21. Evvy
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
evvy
“So, was your assignment to take me to brunch? If so, you’re killing it.” I place my fork down on my empty plate and pat my stomach. “That omelet was delicious! Really. Just add extra cheese to anything and I’m sold.”
Josie’s smile is bright. “Same. We’re lucky to have Charlie’s. For a town lacking any sort of nightlife, or activities for that matter, at least we have someplace with good food.”
“Thanks for taking me out.” I lean back in my chair and cross my arms. “But don’t think I didn’t notice how you avoided my question,” I say with a laugh. “What’s Zack making you do next?”
Josie eyes me knowingly. “Zack said you’d do this.”
“Do what?”
“Try to figure out the surprise.” Josie laughs. “Apparently that man knows you well.” She narrows her brows at me from behind her teacup. “I’m like a safe, you can’t crack my secrets.”
I place my elbows on the table and rest my chin in the palm of my hands. “So there is a surprise?” I flash Josie a big smile.
“So well. He knows you so well.” Josie leans her elbows on the table, mirroring me. “Does the surprise sleuth have any guesses?”
“Tour of the candy corn factory?” We both burst into laughter. “I’m surprised Zack hasn’t invested in it at this point.”
“True, he’s a man in love.” She teases, batting her eyelashes.
“Oh…I don’t think…he doesn’t.” I lean back in my seat, waving my hands. “He can’t possibly…” I shake my head vigorously, as if that will somehow prove a point.
“Oh, Evvy. You’ll see.” Josie stands and motions for me to follow her. “Come on! I’m going to put you out of your misery. One surprise coming right up.”
* * *
It’s been years since I’ve been in a bookstore, which is sad as someone who used to carry around multiple books with me everywhere I went.
Books have always been an escape for me.
Similar to how I like horror movies, books take my mind off of things.
From falling in love with fictional characters, to solving a mystery, they provide a much-needed escape from the world.
In college, I practically lived at the library until I met Zack.
Who am I kidding? Even after we started dating he had to drag me out of there and force me to get some sunlight.
I’ve spent the past decade bouncing between different state parks, often in remote areas, so I could only carry around a small collection of books with me.
I’ve switched to mostly ebooks out of necessity, but my few favorite physical books were destroyed along with the cabin.
At least I assume they were. I haven’t received any updates on the status of the cleanup.
“I always forget how cute this place is.” Josie’s eyes move over the walls lined with books.
Twinkle lights hang from the ceiling, creating a warm glow over the entire store.
“It’s been a while since I’ve come in here.
” She sinks down into a comfy sofa chair in the corner and pats her hand on the seat next to her, asking me to join.
I slump into the chair, feeling the cushions swallow me up. “Oooo, this is the perfect reading chair. I could stay here all day.” With the spacious seat, and comfy cushions, it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.
“Don’t have an orgasm, Evvy. We’re in public.” Josie laughs. “Zack said you loved books, but that look on your face, man!” Josie throws her head back in laughter.
I press my hands to my face, shaking my head. “Oh my god.” I don’t need a mirror to know I look like a tomato.
“Oooo, yes!” She throws her head back, faking pleasure, a little too loudly for a place that feels like a library. Josie is confident, hilarious, and completely unbothered that the entire tiny town of Fiddlehead Ridge now knows what it sounds like when she’s faking an orgasm. It’s impressive.
“Have I told you that I love you?” I peek at her from behind my fingers, trying to hold in my laughter.
“I love you too. But I think you’re really going to love this.” She passes me an orange envelope with my name scrawled across the front. I immediately recognize Zack’s handwriting. “He had this planned long before they left for this trip.”
My fingers trace over his handwriting before opening the envelope.
Inside contains a kitschy Halloween card with a cartoon black cat sitting inside a hollowed-out pumpkin.
My lips pull into a tiny smile as I think about him searching for the perfect card.
It's little details like this that make my heart swell.
Even after all this time, he knows what I like.
Evvy,
It’s over thirteen years late, but I’ve decided it’s time for me to replace your book that was destroyed back in college.
My Halloween girl deserves to have something she can hold in her hands, because I know that’s what you like.
Something about the smell of the paper and feel of the spine, blah, blah, blah.
Just kidding! I love your passion and wish I could see your smile as you read this.
Knowing you, I’m certain you also had some books in your cabin that need to be replaced.
Don’t try to say no, because I think you’ve figured out by now that Josie is very persuasive.
Pick anything you want, and you can tell me all about it when I get back from the trip.
-Zack
PS this isn’t me admitting fault. I didn’t see you standing there until after you were wet. :)
“Oh, don’t cry, Evvy.” Josie leans over and gives me a hug.
“Happy tears. Don’t worry.” One drop falls on the card, causing the ink to bleed. I slip it back into the envelope for protection. “Why does he have to be so sweet?” I laugh and wipe my eyes before fanning myself with the envelope. “And is it hot in here?”
“You’re in so deep and you don’t even realize it. You two are adorable.” Josie grabs my hand, yanking me out of the chair. “Let’s go, we have some shopping to do. I have strict instructions to make sure you buy the whole store.”
“Yeah, that’s not happening.” Zack has a habit of going overboard, so I’m not entirely sure if she’s kidding. I’ll pick out a few books. Zack’s right, this will make me happy, and I’ll treasure the books even more knowing they’re a gift from him.