Chapter 9
ZINNIA
Ineed my head to be perfectly clear while preparing for my meeting. But as I gather a sample of my illustrations that showcase the style I'm thinking of for the safety supply store, I can't stay focused.
I've always talked a good game, and been the official bullshit meter for my friends. Why can't I do the same for myself? I honestly can't tell whether Evan's overprotectiveness is completely insane, or just a bit over the top.
Do I really come off as so fragile that both my would-be boyfriend and my father think I need that kind of supervision?
It's always bothered me when people assume that I can't do anything for myself because I'm so tiny.
I didn't mention that part to Evan, but it's one of the main reasons I don't want to work in an office environment.
I don't want coworkers to think they need to reach something down from the top shelf for me – like, that's what ladders are for – or that I can't lift the heavy box of photocopy paper.
I would be fighting too hard to make them respect me all the time.
Maybe I really am better off being alone. Well, with my sisters. At least until they move in with their new boyfriends, which from the sounds of things is going to happen pretty soon.
Luckily, Rose and Lily are lost in their own worlds this morning, and barely mention the fact that I didn't come home last night. By the time I get down to The Tiny Goat, I feel fairly well prepared for my meeting.
Edgar is equally well-organized, and arrives with a sheet with all my questions answered, together with a detailed list of the work he needs done.
As well as the email illustrations and headers, he'd like a few small graphics for signs around the store.
It's an absolute dream job, and we arrange for me to do a few of the items to make sure he approves of the style, then I'll do several things per week on an ongoing basis.
By the time he pays for our bill and leaves, I'm in a fantastic mood. Which flies out the window when I see Evan in the back corner hiding behind the local newspaper.
I slip into the seat opposite him, disappointment written in hundred-point bold font across my face. "You couldn't just walk by and have a quick peek in the window?" I ask.
Evan sighs, putting down the paper. He was apparently reading the sports section, although he's never shown any interest in sports whatsoever.
"No. That felt even more sketchy." He finishes his coffee, trying to act casual.
"Honestly, I was just going to grab something to go, then I thought I might as well take a bit of a break. "
"Which I am sure had nothing to do with the fact that Edgar is tall and not bad-looking, with an animated personality." Evan doesn't meet my eyes for a moment, looking out the window. "Just what do you think you're protecting me from?"
He shakes his head. "Everything. Anything. Baby, you're such a sweet little—"
"Do not call me 'little' anymore!" I'm on my feet already. "In fact, don't call me unless I call you. If I call you."
Stomping out the door, even though I'm still pissed off, I instantly want to take it back. I don't want Evan and I to fight. Yet I do need to make it clear that I cannot live this way.
When I get back to the apartment, Lily is out. Rose is hunched over her table with a pair of pliers, spinning silver spirals into beautiful earrings and bracelets. Her headphones are on, signaling that she's in work mode.
After flicking the lights on and off a few times to let her know that I'm in the room, I settle at my desk and quickly add details to the notes from my meeting. When I'm done, I stare into space, unwilling to face the other thing I need to think about.
Evan. He's so wonderful. He's perfect for me in every way – except one.
I've never been able to handle being stifled. Restricted. How can I grow into my own person if I don't have any space to breathe?
Rose's head jerks toward the light as her phone rings. "It's Dad," she says, removing her headphones.
"I'm not here. But put it on speaker."
"Okay." She takes a deep breath and then hits the answer button. "Hey, Dad. What's up?"
"What's this about Zinnia dating a much older man?"
Both of our faces fall.
"I think calling it 'dating' is a bit premature," Rose says, shrugging toward me, as she struggles to find a middle ground. "I think she went for dinner once with a new friend."
"Lily mentioned the window installer guy. I checked with Douglas. He's in his thirties. You know that is far too old for Zinnia. Why haven't you put a stop to it?"
"Dad, take a breath," Rose says. "You're completely overreacting."
"I. Am. Not." His voice has already shifted into the no nonsense tone that says he is not to be trifled with.
"I worried about Zinnia being too young to live just with you two.
Now I know that I was right. She can start packing her bags, because she's moving to London to live here with me for at least a year. "
"What the hell?" I snap. "There's no way that is happening."
"You will not disobey me, Zinnia Marie Morgan." Dad's voice is ice and thunder even from the other side of the Atlantic. "If you don't start making plans to get your butt here immediately, I'll see to it that Doug kicks you all out of that apartment."
Rose and I share a look. I'm relieved to see we're on the same page, assuming Dad is full of it. Well, hoping.
"I'm afraid that's quite impossible," Rose says brightly.
"We can't buy her any plane tickets since we don't have a functional credit card.
What a terrible shame. Anyway, we both need to get back to work.
Have a great day, Dad!" Her ridiculously perky tone causes me to choke back a laugh despite myself, and she ends the call.
"I'm so sorry," I say automatically. "I didn't think Dad would ever hear about this."
"Of course not," Rose says. "It's none of his business anyway. You don't think for one second that Aunt Doug would actually kick us out, do you?"
"I guess not." Looking down, I notice my hands are shaking. "He just makes me so jumpy."
Rose nods. "I know. Don't worry. We'll figure it out."
Just yesterday everything was going so well. Last night was the most incredible experience of my entire life.
Even though I'm still furious with Evan, I'd hoped it was fixable. I'd thought there would be some time to work on it.
But when it comes to travel plans, Dad is the type to rush. He'll expect a response today. He's probably on the phone with Doug already.
What am I going to do?