evan also comes with his own slew of complications. The man’s photo is on Page Six whenever he walks within six feet of another woman.” I groan.
Nikki grows serious. “Amelia. He said he loved you. This isn’t something that family gossip or tabloids are going to detour. You might be the last one to figure it out, but you and Evan are going to be together after this.”
“She’s right,” Evan says from behind me, sending me jumping six inches off the chair. “Hi Nikki, hope you had a good Thanksgiving,” he says while leaning down and planting a sensual kiss on me.
Sweet baby jesus.
“Easy there, mom and dad. Leave some steam for the rest of us mere mortals. Oh and by the way, Evan. Amelia mentioned something about you sending me a fruit basket? But you see, I’m not an elderly lady who knits so that fruit basket better be a massage gift card, or booze, or—”
“One week vacation. Any place in the world. You name it. All expenses paid. For you and Justin. How’s that sound?” He smiles.
Nikki and I drop our jaws in unison.
Nikki has a coughing attack, but quickly recovers. “Okay, yeah. That will do. Thank you very much, Evan. I will be available for engagement ring shopping whenever you need me.”
“Nikki!” I yell.
“Thanks Nikki. I’ll keep you posted.” He winks at me.
“Ok lovebirds. I gotta go and google bougie vacation spots. Bye!” Nikki hangs up.
“Really Evan. A week-long vacation anywhere in the world?” I ask as I stand to hug him.
He smiles. “She was able to get you up to this cabin. Even if it was by omitting important details. I will forever be indebted to Nikki, because I now get to do this.” He lifts my chin and places a gentle kiss on my lips.
“Well, I’m pretty sure you can do much more than that now.” I lift the bag of half melted peas. “I’m sure it did the trick.” I wink.
Without hesitation Evan throws me over his shoulders and starts jogging us back to his bedroom as I giggle like a little school girl.
I make a mental note to invest in some industrial grade ice packs from now on.
28
Evan
We spendthe next two days in bed. We only get up to make food and shower. We have earth shattering sex and watch girly rom coms. I’m living in such bliss and contemplate locking us in this cabin forever.
Our mornings have consisted of me walking in on Amelia making us coffee while having a full dance party to the likes of Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Juan Luis Guerra. Her taste in music is as eclectic as her cultural influences.
The snowstorm weakened yesterday, and by today the roads are clear and safe to drive on again.
While Amelia napped, I met with Rocco and he went over my security system. All seems to be functioning fine. Rocco and his team will be working on searching nearby surveillance cameras just to be safe.
Once Amelia is done packing, it’s time to head back into the city. As much as I’m dreading it, I know that things will move in the right direction with us. I will make sure of it. I will gladly respect her wishes and give her time to process how we will move forward with telling her family.
We’ve temporarily agreed to wait until after the holidays before we’re seen out in public together. I need to man up and have a chat with Antonio, but Amelia wants me to wait until after Christmas. Once it’s the new year, we won’t be expected to hang out as often with the cousin crew and doctors, so it will give us time to date away from the nosey Tías.
“I’m all packed babe,” Amelia says from the front door.
Babe. My heart swells.
