Chapter 9 #2
Some mistakes were defining. I’d had to change my entire life because of the mistakes the people closest to me made. Though I didn’t say anything, Max held my gaze as if I’d voiced my doubts aloud.
“Getting the entire community involved sounds like a great idea,” I said. I wanted him to know that even if I didn’t trust second chances, I wouldn’t half-ass the time I spent on his event.
Max nodded. “We could also use help getting sponsors. Springboard relies on donations to cover costs and to buy folks some of the things they need to start over, like work clothes and bedding.”
“I could ask the law firm if they’d be willing to donate,” Everly said without looking up from her notepad. “We could also ask the businesses who won’t take part as employers. They might be more willing to sponsor Springboard even if they won’t commit to hiring people from the program.”
“Get them while they feel guilty for saying no to a good cause,” Max said with a smirk. “Vicious, and it might work.”
“I was thinking of pitching it more as a marketing opportunity, but guilt is a powerful motivator,” Everly said, looking up at him.
Max nodded and a shadow crossed his face. “It certainly is.” He cleared his throat. “Any other questions?”
“I’m good,” Everly said. “Levi?”
“Nothing yet,” I said. It sounded simple enough. Knock on doors, tell people about the event, and sign up as many businesses and housing complexes as we could.
“Levi and I can divide the list in half once you send it,” Everly said.
“I’m not sure that’s the best idea,” Max said carefully.
“Why not?” she asked with a frown.
I saw the trepidation on Max’s face and instantly understood. The places most likely to hire and house felons weren’t typically the nicest. “Some areas of town are safer than others,” I said. “Everly can stick with businesses and apartment buildings on Main Street, and I’ll take the rest.”
Max nodded but Everly narrowed her eyes at me.
“There’s nowhere in town I wouldn’t go alone,” she said. “Plus, you’re still relatively new, Levi. We might have more luck with people who know me or at least of me.”
“Evie—” Max started.
“You’re right,” I said, interrupting. “Maybe we should go as a team as much as possible.”
The words were out of my mouth before I considered the consequences.
Spending time with Everly alone sounded like the best and worst idea I could imagine.
I was far too attracted to her for my own good.
A relationship was out of the question, even if she were interested.
Our jobs alone would be reason enough without factoring in how little I trusted anyone now.
Then again, I’d suffered through much harder assignments.
Pining for a woman I could never have should be a breeze, especially if it meant keeping her safe.
Everly looked between Max and me and let out a tiny huff. “Fine. But there’s no reason for us both to visit the businesses on Main Street and the campus. There’s too much to do otherwise.”
“That’s fair,” I said.
“I’ll email y’all the lists tonight,” Max said, pushing off the counter. “I hate to run, but I can’t be late for pickup. My neighbor’s probably pulling her hair out by now with that many kids in her house.”
“Go,” Everly said. “I’ll keep you posted on whatever progress Levi and I make.”
Max held out his hand to me, and I stood to take it. “Glad to have you onboard, Levi.”
His handshake was firm without being crushing, and I got the impression we’d have no trouble working together. Everly stood and Max pulled her into a tight hug. “Let me know if you need anything, Evie. For the event or Theo’s case.”
“Thanks, Max,” she said, squeezing him. “Your written statement was beautiful.”
“Hope it helps,” he said, stepping back. “I know it’s a long shot, but the fact he’s fighting at all means everything.”
I wanted to ask what case she was working on for Theo. With a department as small as ours, I’m sure I would have heard if he’d been issued a new citation. Since neither Max nor Everly felt the need to elaborate for me, it didn’t feel right to ask.
“Mind if Levi and I stay a couple minutes to go over things?” Everly asked.
“Of course,” Max said, smiling. “I’ll be seeing y’all.”
With that, he strode out the front door. The buzzing from the back meant we weren’t alone, but it was probably as close as we’d ever gotten. We stared at each other for a beat before Everly settled back in her chair. Her posture, which had relaxed when she hugged Max, stiffened again.
“I like your idea about contacting the Criminal Justice Department,” she said. She stared at her notes, her eyes shifting across the page as she read what she’d written.
“It’s worth trying,” I said, returning to my seat. I sent Tristan a quick text to ask if he had Professor Exton’s email address. “Once Max sends us the prospect list, we can figure out which ones to split up and which to visit together.”
“I’m more than capable of visiting them all on my own,” she said tightly, without looking up from her notes. “People sense insincerity. If you don’t believe in the event, how are you going to convince anyone else to participate?”
“I might be a pessimistic asshole, but I understand the assignment. I’ll be fine.”
She finally looked up from her notes to give me a slight frown. “I didn’t say that.”
“Not exactly. But you’re thinking it.”
“Maybe,” she said softly.
“Worst-case scenario, you’ll persuade them, and I’ll just stand there looking scary, so no one tries anything with you.”
“I can be as intimidating as I need to be,” she said, lifting her chin.
“Doesn’t make you any less beautiful.” Or less vulnerable to the sick fucks of the world.
A flush crept into her cheeks, and I realized what I’d just said.
I’d crossed the line calling her beautiful, and her reaction made it difficult to remember the line existed.
The silence stretched between us, the tension thickening.
I was almost reckless enough to reach across the empty chair and take her hand in mine.
Almost. “I’ll even let you argue your case for second chances,” I said, my voice strained. “Turn me into an optimist.”
“Deal,” she said, smiling. “I have your department contacts, but we should probably exchange personal numbers too.”
“Yeah, sure,” I said, opening a new text message. “What’s yours?”
I typed in the number she rattled off and sent her a text with my name.
Her phone vibrated in her purse. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d exchanged numbers with a woman.
Not that Everly had given me hers because she wanted to see me outside of work or event planning.
It didn’t stop me from feeling like a high schooler getting his crush’s number.
“I’ll text you tonight after Max sends the lists,” she said, finally looking up from her notepad. She opened her mouth as if to say something and then closed it.
Before the silence could get awkward again, I stood. “Well, I better get going.”
“Yeah, I’m meeting Theo as soon as he finishes with his client. Enjoy the rest of your weekend,” she added as I headed for the door like the hounds of hell were on my heels.
The next two months were going to be rough.
The sliver of positivity that survived Richmond hoped I’d get a chance to ease the tension between Everly and me into professional politeness.
The cynic that had taken over most of my personality just hoped I wouldn’t fall for the off-limits woman who continued to knock me off my game with only a smile.