5. Zack
CHAPTER FIVE
zack
Day two of what I like to call Operation Get Evvy to Talk to Me has begun.
Nate and I finished painting the first cabin yesterday, so we’ve moved onto Cabin Two.
With a cool breeze, fresh air, and a beautiful canopy of pines providing a blanket of shade over the cabin, I’m hopeful for a good day.
There’s also a feeling of naive confidence that I’ll make progress on both painting and my secret mission.
“I can only stay for a few more minutes. I promised Bax I’d work with him on the ice.
” Practices haven’t officially started, but some of us informally skate at the training center before preseason starts.
Bax would never admit it, but he’s nervous for his first full season, and Nate’s agreed to tend goal while he works on shooting.
“You’re a good man, Nate.”
He leans a ladder against the cabin wall before turning toward me. “It’s no big deal. It’s nice to get back on the ice. And the rookie’s got potential, just needs to work on his confidence.”
“I don’t just mean Bax…” Pausing to pry open a paint can, I dump some into a tray and look back over my shoulder. “I mean with this too.” I gesture at the cabin. “It means a lot.”
Nate claps me on the back before grabbing a paintbrush. “Anything you need. But I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little worried about you. She wasn’t exactly excited to see you yesterday.”
“Maybe not, but there’s hope.” Our interaction yesterday gave me a little jolt of courage to keep trying.
“You’re very optimistic, bud,” Nate says with an uneasy laugh.
He’s just looking out for me and has every right to be concerned.
He saw me at my worst, but I won’t let that happen again.
Even if this doesn’t go well, I need to just be happy with the fact that I tried.
I’m older now and can handle it, regardless of the outcome.
Shifting my weight between my feet, I blow out a deep breath. “She took the coffee and candy. It’s a start.”
* * *
Nate left about an hour ago, but I still managed to paint half of Cabin Two by myself.
As I settle into the Adirondack chair next to the fire pit for a break, I spot her.
Her hair’s piled high in a messy bun with a few strands dangling loose at her temples.
The same green ranger uniform is hugging her curves in all the right places.
Gorgeous. But the best part? There’s no sign of a scowl today.
Sure, she’s sporting a more neutral expression as she approaches me, but at least it’s an improvement.
Evvy plops down into the chair opposite me with a huff. She’s got the fire in her eyes that was missing the first time I saw her at the visitor center. Leaving the cold brew coffee and candy corn with Lindsey at the front desk was a risk, but I don’t detect any anger this morning.
“Good morning, Evvy.” My grin can’t be contained. She came to me on her own this time.
“Evelyn.” She crosses one leg over the other, eyes glaring at me. She’s cute when she’s like this—trying to act unaffected by being near me. I know she feels it too. She just won’t admit it yet.
“Why were there three pieces of candy corn today?” She raises a curious brow, continuing to glare at me. “And why are you making that face?” She waves her hand in my direction.
My shoulders shrug, but I can’t wipe away my ever-growing smile. “Just happy to see you.”
“Sure, whatever. But why three pieces?”
“A man can’t give away his secrets, Evvy.”
She groans, slapping her palms on the armrests. “Evelyn.”
“Sure,” I say with a laugh.
“You’re infuriating in your old age. Do you know that?” There’s a hint of a smile she’s fighting to contain, and it’s exactly the kind of motivation I need to keep trying with her. We’re not a lost cause.
“I wouldn’t call thirty-five old, especially when you’re about to turn the same age. But I think I was always a little bit infuriating, so you’re right about that part.”
Her lips pull a little wider as she lets out the smallest snort of a laugh. It’s music to my ears. “You think calling a woman old is a good way to get her to talk to you?”
“I didn’t call you old. You called me old. Therefore, you called yourself old.” I’m beaming, and it’s the best feeling.
She throws her head back with a groan. “So, are you going to tell me why you gave me three pieces of candy corn?”
“Are we going to talk now?” I smirk, studying her face for a reaction.
“Nope.” She rises to her feet, placing her hands on her hips.
“Then the candy corn will remain a mystery.” I shrug as she glares at me.
Her face is filled with a mix of frustration and curiosity, but also a little spark of classic Evvy.
She was always someone who didn’t show her cards easily.
Evvy only unveils her true self when she trusts someone.
Like an uncarved sculpture, she hides beneath many layers.
You’ve got to put in the work if you want to know her deeply.
You have to earn her trust. I was afraid ours was broken forever, but the fact that she’s even speaking to me is a huge step in the right direction.
“Fine. I guess I don’t need to know. And stop bringing me coffee…we serve it in the visitor center.” She points in the direction of the main building.
“You don’t have cold brew coffee.” I’m still smiling. My face is going to be sore tonight.
“I don’t need cold brew.” Hands still on her hips, she shifts her weight to one foot, still looking down at me.
“I’ll take that under advisement.” No I won’t. “And I also take that to mean you like the candy corn deliveries?”
“How do you figure?”
“You only said to stop the coffee so—”
“I don’t need any more candy.” She cuts me off before letting out another loud grumble. “Bye, Zack.”
It’s the first time she’s said my name, and it sounds so good on her lips. My eyes stay locked on her as she travels the path back to the main building. Even as she disappears from view, my gaze remains in that direction, pulled toward her. Operation Get Evvy To Talk To Me is a great success.