Firefighter's Secret Flame Reign

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Copyright © 2023 by Gabriella Reign

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 Contents

1. ~ Evelyn ~
2. ~ Scott ~
3. ~ Evelyn ~
4. ~ Scott ~
5. ~ Evelyn ~
6. ~ Scott ~

7. ~ Evelyn ~
8. ~ Scott ~
9. ~ Evelyn ~
10. ~ Scott ~
11. ~ Evelyn ~
12. ~ Scott ~
13. ~ Evelyn ~
14. ~ Scott ~

15. ~ Evelyn ~
16. ~ Scott ~
17. ~ Evelyn ~
18. ~ Scott ~
19. ~ Evelyn ~
Epilogue
Also By: Gabriella Reign
 s soon as I got up in the morning, I had a bad feeling about the day. That wasn't unusual for me, a chronic worry wart, so
A I tried not to focus on it too much. Today was a big day. I had a huge work event as an up-and-coming wedding planner.
While the town I lived in wasn't so big, it wasn't so small either. This was the wedding event of the year, and I was hoping to
get a lot of work coming my way after Ciara’s wedding went off without a hitch. I needed things to go well so that others would
hire me. It wasn’t like my whole career was riding on this one wedding, but if it went well, it could elevate me quickly.
Since a lot was riding on everything going perfectly, I got to the church early and spent all my spare time ensuring everything
was all right. The different vendors from miles around came on time, and the most prominent vendor, the caterer, had
everything ready to go before the deadline. It was going to be smooth sailing, I told myself repeatedly. I wanted to believe it
and willed the ill feelings from this morning away.
For a little while.
The bride, Ciara Montgomery, was a typical bridezilla, but I did not mind. A woman’s wedding was one of the most important
days in her life, and I wanted to ensure that it was everything she wanted and more. Ciara had been a challenge, wanting exotic
food, and she wanted exotic birds released when the minister pronounced them husband and wife. Ciara had even picked table
arrangements that were literally on fire, and she had to have them. Me, a people pleaser, made it happen.
That would be one of the worst mistakes I made today, but likely not the only one.
“Fire!”
Halfway through the ceremony, I heard someone yelling about a fire. It was a repeated word that no one could ignore, so
everyone in the wedding room, overflowing to the outside, started looking around for the smoke and flames. I did too,
nervously trying to spot the problem. When I saw smoke coming from where the dinner was set up, I thought about the pan
warmers that kept the food hot. That was the only flame I could think of, but then I quickly remembered those table
arrangements being set up.
When I got in there to see what was happening, one caught the tablecloth on fire and quickly spread up a curtain and then
another table. Half of the room was engulfed in flames in seconds, and panic started to set in. I felt slightly panicked, but this
was my wedding plan, and I wouldn’t let it end in disaster.
“Call the fire department,” I hollered to Kelly, my assistant, and I watched her take her phone out as she left the room. I told
everyone to stop what they were doing. Most already had and were staring at the firelight. “We have to get out of here. Now!” I
had to holler the last part because some were still fascinated.
As people started to move, I swear the fire grew quicker. I ensured everyone was out of the kitchen and dining area, then
moved on to where the ceremony was still happening. I could hear the organ playing. When I got into the next room, people
were starting to get up, hurried words were whispered, and panic was seconds away.
“It’s okay, everyone. We are just going to take the rest of this outside. There is a bit of trouble in the kitchen, and firefighters
are on their way, so let’s give them some room to work.”
People saw my smile and reassuring face, so they weren’t as freaked out as they should have been. I knew that if I panicked,
others would as well. Ciara was cutting her eyes at me, and I dreaded hearing from her. It was understandable that she was
upset. A lot was riding on today, and it was now ruined. They were about to say their vows, so it was the worst time for a fire
to start. I felt for her but tried to get my head back into the game. I saw an older woman calling for someone, and I went up to
see who she was missing.
“Who are you looking for?”
Her tanned face was wrinkled, and she had worry in her dark brown eyes. “My granddaughter. She went to see if there were
snacks a few minutes ago, and I haven’t seen her since. She’s in the kitchen, I think!”
I immediately took on the same worry and turned back towards the way I’d come. Everyone was supposed to be out of there,
but the woman’s six-year-old granddaughter may still be hiding in the room. I told her to look in the pews and that I would go
back and see if she was in the dining room. I felt a stab of fear when I talked to another mother who had lost her daughter about
the same age. I imagined the two girls together and now had twice the panic seeping into me. I couldn’t help the scenarios that
played out in my head.
Kelly asked me what I was doing going back toward the flames, and I told her I had to find two little kids. “Go see if there is a
Miranda and Tracy outside, both six years old!”
She nodded in agreement, but Kelly was young and not handling this well. This was her first time attending a wedding she
helped plan, and I hated that it was this sort of calamity. Kelly wasn’t expecting it, and her big eyes told me it was best to get
her out of the building.
The dining area was all in flames now, and I could feel the heat and smell the smoke long before I could see what I was
walking into. I called out to the two missing girls and thought I heard something. The whole room was in flames, and there
wasn’t much left that was survivable. I called them again, hearing a faint sound from one of the tables near where I stood at the
entrance.
I was grateful for that and went to the table immediately, pulling the cloth off and seeing the two kids underneath it. Why they
didn’t run out, I didn’t know. I wished they would have left sooner, but I was so glad to find them. They were so scared that
they had to be coaxed out. When they weren’t moving fast enough, I grabbed one of the girls’ hands, told her to hold her friend,
and physically pulled them out of the room. They didn’t seem to understand the danger or were frozen with fear.
Once I started to pull them out, the two girls seemed to realize that it was time to leave, and they were able to get moving. I
could see the fear in their eyes, and I hated to see it, but I knew that we were almost out of there. I didn’t want to think about
what would happen if I didn’t get them out soon. The thick smoke burned my eyes, and I could barely breathe. They were
younger, lower to the ground, and that helped. It didn’t help me much, though. The kids slowed down when we got close to the
door. How did we get so far away from it? I was starting to get confused. That had to be what it was. Even now, I felt myself
getting turned around. That scared me because I still had these two kids to save.
I could hear sighs of relief as they were pulled out of my hands. I was behind them, or at least that is what I thought. I didn't
realize that I had taken in too much smoke and was now going nowhere fast. Every step was more challenging than the last, and
I was the one who needed someone to grab my hand and help me from the flames.
“Are you alright, Evelyn? Breathe. I knew you had a wedding here today, but I didn't know you were going all out like this.”
I looked at who it was and groaned out loud while I clung to his jacket. “Of course, it had to be you.”
Scott’s face was masked, and I could barely see it, but I saw his smile and eyes. The relief was immediate. “You’re welcome.”
Scott was my brother's best friend, and he carried me out of there and far enough away from the church so that I could start to
breathe again. I was grateful that he was here. When I told Kelly to call the firefighters, I thought of Scott and knew he would
be the one to help. I can't say that we got along very well, but at the moment, I certainly didn't have anything bad to say about
him.
“I think you saved my life.” I pulled him in for a hug and felt him immediately pull away. I don't think I had ever hugged him
before, and he looked like he wasn't sure what to say. “This might be the first time that you don't have some smart comment to
say back,” I observed with a grin before I started coughing.
“Like you said, I saved your life. That should get me some points with your brother, right?”
He also earned some points with me, but I don't think he was that worried about it. After a minute, I told him to check on the
girls because they had been in that room longer than I had. Scott pointed over towards them, and I relaxed further. There were
already people surrounding them and making sure they were alright.
I should have trusted Scott to do the right thing. He was my hero today, and even though we usually didn't get along and I
practically fought with him as much as I did my brother, I was grateful to have someone so close to me for something so scary
as this.
Scott returned and said something to me a little later, like I needed to get up and walk around because I didn't look so good, but
I wasn't paying attention. I wasn't feeling well, but I figured it was because of the events. I really did think I was okay. I just
needed some more air and time.
I hadn't seen the bride in a while, and she wouldn’t be grateful that everybody was okay. She was only going to see that her
wedding was ruined, and just thinking about having to face her made my queasy stomach do flips. I didn't want to face her.
“Come on, Evelyn. Get up and walk for me.” I heard Scott telling me, though it was like he was way off, and I told him that I
would be just fine. Apparently, I was wrong on all accounts today.
 hen I heard the dispatchers say where the fire was, I thought of Evelyn. Ciara's wedding was a big deal, and Evelyn
W had been talking about it for the last month or so. Her brother Michael wanted to see her when he learned about the
fire. I’d already decided I would have to take her over to the hospital, if not, he would flip out on me later. I wasn’t expecting
Evelyn to be fine one minute and pass out the next. I had to carry her to the back of an ambulance and then argue with the EMT
for a moment to wait for me to ride with her. I had to get my suit off because I wouldn’t fit in the back of the ambulance until I
did.
While we were on the way to the hospital, the EMTs shook her awake. Tommy told me to sit back a couple of times. I wanted
to help but knew only limited information on medical help. I wanted to know more at that moment. I didn’t want to have to tell
my best friend that his sister was hurt, and I couldn’t do anything to help her.
Evelyn was back up, and while her oxygen was low, they had some on board that perked her up immediately. I started to relax
and instantly remembered how different she’d felt in my arms than I expected. I wasn’t supposed to think about Evelyn in that
way. She was my best friend’s little sister but holding her had made her status as a grown woman prominent.
“What happened?”
Evelyn shrugged, “I don’t know. I was okay one minute and then not the next.” Evelyn’s face was angelic, and the blond hair
around her was like a halo. Why had I not noticed how beautiful she was before? Her crystal blue eyes drew me in.
“We are taking you to the hospital to ensure you’re okay.”
She scoffed, “My brother is going to make a big deal about it,” Evelyn complained.
“He should. You shouldn’t have had tabletop pyrotechnics at a wedding. That place is never going to be the same.”
Evelyn looked hurt, and she insisted that she did what was asked of her. “The bride said that she couldn’t have the wedding if
she couldn’t have the tabletops.”
She was too nice, and I said as much. I wasn’t trying to give her a hard time; I was speaking from genuine worry, but it was
taken the wrong way. Tommy looked at me, silently asking what I was doing berating the patient. She was hurt and had just
passed out. I needed to shut up and let her brother fuss when he saw her.
The ride to the hospital wasn’t very long because the town we lived in wasn’t all that big. After ten minutes, we were there,
and I helped get her out. I told Tommy I had it from here, steering Evelyn’s stretcher to the ER intake. I was looking for Michael
in particular. I knew he was working today because he hadn’t been able to go fishing with me last night because of the early
shift. I saw one of the nurses I was familiar with and asked her where Michael was.
“He’s in with a patient. Who’s that?” She wanted to know who I was pushing into an empty room. People were waiting to be
seen, but this was his sister, and he would want to ensure she was okay.
“It’s his little sister.” She nodded that she understood. He only had one much younger sister, and he adored her. I’d always
found her annoying before. I’d looked at her much in the same way that I imagined he did. Not anymore, though. “Will you tell
him we are here when he has time?”
The nurse nodded, and I asked Evelyn if she felt better or worse.
“I am fine. Really. I don’t know why I am here. You know how Michael is going to react. I must take care of that mess back
there.”
“You mean the church you nearly burnt to the ground?”
She groaned and shut her eyes. “Never mind, you’re just as bad as my brother.”
I figured I had said enough and knew Michael would pick up where I left off. I was about to leave when a woman stormed in
and started to yell at Evelyn. She was in a smoked-out wedding dress, so it was clear who it was before I recognized her.
“Ma’am, you are not supposed to be back here.”
“Do you know who I am? I am her boss and demand to speak to my planner.”
A quick look behind me said Evelyn wasn’t in any condition to fight with anyone.
“Well, from what I hear, the wedding is over, and you’re not her boss anymore. This was an accident, so get out before I call
security.” I didn’t mean to sound threatening, but she got the hint that I was. She huffed and started to say more, but one look and
she left. It wasn’t quiet; she huffed and slammed the door, but at least Evelyn would get a moment to breathe before Michael
came in and told her off, too.
“Thanks,” Evelyn said quietly. “I really can’t deal with her right now.”
I shrugged and told her it was no big deal. “You will get berated enough from your brother, and I doubt she will go away.”
She scoffed, “Here, I thought you were helping me out.”
She looked so innocent and tiny in the big bed. I wanted to go to her and tell her everything would be okay. It was a strange
reaction, but I wanted to protect her. The feeling of it was overwhelming, like I had been put on this planet to keep her safe.
Brushing off that last thought, I told her I was leaving this time and that I was glad she was okay. I returned to the ambulance,
grabbed my things, and walked to the firehouse. It wasn’t too far, and I needed time to pull myself together. I was full of
conflicting emotions, and the last thing I needed was to be all worked up like this in front of Michael. He wouldn’t understand,
and I didn’t want to tell him.
When I returned to the firehouse, everyone was happy it had all gone well. We’d saved those kids, and I was pulled aside
because they were talking about something official with the mayor.
“I appreciate the thought, but Evelyn Costin saved those kids, not me.”
“Michael’s sister?’
I agreed. “She is the hero today. I just made sure she was okay.”
He nodded, “You did good. I like it when there is a happy ending all around.”
“Me too, chief. That could have gotten ugly.” I left the office a few minutes later after turning in my report.
Evelyn Costin. Why did I suddenly see a side of her that I’d never seen before? The new train of thought was legitimately a
worry. What would happen if my best friend learned how I looked at his sister?
He wouldn’t understand.
 fter getting chewed out by my brother, his best friend, and the bride, I thought my time as a wedding planner was over.
A Not only had I completely ruined the wedding of the season, an old church, and lost an assistant, but everyone also
watched me leave in an ambulance. It was so embarrassing that I didn't leave my house for a couple of days. Worse than that, I
wouldn't even answer the phone because I knew that it would either be the cancellation of the few weddings and events I had
left to plan or Ciara telling me how I had ruined her big day. I don't know what I could have done differently. Even Scott said I
was wrong.
Almost a week passed before I left my neighborhood, and that was only to go down to the office and pick up my mail. The post
office called me and said they would start returning my mail if I didn’t start collecting it. I had to believe it was time; the
universe was pushing me back into public, though I can’t say I was happy about it. I was in hibernation mode, and the
humiliation of it all was brutal to get over.
It was nice to be out. The air was crisp and clean despite the sun beating down on my face. It was getting late in the year, the
middle of November, and I realized as soon as I stepped out that there wouldn’t be too many more days like this. I was bound
and determined to enjoy it.
My best friend Ashley called me while I was out and about, so I had her agree to meet me at the office. It was a small space
that I rented on Main Street. It was only a block or two from where she worked, so she was there when I got there. Ashley had
heard rumors. I was sure of it. Everybody had heard about the fire at Ciara's wedding. Like everyone else, she was likely
trying to get all the details. Ashley would do so with empathy as my friend, but she was just as nosy as the rest.
“Go on. I know you’ll start at some point.”
Ashley tried to look innocent, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“I know you want to know about the fire, so ask me.”
“Well, I have tried to call you several times, and your phone has been off. I even came by your house, and you didn't answer the
door. I know you were there, so are you okay?”
I agreed that I was and just smiled at her. There was the much-needed sympathy I knew I would get from my best friend. It
certainly was not the same as I got from my family or clients.
“Yeah, it’s alright. I will probably never work again, but I hear that the movie theater is hiring.”
Ashley scoffed, “Don't be so dramatic. From what I hear, there was nothing that you did to make it happen. Everyone is
blaming Ciara and her crazy demands. We all know that you were trying to make her happy.”
I don't know if I felt better with her words. What did she mean by that?
I got the door unlocked at the office, and there was quite a bit of mail in the front that was pushed through the mail slot. I
disagreed with the postal worker; more could have fit, but I scooched it away with my foot and invited Ashley in. “Do you
have time for coffee?”
She agreed, “Yeah, I am on break.”
I started a pot of coffee and told her everything I could remember about what happened. It was good to get it out, though I didn’t
much care for the need to relive it. It had been a bit more trying than I thought it had been. I told her about Scott coming in,
swooping me up and saving me. Her brow went up, and she asked me again why I didn’t like him.
“It’s not that I don’t like him, though he is cocky and talks to me like I’m his little sister. It’s just this weird relationship we
have. I’ve known him a long time.” I stopped, not even sure what I was saying. Understanding what was between us was hard,
but ours wasn’t a normal relationship. We were close, but not really. “It’s complicated.”
“Uh-huh.”
Ashley always made comments about there being more between the two of us, even if I didn’t see it. I wasn’t in denial. She
was making something out of nothing. I didn’t want Scott in that way. We weren’t even friends, just forced companions from
time to time. When I was younger, Scott went on many family vacations and get-togethers. He was like one of the family,
practically living with us most summers.
“Anyways, everyone is fine, but I think I will have to find something else to do for a living. No one is going to hire me now.”
Ashley did as she was required as my friend. She encouraged me and said that it was all going to work out. I didn’t believe
her, but I smiled and agreed that I hoped the same. I didn’t mention how it was never going to happen. What would be the
point?
We chatted about a few other things, and I had to stop when the door opened. The office was closed, but it wasn’t like I would
chase anyone away. When I turned around, part of me figured that it would be Ciara back to tell me off. She had done so
multiple times, yet she wasn’t entirely done.
It wasn’t Ciara, though. It was a woman in her late fifties who wore a pantsuit with a no-nonsense expression. Her dark hair
and makeup were immaculate, and I was impressed with her style. She was a woman who knew what she wanted, and that
excited me. I didn’t know what she was doing here, but I had hope. “Can I help you?”
She smiled and asked me if I was Evelyn. When I agreed that I was, she launched into how she loved Ciara’s wedding and how
it was such a beautiful affair.
“Oh, do you know the bride?”
She scoffed, “Not hardly, but I heard it was a big deal, and I wanted to get some ideas. It was lovely, and I bet that if she hadn’t
pushed those gaudy tabletop displays, it would have ended as well as it began.”
I smiled but tried not to look as guilty as I did. The ending of the wedding was as important, but she was right; it had gone
down the tubes at some point. “Hopefully, you were not there for all of the chaos.”
She grinned, “No, but I had my son tell me all about it when he got home later that night.”
“Your son?”
“Yes, he was your hero, from what I hear.”
I got this sinking feeling when I started to focus on the woman and her expression and how she smiled and looked at me. The
resemblance was uncanny, even though it was the feminine opposite of Scott’s masculinity. “Scott? He's your son?” I tried not
to hide the feelings I had about that. I was still feeling off because of my reaction to him helping me out. I didn’t know how to
act around him anymore. Now, his mom was in my office.
She agreed, “Of course.”
“He is good friends with my brother and has been for years. I am surprised we haven’t met.”
Katrina introduced herself and asked me if I had any openings in the next few weeks.
“Next few weeks?”
She agreed, “I want to get married and fast. This is my third wedding, so I don’t need months to prepare for it. I know what I
want, and life is short, so I think a couple of weeks to plan will do the trick. You are probably free right now, so I will take
advantage of your misfortune and hire you at the last minute.”
She smiled in a familiar way. Scott would do the same thing, explaining the impossible scenario and how his way was the best
bad decision.
“That sounds like a plan to me.”
Katrina grinned without any guilt. “My son was right about you. You’re perfect for the job.”
I nodded in agreement, wondering internally what Scott had to do with it. Had he said something to her? Did I owe him now
more than I did before? He would have to stop helping me, or I might think he cares. Or that I do, too.
Katrina talked me through what she was looking for, and I took notes furiously. This was just the challenge I needed to keep my
mind from spiraling.
“I hired Evelyn for the wedding.”
I nodded and told Mom that she had made a good decision. “I know she is just starting and a bit flaky, but she has put
everything into this business. She is trying to build it up, and that fire was likely to ruin her.”
Mom waved me off and said it would always work out how God wanted it to. “She is talented, and it would have taken time,
but people would have forgotten the fire and remembered her God-given talent.”
“Well, I am glad that you are giving her a chance. I thought you would be working so much that you wouldn’t have time to plan
much?”
“I do have that merger coming up; that’s why I called you here. I need to ask you a favor.”
I wouldn’t say I liked the sound of that, especially a conversation about her wedding. I didn’t mind Jake, her new beau, but that
didn’t mean I wanted to have much to do with the wedding. He was practically my age, so I was confused about how to act. My
involvement wasn’t ideal.
“What do you mean by that?”
“You know, I was hoping that since you know Evelyn and what I like, you could take care of some of the tastings and planning
for me. I will try to do as much of it as possible; it is my wedding, but I need your help. You’re up for helping, right?”
I sighed, and even though I knew I wanted to tell her no, I knew I wouldn’t be able to. She had those sad eyes that always
worked on me, and I agreed. I didn’t jump at the idea of working closely with Evelyn, but I could imagine that she would make
it all the more complicated.
“Are you staying for dinner?”
I looked at the salmon left out thawing and said I would pass. She was on a new health kick, likely because of her younger
boyfriend. I wasn’t down for steamed broccoli and salmon. I planned on grabbing a burger at the firehouse on my way home. “I
am good, Mom, thanks. Did you need anything else before I take off?”
“Can you check that light in the laundry room? It keeps flickering and is driving me crazy.”
“Sure, Mom.” I went into her laundry room and screwed the bulb in all the way. It was flickering from being so close to
breaking the connection. It didn’t take long before it was fixed, and I left before more healthy food was pushed on me. I left
thinking about her request and what that would mean for me and my peace. I didn’t want to have similar feelings run through me
like before. Could I look at Evelyn the same again, knowing what I know now?
***
Michael met me at the bar for a couple of beers. We’d both been working crazy hours and since it was my turn to pay, I ordered
us a pitcher and some burgers from the back. The food wasn’t the greatest at T’s Tap, but it was better than anything I would
come up with at home. Michael was about as good as I was at cooking, so we both lived off of what others made.
“How was your day?”
He scoffed and jostled the same blonde hair that Evelyn had, pulling it back out of his eyes. “It was another rough day. I swear
there is a full moon coming or something. It has been nonstop patients. We didn’t even get lunch today. I noticed you were also
at the hospital a few times today.”
I agreed with the full moon comment. It did seem like people were being extra ridiculous, and I didn’t know what the deal was.
I’d had three car accidents in town and a couple more that were assists in the next town over. This was unheard of, and I was
beat. He looked like I felt, so I could only imagine what it was like for him today. It didn’t seem to be something we were
prepared for.
“Glad you got into emergency services?”
I nodded, “About as happy as you are about it.”
Michael sighed, “Well, I am glad for it. I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to Evelyn. You being
there is something I will not be able to repay.”
“It was nothing. You know that I’ve known Evelyn for a long time now. I couldn’t let anything happen to her.”
“I know, but you did save her. Everyone says so.”
I told him that it was no big deal. I wasn’t used to all the praise, and it made me uncomfortable. I was just doing my job. I
wouldn’t have done anything different for someone else. At least, that was what I was trying to convince myself of.
“Well, whatever, Scott. I am in your debt.”
“Like enough that you got dinner?”
He shook his head and laughed. “Not a chance. It’s your turn.”
I knew I didn’t have a chance of him paying, no matter who I saved.
“I hear that you helped get Evelyn a job. Your mom’s wedding?”
“How did you hear about that?”
He shrugged, “News travels fast.” The waitress brought the burgers, and he thanked her. He tried to flirt, but everyone knew
Michael wasn’t interested in much more than a quick romp. He was married to his work at the hospital, and though he did date,
it never lasted very long. Carla had served us many times and knew better.
“Why do you always hit on her?” I asked when she was out of earshot.
Michael shrugged, “I don’t know. It makes her feel good, and I like her smile.”
It was a pure answer, and I wished I could be as honest as Michael. He and Evelyn were alike in that way, speaking their mind
and truth far more than was typical. It was admirable, and I wish I had that same freedom of speech.
We talked about what the next week was going to be. We both had a lot of work, but there was a concert coming up that we
were looking forward to.
“I’m going to be busy the next few weeks,” I informed Michael.
“Whatever you must do, Scott, make it happen, but don’t forget our concert.”
Michael was serious, and I promised that I would make it. We hadn’t talked much about what was happening with me lately,
and I was grateful for it. I’d been thinking about people and things that I shouldn’t. I was spiraling and needed to get my mind
on something else. Michael and all the gossip at the hospital was a great place to start. When I left the bar, I was feeling better.
I didn’t want to drive home. It was too far in my condition, so I walked to the firehouse and slept in one of the bunks instead. It
was close enough and was like my second home anyway.
***
When I woke up, my phone had several missed calls, and I pushed play on one, unsure what it would be about. I was shocked
to find out that it was Evelyn. I didn’t even know she had my number, but it was likely my mom had given it to her. I could
always count on Mom to make my life more complicated.
“Hey Scott, I just talked to your mom and learned we will be working together. I was wondering when you are available this
week. I am open whenever you have some time. Okay, well, just let me know. Thanks.”
I listened to the message a couple more times. It wasn’t because I didn’t know what was going on; I heard her and got it, but I
loved the sound of her voice. The other messages weren’t as interesting. I returned to Evelyn’s, and then her brother called to
see if I wanted to check out a movie. Of course, I did, but I felt like he knew something was up. Did he know that I was thinking
about his little sister? If he did, I suppose he would have done something more.
We set up a meeting time, and I spent the rest of my day avoiding anything about Evelyn. I don’t know what was wrong with
me, but I had to get it together. Michael wouldn’t forgive me, and I wouldn’t blame him. His sister was sacred, and I needed to
get her off my mind. It was just that simple. Or rather, it was supposed to be.
 still wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be grateful for the new job or not. I was ecstatic when Scott’s mom hired me to do
I her wedding. It was the second chance I didn’t think I would get. Not only that, but his mom also had great ideas, and she
had a whole book full of them that she dumped on my lap. While I thought we would have some time to go over details
together, she was merging a business and was quite busy. When I wondered how we would get through everything with her
gone on business trips for the next week and a half, she directed me toward her son Scott.
“He knows everything about me, so I trust his taste. I'm sure that the two of you can come up with something great.”
To say that it was odd that she didn't want to do it herself was an understatement. It was surprising because of how she came
across. To look at her, the woman wanted perfection. How was she going to get it if she wasn't overseeing? I hadn't done that
many weddings, but I had done enough of them to realize that it wasn't normal.
Either that or I was fighting the idea so much because that meant Scott and I would have to spend some time together. A lot of
time together. I don't know if I was prepared for that. I still had mixed feelings about him pulling me out of the fire and saving
my life. It was natural to get my feelings confused about a hero, right? That's what I hoped for anyway. I hoped this was
temporary and my feelings for my brother’s much older friend would disappear. I knew it would be much easier for that
scenario to happen if I didn't have to be around him.
So, he called me back to set a date, and I didn't know how to act. I was so self-conscious that it took me almost fifteen minutes
to leave because I didn't know what to wear. I wasn't that kind of girl. I never had been. Why was everything different now?
We met up at the coffee shop because it felt like a place where I could not only get my much-needed caffeine for the morning to
deal with Scott but also full of people, and I didn’t want any alone time with him. It was going to be challenging because of all
the planning that had to be done, and apparently, he was my point guy, but I was going to do the best I could to avoid it. If we
just kept it professional and straightforward, nothing had to get more complicated than it already was.
When we sat down, Scott offered to go to the front and get us something to drink. Sure, I said. He didn’t ask me what I wanted
but got what I usually drank. How did he figure that out? He ignored me all the time and never indicated that he noticed me, so
why was I tickled pink that he did?
“So, what do you need me for?” Scott asked.
It was a loaded question, and I wasn't sure what to say. I just looked at him for a moment, not blinking, and he chuckled
uncomfortably. “My mom said you had some questions you needed answered. Is that what I'm here for?”
I nodded because it was clear he was looking for assurances. If I didn't know any better, I would think that Scott was just as
nervous as I was, which didn't make sense. What did he have to be nervous about? Scott walked through life with the
confidence and swagger most people dreamed of.
I pulled out the large book that was given to me by Katrina and started to thumb through the pages. “I wonder where this is
supposed to be held with such short notice. Has she talked to you about any of it?” I hoped he would know everything she was
not here to offer input for, but I doubted it. Scott never made me think that he was into paying attention like that. He could have
been informed, but I worried he wasn’t. He was sitting beside me, looking down because of his height, and it was all so
intimidating. I didn’t know how to act under his scrutiny.
“She said she wanted it outside.”
I nodded, waiting for more and trying not to show my disappointment when none came out. I worked on not letting it get to me.
This was my chance after Ciara’s wedding debacle. It apparently meant that I would have to work for it a bit harder than usual.
I accepted that, but Scott might be the last straw if I couldn’t get the information that I needed from him.
“Why don’t we go look around for a good place?” Scott suggested. You seem a little worried.
I sighed, “Aren’t you?”
Scott shrugged his broad shoulders and tousled his dark hair. “Nah, not at all. This is a love match that my mom made on her
own. I don’t even know the guy. He’s my age. It’s weird.”
I wasn’t expecting him to tell me all that or for him to get up and start getting ready to leave. “My car or yours?’
I let him drive because I didn’t think I would be able to pay attention to the road and talk to Scott at the same time. I felt weird
around him, conscious of everything but also out of it. Too much of my emotions were wrapped up in Scott. This was never the
case before. What happened? He saved me once and held me in his arms, and now I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
As he was driving, Scott said, “So, I was thinking about the bluff. You know, at the end of Roger’s property? Those Bradford
Pear trees are lining the back and are bright red right now. They will be like that for another couple of weeks and then dead
looking like all the rest.”
It was a thoughtful idea, and I was impressed, especially when I saw it on my own. I hadn’t been out to the bluffs in a while; it
was where High Schoolers went to a party and made out. I’d been here once or twice; Michael found me once and dragged me
away. This place had a lot of memories, and I studied Scott while he looked off. Did he have many of the same memories to go
through? His lips curved in a smile.
“What?”
He caught me looking, and I shrugged, “This is a good idea. I will put it into the running. It could be a logistics nightmare,
however. This is private property, so we would have to get permission.”
Scott told me that he would handle that if we picked it. I asked him if this was the only place he could think of, and he said he
had other ideas. I wanted to hear them because we could truly get something going if they were anything like his last one.
I wasn't expecting him to have any more ideas, but he did. Scott kept surprising me and seemed to know all the best places. I
asked him how he knew where to go; it was so beautiful, and he just shrugged and said he liked to take walks.
“You like to take walks? What does that even mean?”
“Just what it sounds like. I find long walks relaxing. My parents were really into hiking when I was young, so I guess I picked
that up and didn't let it go when they broke up and stopped. There are a lot of beautiful places around here. Surprising places
where you could do anything.”
He said it in a way that made me think he wasn't just talking about places but maybe surprising people. Maybe me. I figure that
my thoughts went to that just because of how badly I wanted it to be so. I was developing a hard crush on Scott, which skewed
how I looked at things.
For the rest of the trip, I tried not to say much. My mind was working overtime to confuse me, and it was better if I didn't give
it a chance. Something was in the air, but I predicted it was my fault. I was hearing and seeing what I wanted. It wasn't real. It
couldn’t be.
 s much as I dreaded being around Evelyn for Mom’s wedding plans, it wasn't like I thought it would be. Usually, we
A would pick on each other back and forth, but not today. Evelyn was acting completely different. She was quiet, more
reserved than usual, and while I liked this new temperament, it felt strange as well because I knew it wasn't her. Why was she
acted this way?
It was almost lunchtime before I had shown her all the outdoor venues in town and the surrounding area I could think of. It
seemed only natural to ask her to have lunch with me. By the look on her face and reaction, it was clear that she had never even
considered it. We obviously had some weird tension, but I didn't know what. There was a little pressure on my end, but I was
curious if it was for Evelyn, too. If so, it wasn't for the same reason. How could it be?
She agreed to go along with me, but there was certainly some hesitation. She even asked me if I wanted to pick up Michael, but
I told her he wouldn’t be able to get out at this time of day. Michael was usually the only doctor on call for the ER. He liked it
that way, but it meant that he wasn't going anywhere during his shift. It felt off that the first thing she brought up was her brother.
What had her thinking about Michael so much?
Once again, I knew it wasn't for the same reason as me, but it still made me wonder. My mind was not able to think of anything
else after that.
She agreed to come to lunch, and we went to one of the local sandwich shops. I thought we would have a nice meal together,
maybe talk a bit, but the conversation certainly wasn't anything I was interested in. She dragged along the wedding book, and I
couldn't help but feel we could have done something more productive with our time.
“I am glad your mom hired me. Did you have something to do with it?” Evelyn finally asked. She said it so plainly that I had to
be truthful.
“I reminded her that if she wanted to get her wedding going, she needed to start soon. Her idea was you all along. I just
reminded her that it was a good time to start up. Your brother said that you were having a rough time after the fire, and I figured
Ciara wouldn’t sing your praise and help you find work.”
“Thank you, Scott. That means a lot. I’m touched.” She also looked unsure. I didn’t want her to think that I’d done much of
anything. It was her talent and eye for aesthetics that my mom liked. She had good taste, and Evelyn would be great at what she
did one day. I wanted to help her along as much as I could. I didn’t want her to know I had a hand in it.
“It’s nothing, Evelyn.” She nodded like she didn’t believe me but wouldn’t say anything else. It left us in this awkward silence.
I finally had to fill it. “Did Ciara ever get over how the wedding turned out?”
Evelyn gave me a look, and I had to laugh. “No, huh?”
“Ciara is singlehandedly telling everyone that she encounters that I am the worst wedding planner. This business is all about
word of mouth.”
“Well, soon, people will hear that you have done a wonderful job on Mom’s third wedding, and they will be knocking down
your door.”
She smiled sheepishly. “I wish I had as much faith as you do.”
I told her that she should. She was amazing at what she did. I meant that part of it. Evelyn was always so creative and talented.
I remembered years ago when I needed help finding something to wear to my high school ten-year reunion. Evelyn helped me
pick something out, and I’d gotten a date with an old crush that I’d never been able to before. I bet it was because of her eye for
things and choosing what I wore that night that made all the difference in the world. It was just one of the many ways I’d
benefitted from her talent over the years.
Evelyn had a huge smile, and then she dropped it. I don’t know what was going through her head, but I wouldn’t say I liked
how her smile was gone.
We had lunch, but Evelyn was more reserved. I wish I knew what had changed, but she was ready to leave quickly after that. I
took her back to her car, and we parted ways. I was torn when walking away from her, unsure how I was supposed to feel. I
wanted to stay with her for a while. Talk. Be in her presence. But I knew it was better this way.
When I got home, Michael called to ask if I would go on a double date. He’d met a woman at the hospital, the family of one of
the patients, and she had a sister. They were in town for only one night and would be gone tomorrow. He wanted me to wine
and dine the sister so that he had a chance with the other one. I would usually jump at the chance; it sounded like a good time,
but something was holding me back this time.
“I am tired. I don’t think I will be in the mood to go out later.”
“What are you tired from?” He wanted to know.
I shrugged. I thought of the day I’d spent with his sister and how she had me feeling all out of sorts. I certainly couldn’t tell him
anything that was going on with her or why I felt so off now. I knew better than to say anything. “Just been a long week, I guess.
You’re right; I can go out for a few hours. What is she like?”
He rattled off what he knew of Tonya, her looks mainly, and from how he talked, she was pretty enough. I wasn’t in the mood
but agreed to meet them before dark. It was an early dinner for us, and I hoped I could get out of there before too long. I didn’t
want to be out with anyone. Since I was feeling so off and confused by women, I would have been better off at home.
Michael was really into Tonya’s sister Mora. She was tall, model-thin, and had a mysterious smile. I got the curvier sister with
the better personality, so at least we had something to talk about while my friend shamelessly tried to get in good with Mora. I
guess I was likely just as bad but seeing him doing it made me conscious of how I must have come across in the past. Did I
look that desperate, too?
At some point, the girls went to freshen up or talk about us or whatever it was that girls did in the bathroom together. As soon
as they were out of sight, I could take a breath, and Michael wanted to know what was going on with me. I told him I didn't
know what he was talking about.
“You don't like her?”
I shrugged, “I don't feel one way or another about her.” It was the truth, too. I had no feelings for her.
Michael scoffed, “She is pretty, and I know she is your type. What is going on with you tonight?”
I knew that he was telling the truth about her. Tonya was my type; she was adorable, and I usually would at least flirt with her,
but for some reason, I wasn't in the mood. I wasn't in the mood to be out, but what other choice did I have? He had half-dragged
me out, but he didn't like how I was responding. I felt slightly annoyed but knew I didn’t have a reason to feel that way. I had
agreed to come out. Why did I feel like being there was such a waste? I was single, and Tonya was my type usually.
When the girls returned, I tried to act more like I was supposed to. It was easy to see that Michael was right. I was not acting
the way I usually do. I tried to flirt and act the same as usual, but it was hard. By the end of it, I was glad to be going, even
though it was suggested that we stay and do something else. I didn't want to do anything else.
I went home and thought about the one person I couldn't have. It was likely just a ploy by the universe to make me go a little
crazy. It was working, too. I stayed up most of the night, thinking about what I couldn't have and what I could do to change that.
 ith everything going on and being busier than ever, I almost forgot my best friend’s birthday. She called me late
W evening, wondering what I was doing the next day. I knew she was fishing for information, but I just didn’t put together
what information she was fishing for. I was off the phone with her and had to call her back because it hit me like a ton of
bricks.
Ashley was turning 25, a respectable age but one that made her feel old for some reason. She had things she wanted to have
done by that age; unhappily, she had not completed all of it yet. She wanted to be married with kids, own a house, and have a
decent career. We all had a checklist of what we should be doing at what age. For Ashley, she found a few areas lacking. I
wasn't too far behind her age-wise, but I wasn’t necessarily worried about where I was currently.
After brainstorming what we wanted to do for the night, Ashley decided to go out and have a little fun. While I suggested that
we go to a few towns over to something less familiar, Ashley wanted to stay local. It was her birthday, so I wasn't going to go
against her wishes, but I certainly wasn't in the mood to do a local bar crawl.
We got ready and met up. I didn’t know that Ashley had a guy friend coming. She hadn't said so, but I was genuinely happy for
her because I had heard about Tristan. He was a guy she had dated before, and it had supposedly gone well. They had broken
up for a silly reason I couldn’t remember. Ashley had never shown it, but she had been devastated. His popping up
coincidentally around her birthday felt like a sign. Call me a sucker, but I wanted it to be a sign.
I figured I would be an uncomfortable third wheel, but that wasn't too bad. I wasn't in the mood to flirt and focus on my love
life. What little bit of a love life I had was so confusing that I would be crazy to add to it in any way. And I wasn't crazy, at
least not in that way.
What I didn't expect was Scott coming out of the bathroom a few minutes later and joining the table right next to us. There were
several huge guys at the table, one in particular that Ashley was trying to push me towards, but how could I see any of them
with Scott standing right there? He was all I saw. I knew that was a problem, but it changed nothing.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” Scott asked when he spotted me.
I knew clearly that I looked like I was here alone, but I pointed towards Ashley on the dance floor with her newest beau and
commented that it was her birthday.
“I will have to wish her a happy birthday,” Scott said with a grin. He looked to be feeling pretty good. I agreed and told him
she would likely return in a moment. I needed to believe that, especially when I was so bothered with Scott around. He had
friends next to him, but I only had eyes for him. Feeling that way about him was problematic. My brother's friend would never
see me how I saw him, which bothered me even more. There was nothing to be done.
It was going to be a very interesting night for me. I wasn't worried about anything short of disaster. By the looks of it, that was
precisely where this night was headed.
I thought having Scott and his friends there would be difficult. I had not anticipated seeing my ex there as well. Jeff was
someone I’d dated a couple of years back, and then he had moved away, and we broke up right before he left. Jeff had said
there was no way we could keep things together long distance, and he, of course, had been right. It had hurt my feelings when
he had said it and when we broke up, but with a bit of time and space, I could see how he had helped us both in that situation.
When I saw him coming in through the door, I quickly did a double take because I was pretty shocked to see him, and then I
couldn't help comparing Scott and him to each other. They were worlds apart, Scott being so much older than Jeff, and while
Jeff was sensitive, creative, and sweet, Scott saved people's lives. They were very different, but both had qualities that were
easy to admire. I may have leaned towards liking Scott more than Jeff, but the fact that he was Michael’s best friend and
completely off-limits was not lost on me.
It didn't take long for Jeff to notice me. I was curious if he would recognize me, and his reaction made me miss his easy-going
style. He had a big smile, walked right up to me, gave me a bear hug, and planted a kiss on my lips. “It is good to see you,
Evelyn.”
I was blushing from the kiss, and I could feel burning attention. When I turned to look, I saw Scott staring at me. He did not
seem happy, and I tried to straighten myself out from the unexpected kiss, but I knew I saw something I wasn't supposed to. Why
was Scott so worried about that little kiss? And why did I care so much? What was the reason?
“Tell me that you'll dance with me,” Jeff asked with one of the biggest, most infectious grins I'd seen in a while. I naturally
agreed right off the bat because why wouldn't I? I had no reason to say no and didn't want to.
I couldn't be with Scott. I shouldn't even be thinking about him in that way. Jeff was an ex, and he was one that I felt
comfortable with. It was good to see him, and I was already questioning what could happen between us. Maybe Jeff could take
my mind off Scott, which was precisely what needed to happen. Otherwise, I was going to drive myself crazy with the whole
thing.
As soon as Jeff took me to the dance floor, I could see the difference in Scott. He wouldn’t take his eyes off of me. I looked his
way a few times, and every time, he was staring. I don’t know why he was staring like that. He looked jealous, and even Jeff
noticed because he asked me who the buff old guy was glaring at him.
I laughed at how he said it. I think Jeff was jealous, too. What was up with these guys? “That is my older brother’s best friend.
I don’t think they like me with anyone.”
That relieved Jeff’s nerves, saying he could understand some brotherly protection. I almost laughed at that comment because
Scott didn’t feel like a brother, but I didn’t. I was trying to ease his ego, not make it worse.
Jeff was getting a bit too handsy, and while I rerouted his hand off my butt a couple of times, he didn’t seem to be getting the
hint. Maybe he’d had too much to drink, but it quickly became annoying. After a few more moments of me trying to get away
from his hands, Scott was there to save me again.
I could have kissed him. I was so happy when he cut in. Jeff wasn’t. He looked like he had a lot to say about it, but one look at
Scott and Jeff decided not to say a word. He stalked off, mumbling something.
“Thanks. I think you made an enemy, but he wasn’t getting the hint.”
“It wasn’t for you. If I had to see him paw on you for another second, I was going to lose it.”
He pulled me tight into his arms, making me sigh out loud. When he held me close and moved me around the dance floor, I
forgot who he was, who I was, and why I couldn’t have what I truly desired at that moment. That could be dangerous.
 s soon as Evelyn was in my arms, I knew it was a mistake. She felt too good there, and before I knew it, the dance was
A turning into something more. I didn’t care who was watching, knowing someone would see us dancing and report it to
Michael. I was going to have to tell him about it, but I wouldn’t mention how tightly I held her to my body or how badly I
wanted to kiss her. Or how badly I wanted to beat the man who had his hands all over her body. I still felt rage from another
man touching her. It wasn’t the reaction I’d expected, and it wasn’t the proper way to be about it. She was Michael’s little
sister. I shouldn’t have any of these feelings for her.
It didn’t change the fact that her body melted against mine, and she felt like heaven in my arms. Her petite frame fit perfectly
against me, and for once, I knew that I would have to focus on something else if this was to continue.
“I think he has gotten the point, Scott.”
Evelyn was making it like she wanted me to let her go, but I wasn’t ready yet. I dipped her, and when I brought her back up, we
almost kissed. I knew it would worsen matters, but it was hard not to give in. Her lips were so pink and pert, ready for mine. I
could see the attraction that was showing through her pale blue eyes. I wasn’t the only one that wanted a kiss. Would it be so
bad? A kiss could be forgiven.
About the time I’d decided that I was going to go for it, the music stopped, and the spell that I was under was gone. Hers was
as well, and her eyes narrowed. “Thank you again for saving me, Scott.”
I told her it wasn’t anything and let her go, but it was painful. I didn’t want to watch her walk back to the table with her friend
and boyfriend. I didn’t want to see Jeff go over to her and start talking to her again, but he did. The rage was real, and I would
have started drinking heavily to ignore it all, but I noticed how much Jeff was feeding drinks to Evelyn. I knew she was a
lightweight, so why was she accepting drink after drink from this guy? I didn’t like how many she slammed back in such a short
time, and I wouldn’t say I liked the way Jeff smiled at her when she wasn’t looking. Just like before, I was going to have to
step in.
Jeff might have given me a dirty look or two, but he certainly didn't come back over and try anything. I must have been giving
off the right vibe because I swear if he touched her again, I was going to break his hand.
Every minute that I spent with Evelyn made me feel closer to her. Having her in my arms had pretty much sealed the deal. I
would never be able to look at her the same way again.
“Why don’t we get out of here? It looks like Ashley is going home with her guy friend,” Jeff said to Evelyn. I was close enough
to hear his comment, and I immediately stepped closer to the two of them. Evelyn wasn’t going anywhere with Jeff. He thought
about saying something, but I don’t believe the man had it in him to try and fight me for her. I was down for a bit of violence if
that was what was on the agenda. Jeff quickly decided that he was not. He didn’t deserve her if a bit of intimidation made him
run.
“Right now?” Evelyn wanted to know. She bobbed to the music and asked if I wanted to dance again. Since she had drank
significantly more than she should have, I told her that I didn’t think it was a good idea. “Well, I can always ask Jeff. He is
always down to dance with me.” The suggestion in her tone made me say ‘no’ way too loudly and quickly. That got a giggle out
of her.
“Why don’t I take you home?”
Evelyn crossed her arms and pouted. “I’m not ready to go yet.”
I told her that she looked cute when she pouted, but there was no way that I was leaving her here with Jeff. He’d been giving
her drinks all night, and I knew why. I wasn’t going to let him take advantage of her. Not on my watch. I’d already abandoned
my friends a while ago to be with Evelyn and babysit her. I wasn’t going to let her go to the wolves now.
“Your brother would never forgive me if I left you here with him.”
Evelyn tried to protest but stopped midway and agreed to go along. She had this nervous look again, and I wondered what was
wrong with her, but I wasn’t stupid enough to ask. She agreed, and that was good enough for me.
We left the bar after she said goodbye to her friend Ashley. They talked briefly, and I caught them glancing my way, but then
Evelyn walked back to me. She waved to Jeff but didn’t even attempt to go back over there, which was fine by me. We went to
the car, and I let her in. I wasn’t interested in how she acted, which indicated how much she’d had to drink. She was not acting
like her innocent self.
When we got to the place she shared with her roommate, I helped her up the stairs and waited for her to fish the keys out of her
pocket. After digging with no luck for a few moments, I could see by her expression that she didn’t have a way in.
“Are there any open windows that I could slide in? I don’t mind.”
Evelyn said that there wasn’t. She tried to call her roommate but didn’t get an answer. She didn’t know what to do, and I
offered her a bed at the firehouse. I stayed there all the time, and since my place was such a drive because it was off in the
woods a bit, I figured it would be better than any other alternative. I didn’t want to drive home, either. I was tired, so getting
into a bed sounded like a plan. Putting a little distance between her and me didn’t sound like a bad idea either.
Evelyn wasn’t all that happy about my suggestion, but I think she realized it was the best option. She balked at the idea when I
said something about driving to my place. Staying in the firehouse was the lesser evil, so she agreed.
It wasn’t too far of a drive, and though Evelyn was sobering up, her speech was still slurred, and her balance was off. I had to
help her into one of the beds, ignoring the looks I got from the few on duty. I would have to explain myself later, but I knew
Evelyn was safe for now, which mattered more than the rest.
I didn’t feel like driving home and wouldn’t leave her alone, so I stayed in another bunk. There were enough places to sleep for
many, and though we were close, I put a few beds between us so that the temptation that was eating me alive would calm down.
That was the hope, anyway.
As soon as I laid down, I knew there was no way I would be able to sleep. Instead, I listened to her breathe and replayed the
day. When I knew how I felt about the day’s events, I felt terrible when I thought of Michael. He used to be the thought that
deterred me from looking at Evelyn a certain way, but now it wasn’t enough. Now that I knew what I wanted, I started thinking
about how to get what I wanted and how I would apologize to Michael after it was over. Not giving it a shot with Evelyn no
longer felt like an option.
When I went to the bathroom, I had a few questions to field about our guest. They weren’t interested in why she was here, but if
she was single. The men I worked with were always on the prowl, and I wouldn’t say I liked the idea of them looking at her
like that. I knew I couldn’t stop it, though. They saw what I saw: a beautiful young woman that any man would be lucky to have.
“She’s my friend’s little sister. I am just helping out. She had too much to drink and no keys to get into her place.” While it was
the truth, even I could hear all the problems connected to that. I could have done many other things than bring her here. But here
she was, all mine, and everyone knew it without me saying anything because I was the one who brought her here.
“Just leave her alone. If anyone is going to date Evelyn, it’s me.”
I got looks for claiming her after who I said she was, but something inside of me couldn’t help it. Once I saw how they looked
when they even talked about her, there was no way I could do any less. Evelyn was mine. Not yet, but soon. Propriety be
damned.
 woke up with a start and immediately realized that I was not in the typical environment I should be in. I could hear the
I sounds of many people eating, and it sounded like it was in the next room. The people eating were men; they made more
noise, and there was a light amount of talking. That wasn't what told me that I was somewhere I wasn't supposed to be. What
told me was the bed directly above me when I opened my eyes. I hadn't slept in a bunk bed in a very long time.
Sitting up was a bit of a gamble. As soon as I got to a semi-upright position, I knew it would be a long day. My head was
banging, and memories about the night before started to trickle in. I went to the bar with Ashley; she stayed there with a new
boyfriend. That left me going home with Scott, and since I’d locked myself out of my apartment, he had taken me to the
firehouse.
I pressed my lips together, not sure what to do next. I wanted to scream about the ridiculous situation that I found myself in.
What was worse is that it was my fault entirely. I'm not much of a drinker, and I can't for the life of me remember why I started
drinking. Likely, it was because of Scott. Being around him was dangerous.
I got up on my wobbly feet and stood up, looking around. Another guy was sleeping in one of the bunks at the end of the room,
and Scott was nowhere in sight. Had he left me? I worried that I was abandoned at the firehouse surrounded by guys. What
were they going to think? Did they know that Scott brought me here? I looked down, considered my rumpled outfit, and
smoothed my hair. I was going to have to walk through them and needed to prepare. It was like a walk of shame without the fun.
I planned to run through the next two rooms and get out of there. I was already embarrassed to no end, and I didn't think there
was much I could do to make it worse. I could pull myself together and get home if I got out of here. I would have something to
say to Scott later when we met to discuss his mom's wedding. Right now, I wanted to ring his neck for leaving me here.
“Hey, where are you going in such a hurry? I know you can smell breakfast. It’s pancakes. Your favorite,” Scott said as he came
around the corner and walked up to me.
I gave Scott a dirty look, and while they did smell good, and he knew that it was my weakness, I couldn’t give in to it. I was
glad he hadn’t left me, but I wanted to escape.
“Thank you, but I think I'm good.” I could see all the eyes on me, and I just wanted to melt into the carpet. They were looking at
me with interest, but not in the same way that most guys did. What had Scott told them?
“Come on, Evelyn, stay a while.”
“No, I don't want to overstay my welcome. Thanks for making sure I got somewhere safe, Scott. I appreciate it, but I'm going to
go. You guys have a good day.” I barely looked up, not making eye contact with anyone. I was mortified. Couldn't Scott see
that, or was he trying to elongate my suffering?
Scott stopped me at the door and asked if I needed a ride anywhere. It was within walking distance of my place; I only wanted
to hide my face and get as far away from him as possible. I could hear them talking and laughing as I was leaving. I'm sure they
were talking about me, but I couldn't stay and defend myself. I shouldn't even be here. I don't know what I was thinking last
night. Obviously, I drank too much, and I was lucky that it turned out the way it did. At this point, I just wanted to get home and
hide.
***
Since I had to meet with Scott later that afternoon, an appointment we’d made before running into each other at the bar, I tried
to keep my focus. I had a big wedding that needed a lot of planning, and I had only Scott to help me figure out what Katrina
wanted. I wish Katrina were here to answer my questions, but I accepted that I would have to do it this way if I wanted to get
anything done.
Not to mention the conflicting emotions I felt having Scott around. I couldn't get it out of my head that I liked him more than I
should. I swear that ever since he saved me, held me in his strong arms, and took me to safety, I have not been able to look at
him the same. He was upgraded to a knight in shining armor. Now, I could see how handsome and strong he'd always been.
So, we met up, and I tried to breeze through the decisions as quickly as possible. There were many of them, and he said I could
make judgments on some of them, which I appreciated, but I worried that my decisions would be wrong. Sure, I was used to
giving suggestions, but there would always be someone to say yes or no. I didn't want to pick something that she hated. Scott
assured me that Katrina liked my taste.
I took that to heart and moved on, crossing out a few things I didn't think were worth discussing. If she trusted me a little bit,
that would leave less that I had to run through Scott, which was okay. I was already feeling on edge being so near him.
“Okay, so what's next?” I asked myself out loud.
“Are you sure you are not out of questions yet?”
I tilted my head to the side and smiled at him. “You're so cute if you think we're done. The next stop is the pictures. For a
photographer, there are not many options in town. A few people live nearby, but I don't think they have the quality your mom
wants. There is another option that came to light last night. I didn't know that they were still doing photography work. Jeff, my
ex, does great work. He did when we were younger, so I’m sure he has only improved with time. The man is talented.”
“No, absolutely not.”
Scott said it so quickly and with such contempt that I wasn't sure if he heard me right. He refused to even think about Jeff as the
photographer for the wedding. Surely, it wasn't because of his skills. I had known Jeff for a long time, and he was very good at
what he did.
“Why not?”
He scoffed, “Are you telling me that you honestly don't know?”
If I didn't know better, I would think Scott was jealous, but I knew better. Scott wasn't like that, not about me. He walked
around on a cloud of masculinity that assured him that he was the greatest thing alive.
“No, Scott, I honestly don't know. I was up the other night trying to find one, and when I tell you that they are in short supply in
this area, I mean it. I have had trouble finding a good photographer, and now that we have one that happens to be in town and
will be in town for the wedding, I think we should jump on the chance.”
“No.”
“You are going to have to give me more words than that. There has to be a reason. Do you know him or something? Is it
personal?”
I didn't expect any reaction from him when I asked the question, though I could see it was personal. He had this look in his
eyes, and when I tried to call him over to my side, Scott wasn't budging. Since it was personal, some vendetta he had against
him or something, I was going to ignore his refusal to use him and his services. Jeff was probably the best man for the job, and
when I talked to Katrina, I ensured she knew that as well. I was sure she would not have the same qualms as her son and would
be more than happy to use Jeff. A small part of me wondered if seeing Jeff again would lead to anything. I felt it would have
last night if Scott hadn’t gotten in the middle of it.
I wrote down Jeff’s name and circled it. He was my pick for the photography for the wedding. No one else could do the job on
such short notice. Katrina would understand, even if her son was more difficult about it.
 t was another day closer to the wedding, which meant another day with Evelyn. We went to several bakeries in the area to
I taste samplings of different cakes. My mom was still out of town and unavailable for these decisions, so I was back with
the wedding planner. Things were getting complicated between us, especially on my side. I couldn’t change how I saw Evelyn,
which made it tense between us.
Early in the morning, a couple of hours before I was to meet with Evelyn, Michael called me to see if I wanted to get a coffee. I
didn’t know how to act around him, and my guilty conscience almost had me tell him I wasn’t interested. I didn’t say that
though because he was my best friend and I missed him. He was busy at the hospital, and staffing problems compounded the
situation. I knew it might be a while until I saw him again, depending on how good HR could bring in new people.
So, I went across town to talk to Michael, grab a coffee and catch up. There was a lot that I had to keep my mouth shut about,
and that was the hardest part.
When I got to the coffee shop, he had pastries and coffee waiting for us. I thanked him, and he asked me how I was doing.
“You’ve been busy lately. Is the staffing over at the firehouse a problem?”
“No, it’s okay. It hasn’t been a problem lately. Why?”
He told me that he hadn’t seen me around in a while, and I reminded him that he was the one who was working close to a
hundred hours a week.
Michael sighed and pushed his fingers through his hair in frustration. “I know. I had to do this when I was a resident. I didn’t
think I would still have to do this at my age. I am getting too old for this.”
“Speak for yourself. We’re the same age, and I feel fine.”
Michael gave me a look. “Seriously, what have you been up to?”
“Helping get mom’s wedding squared away. She took off to merge some business, and I am stuck answering questions about
colors and photographers.”
He laughed at my hardship. “You sound like you would get along with my sister. That is all she talks about.”
The mention of his sister made me realize that he didn’t even know Evelyn and I were spending so much time together. It felt
like an insignificant bit of information, but I didn’t want to hide anything or, rather, no more than I had to.
“Yeah, it has been busy. You know that your sister is doing the wedding, and she has questions about everything. I have spent
days picking out colors and fabrics; it’s been awful.”
His face showed his shock. I was sure he was just as surprised as I was about the two of us working together. “You guys have
never gotten along. I can’t see that ending well. Is she giving you a hard time?”
“No, not at all. She is doing a great job, and mom wants no one else but her. Your sister is very professional and good at what
she does.”
I think Michael was even more shocked by how I talked about his sister. I didn't know how else to say it, though. She was very
professional, and I was pleasantly surprised. I knew she took it all seriously and was talented, but Evelyn was disciplined and
ensured everything was well thought out. She was going to really go somewhere. I was sure of it. I wanted to tell her brother
the same but realized I shouldn't be gushing about her. I was still in this weird place where I had to watch myself. I couldn't say
too much.
“So that is where you have been lately, huh? You've been hanging out with my little sister, planning your mother's wedding?”
Michael’s voice was tinged with disbelief and humor.
He said it out loud to show how ridiculous it was, and I have to say that he was pretty much right. It was quite funny. But then
again, I’d been having the time of my life with Evelyn. I, of course, was never going to tell him that. Michael wouldn't
understand. But it was the truth. She was delightful to be around, and I looked forward to our meetings.
Now granted, I might have looked forward to seeing Evelyn for a reason that wasn’t proper, but at the end of the day, I liked
her a lot. That was another truth that my dear friend would never understand or tolerate. I’d really messed up this scenario.
Falling for Evelyn was probably the worst thing I could have done, but I felt helpless to stop it from happening. It's not like I
wanted this.
I told him I had learned enough about weddings to ensure I never had one. I meant it, too. But once again, there might be an
exception to the rule. Was this just how it was going to be now? My life was confusing, and I wasn't sure how to take it.
Michael and I talked for a while, and then he had to leave to go to work. We talked about how we would get together soon, but
we both knew it might be a while.
I, of course, didn't like the weird energy between us that was created with my omissions to him and my feelings for Evelyn. I've
known Michael for a long time and know how protective he is of his sister. He wouldn't understand. That is just something that
I knew deep down. He would never understand me and her together. There would be no forgiveness. I don't think he had it in
him to do so.
***
My conversation with Michael continued into the meeting I had with Evelyn. It kept me thinking that I couldn’t fall for his
sister. No matter how much I liked her, I needed to walk away. That was the only acceptable way to deal with it. I needed to
ignore it, bury it deep, and pretend that anything and everything I felt for her wasn't real. The only problem was that it sounded
like pure torture to me. The last thing I wanted to do was pretend I didn't have feelings for her. I did. I was curious, and I
wanted to know what would happen.
Evelyn unsurprisingly noticed. She was very good at reading people, and I feared she read too much about me. If she knew how
I felt about her, that I was attracted to her, I doubt it would be helpful. One minute, I was ready to see what would happen
between us if things were just left to simmer, and now, after talking to her brother for just a few moments, I realized that I
couldn't do it to my best friend. Even if he would forgive me, I don't know if I could forgive myself.
Maybe it would have been best to avoid her until this wedding business ended. Mom was supposed to be back in town soon, so
I wouldn't always have to be around her. I assumed that a little bit of distance would make everything alright. I just had to make
a few more meetings and tastings. We still needed to figure out where we would get the cake from, but more and more
decisions still required answers. I could do this; I only had to focus on getting through the next few meetings.
Before we gave up on finding a cake today, Evelyn asked me again if everything was alright. “You're not going to tell me what's
going on?”
I assured her nothing was happening, and she called me a liar point-blank.
“Let's just say that this hasn't been my favorite activity. You have done enough weddings to know men are not made for this. If I
have to taste another dry cake from a hopeful bakery that wants our business, I think I might hurl.”
Evelyn took that as the reason and agreed that sometimes it could be too much. I know it was silly, but I felt bad for lying. What
I said was true; I was sick of the whole ordeal, but it was nice to be around her.
I left the meeting with Evelyn, sure I would mess everything up. I was drawn to Evelyn in a way that I couldn't explain, and it
would be a fight to change how I saw her if that was possible.
 knew that if I could get the word out about Katrina’s wedding, how great it would be, and how fast it came together, I
I would have opportunities to get some new business. That was what I wanted, and when the phone started to ring again at
the beginning of the second week of setting up the wedding, I took it as a good sign. I worried I couldn’t figure it out, but now I
didn’t have to. I tried my best to focus on Katrina’s wedding, but the phone kept ringing and ringing…
Scott made it clear that he didn’t want to help me anymore. He didn’t have a choice because I still needed him. We met a few
times when he was prepared to meet, though his heart wasn’t in it. Scott barely looked at me, and when he did, it felt like there
was tension between us. I knew why. I knew this was all impossible, so why was I so worked up when he decided he was too
busy to help? It was for the best.
When I did call him in, Scott showed how unhappy he was about the setup. He came into the office, my phone kept ringing, and
he wanted to know what was happening.
“Your mom’s wedding is bringing in more business. If she is willing to trust me, other people are too.”
Scott said that he was happy for me, but there was something else in his eyes that I didn’t understand. He looked at me as if he
cared and wanted to say something, but nothing came out. I was left wondering what the tension in the air was from. I had no
idea what else I was supposed to do but wonder. It wasn’t like I was getting any answers from Scott.
“Well, go get the phone!”
Scott was getting snappy, and when I walked over to the phone, I had to hide the fact that his mood was affecting me so much. It
wasn’t my fault I had to get my information from Scott. It wasn’t something that I chose. It was decided that he would help, but
not by me. He didn’t make that decision either, So I guess he didn’t mind making it clear that he didn’t want to be here with me.
It hurt to hear it. I thought we had a nice time and that something was growing. I pushed it all away and remembered that this
was Michael’s best friend, and I was better off not getting involved. I knew better.
There was another bride-to-be who wanted a quick wedding when I finally had a chance to answer. Since it was going around,
I’d planned Katrina’s whole wedding in a week, which is not precisely accurate, but I did say that I had it planned out and
should be done in two weeks. That got the brides excited. I was getting booked quickly, and it wasn’t for brides who wanted to
take months like customary. No, these brides didn’t want to wait, but they also didn’t want to skimp on all the wedding extras. I
promised both speed and magic. It would be a lot to promise, and I continued to do so.
I must have been on the phone too long because Scott came, took the phone from me, and hung it up. I was listening to the new
client and wasn’t ready to hang up. I called out, swatting his chest and asking him what he was doing.
“You have a client here, now, in front of you.”
“Not a very nice one.” I gave him a dirty look and wondered for a minute how I had been stupid enough to see anything in him.
He was a jerk, like always. Maybe that was what I needed to be reminded of, how he truly was, instead of how I wanted to
remember him. I felt like an idiot, and when he pulled away, I saw a change in his eyes. He was looking at me now, but I didn’t
have time.
“But you’re right. I have a few Swatches I would like you to choose from. Thank you.” I was stiff, and I didn’t care if he could
tell. He was so rude, but I’m sure it was because he knew he could be. It was just like he used to treat me all the time. The only
difference was that I didn’t care if it was too much. Now, all I cared about was when I would get to move on to another client.
They were lining up, and I’d bit off more than I could chew, but I would somehow make it work.
The phone started to ring again, and I warned Scott not to touch it. I would let the service take the message. It was better than
the embarrassment of Scott hanging up on someone again. I was so worried I would have to explain it to him, but I had no idea
what to say. Scott did whatever he wanted to do, and there was nothing I could do to stop him.
He grinned while it rang. “I’m glad that you have some business now, Evelyn. You deserve it.”
It was all he said before another rude comment came out. Why did I cling to his words so much? Why couldn't I get it out of my
mind when he said something like that? I was grinning from ear to ear, and I loved that he was proud of me. I was disgusted
with myself and my desire to be enough for Scott. Why did I care so much about what he said and felt about me when he didn’t
care the same way for me?
I spent the rest of my time with Scott being nothing but professional. It was easier this way. Everything got complicated when I
looked at Scott differently than I always had. He was my brother’s best friend, my client’s son. He was off-limits in multiple
ways. I don’t know why I entertained something romantic between us, but I knew I would have to get it out of my mind.
The phone at the office rang several more times while we chatted and figured some things out. Scott said I was getting popular
and sounded downright jealous, but I assured him I would always have time for him. He scoffed like he wasn’t thinking about
that, but the smile that crept up his face wasn’t manufactured. Scott liked being my special client. My rude, unpredictable
special client.
 y mother called me earlier, and she had the best news. She and Jake were going to be back in town tonight. I was
M looking forward to letting go of my wedding duties. It wasn't that I didn't like to spend time with Evelyn, as
complicated as it was. It was just the fact that I had to spend every spare moment with her. I don't think any man was excited to
plan a wedding, especially one that wasn’t even his. It didn't matter one way or another how it turned out for me. I had to meet
with Evelyn again before Mom returned, and then I was free.
It was getting down to the wire, and I still wanted to be helpful, so I agreed to meet with Evelyn at her office, hoping
everything we had done was to my mother's liking. If not, I would certainly hear about it.
I went to see Evelyn and helped her figure out the last few things that needed to be considered. We had almost everything
planned now, so I can't for sure even remember what it was that was left. I bet she had a list.
Focusing on getting through the meeting without any more complications, I ignored the feeling I got when I saw her. I swear she
kept getting more beautiful every time we met. It reminded me of just how tempting Evelyn was.
I saw Evelyn coming from the parking lot, and she’d parked next to me. The door to her office was locked, so I waited for her
to get out, and I watched her walk to the front. Her hips swayed, and when she saw my attention, Evelyn looked down, hiding
her eyes, and her cheeks reddened.
“I talked to your mom this morning,” she started.
I nodded. I talked to her, too. Evelyn wanted to mention the wedding to throw me off, while arguably, my mind was on
something else altogether. I came here so resolutely to keep things detached, yet that waned quickly.
I had to pretend I cared about the plans, so I repeated what she said and asked what Mom had to say. I did hope it wasn’t to
change anything already done. I didn’t want the time and decisions to be all for nothing.
“She chose who was going to be the photographer. She also picked a band, and she decided how many people were going to
attend. Most brides agonize about those decisions, but she was really quick about it. We might get it all done in time.”
I had to go carefully over what she said in my head because she was talking fast, like she was nervous, and then I got a strange
feeling that what she said and what it meant were very different. Why did my hackles go up when she said something about a
photographer? How did I know it would be the person I didn't want sniffing around, Evelyn? I’d let her know how I felt, but I
already knew who mom had picked, and I wondered why he was an option.
“Let me guess, she decided to hire your ex?”
Evelyn agreed with me and said I didn’t have to say it like I did.
“You know how I feel about him.” I had made it clear that I didn’t want her ex to be there. Just the thought of it had my
temperature rising, and while Evelyn still tried to pretend she didn’t understand my reasoning, I didn't believe her. She couldn't
be that unaware of how she made people react and how I responded to her. She knew why I didn't want him around. More than
that, why was she telling me this? Was she trying to get a rise out of me by rubbing it in my face?
If she was trying to get a rise out of me, she’d done an excellent job with it. It wasn't possible, even though I wanted to keep my
feelings and opinions to myself. I had to say something, no matter how it looked. I wish I could keep it all to myself, but I
couldn't. Evelyn needed to know exactly how I felt about it, and if she didn’t, that was too bad. I couldn’t keep it in.
“You have got to be kidding me!
Evelyn’s face showed her shock, but I could swear that a smile was barely on her lips before she straightened it. Was I seeing
things?
“You know that there is a problem with Jeff being hired! We've already discussed this before, and I told you I don’t want him at
the wedding.”
“Yes, you said that, but I hoped you were joking. This is your mom’s wedding, and she likes his work.”
“I can't believe that you would really hire him. Why did you ask Mom to hire him and go behind my back? I don't want him
there.” Why wasn’t she getting this?
I was a lot more upset than I knew I should be. It wasn't like I had any reason to demand anything out of Evelyn or have
opinions on a wedding that wasn’t mine. She owed me nothing, so why did I feel like I was being betrayed or that she was
trying to rouse me? I don't know which one it was, either. All I knew was that I was upset about it all and the idea that she had
done it on purpose or without thinking; I couldn't say which one was worse.
Evelyn sighed, “I did not hire him because I wanted to fight with you. Your mom is going to be here soon, and there is a lot that
has to be done, a lot of decisions that have to be made, and since you were acting like such a child last time we talked about it,
I decided that it would be one of the things I ran past her. She is my boss, after all, not you.”
Evelyn tried to act like this was all professional. It wasn't, though. I felt more for her than I was supposed to. I wasn't just her
client’s son; we’d known each other for a long time and gotten even closer more recently.
“Why are you acting like this is just business? He's your ex. You know why I don't want your ex running around here.”
Evelyn turned to look squarely at me, and I will be the first to admit that her look made me nervous. She saw everything, didn't
miss a beat, and I felt like she could see right through me. What was it that made me pull back so much? Why did I feel things
would never be the same between us again? I heard her tone and knew. “Why does it matter if my ex is here or not? You don't
have a say in anything like that in my life.”
She was skillfully reminding me that I shouldn't even have an opinion. It wasn't my say. I was just her brother's friend. I
shouldn't be saying anything at all. I should keep my mouth shut, or I could say something to Michael and let him have it out
with her. I couldn't tell Michael, though. My whole problem with Jeff was jealousy, pure and simple on my part. My friend
would see right through it.
“I don't want him around you because I see how he looks at you,” I said quietly, barely audible, but she heard me. Her face
turned towards me, and I saw her expression softening, but I didn’t know I wanted that to happen either. I didn't want her to pity
me. That didn't feel good.
“A lot of guys look at me that way.”
I frowned even deeper. Not only did I not like to hear that, but I wondered if I was also put into that category.
“Why do you care how someone looks at me?”
I scoffed, telling her that she knew why. She was bound and determined to make me say it, and I didn’t want to. If I said it out
loud, it would be out in the world, and I don't know why, but I somehow thought it would make Michael discover it. Michael,
her brother, my best friend, wouldn’t take it well. He was why we should stay as far away from each other as possible. It was
getting harder to impose my opinion without explaining my feelings.
“I have no idea why you are acting this way, Scott. You've always been like my older brother, so is that what you're doing
now? Are you protecting me? Do you think that there is something wrong with Jeff?”
I don't know if Evelyn was messing with me or not at this point. She couldn't believe I looked at her as a sister, could she? Was
she so out of it that she didn't understand that I had fallen for her?
“I care about you, Evelyn.”
Evelyn looked aggravated. “Yes, I know, you act like my brother.
My teeth were set on edge, and every time she said it, I just wanted to yell at her that it wasn't true. It had nothing to do with
Michael or me feeling like her brother. I did not feel like her brother. I felt like I wanted to be so much more, something I
wasn't supposed to want. It really did make it worse, but I couldn’t help it. “I don't feel like you're my sister, Evelyn.”
She frowned, “Then I don't understand.”
The only way that I could make her understand at this point was to show her. So, I pulled her up against me tightly and ravished
her lips with my own. I wanted to silence any more questions and comments about me being her brother. I did not have familial
feelings towards her whatsoever. What I felt towards her was something entirely different, and when I pulled away and she let
out a sigh, her eyes fluttering open, I could tell she knew the difference now.
“Oh.”
I shook my head and didn't know what to say. How am I supposed to follow that? Oh? When I started to say something, I heard
a familiar voice that made me move back a few inches, hoping nothing was seen.
“There you are, Scott. I thought I would find you here. Let’s get to work, shall we?”
I smiled at Mom, meeting her gaze to see if she saw anything, and if she did, she wasn’t showing it. I was grateful for that. I
didn’t want to have to explain why I was kissing my best friend’s sister and her wedding planner. I was sure she would take it
personally like I was trying to sabotage the wedding. I don’t know what I was doing, but I needed to figure it out. I was playing
with fire.
 stayed up most of the night before talking to Katrina. The wedding was in a few days, and she was back in town to make it
I happen. She still had to pick a dress and who she wanted to do her makeup and hair. She planned to take care of certain
items herself, and since I already had more than I could chew on my plate, I was grateful for her increased participation. It was
nice to have the bride to speak to about everything, though I will admit that I missed Scott.
After he kissed me and Katrina walked in, we had no time to talk about what happened. I know that he thinks he likes me. I like
him, too, but there was much more to consider than how we felt about each other. My brother wouldn’t take it well if something
happened between us. He would probably throw a fit if he knew we’d even kissed. It wasn’t harmless, either. It would be a lie
to say that it was. It meant something, and I knew what I wanted it to mean. I hoped that Scott was thinking along the same lines
as I was. What would that mean if he was?
My head spun with all of the mess that was in it. I had to get myself together and get ready. I had a meeting with the
photographer, and every time I thought about Jeff, all I could think of was how Scott had reacted to him. He would be upset if
he knew that Jeff and I were meeting. There was to be a shoot later in the day. Katrina wanted him to take some pictures of her
with her new dress. Before deciding, she wanted to see what it would look like in photos from all angles. It was a strange ask,
but Jeff was down because the pay was right.
I don't know if what Scott said about Jeff made me think about him along specific lines or what it was, but I didn't look at him
like I had before. I knew he liked me; he was a notorious flirt, and we had been together in the past, but I hadn't focused on it
before. When Scott brought it up, I couldn't deny it.
Jeff was acting differently, too. I swear that men make no sense to me half the time. We broke up. He didn't want to keep things
going, so why was he acting so different now? It made me realize I wasn't 100% sure how I felt about Jeff. I liked him. I liked
the flirty feeling that was between us. We had had some good times together, but what was going on with Scott was new and
exciting, and I couldn't pretend it didn't happen. I found that I was a little reserved when dealing with Jeff. I wasn't sure how to
react to him, and it was almost like I was betraying Scott, too. It was all very confusing.
“You're acting different today,” Jeff said after he tried to put his arms around me, and I moved out of the way. I wanted to tell
him that I was acting a certain way because of how he was acting, but I didn't know how to say it. I always got a little tongue-
tied when it came to Jeff, and that quality was coming back in full force.
“There is just a lot to do. Katrina will be here shortly, and I want to ensure everything is set up. She does not like to be kept
waiting.”
He said that he understood, but at the same time, he still kept putting all of his attention on me. Jeff was a distraction, that much
I knew for sure.
“So, are you dating anyone?” Jeff wasn’t very sly with his question. It was out of the blue, and he didn’t try to work it into the
conversation.
I told him I wasn’t he said he couldn't believe I was single. “Well, I am.”
“It must be your choice because you have always been one heck of a catch, Evelyn.”
I know it was a compliment, and I took it that way, but I guess it made me realize that he would make this awkward. Here I was
telling Scott what happened between Jeff and me a long time ago. I told him it was in the past, and he was being ridiculous to
act like it was current. Now, I realize that I was wrong on that account. Scott had told me Jeff was likely trying to get me back,
and I assumed he was just jealous. Turns out he was right. I looked over at Jeff; he had that grin on his face, like someone who
was smitten. I wouldn’t say I liked the look of it at all. What was I supposed to do to move forward when I had no idea what I
was doing as it was?
“It is my choice. I want to focus on my business immediately and get it off the ground. Every wedding means a lot, but this one
is crucial. Did you hear about the last one and how I almost burned down the church?”
Jeff just started laughing, and I don't know why, but that annoyed me. Scott wouldn't laugh at me and would remind me that it
wasn’t my fault and that I shouldn't take the blame. He was always concerned with my feelings, even if he was a jerk. It wasn't
that way with Jeff. Maybe it was the age difference, and Scott was much more mature. I can't say honestly. I did feel the
difference, and it was strange to notice.
Throughout the morning, as Jeff and I were getting ready for the photo shoot, he kept reminding me how different they were. I
noticed the differences and compared the two. It felt almost unfair because Jeff was so immature when compared to Scott. It
was like comparing a boy and a man. Jeff hadn't grown up yet, and while I wasn't the type that sought out older men, they
weren't my type or anything; I could see where there were benefits to it.
Jeff, of course, did not have the self-awareness to recognize that I was not looking at him in the same way as I used to. He kept
flirting and trying to convince me that we should go out on a proper date. He didn't seem to get it, and once again, I compared
him to Scott. Scott would have gotten it. I didn't have to explain every thought and feeling I had because Scott could read the
room.
I almost said it out loud and then stopped myself. What was I thinking? There is no way that I should act like the two of them
were even in the same ballpark. They weren’t, and my feelings had matured with time. It was Scott that I wanted most. It was
sad that a kiss from Scott changed everything. Just a couple of days ago, I was entertaining a reconciliation with Jeff, but now I
knew it would be a complete waste of time. He was no longer the kind of man I wanted. Only one man would do now.
It was getting close to the time that Katrina said she would be here for the photo shoot. I was a little apprehensive and wanted
to make sure that everything went okay. I wanted Jeff to take it seriously, but he was pretty blasé about everything. I tried not to
be upset about it, but my career was riding on the wedding happening without a hitch. The more time that passed, the more
Scott's words started to cut to the core. He was right about Jeff. Why hadn't I seen it sooner? He might be good at photography,
but was he grown up enough to do what he said he would? I tried to get Scott’s comments out of my head, but it seemed
impossible. Scott wasn't even here, but his opinion still mattered to me.
Here I was, thinking about Scott, and the next thing I knew, Jeff was standing right next to me, and it looked like he was going to
go in for a kiss. I wasn't sure what was happening, but I moved back from his large frame and puckered lips. I asked him what
he was doing.
“I am trying to give you a kiss. Has it been so long that you don't remember what that’s like?”
He thought he was being cute, but he wasn't. I wasn't here to start anything with him. I was here for my photographer to get the
pictures that my bride needed for the wedding. That was why I was here. It was just one more thing that Scott seemed to be
right about, and I wish he hadn't been. I was not too fond of the idea that it was hard for a man to take me seriously.
“The bride is going to be here any minute,” I said like a warning, hoping it would keep Jeff from trying something more. He
shrugged like it didn't matter one way or another, and he moved in again for a kiss. I told him for a second time that I wasn't
here for that, and then he started commenting about how I was sending mixed messages.
I wasn’t. He didn’t like the message that I was sending out. When he wouldn’t back up, I had to put my hand on his chest and
insist that he did. At some point, he realized I wasn’t down for what he was, and he finally started to back away from me. I
knew he would, but I also knew Jeff would be upset. He always was in the past, and this time was no different.
“I don’t know why you are acting like this. Like you are too good for me. You have been with me before, and we’ve done more
than kiss.”
I started to respond and then saw Katrina coming in. I relaxed immediately because I knew Jeff wouldn’t be able to say or do
anything else now. I wanted to smile about it, but I knew not to. Instead, I went to the bride and helped her with the dress. I was
going to pretend like none of it had happened if I was able to.
After the photo shoot that Katrina loved, I took Jeff to the side and told him that while I appreciated what we used to be to each
other, we weren't going to be that to each other ever again. He did a great job with the photos; the bride was ecstatic, but I was
willing to get rid of him if he couldn't understand that our relationship was professional only. It took a lot of courage for me to
say all of that to him because I honestly wouldn’t say I liked any kind of confrontation. I don't know if the ‘me’ from a couple of
weeks ago or even a couple of days ago would have said that all so clearly, but the new me had no problem putting down
boundaries. How could a kiss have anything to do with that? Knowing that Scott had my back gave me a bit more spine, and I
was thoroughly impressed with myself.
Jeff took it pretty well. He needed the work, and once he realized that the two of us weren’t part of the equation, he relaxed
with all the innuendos and flirting. I was grateful for that because I didn't want to find a replacement with only a few days to
go. I would, but it would be a nightmare.
I stayed and talked to Katrina for a few moments. She asked me specifically how everything went with Scott, and I don't know
why, but I felt like she was asking more than the words she used. I was paranoid that she knew about the kiss that we had
shared or the feelings that I had developed for her son. Maybe there was a hint of something long ago, but it was nothing
compared to how I felt about him now. I didn't want anyone to know about it, and I worried that his mother might see something
that others did not. If she did, I would be grateful if she said nothing.
I left that afternoon with mixed feelings, but one thing was for sure: I had to tell Scott how I was feeling about him. I didn't
want to leave it to chance. I wanted him to know exactly how I felt. Then we could see what was going to happen. I knew
something was between us, even if I wasn’t sure exactly what it was.
 looked at Mom, getting her coat on, and asked her where she was going. Imagine my surprise when I was told we were
I going to the same place. I didn’t even know that I was going anywhere, so it was all news to me. She’d called me over, and
I figured she wanted something fixed.
“Oh yeah? Where is that?”
“I am going to finally meet Michael’s family. You guys have been friends for so many years, and it is a shame that we have not
gotten together before.”
While I wouldn't say it was a shame, Mom was busy with her life most of the time, but I would never say anything like that. She
wouldn't find it funny and wouldn't understand.
“How did that come to be?”
“Well, funny thing, he called out of the blue and said he hoped we would all come down for dinner. He congratulated me on the
wedding and said he wanted to meet your new stepdad.”
Mom had a little twinkle in her eyes, and I bet it was because she still found my reaction to Jake funny. She had to know that it
was awkward for me to have someone my age about to marry my mom. It was just weird, so what was Michael’s damage? Why
would he say that? Was he messing with me, too, or had he found out about my feelings for Evelyn?
“You know it is not nearly as funny as you think, right?”
“You really got to lighten up. I think it's good that we can all finally meet. There isn't a reason that you don't want to go, right?”
I could think of one hundred reasons I didn't want her to go, but once again, there were none I could say out loud. So, I had to
agree to the madness. I didn't know what was going to happen with this impromptu dinner or who had started it, but for one
reason or another, it made me nervous. Maybe it was the fact that once Evelyn and I were back together, we had some
straightening out that needed to be done. We left our last meeting with a kiss, and I still don't know what I was supposed to
think of it.
I tried to pay attention. She was telling me about how the photo shoot had gone and how she had found the perfect dress.
“Photo shoot?”
“Yeah, the photo shoot I had earlier with Evelyn and a charming young man named Jeff. Do you know him? He was supposed to
have been from here at some point.”
I could feel my mood immediately evaporating into an abyss. What was Evelyn doing with Jeff? She knew how I felt about him.
Why would she not find someone else?
“Of course, the whole time I'm thinking about it, my mom is doing a blow-by-blow of how cute they were together and how he
kept flirting with Evelyn. The conversation was pure torture, and I didn’t want to be part of it.
“I think she is playing hard to get. Or maybe she just isn’t interested in him in that way. It's a shame because he seems to be a
good guy. Maybe I will have to tell her how I feel about it. I think everybody can see how they would be good together, but
maybe she can't.”
I wanted to say no and stop Mom from thinking that she should say anything to Evelyn. I didn’t want Evelyn to be encouraged to
get with Jeff. I hated the guy.
“Oh?” I didn't say much else. I didn't know what to say as we made our way to Michael's place. I was nervous to see how this
was all going to work out. As long as Jeff wasn't there for dinner, I'm sure that I would be able to keep my cool.
My head was full of nonsense, and as soon as I saw Evelyn, who opened the door, I knew I would say what needed to be said
tonight. I didn't know how it would be received, and of course, I had to make sure that no one else knew or heard about it.
Right behind Evelyn when she answered the door was Michael. He had a big smile on his face, and even my thoughts about his
sister were a betrayal. Had I honestly forgotten? The grin on my face vanished, and I felt sick to my stomach.
***
The dinner was about as awkward as I feared it would be. Mom did not seem bothered by any of it, and though I still did not
like Jake, she was right; I needed to try and get along with him. I don't know if I would ever like him all that much, but I did
like how my mom acted around him. She seemed younger and honestly happy. It was something that I didn't see enough. Would
it be so bad to let her be happy for a while? Love was in the air.
When dessert was being served, I saw Evelyn get away, and I followed her. We had a lot to talk about, and once I saw her go
off, I thought of a few shared moments with her as exactly what I needed. Hearing about Jeff flirting with her wasn’t helping me
at all. I wanted to think of something else, like another kiss, to throw me off again.
I caught up to her by the bathroom, and she pulled me in after her when I said her name.
“What are you doing, Scott? My brother or your mom is going to see us talking.” Her eyes were alight with danger in our
closeness. She had me weak in the knees just from her innocent expression. Evelyn had no clue how she affected me.
I shrugged, “So what? We have been working together for over a week now. Remember? Do you really think that we can’t play
it off?”
She looked nervous, and all I could see was her full lips and the attraction that was all over her face. Why did she fight what
was going on between us so much? I wish that she would just relax and give us a shot. No longer were there enough reasons to
keep me from what I thought about all the time. I needed Evelyn in the worst way.
I leaned down to kiss her. Evelyn wasn’t ready and was mid-sentence to tell me why we shouldn’t give people anything to talk
about. I wanted to respect her wishes; really, I did, but she obviously didn’t know what she was turning down. There was a
connection between us, and she couldn’t deny it. Ever since I saved her from the smoke and flames of the wedding fire, I hadn’t
been able to look at her the same. Maybe it was how she’d felt in my arms. I don’t know. Everything and everyone else didn’t
matter. Evelyn mattered, and the feelings that came over me when she was close were overwhelming.
Evelyn didn’t take long to melt into my arms, molding against my body. I heard a whimper escape her lips, and for a few
moments, nothing could have been better.
Then, a rude knock on the bathroom door cut into our moment, and one of us was going to have to hide. It was I who stood in
the bathtub with the curtain drawn for another ten minutes while several people came in and did their business. I should have
been embarrassed by it, and I was a little. Through it all, all I could think about was how worth it Evelyn was. Whatever I had
to do to get her back in my arms would be well worth the effort.
“You alright?” Michael asked me when I finally came out of the bathroom. I must have had a look on my face because he
genuinely acted concerned. I was glad he didn’t notice I’d come out of the bathroom from nowhere.
“Yeah, everything is good.”
Michael grinned. “I need a beer. You want to sneak to the garage and grab one?”
It was our ritual from when we were teens, and I was staying over at his parent’s house. A feeling of nostalgia came over me.
That and guilt. Once again, how could I forget that Evelyn was Michael’s little sister? What was I doing?
 oday was a big day. Not only were there going to be a few more tastings of cake and menu items by Katrina but there
T was also a dance practice we had to get through today. Even though neither Katrina nor Jake could dance very well, they
decided that they had to have a dance number that everyone would rave about. I tried to tell Katrina that it was a little bit more
involved than a couple of practices would solve, but she didn't want to hear it.
The tastings went okay, and we were about ten minutes into dance practice when the door opened, and Scott walked in. He had
some paperwork to give to his mother, probably something about her business, but then Katrina told him that he should stay. I
felt my shoulders sag almost immediately. It was already hard enough to think about him, but there was no way that I was going
to be able to think straight with Scott around. We had a lot going on today, and I needed to be able to think right. I wasn't going
to be able to do that with Scott here. He was impossible, and when our eyes connected, I felt myself blanch.
“Why don't you and Evelyn go ahead and do a little dance? You are going to have to dance with someone at my wedding. When
was the last time that you danced, son?”
It was quite clear that it had been a while for Scott, and he shrugged in response. “Yeah, that's what I thought. Come on, Evelyn
doesn't mind, do you?” Katrina turned towards me to tell her that I didn’t.
It was pretty clear that I was supposed to say no. I did mind, and she would have realized that if she knew what was going on
between us, but luckily, nobody knew about our shared kisses. I would be mortified if anyone found out, especially my client. I
would feel even worse if my brother found out. He would not understand, and it would hurt him if he knew we had even kissed.
That was the last thing that I wanted to do. Why was it that what I wanted had so many downfalls?
Katrina practically pushed her son in my direction, and I knew then that I wasn't going to be able to get out of it. Scott didn't
seem to mind; he immediately pulled me into his arms, and I had to hide my face because I knew it was turning red. I got way
too much joy out of just a quick little turn. What in the world was wrong with me? I know that it wasn't supposed to be this
way. I know that we weren't supposed to feel anything for each other. It was just impossible, so why did I want it to work so
badly?
“You look beautiful today, Evelyn. I don't think I've seen that dress on you before. Is it new?”
I looked down at my dress and shook my head. It wasn’t just something I’d found in my closet. It was new, and I was in love
with the fact that he noticed, but being the center of attention when it came to Scott was a bit more than I could handle. He was
too much. He was too intense; my body shook as he held me against him. The music finally stopped, and we were both made to
stop as well. I felt like I was coming down out of the clouds, and I didn't want to come down. I wanted to float up there with
him forever.
“Well, you two look good. I don't think you need much practice, son; you are already pretty good at sweeping women off their
feet.”
I got a pointed look from his mom and had to look away from Katrina. It felt like she knew too much. I swear if I met anyone's
gaze right now, they would see how downright delightful it had been to dance with him. I needed to keep that to myself.
It was then that I realized I was so close to Scott. I pushed myself away, putting some distance between us, some much-needed
space.
“Thank you for the dance, Scott,” I told him, barely able to look him in the eyes. I was trembling with our close proximity, and I
was sure that my heart was going to race out of my chest. It felt like it could at any moment just by standing here next to him. I
moved back further and then went to my phone and calendar book to get away from him. Not only was the space insufficient,
but I had to put something in my hands and something on my mind.
Scott left not too long after we were done dancing. Even though the couple wasn’t used to dancing together, they were natural,
and the secondary practice that I thought would be required was canceled. This was all like a freight train going downhill,
picking up speed, and I knew that it wouldn’t be long at all until the wedding was here and done. I had plenty of work to keep
me going, which was good, but the fact that I wouldn’t see Scott as much bothered me.
Thinking about Scott bothered me, too. He was gone, thank goodness, but when I looked at where he had been, I swear that his
mom smiled at me like she knew what I was thinking. She shouldn’t. I didn’t want to believe anyone knew what was happening
between us. I would die if they did.
Katrina kept her eyes on me the rest of the day, but thankfully, by early afternoon, we’d knocked out everything that needed to
be done for the wedding. I had so much to do in the background and was ready to move on to something else. This wedding had
been challenging for me. Working with Scott had been even more demanding, and it was time for us to go in a different
direction. I worried what would happen when it was all over, but I couldn’t think like that. It’s not like he was going anywhere.
He was always around. He was still Michael’s best friend. That was something that would always keep us in each other’s
lives. I kept going back and forth about Scott, unsure what was happening between us, unable to admit what I wanted.
As I was leaving, Katrina stopped me with her words, “I mean it, Evelyn. You two looked good together.”
What was I supposed to say to that? I nodded, smiled, and left before anything else was said. Why did I like hearing her say
that so much?
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
Foster looked at me as if I wasn't there. "I remember Vallon," he said.
He put a hand to his head. "But I remember too a barbaric world,
brutal and primitive. You were there. We travelled in a crude rail-car,
and then in a barge that wallowed in the sea. There were narrow, ugly
rooms, evil odors, harsh noises ... and The Hunters! We fled from
them, Legion, you and I. And I remember a landing-ring...." He
paused. "Strange, it had lost its cap-stones and fallen into ruin."
"Us natives call it Stonehenge."
"The Hunters burst out of the earth. We fought them. But why should
the Hunters seek me?"
"I was hoping you'd tell me," I said. "Do you know where this ship
came from? And why?"
"This is a ship of the Two Worlds," he replied. "But I know nothing of
how it came to be here."
"How about all that stuff in the journal? Maybe now you—"
"The journal!" Foster broke in. "Where is it!"
"In your coat pocket, I guess."
Foster felt through his jacket awkwardly, brought out the journal. He
opened it and looked at the part written in the curious alien characters
that nobody had been able to decipher.
But he was reading it.

For hours I had waited while Foster read. At last he leaned back in
his chair and sighed.
"My name," he said, "was Qulqlan. And this," he laid his hand upon
the book, "is my story. This is one part of the past I was seeking. And
I remember none of it...."
"Tell me what the journal says."
Foster picked it up. "It seems that I awoke once before, in a small
room aboard this vessel. I was lying on a memo-couch, by which
circumstance I knew that I had suffered a Change—"
"You mean you'd lost your memory?"
"And regained it—on the couch. My memory-trace had been re-
impressed on my mind. I awoke knowing my identity, but not how I
came to be aboard this vessel. The journal says that my last memory
was of a building beside the Shallow Sea."
"Where's that?"
"On a far world—called Vallon."
"Yeah? And what next?"
"I looked around me and saw four men lying on the floor, slashed and
bloody. One was alive. I gave him what emergency treatment I could,
then searched the ship. I found three more men, dead; none living.
Then the Hunters attacked, swarming to me. They would have
sucked the life from me—and I had no shield of light. I fled to the
lifeboat, carrying the wounded man. I descended to the planet below:
your Earth. The man died there. He had been my friend, a man
named Ammaerln. I buried him in a shallow depression in the earth
and marked the place with a stone."
"The Ancient Sinner," I said.
"Yes ... I suppose it was his bones the lay brother found."
"And we found out last night that the depression was the result of dirt
sifting down into the ventilator shaft. But I guess you didn't know
anything about the underground installation, way back then. Doesn't
the journal say anything...?"
"No, there is no mention made of it here."
"How about the Hunters? How did they get to Earth?"
"They are insubstantial creatures," said Foster, "yet they can endure
the vacuum of space. I can only surmise that they followed the life
boat down."
"They were tailing you?"
"Yes; but I have no idea why they pursued me. They're harmless
creatures in the natural state, used to seek out the rare fugitive from
justice on Vallon. They can be attuned to the individual; thereafter,
they follow him and mark him out for capture."
"Say, what were you: a big-time racketeer on Vallon?"

"The journal is frustratingly silent as to my Vallonian career," said

Foster. "But this whole matter of the unexplained inter-galactic
voyage and the evidence of violence aboard the ship make me
wonder whether I was being exiled for crimes done in the Two
Worlds."
"So they sicked the Hunters on you?" I said. "But why did they hang
around at Stonehenge all this time?"
"There was a trickle of power feeding the screens," said Foster. "They
need a source of electrical energy to live; until a hundred years ago it
was the only one on the planet."
"How did they get down into the shaft without opening it up?"
"Given time, they pass easily through porous substances. But, of
course, last night, when I came on them after their long fast, they
simply burst through in their haste."
"Okay. What happened next?—after you buried the man."
"The journal tells that I was set upon by natives, men who wore the
hides of animals. One of their number entered the ship. He must have
moved the drive lever. It lifted, leaving me marooned."
"So those were his bones we found in the boat," I mused: "the ones
with the bear's-tooth necklace. I wonder why he didn't come into the
ship."
"Undoubtedly he did. But remember the skeleton we found just inside
the landing port? That must have been a fairly fresh and rather gory
corpse at the time the savage stepped aboard. It probably seemed to
him all too clear an indication of what lay in store for himself if he
ventured further. In his terror he must have retreated to the boat to
wait, and there starved to death."
"He was stranded in your world, and you were stranded in his."
"Yes," said Foster. "And then, it seems, I lived among the brutemen
and came to be their king. I waited there by the landing-ring through
many years in the hope of rescue. Because I did not age as the
natives did, I was worshipped as a god. I would have built a signalling
device, but there were no pure metals, nothing I could use. I tried to
teach them, but it was a work of centuries."
"But how could one go on living—for hundreds of years? Are you
people supermen that live forever?"
"Not forever. But the natural span of a human life is very great.
Among your people, there is a wasting disease from which you all die
young."
"That's no disease," I said. "You just naturally get old and die."
"The human mind is a magnificent instrument," Foster said; "not
meant to wither quickly."
"Why didn't you catch this 'disease'?"
"All Vallonians are innoculated against it."

Foster turned back to the Journal. "I ruled many peoples under many
names," he said. "I travelled in many lands, seeking for skilled metal-
workers, glass-blowers, wise men. But always I returned to the
landing-ring."
"It must have been tough," I said, "exiled on a strange world, living
out your life in a wilderness, century after century...."
"My life was not without interest," Foster said. "I watched my savage
people put aside their animal hides and learn the ways of civilization.
I built a great city, and I tried—foolishly—to teach their noble caste
the code of chivalry of the two Worlds. But although they sat at a
round table like the great Ringboard at Okk-Hamiloth, they never
really understood. And then they grew too wise, and wondered at
their king who never aged. I left them, and tried again to build a long-
signaller. The Hunters sensed it, and swarmed to me. I drove them off
with fires, and then I grew curious, and followed them back to their
nest—"
"I know," I said. "'And it was a place you knew of old; no hive but a Pit
built by men'."
"They overwhelmed me; I barely escaped with my life. Starvation had
made the Hunters vicious. They would have drained my body of its
life-energy."
"And if you'd known the transmitter was there—but you didn't. So you
put an ocean between you and them."
"They found me even there. Each time I destroyed many of them, and
fled. But always a few lived to breed and seek me out again."
"Didn't your signaller work?"
"No. It was a hopeless attempt. Only a highly developed technology
could supply the raw materials. I could only teach what I knew,
encourage the development of the sciences, and wait. And then I
began to forget."
"Why?"
"A mind grows weary," Foster said. "It is the price of longevity. It must
renew itself. Shock and privation hasten the change. I had held it off
for many centuries. Now I felt it coming on me.
"At home, on Vallon, a man would record his memory at such a time,
store it electronically in a recording device, and, after the Change,
use the memory-trace to restore, in his renewed body, his old
recollections in toto. But, marooned as I was, my memories, once
lost, were gone forever.
"I did what I could: I prepared a safe place, and wrote messages that
I would find when I awoke—"
"When you woke up in the hotel," I said, "you were young again,
overnight. How could it happen?"
"When the mind renews itself, erasing the scars of the years, the
body, too, regenerates."

"When I first met you," I said, "you told me about waking up back in
1918, with no memory."
"Yours is a harsh world, Legion. I must have forgotten, many times.
Somewhere, sometime, I lost the vital link, forgot my quest; when the
Hunters came again, I fled, not understanding."
There was a silence, then Foster spoke in a faraway voice.
"What came to pass aboard this ship all those centuries ago?" he
said. "Why was I here? And what killed the others? Someday,
somehow I must learn the truth of this matter."
"What I can't figure out is why somebody didn't come after this ship. It
was right here in orbit."
"Consider the immensity of space, Legion. This is one tiny world,
among the stars."
"But there was a station here, fitted out for handling your ships. That
sounds like it was a regular port of call. And the books with the
pictures: they prove your people have been here off and on for
thousands of years. Why would they stop coming?"
"There are such beacons on a thousand worlds," said Foster. "Think
of it as a buoy marking a reef, a trailblaze in the wilderness. Ages
could pass before a wanderer chanced this way again. The fact that
the ventilator shaft at Stonehenge was choked with the debris of
centuries when I first landed there shows how seldom this world was
visited."
I thought about it. Trying to piece together Foster's past would be a
slow process. I had an idea:
"Say, you said you were in the memory machine. You woke up there
—and you'd just had your memory restored. Why not do the same
thing again, now? That is, if your brain can take another pounding this
soon."
"Yes," he said. He stood up abruptly. "There's just a chance. Come
on!"

I followed him out of the library into the room with the bones.
Foster walked across to the fancy couch, leaned down, then shook
his head. "No," he said. "Of course it wouldn't be here...."
"What?"
"My memory-trace: the one that was used to restore my memory—
that other time."
Suddenly I recalled the cylinder I had pocketed hours before. With a
surprising flutter at my heart I held it up. "This it?"
Foster glanced at it briefly. "No, that's an empty—like those you see
filed over there." He pointed to the rack of pewter-colored cylinders
on the opposite wall. "They would be used for emergency recordings.
Regular multi-life memory-traces would be key-coded with a pattern
of colored lines."
"It figures," I said. "That would have been too easy."
"It doesn't matter, really. When I return to Vallon, I'll recover my past.
There are vaults in Okk-Hamiloth where every citizen's trace is
stored."
"I guess you'll be eager to get back there," I said. "Have you been
able to figure out how long you were marooned down on Earth?"
"Since I descended from this ship, Legion," he said, "three thousand
years have passed."
"I'm going to miss you, Foster," I said. "You know, I was kind of
getting used to being an apprentice nut."
"Come with me to Vallon, Legion," he said.
"Thanks anyway, buddy," I said. "I'd like to see those other worlds of
yours but in the end I'd regret it. I'd just sit around on Vallon pining for
home: beat-up people, and all."

"Then what can I do for you, Legion, to reward your loyalty and
express my gratitude?"
"Let me take the lifeboat, and stock it with a few goodies from the
library, and some of those marbles from the storeroom, and a couple
of the smaller mechanical gadgets. I think I know how to merchandise
them in a way that'll leave the economy on an even keel—and
incidentally set me up for life. As you said, I'm a materialist."
"Take whatever you desire."
"One thing I'll have to do when I get back," I said, "is open the tunnel
at Stonehenge enough to sneak a thermite bomb down it—if they
haven't already found the beacon station."
"As I judge the temper of the local people," Foster said, "the secret is
safe for at least three generations."
"I'll bring the boat down in a blind spot where radar won't pick it up," I
said. "Our timing was good; in another few years, it wouldn't have
been possible."
"And this ship would soon have been discovered."
I looked at the great smooth sphere hanging, haloed, against utter
black. The Pacific Ocean threw back a brilliant image of the sun.
I turned to Foster. "We're in a ten-hour orbit," I said. "We'd better get
moving. I want to put the boat down in southern South America. I
know a place there where I can unload without answering too many
questions."
"You have several hours before the most favorable launch time,"
Foster said. "There's no hurry."
"Maybe not, but I've got a lot to do—and I'm eager to start."

CHAPTER VIII
I sat on the terrace watching the sun go down into the sea and
thinking about Foster, somewhere out there beyond the purple
palaces on the far horizon, in the ship that had waited for him for
three thousand years, heading home at last. It was strange to reflect
that for him, travelling near the speed of light, only a few weeks had
passed, while three years went by for me—three fast years that I had
put to good use.
The toughest part had been the first few months, after I put the life
boat down in a cañon in the desert country south of a little town called
Itzenca, in Peru. I hiked to town, carrying a pack with a few carefully
selected items to start my new career. It took me two weeks to work,
lie, barter, and plead my way to the seaport town of Callao and
another week to line up passage home as a deck hand on a banana
scow. I disappeared over the side at Tampa, and made it to Miami
without attracting attention. As far as I could tell, the cops had already
lost interest in me.
The items I had brought with me from the life boat were a pocketful of
little grey dominoes, that were actually movie film, and a small
projector to go with them. I didn't offer them for sale, direct. I made
arrangements with an old acquaintance in the business of making
pictures with low costume budgets for private showings; I set up the
apparatus and projected my films, and he copied them in 35 mm. I
told him that I'd smuggled them in from East Germany.
I had twelve pictures altogether; with a little judicious cutting and a
dubbed-in commentary, they made up into fast-moving twenty-minute
short subjects. He got in touch with a friend in the distribution end in
New York, and after a little cagey fencing over contract terms, we
agreed on a deal that paid me a hundred thousand for the twelve,
with an option on another dozen at the same price.
Within a week after the pictures hit the neighborhood theatres around
Bayonne, New Jersey, in a cautious try-out, I had offers up to half a
million for my next consignment, no questions asked. I left my pal
Mickey to handle the details, on a percentage basis, and headed
back for Itzenca.

The lifeboat was just as I'd left it; it would have been all right for
another fifty years, as far as the danger of anybody stumbling over it
was concerned. I explained to the crew I brought out with me that it
was a fake rocket ship, a prop I was using for a film I was making.
They went to work setting up a system of camouflage nets (part of the
plot, I told them) and unloading my cargo.
A year after my homecoming, I had my island—a square mile of
perfect climate, fifteen miles off the Peruvian coast—and a house that
was tailored to my every whim. The uppermost floor—almost a tower
—was a strong-room, and it was there that I had stored my stock in
trade. I had sold the best of the hundred or so films I had picked out
before leaving Foster, but there were plenty of other items. The
projector itself was the big prize. The self-contained power unit
converted nuclear energy to light with 99 percent efficiency. It
scanned the 'films', one molecular layer at a time, and projected a
continuous picture. The color and sound were absolutely lifelike.
The principles involved in the projector were new, and—in theory, at
least—way over the heads of our local physicists. But the practical
application was nothing much. I figured that, with the right contacts in
scientific circles to help me introduce the system, I had a billion-dollar
industry up my sleeve. I had already fed a few little gimmicks into the
market; a tough paper, suitable for shirts and underwear; a chemical
that bleached teeth white as the driven snow; an all-color pigment for
artists. With the knowledge I had absorbed from all the briefing rods I
had studied, I had the techniques of a hundred new industries at my
fingertips—and I hadn't exhausted the possibilities yet.
I spent most of a year roaming the world, discovering all the things
that a free hand with a dollar bill could do for a man. Then followed a
year of fixing up the island.

Now, after the first big thrill of economic freedom had worn off, it was
beginning to get me: boredom, the disease of the idle rich, that I had
sworn would never touch me. But thinking about wealth and having it
on your hands are two different things, and I was beginning to
remember almost with nostalgia, the tough old times when every day
was an adventure, full of cops and missed meals and a thousand
unappeased desires.
I finished up my expensive cigar and leaned forward to drop it in a big
silver ashtray, when something caught my eye out across the red-
painted water. I sat squinting at it, then went inside and came out with
a pair of 12x binoculars. I focussed them and studied the dark speck
that stood out clearly now against the gaudy sky. It was a heavy
looking power boat, heading dead toward my island.
I watched it come closer, and ease alongside the hundred foot
concrete jetty I had built below the sea-wall. The engines died, and
the boat sat, in a sudden silence. Two heavy deck guns were
mounted on the foredeck, and there were four torpedoes slung in
launching cradles. I saw ranks of helmeted men drawn up on deck.
They shuffled off onto the pier, formed up into two squads. I counted;
forty-eight men, and a couple of officers. There was the faint sound of
orders being barked, and the column stepped off, moving along the
paved road that led up to the house. They halted. The two officers,
wearing class A's, and a tubby civilian with a briefcase approached
the steps leading up to my perch.

The leading officer, a brigadier general, no less, looked up at me.

"I am General Smale," he said. "This is Colonel Sanchez of the
Peruvian Army—" he indicated the other military type—"and Mr.
Pruffy of the American Embassy at Lima."
I nodded.
"We would like to talk with you about an official matter, Mr. Legion. It's
of great importance, involving the security of your country."
"OK, General," I said. "Come on up."
They filed onto the terrace, hesitated, then shook hands, and sat
down in the empty chairs. Pruffy held his briefcase in his lap.
"I'm here," the general said, "to ask you a few questions, Mr. Legion.
Mr. Pruffy represents the Department of State in the matter, and
Colonel Sanchez—"
"Don't tell me," I said. "He represents the Peruvian government,
which is why I don't ask you what the hell an armed American force is
doing wandering around on Peruvian soil. What's it all about, Smale?"
"I'll come directly to the point," he said. "For some time, the
investigative and security agencies of the US government have been
building a file on what for lack of a better name has been called 'The
Martians'. A little over three years ago an unidentified flying object
appeared on a number of radar screens, descending from extreme
altitude. It came to earth at ..." he hesitated.
"Don't tell me you came all the way out here to tell me you can't tell
me," I said.
"—a site in England," Smale said. "American aircraft were dispatched
to investigate the object. Before they could make identification, it rose
again, accelerated at tremendous speed, and was lost at an altitude
of several hundred miles."
"I thought we had better radar than that," I said. "The satellite
program—"
"No such specialized equipment was available," Smale said. "An
intensive investigation turned up the fact that two strangers—possibly
Americans—had visited the site only a few hours before the—ah—
visitation."
I nodded. I was thinking about the close call I'd had when I went back
to see about putting a bomb down the shaft to obliterate the beacon
station. There were plain-clothes men all over the place, like old
maids at a movie star's funeral. It was just as well; they never found
it. The rocket blasts had collapsed the tunnel, and apparently the
whole underground installation was made of nonmetallic substances
that didn't show up on detecting equipment. I had an idea metal was
passé where Foster came from.

"Some months later," Smale went on, "a series of rather curious short
films went on exhibition in the United States. They showed scenes
representing conditions on other planets, as well as ancient and
prehistoric incidents here on Earth. They were prefaced with
explanations that they merely represented the opinions of science as
to what was likely to be found on distant worlds. They attracted wide
interest, and with few exceptions, scientists praised their
verisimilitude."
"I admire a clever fake," I said. "With a topical subject like space
travel—"
"One item which was commented on as a surprising inaccuracy, in
view of the technical excellence of the other films," Smale said, "was
the view of our planet from space, showing the Earth against a
backdrop of stars. A study of the constellations by astronomers
quickly indicated a 'date' of approximately 7000 B.C. for the scene.
Oddly, the north polar cap was shown centered on Hudson's Bay. No
South Polar cap was in evidence. The continent of Antarctica
appeared to be at a latitude of some 30°, entirely free of ice."
I looked at him and waited.
"How, studies made since that time indicate that nine thousand years
ago, the North Pole was indeed centered on Hudson's Bay," Smale
said. "And Antarctica was in fact ice-free."
"That idea's been around a long time," I said. "There was a theory—"
"Then there was the matter of the views of Mars," the general said.
"The aerial shots of the 'canals' were regarded as very cleverly done."
He turned to Pruffy, who opened his briefcase and handed a couple
of photos across.
"This is a scene taken from the film," Smale said. It was an 8 × 10
color shot, showing a row of mounds drifted with pinkish dust, against
a blue-black horizon.
Smale placed another photo beside the first. "This one," he said, "was
taken by automatic cameras in the successful Mars probe of last
year."
I looked. The second shot was fuzzy, and the color was shifted badly
toward the blue, but there was no mistaking the scene. The mounds
were drifted a little deeper, and the angle was different, but they were
the same mounds.
"In the meantime," Smale bored on relentlessly, "a number of novel
products appeared on the market. Chemists and physicists alike were
dumfounded at the theoretical base implied by the techniques
involved. One of the products—a type of pigment—embodied a
completely new concept in crystallography."
"Progress," I said. "Why, when I was a boy—"
"It was an extremely tortuous trail we followed," Smale said. "But we
found that all these curious observations making up the 'Martians' file
had only one factor in common—you, Mr. Legion."

CHAPTER IX
It was a few minutes after sunrise, and Smale and I were back on the
terrace toying with the remains of ham steaks and honeydew.
"Beer for breakfast;" I said. "A little unusual, maybe, but it goes swell
with ham and eggs. That's one advantage of being in jail in your own
house—the food's good."
"I can understand your feelings," Smale said. "It was my hope that
you'd see fit to co-operate voluntarily."
"Take your army and sail off into the sunrise, General," I said. "Then
maybe I'll be in a position to do something voluntary."
"Your patriotism alone—"
"My patriotism keeps telling me that where I come from a citizen has
certain legal rights," I said.
"This is a matter that transcends legal technicalities," Smale said. "I'll
tell you quite frankly, the presence of the task force here only
received ex post facto approval by the Peruvian government. They
were faced with the fait accompli. I mention this only to indicate just
how strongly the government feels in this matter."
"Seeing you hit the beach with a platoon of infantry was enough of a
hint for me," I said. "You're lucky I didn't wipe you out with my
disintegrator rays."
Smale choked on a bit of melon.
"Just kidding," I said. "But I haven't given you any trouble. Why the
reinforcements?"
Smale stared at me. "What reinforcements?"
I pointed with a fork. He turned, gazed out to sea. A conning tower
was breaking the surface, leaving a white wake behind. It rose higher,
water streaming off the deck. A hatch popped open, and men poured
out, lining up. Smale got to his feet, his napkin falling to the floor.
"Sargeant!" he yelled. I sat, open-mouthed, as Smale jumped to the
stair, went down it three steps at a time. I heard him bellowing, the
shouts of men and the clatter of rifles being unstacked, feet pounding.
The Marines were forming up on the lawn.
Smale bounded back up the stairs. "You're my prime responsibility,
Legion," he barked. "I want you in the cellar for maximum security."
"What's this all about?" I asked. "Interservice rivalry? You afraid the
sailors are going to steal the glory?"
"That's a nuclear-powered sub," Smale barked. "Gagarin class; it
belongs to the Soviet Navy."

I stood there with my mouth open trying hard to think fast. I hadn't
been too startled when the Marines showed up; I had gone over the
legal aspects of my situation months before, with a platoon of high-
priced legal talent; I knew that sooner or later somebody would come
around to hit me for tax evasion, draft dodging, or overtime parking;
but I was in the clear. The government might resent my knowing a lot
of things it didn't, but no one could ever prove I'd swiped them from
Uncle Sam. In the end, they'd have to let me go—and my account in
a Swiss bank would last me, even if they managed to suppress any
new developments from my fabulous lab. In a way, I was glad the
show-down had come.
But I'd forgotten about the Russians. Naturally, they'd be interested,
and their spies were at least as good as the intrepid agents of the US
Secret Service. I should have realized that sooner or later, they'd pay
a call—and the legal niceties wouldn't slow them down. They'd slap
me into a brain laundry, and sweat every last secret out of me as
casually as I'd squeeze a lemon.
The sub was fully surfaced now, and I was looking down the barrels
of half a dozen five-inch rifles, any one of which could blast Smale's
navy out of the water with one salvo. There were a couple of hundred
men, I estimated, putting landing boats over the side and spilling into
them. Down on the lawn, the sergeant was snapping orders, and the
men were double-timing off to positions that must have been spotted
in advance. It looked like the Russians weren't entirely unexpected.
This was a game the big boys were playing, and I was just a pawn,
caught in the middle. My rosy picture of me confounding the
bureaucrats was fading fast. My island was about to become a
battlefield, and whichever way it turned out, I'd be the loser. I had one
slim possibility; to get lost in the shuffle.
"Sorry, General," I said and slammed a hard right to his stomach and
a left to the jaw. He dropped. I jumped over him, plunged through the
french doors, and took the spiral glass stairway four at a time,
whirled, and slammed the strong-room door behind me. The armored
walls would stand anything short of a direct hit with a good sized
artillery shell, and the boys down below were unlikely to use any
heavy stuff for fear of damaging the goods they'd been sent out to
collect. I was safe for a little while.

Now I had to do some fast, accurate thinking. I couldn't carry much

with me—when and if I made it off the island. A few briefing rods,
maybe; what was left of the movies.
I rummaged through odds and ends, stuffing small items into my
pockets. I came across a dull silvery cylinder, three inches long,
striped in black and gold—a memory-trace. It reminded me of
something....
That was an idea. I still had the U-shaped plastic head-piece that
Foster had used to acquire a background knowledge of his old home-
world. I had tried it once—for a moment. It had given me a headache
in two seconds flat, just pressed against my temple. It had been lying
here ever since. But maybe now was the time to try it again. Half the
items I had here in my strong-room were mysteries, like the silver
cylinder in my hand, but I knew exactly what the plastic headband
could give me. It contained all anyone needed to know about Vallon
and the Two Worlds, and all the marvels they possessed.
I glanced out the armor-glass window. Smale's Marines were trotting
across the lawn; the Russians were fanning out along the water's
edge. It looked like business all right. It would take them a while to
get warmed up—and more time still to decide to blast me out of my
fort. It had taken an hour or so for Foster to soak up the briefing;
maybe I wouldn't be much longer at it.
I tossed the cylinder aside, tried a couple of drawers, found the
inconspicuous strip of plastic that encompassed a whole civilization. I
carried it across to a chair, settled myself, then hesitated. This thing
had been designed for an alien brain. Suppose it burnt out my wiring,
left me here gibbering, for Smale or the Russkis to work over?
But the alternative was to leave my island virtually empty-handed.
No, I wouldn't go back to poverty without a struggle. What I could
carry in my head would give me independence—even immunity from
the greed of nations. I could barter my knowledge for my freedom.
There were plenty of things wrong with the picture, but it was the best
I could do on short notice. Gingerly I fitted the U-shaped band to my
head. There was a feeling of pressure, then a sensation like warm
water rising about me. Panic tried to rise, faded. A voice seemed to
reassure me. I was among friends, I was safe, all was well....
 CHAPTER X
I lay in the dark, the memory of towers and trumpets and fountains of
fire in my mind. I put up my hand, felt a coarse garment. Had I but
dreamed...? I stirred. Light blazed in a widening band above my face.
Through narrowed eyes I saw a room, a mean chamber, dusty,
littered with ill-assorted rubbish. In a wall there was a window. I went
to it, stared out upon a green sward, a path that curved downward to
a white strand. It was a strange scene, and yet—
A wave of vertigo swept over me, faded. I tried to remember.
I reached up, felt something clamped over my head. I pulled it off and
it fell to the floor with a faint clatter: a broad-spectrum briefing device,
of the type used to indoctrinate unidentified citizens who had
undergone a Change unprepared....
Suddenly, like water pouring down a drain, the picture in my mind
faded, left me standing in my old familiar junk room, with a humming
in my head and a throb in my temples. I had been about to try the
briefing gimmick, and had wondered if it would work. It had—with a
vengeance. For a minute there I had stumbled around the room like a
stranger, yearning for dear old Vallon. I could remember the feeling—
but it was gone now. I was just me, in trouble as usual.
A rattle of gunfire outside brought me to the window in a jump. It was
the same view as a few moments before, but it made more sense
now. There was the still-smoking wreckage of the PT boat, sunk in
ten feet of water a few yards from the end of the jetty. Somebody
must have tried to make a run for it. The Russian sub was nowhere in
sight; probably it had landed the men and backed out of danger from
any unexpected quarter. Two or three corpses lay in view, down by
the water's edge. From where I stood I couldn't say if they were good
guys or bad.
There were more shots, coming from somewhere off to the left. It
looked like the boys were fighting it out old style: hand to hand, with
small arms. It figured; after all, what they wanted was me and all my
clever ideas, intact, not a smoking ruin.
I don't know whether it was my romantic streak or my cynical one that
had made me drive the architect nuts putting secret passages in the
walls of my chateau and tunnels under the lawn, but I was glad now I
had them. There was a narrow door in the west wall of the strong-
room that gave onto a tight spiral stair. From there, I could take my
choice: the boathouse, the edge of the woods behind the house, or
the beach a hundred yards north of the jetty. All I had to do was—

The house trembled a split second ahead of a terrific blast that

slammed me to the floor. I felt blood start from my nose. Head
ringing, I scrambled to my feet, groped through the dust to my escape
hatch. Somebody outside was getting impatient.
My fingers were on the sensitive pressure areas that worked the
concealed door. I took a last glance around the room, where the dust
was just settling from the last blast. My eyes fell on the cylinder, lying
where I had tossed it. In one jump I was across the room and had
grabbed it up. I had found it aboard the life boat, concealed among
the bones of the man with the bear-tooth necklace. Now I, with my
Vallonian memories banked in my mind, could appreciate just how
precious an object it was. It was Foster's memory. It would be only a
copy, undoubtedly; still, I couldn't leave it behind.
A blast heavier than the last one rocked the house. Snorting and
coughing from the dust, I got back to the emergency door, went
through it, and started down.
The fight was going on, as near as I could judge, to the south of the
house and behind it. Probably the woods were full of skirmishers,
taking advantage of the cover. The best bet was the boathouse,
direct. With a little luck I'd find my boat intact.

The tunnel was dark but that didn't bother me. It ran dead straight to
the boathouse. I came to the wooden slat door and stood for a