20. Evvy
CHAPTER TWENTY
evvy
Have you ever held something in your hands that had the power to change everything you ever thought was true about your life?
One glimpse and your reality is changed forever?
I can’t say for sure, but I have a gut feeling that’s true about the contents of the box in front of me.
A small, simple cardboard box like you’d buy from a moving company with Zack’s stuff scribbled on the side.
It’s the kind that you’d use to pack up your prized books or CDs before making a move.
Right before we left his mom’s house this morning, she whispered in my ear that she left something important for me in the back of the truck.
She said she hoped it would give me some clarity.
For a woman who normally has no filter, she also does a great job of being cryptic when she wants to be.
I’ve been spinning the box around on Zack’s kitchen island, looking at it from every angle, but haven’t worked up the courage to look inside.
“Delivery!” Josie strolls through the front door like she owns the place. “Sorry, Evvy. We don’t knock around here.”
I hop off the barstool and pull her into a hug. “You’re not traveling with the team?” She squeezes me before I can let go.
“Not today. Pending any PR nightmares, I’m working from home for a couple days then I’ll fly out for the game in New York. Which means we’re having a girls day!” She raises her voice and does a little fist pump with her free hand.
“Sounds good to me. I have the week off and I’ll lose my mind sitting by myself with no work to do.
” My gaze drops to the box. Unable to resist the pull, I drag one finger across where Zack’s name is scribbled on the side.
With him being away, my mind will be left to fixate on whatever hides inside those four cardboard walls.
“What’s in there?” Josie steps closer, inspecting the box like she might open it.
I quickly shove it back a couple of inches.
“Oh, I think just some of Zack’s stuff. We were at his mom’s house last night, and I’m guessing she's just making space.” Josie nods, seemingly satisfied by my answer.
I have nothing against Josie. My gut just tells me I need to be alone when I finally look inside.
“Oooo, I almost forgot! This is for you!” She shoves a large cup of cold brew coffee in my direction.
“Thanks! This is the first morning I’ve skipped one, so give me some caffeine.” I smile, taking the large cup from Josie. “You didn’t get one for yourself?” I take a long sip through the straw, and the cool coffee warms my soul.
“I’m more of a tea girl myself. This is a special delivery.” She winks, tipping me off to the mastermind behind this plan.
“Zack?” I can’t hide my smile.
“Of course it was Zack! Your man is obsessed with you.” She laughs. “Those early days of dating, when you can’t stay away from each other, ahhhh. So adorable!” She places her hand over her chest, swaying back and forth like a cartoon princess in love.
I shake my head with enough force to make me dizzy. “Oh, he’s not my…we’re not…” I honestly have no idea what we are.
“Sure, girlie.” Josie pulls a paper bag out of her purse and plops it down on the counter with a clunk.
“Then want to tell me why I had very strict instructions to deliver you candy corn this morning? And not just a bag of candy corn. That would be too reasonable. No, Zack insisted I must bring you exactly thirty-two pieces. And tomorrow you’re getting thirty-three pieces, because that’s not weird at all. ”
“Thirty-two pieces?” I reach into the paper bag and pull out a little glass jar full of candy.
“I thought that looked nicer than a plastic bag. Hope you like it.” Josie laughs with a shrug.
“Thirty-two?” I mumble, trying to make sense of it.
Thirty-two is so specific. “Oh my! How did I not figure this out sooner?” Zack leaves me a pile of candy every morning, and I always add it to the big glass jar sitting on his counter.
Clearly, I could tell it was getting larger over time, but after the first few days I never thought to count it.
“What is it, Evvy?” Josie’s eyes dart between me and the jar.
“It’s been thirty-two days since I saw Zack again for the first time. He’s been secretly adding one piece of candy corn every day, and I didn’t even notice.” I carry the small jar to the living room and flop onto the couch.
“Stop! That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. And with sweets! Haha, get it?” Josie sinks down next to me as I take a bite of candy corn and pass her the jar.
“Candy corn was kind of our thing back in college. I don’t know how much he’s told you, or Brent, but it didn’t end well.
This is the first time we’ve seen each other in thirteen years.
” I pop another piece of candy in my mouth.
“I don’t mean to unload all this on you.
Is it weird since you work for the team? We don’t need to talk about it.”
Josie angles toward me and flashes me a sly grin. “Girl, I live for this. And this stays between us. I’m not on the clock, so this is none of the team’s business. Plus, I’m excited to have a new friend. I’m surrounded by men twenty-four-seven.”
“Me too. I’m so glad we met.” She passes me the candy jar again, and I dump a few more pieces into the palm of my hand. “My best friend lives in California, and my job keeps me pretty isolated, so there haven’t been many opportunities to meet people.”
“Well, you’re stuck with me now.” She gives me a playful nudge with her shoulder.
“But seriously, Zack and you!” Josie squeals.
“I never thought I’d see the day that man would find someone.
In the almost seven months I’ve known him I’ve never really seen him go out with the other guys.
He doesn’t hook up. He doesn’t party outside of team events.
He just hangs out with Brent and I like an old married guy.
I’m so happy you found each other again. ”
My eyes go wide with surprise. Back in college, Zack was firmly in the no girlfriends club before we got together.
I always assumed I was holding him back from living his life, and then when he left I figured he was taking advantage of being a famous hockey star, enjoying the single life.
I suppose he’s had thirteen years to get it out of his system, though I’m not sure how that makes me feel.
“It’s not that simple, Josie. There’s so much history between us.
And I don’t think we’re together. He hasn’t actually asked me.
We’ve both been avoiding a tough conversation, but we agreed to sort it out when he’s back from this away series.
I didn’t want to get into it right before he left for the trip.
Am I glad he’s back in my life? Absolutely. But I’m also confused.”
Josie reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “That seems reasonable considering…well, everything. But you both deserve to be happy, and if you’re happy together that’s fantastic. If not, that’s okay too. But I think you owe it to yourself to find out.”
“How did you get so wise, my new friend?” I say with a laugh.
“Life experience?” She jokes, shrugging her shoulders. “Anyway, it’s time for part two of my assignment.”
“Please don’t tell me it’s more candy corn. I love it, but I think I have enough for a year.” I close the jar and place it on the coffee table.
“No, I think you’ll love this.” Josie stands, reaching for my hand to pull me off the couch. “Let’s go!”