35. Evvy #2
“Probably? Evelyn…Evvy, from everything you’ve told me today, I have no doubt that Zack wants you here. It seems like he’s just as obsessed with you as he was in college. So, I think you live here now,” Bailey says.
“Probably,” I say with a laugh.
“Ugh,” Bailey grunts.
“Well, I vote you’re not allowed to leave. Now that we’re friends, you’re stuck here. It’s decided.” Josie nods, crossing her arms with a smirk.
“I don’t want to leave. He just hasn’t officially asked me to move in.” I need to let Zack ask me in his own time. It’s not like I have anywhere to move from, since the only stuff I own is already in his house anyway.
“Oh, Evvy, Evvy, Evvy. You’ll see. That man wants you here. Believe me, I’ve seen some of the group chats.” Josie laughs.
“Group chats?” Bailey asks Josie.
“Oh, yeah. They’re completely unhinged. Just wait until you meet the team.”
“I wouldn’t mind meeting some hockey players, even though my ex left much to be desired.” Bailey sticks out her tongue, making a gagging sound. “Evvy, I feel so bad for all the trouble Jeff caused. If I hadn’t been dating him, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.”
“It’s not even remotely your fault. Jeff would’ve pulled this crap regardless of whether or not you were dating. He was Zack’s roommate, and he trusted him too. I’m just glad you broke up with that asshole before you got hurt.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Bailey rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m happy you found Zack again. You two were always perfect for each other, even if you didn’t see it at first.”
“Definitely didn’t see it at first.” I crack a smile thinking about the memories. A few weeks ago, I actively avoided those memories. Now, I see them in a different light, and I’m thankful for that. “But he was persistent. And nothing's changed in that department.”
“He’s romantic! Who knew?” Josie laughs and then rests her head on my other shoulder.
I feel Bailey’s gaze on me. “Change of subject…”
“Uh oh.”.
“What?”
“It’s never good when you start a sentence that way.” Bailey is usually pretty direct, so when she announces a topic change, it’s her way of warning she’s about to say something uncomfortable.
Her shoulders drop as she blows out a sigh. “You got me there. I’m wondering how you’re feeling about the whole job situation. All I got was a quick text about it, and I didn’t want to bring it up too soon.”
“Honestly, I’m feeling okay about it. I’m a little sad, because I did love my job, but I wasn’t a fan of my boss toward the end, and it might have been awkward to stay anyway.”
“He seems like a total asshole. Want me to start a whole PR campaign to take him down? I’ll do it in a second. You’re my ride or die now. I have your back.” I have no doubt that Josie would act on that offer, and her mischievous grin tells me she’d find great joy in doing it.
“I could sue them,” Bailey states matter-of-factly. “It was clearly a wrongful termination.”
“He’s not worth it. I’d rather just forget about him and move on.”
“You’re a lawyer?” Josie asks.
“The best lawyer in LA,” I answer for her.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Bailey says with a laugh.
“You two would make quite the dynamic duo—Badass PR Manager and a lawyer. Watch out world!”
“We’re a trio now. You forgot about the rockstar geologist.” Josie bubbles with laughter.
“The smartest geologist I know,” Bailey adds.
“I’m the only geologist you know.”
“You don’t know that… But really, Evvy, you’re not nervous about losing your job?” She eyes me suspiciously.
“Obviously a little. But I’m starting to learn I need to do what makes me happy and not what’s expected of me.
The people pleaser inside me wanted to break down and just take the new job to avoid conflict, even if Felix was a jackass.
And he expected me to just back down and agree.
I finally lost it and realized I needed to stick up for myself.
I wallowed for a day and got it out of my system. ”
“I’m proud of you.” Bailey gives me a squeeze. “I know dealing with the unknown is hard for you, and this is huge. So, if you need to talk, I’m here.”
“Thanks.”
I've struggled with anxiety my whole life. I’m also a planner and never make impulsive decisions.
I over-analyze everything and need to think of every possible outcome before making a decision.
Normally, losing my job would be a huge trigger for me, but I’m handling it really well, all things considered.
“Do you have any leads on something else? Or any idea of what you might want to do?” Bailey asks.
“You know how I studied meteorites? I was thinking of looking to get back into that field. Maybe research, but opportunities around here might be limited. I did get a lead on a temporary position. One of my old grad school professors reached out about a very part-time online teaching position for an undergrad geology class. It would just be a few hours a week, but it’s something. ”
Bailey flashes me a surprised smile. “You want to teach?”
“Not permanently, but I think it would be fun for a semester. It’s not many hours, so I could still do it even if I find another job.”
“Wait! Did you say you studied meteorites?” Josie looks at me with her head cocked to the side. Her confused expression tells me she zoned out for part of this conversation.
“Yeah, it was my focus in grad school.”
I can almost see Josie’s brain churning. “Interesting…”
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing. It’s just interesting.”
“Okay.” I shake my head with a little laugh. Josie continues to look baffled, which is unusual for her. It’s not a common field of study, so I guess I should be used to the weird reactions.
“So, another change of subject,” Bailey announces.
I snort a little louder than expected. “Here we go again.” I clap a hand to my forehead. “Go ahead, I’m ready for it.”
“This is an easy one. Tell me more about Zack’s teammates. I need info before they get back on Saturday.”
“They’re good guys,” I say. “Zack, Brent, Nate, Marsh, and West are close.”
“I’m going to need more than names. Josie, you work for the team, what’s the DL on them?”
“Well, obviously Brent and Zack are off the market.” Josie chuckles. “Right, Evvy?”
“Right!”
“Just making sure.” Josie snickers. “Nate’s the goalie.”
“He gives off grumpy goalie vibes. Kind of a strong, silent type, but he has a good sense of humor once he gets talking,” I tell Bailey.
“And the others? I need to hear about this new friend group of yours, make sure they’re good people.”
“Mmmm, I’m sure that’s it.”
“She’s right, Evvy. She needs all the details.” Josie leans forward so she has a better view of Bailey. “Marsh is…a pain in my ass.” Josie shakes her head. “I love the guy, but he doesn’t make my job easy. “I can’t speak to team stuff, but—”
“But he’s got dark brown hair, ice blue eyes, a strong jaw, and lots of ink. Your usual type,” I interrupt Josie and grin at Bailey.
She rolls her eyes at me. “You mean the type who knows he’s good-looking?” Bailey leans forward, raising a questing brow.
“Let's just say he’s not a relationship guy.”
“Noted! And who’s West?”
“West Baxley’s a rookie. Evvy and I are the only ones who call him West. Most of the guys call him Bax. He joined the team right before Zack. He’s young.”
“Young?” Bailey asks.
“Twenty-four. Not the youngest on the team, but younger than the other guys in their little group.” Josie sighs. “He's obsessed with Marsh. Like still starstruck. And Marsh likes to pretend he’s irritated with him, but I think he secretly likes him. It’s adorable.”
“He’s a blast. They’re all fun. Everyone’s made me feel included…even Marsh. Don’t get me wrong, the guy is cocky, but I think there’s a hint of a softer side lurking somewhere below the surface.”
“If you say so.” Josie vibrates with laughter. “Sorry, you’re right. Just don’t let him hear you say that.”
“So, who’s going to be the best man?” Bailey gives me a playful nudge.
I glare at my best friend as a huge grin spreads across her face.
“Someday. Who’s going to be the best man, someday?” Josie corrects her.
“Yeah, I’m starting to think the two of you two teaming up together was definitely a mistake.”
My two best friends break into a chorus of laughter as we continue to watch the sunset.
“If you think this is bad, just wait for the next surprise,” Bailey teases.
Yup, they’re trouble. But I love them.