|91| • Amelia
Gosh!
In my opinion, Evie was spending way too much on me.
I get that it was my birthday - and I'm incredibly grateful for how amazing balls he was.
But this too? It was as if he showed a new dimension of love to me each day.
Was I worthy of such love? In the last three days, he had spent a lot of time and effort, making sure I was happy.
He even brought my entire family together to celebrate my birthday!
I couldn't remember the last time I was so happy celebrating my birthday since my Mama was alive.
It got to a point early on after her passing that I dreaded my birthday, it was a day that forced my family to crack on a smile even when they weren't feeling up to it. It made me feel like such a burden.
Taking a deep breath, I shook my head; trying to snap out of it.
Of course, I was worthy. As my therapist said, I shouldn't think of myself as unworthy.
Nibbling on my lips, I stared at the mirror wanting to see why Evie always made googly eyes at me.
Pouting my lips, I tried to look cute but giggled at how funny I looked.
Evie was such a silly man, loving me the way he did.
It made me love him (choosing to every day) more.
Taking my powder brush, I evened out my makeup with a powder one shade lighter to make the look pop more. All that was left was my setting spray.
I grabbed the plastic bottle of the weird mixture with some shimmer pondering how I could make Evie feel this loved just as he made me feel that way. I thought I was doing an okay job at it, but I needed to improve on that.
"Gah!" I huffed, putting my head down. Do you know the feeling of wanting to spoil your man rotten but not knowing what to do? That was the dilemma I was in.
Shutting my eyes gently, I brought the spray to my face, giving it five presses all around (this makeup was not moving an inch tonight).
Staying still, I let the artwork I'd done try on my face.
Once I opened my eyes again, I smirked to myself.
Gorgeous, I thought, winking at the beauty in the mirror.
Everest was going to make those eyes that I loved so much again.
After a while, I got up from staring at myself in the vanity mirror and went to pick out a gown to wear for our (rather impromptu) date. He said to wear the gown we bought previously and to be honest, I couldn't wait to launch the beauty!
I picked out the one I wanted to wear: the gown Evie said to wear.
What can I say? We both have exquisite taste.
As I held up the gown, I grinned at it in satisfaction, I could already tell it would fit in all the right places.
Humming, I wondered if to wear my sandal heel which would level me with Evie - or at least try to.
It'd be nice to be almost near his head.
I'd be...tall! Giggling to myself, I twirled, hugging the gown to my chest.
"Time to go..." I said to myself after checking the clock, I was pretty sure Evie was done by now, he did say to be ready soon and it was about five minutes left.
Quickly, I made my way to the full-length mirror, removing the clothes I was wearing and sliding into the dazzling pink gown.
It was a dark pink gown which flowed to my ankles, the slit gliding up until my thigh.
The material hugged my waist in all the right places, the little exercise I did was certainly paying off. The drooping cow neck accentuated my collarbone as I'd put a bit of highlighter on it to make it shimmer. Taking the silver necklace, I clipped it and the outfit was almost complete.
"This seems quite much for testing out a restaurant.
.." I wondered to myself, but I did say I'd be more comfortable in my skin.
The gown wasn't too much, it just turned some heads.
Sitting on the bed, I slid my feet into the silver sandal heels that increased my height by a few inches.
"Perfect," I said to myself, standing to my feet, and as though on cue, a knock vibrated on my door.
"Sweetheart, are you almost done?" It was Evie's voice I heard. No matter how many times I heard it, it still made my heart jump a bit. A smile crawled up my lips and I turned around facing the door. I was excited to see what he had on, hopefully I wasn't the only one dressed up.
"You can come in!" I tell him from the other side of the door and he doesn't waste any time creeping it open. Preparing to see him, I walked closer to the door.
Oh.
I certainly wasn't the only one dressed up.
He looked mighty fine! Gasping, I covered my face like I wasn't used to how dashing he was - because I wasn't! I was fangirling, he even curled the top of his hair!
Evie seemed taken aback as well. "Wow." We both said and I laughed.
He walked closer to me, extending his hand and I took it; he twirled me around and brought me closer to him.
"Incredible. You look beyond words my dear. "
"Stunning?" I helped out cheekily.
"Amazingly stunning, and beautiful, and gorgeous." Rolling my eyes playfully, I washed in his compliments with satisfaction. Everest put his head down on my shoulder, holding my waist. "I can't wait..." He said, "Can't wait for what?"
"Huh? Oh, can't wait to...have the best time with you today." He said, rubbing his neck with a sly smile. Nodding, I smiled back. "I hope the food and ambiance are great!"
"Shall we?" Nodding, I quickly picked up my silver purse and phone.
With intertwined hands, we walked out of my room. His arms remained in mine until we reached his truck and he assisted me in climbing it. "Easy there," He said softly, pushing me up to have a seat. "Thank you," I replied, watching as he circled to get to the driver's seat.
"Hm, I wonder, when can I do my driver's test?" I asked him, leaning on the passenger seat, feeling like a passenger princess. Everest smiled as he drove smoothly, "That would be when you want to if you're sure you're prepared for it."
"Yeah, but what if I like flop it?" I asked nervous, I wanted to get my driver's license, that would be so validating, especially knowing I could take Evie's truck sometimes and go wherever without having to bother him to take me.
"If you fail?" Evie asked as though he was confused, he tilted his head cutely, extending his hand to reach mine.
See?! He could drive with even one hand! That was oddly attractive.
"Well, darling you keep trying. How many times do you think I took the test?" He teased, smirking at me. Shrugging, I hummed, "Like once?"
"Try four times." This made me burst out laughing. "Four?!"
Everest chuckled, shrugging guiltily, "I was a very eager one, the first time we almost crashed, the second time too.
I just had to take a step back and rice like I didn't want to show off.
The point is, you keep trying until you get it.
" That made me feel a bit better. Seeing how effortlessly Evie drove, I was sure he had taken the test only once - but it was pretty encouraging that he even failed a few times.
Intertwining our hands, I stared at the silver ring on his index and thumb, caressing it gently.
His hands looked good with these rings on.
"Wanna wear one of them?" Evie teased, glancing at me.
Smirking at him, I playfully rolled my eyes.
With his big hands? "They wouldn't fit me.
" I joked, blushing at the thought of Everest giving me a ring; that would be like.
..proposing. Giggling silently, I shook that thought away. ..thirsty much?
"Maybe I'll get you one." He said cooly while I was a blushing mess, he was just making a joke Amelia!
"Stop teasing me!" I huffed. Evie laughed, tossing his head back before kissing my palm.
"You're cute when you blush." He said against the back of my palm.
"You too." I snickered, remembering all the times he'd be almost red.
Evrested rolled his eyes at my comment, the smile never leaving his lips.
"Focus on the road, old man." I snicker, waving off his face.
Just because he could drive effortlessly didn't mean he had to stare at me all day - although I didn't mind that.
Evie laughed, straightening up. "Old man, you say?
" Smirking, I shrugged. "With the way you always tug on your hair, you'd be looking it soon.
" This made him laugh even harder. I noticed the way his hand would go straight for his hair whenever he was stressed, I didn't want him to lose his hair anytime soon, I still wanted to play with it for a long time.
"Well, you're the one who stresses me." I gasped, feigning offense.
"I am not stressful."
"You certainly aren't, my love."
"Don't try and cover it up with sweet words." He just winked at that, turning the car into the restaurant.
"We are here." He turned off the engine and came out of the car.
Smiling to myself, I waited patiently for him to circle like he always did.
I was getting used to being a passenger princess.
In seconds, he opened my door, extending his arm out.
"My lady," Everest called out cooly. Gently, I took his hand in mine.
The feeling of Evie's hand made me feel warm inside, his palm was larger and a bit more rough.
As funny as it sounded, it made me feel protected in some way.
He helped me down and got my bag for me.
"Stunning." He said, twirling me. This made me grin, he could be so affectionate so openly, I honestly felt like the luckiest girl.
"Handsome." I complimented as well, easily placing my palm on his jaw.
The heels made me level up to him, it felt nice to see him more clearly.
Everest leaned into my touch, humming. "Let's go.
" With a hand placed on my waist, he gave the keys to the car to one of the valet attendants.
Walking next to a fine man like Evie made me feel even more confident. I made sure my steps weren't too hasted, my hands holding onto his offered elbow. We made our way into the restaurant and I was in awe.
The scent of fresh roses and vanilla hit me first, subtle yet intoxicating.
As we stepped inside, I couldn't help but pause, overwhelmed by how perfect the place looked.
The glow of warm, golden lights reflected softly off polished wood floors, while crystal chandeliers cast flickering patterns across the ceiling like a dance of stars.
Every table was draped in pristine white linen, adorned with candles and tiny vases of blushing pink peonies.
A grand piano in the corner played a gentle, lilting melody, setting the tone for the evening.
It wasn't just a restaurant; it was a dream spun into reality.
The walls were painted a deep, rich burgundy, and framed mirrors scattered around the room gave the illusion of endless space, as though we were dining in a world suspended outside of time. Even the air felt different-soft, charged with quiet elegance.
The host greeted us with a smile that seemed almost rehearsed but didn't bother me much; the charm of the place more than made up for it. He wore a dashing tuxedo with a thick smile on his face. With a flick of his wrist, he gestured for us to follow him.
Glancing at Everest to see he was already smirking at me.
"What?" He whispered. What? This was awesome that was what.
Shaking my head, I caressed his palms. The sound of our shoes against the floorboards was barely audible over the murmur of conversation and clinking glasses.
We wove through a maze of cozy, intimate tables, each one like a private universe for the couples it hosted.
This made my face hot, we were going to our little universe.
Finally, we arrived at our table near a tall window overlooking the city's twinkling lights.
The view took my breath away. Everest pulled out a chair for me, the simple gesture making my heart skip a beat, as it always did.
"Thank you," His eyes met mine-warm and steady-as I slid into the seat, and I couldn't help but smile letting my fingers brush his hand as he stepped aside to take his seat across from me.
On the wooden table with a menu along with complimentary warm towels.
I opened one, cleaning my hands before taking the menu to read.
I could feel Evie's eyes on me all the while which made me do things slower and more internationally.
Teasingly, I used my pinky to wipe a nonexistent stain from my lip, folding them together to make sure my gloss was still on, then, I inched closer to him.
His gaze on me felt hot, I felt the warmth creep up my neck as I reached for the menu, pretending to study it.
The words on the menu jumped over my head, all I could think of was how delicious Evie looked. And his stare wasn't helping!
"You're doing that on purpose," He said, leaning forward slightly. His voice was low, meant only for me, as if the rest of the restaurant didn't exist. Arching my brows, I feigned ignorance. "Doing what on purpose?"
"Flirting,"
"Am not," I replied, though the heat in my cheeks betrayed me. I dropped my gaze back to the menu, pretending to focus on it, but the grin tugging at my lips gave me away. He had noticed my subtle movements, of course, he had. It was fun, knowing I could arch my eyebrows one way and he'd notice.
He chuckled softly, the sound warm and soothing.
"Sure you're not," He teased, picking up his glass of water.
"Let me guess-you're just really torn between the salmon and the steak.
" Salmon? Oh dear, that was the first thing I saw when I finally read the menu.
I was caught. I looked up again, rolling my eyes playfully.
"Well, if you weren't staring so hard, I'd be able to concentrate. "
"Maybe," He said, his smile turning softer. "I just like watching you." I couldn't help but laugh at that, shaking my head. There was something about Everest that made me feel light like the weight of the world didn't matter as long as he was across from me.
The server arrived to take our order, and Everest ordered for both of us-glancing at me to make sure I was okay with what he had said.
He had picked up on my indecision and made it easier for me.
A medium steak with red wine vinaigrette and creamy mashed potatoes coupled with sparkling wine.
Nodding my head, my tongue was already salivating at how good it sounded.
The server - whose name was Charles took the menu from us and served us with the complimentary basket of cornbread on the table, the rich, buttery aroma wafted up, making my stomach rumble softly.
An idea popped into my mind and I picked up the steamed cornbread, blowing softly on it before breaking off a small, steaming portion.
"Here," I said, looking up at him. His eyes lit up with curiosity and a hint of mischief as he leaned back slightly, letting me take charge.
I held the piece of cornbread between my fingers, leaning forward just enough to close the distance between us.
He chuckled softly but didn't protest, tilting his head toward me as if to make it easier.
"Open," I instructed with a grin, and to my surprise, he obeyed without hesitation.
As I gently placed the bite of cornbread in his mouth, my fingertips brushed against his lips.
Everest closed his eyes briefly, savoring the taste, and when he opened them again, they were full of a quiet appreciation that made my heart skip a beat.
"Hm, sweetheart you have to try this as well.
" Just as I'd done, he took the bun, breaking it into two but this time, placing a kiss on it.
I laughed, covering my face. "What are you doing?
" I teased, cocking my head. "A little bit of love," Evie said, cooly.
He was just too smooth for his good. As I opened my mouth, he placed the bite of cornbread on my lips with deliberate care, his fingers lingering just a second too long.
My skin tingled where he'd touched me, and I quickly took the bite, hoping to hide the blush that was now spreading to my ears.
"Good, right?" he asked, leaning back with a satisfied smirk.
I nodded, avoiding his gaze as I swallowed. "It's good," I managed to say, though my voice was barely steady.
I reached for the glass of water, taking a gulp of it.
The playful air between us had shifted, the teasing fading into something quieter, deeper.
I glanced at Everest, and for a moment, the thought of saying nothing-just staying in this moment with him-felt tempting.
But there were things I wanted to say, things I needed him to hear.
It wasn't everytime I walked down memory lane, as some memories had prickles in them, but whenever I did, I ended up feeling even more grateful for him than before.
"You know," I began, my voice softer than I'd intended, "If someone had told me a year ago that I wouldn't be afraid to love someone this much.
..it'd be a laugh for me." It was so easy to love Evie; he made me confident in the fact that I didn't have to be perfect - none of us had to be.
His lips curved into that slow, knowing smile, the one that always made my chest feel a little too tight.
His eyes had a glistening to it' I'd just admitted once more to loving him, this time I didn't stutter and wiggle awkwardly, I just let my heart do the talking. "Why's that?" Everest asked softly.
I set the glass down to keep my hands steady.
"I was too trusting. I let people walk all over me because I didn't know how to say no.
I thought being kind meant giving everything, even when it hurt me.
" Taking a pause, I adjusted in my seat.
"So, I didn't think I would have the opportunity to let someone see me so vulnerable and actually still. ..want me."
Everest stayed silent, but I knew he wanted to get a word in because his eyebrows knitted together. "So yeah...I'm glad all of this happened." I say, shrugging. Evie sighed.
"You had a way of seeing the best in everyone, even when they didn't deserve it.
Vulnerable or not, I will always want you.
And I love watching your growth." He took my hand in his, placing a soft kiss on it and I smiled.
"Therapy helped with that," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly.
It may have been a huge say but I don't think I would have ever considered therapy if it wasn't for Evie.
"Learning that it's okay to say no. That boundaries don't make me mean or selfish-they make me strong. "
"Exactly. You've grown, Amelia. You're still kind, but now.
.. now you know how to stand your ground.
And it's incredible to see." His words were a swoon and uplift to my heart.
I'd grown. That sounded nice to hear.
It made me want to tear up but I blinked it away, not wanting to ruin my makeup.
"Thank you," I said, barely above a whisper.
It wasn't just I who had grown, he grew too and I wanted him to know that.
"And you've changed too. You're not as..
. guarded anymore. With your feelings, I mean.
" Before, he would bury his emotions and tell me not to worry about it - which did nothing because I worried even more.
But now, I felt like he trusted me more with his thoughts and feelings.
I reached for his hand without thinking, my fingers brushing against his before I laced them together. "You've grown so much, Everest," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "You don't just let me in now-you let me see you. And that means everything to me." I meant that.
He turned his hand over, his thumb running over the back of mine, his touch slow and deliberate. "You taught me that," He said, his voice low and steady. I taught him that?
"You taught me to trust people with my feelings, to trust you with my feelings. And you built that trust with me, Amelia. Even when I didn't deserve it." Didn't deserve it? "You did deserve it," I said quickly, squeezing his hand. "You always did."
The silence that followed wasn't empty. It was full, brimming with the unspoken connection between us. His thumb traced small, deliberate circles on my hand, grounding me in this moment, in him. He didn't have to say it out loud, I could see it in his actions; 'Thank you,' they said.
"I'm proud of us," I said finally, my voice breaking just a little.
His gaze locked onto mine, unwavering. "Yeah," he said, his voice low and certain. "Me too."
The server - Charles cautiously made his way towards us with our order.
Smiling, I let go off his hand clasping mine together in anticipation.
When the tray was carefully placed on the table, I almost melted.
The savory yet sugary scent wafted into my nose.
The steak vinaigrette glistened under the low lighting, its rich glaze pooling around the edges.
Beside it, the mashed potatoes sat fluffy and golden, the perfect swirl topped with a hint of melted butter.
"Enjoy." He said, glancing at Everest. Everest nodded, and oddly it felt like they were saying something to each other. Shrugging, I looked back to my meal, admiring the art on ceramic. When the waiter left, we said grace and dug in.
The first bite was heaven-tender, perfectly seasoned steak that melted against my tongue, followed by the sharp, sweet tang of the sauce. "Wow," I breathed, savoring every second before swallowing. "Right?" Everest said, his eyes lighting up.
"We should go restaurant testing more often." I joked and he laughed. "We should."
I tried the mashed potatoes next, and they were every bit as indulgent as I'd hoped-creamy, buttery, and comforting in the way only perfectly made potatoes could be.
We ate in a comfortable rhythm, sharing bites and trading exaggerated compliments like food critics.
The world around us faded, the soft hum of conversation and clinking silverware becoming background noise to the quiet intimacy of sharing a meal.
Just as I was about to finish off the last bite of mashed potatoes, Everest's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'll be right back," he said, standing up. "Everything okay?" I asked, concerned by the shift in his tone.
"Yeah," He said quickly, leaning down to kiss my temple. "I'll be right back darling." Nodding, I watched him leave, nibbling on the steak caged by my fork. I took another sip of my wine, letting the warmth settle over me.
The minutes ticked by, and Everest didn't return.
By now, I had finished my meal and his was definitely getting cold.
Frowning, I took out my phone, about to call him.
Was something the matter? God, I hoped not.
Just in time, my phone buzzed and I saw his caller ID appear on it.
Sighing, I answered the call, putting it to my ear.
"Amelia," Everest said, his tone sharp enough to make my stomach flip.
"Everest? What's going on?" I asked, sitting up straighter in my chair.
"I need you to come upstairs," He said, his words quick and clipped. "It's an emergency." My eyes widened. How? What had happened? Before asking, I was already on my feet, getting my bag. Would they think I was trying to escape without paying? I glanced around but did not see Charles anywhere.
"An emergency? What happened?" I asked, my heart racing.
"Just come. Please." His voice softened slightly, but the urgency was still there. "I need you."
The line went dead before I could ask anything else.
My legs moved before my mind caught up, weaving through the tables and heading toward the staircase near the back of the restaurant where I had seen him disappear to.
My mind was racing, I could not imagine what had happened.
Was the door locked on him? Was someone harassing him?
Whatever was waiting for me upstairs, I wasn't ready-but I wasn't about to leave Everest alone to face it.