Twenty-Eight Evelyn #2
"Going with a friend, or someone. Sweetheart, six hours of driving by yourself is a lot in one day,” I expressed, trying to be gentle.
"I'm aware, and I'm not bringing a friend. I wouldn't make them deal with my family too. It's just going to be a bunch of overbearing and backhanded questions from my mother about my job and every life choice I've ever made."
I didn't push her to elaborate, I already held a pretty good understanding of her relationship with her mother. Plus, she tended to be more vulnerable with me after sex, so it wouldn’t be right to draw information from her now.
"Portland is nice. Have you at least considered spending an extra day there? Maybe get a hotel and enjoy the place?" I suggested.
"Hm, maybe, my aunt recently moved, so I haven't seen a lot of it. Have you been?"
She didn't seem fond of my idea, but I was not letting this go.
"Yes, many times and it's a beautiful place. It would make a nice weekend getaway for you."
I was not letting her drive so far alone by herself at night. But I could phrase my recommendations in a way that made it appear she had more control over the matter.
"I'd rather you not drive back alone at night so I'll book you a nice hotel instead. Then you can stay as little or long as you'd like. Alright, darling?"
She shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather not spend all that time alone."
Evelyn was far less introverted than I, and a bit less independent at times, but I didn't mind that. She also was not yet mine to make rules for, but that I did mind.
"Invite a friend? Make it a spontaneous girls trip."
I could tell Evelyn was half-heartedly considering it, but when a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, I knew exactly what she was thinking.
"Will you go with me?" she asked softly.
"I could, sweetheart. Is that what you want?"
"Yes, but if you're busy I understand. I know it's a lot to ask."
"No, honey, I think it's a wonderful idea for us. I can meet with acquaintances and get some work done tomorrow. Then come Sunday we enjoy Portland together, there's a lot of places I'd love to take you."
Evelyn's smile widened, her eyes lighting up. "Nessa, that would be amazing, are you sure?"
I loved when she called me that.
"Of course, sweetheart. Now get some rest because we have to be up early. I'll arrange the details."
She yawned adorably, nuzzling into me as I stroked her back with my free hand, always my warm weighted blanket.
I got to work, booking us a romantic hotel suite, and looking over restaurant recommendations on my phone.
We had spent the first hour talking until Evelyn had dozed off.
She’d been asleep for nearly forty minutes, and we were under an hour away from her aunt’s place when my head began to throb unexpectedly.
I usually experienced warning signs before getting a migraine, but occasionally, like today, it began with no warning.
Right now, it was just the pain, but they could also cause blind spots in my vision or interfere with my fine motor skills.
I had medicine with me to take for it, but it didn’t always help, and I wanted to play it safe.
I could lose control with my migraines, and the road was not a place where risks could be taken.
This one was probably due to my lack of sleep last night.
I’d stayed up too late and woken up early.
I’d gotten carried away planning our weekend and arranging a last-minute brunch with old colleagues last night.
Keeping high-level connections alive in the corporate world was crucial, especially as a woman.
Looking over at Evelyn, I shook her gently with the hand that had been resting on her thigh for the duration of the ride.
“I’m sorry to wake you. We’re almost there, but I’m going to get off at the next exit to grab a coffee. Would you be okay driving the rest of the way after that?”
She stirred, rubbing the tiredness from her eyes.
“Okay, I could use a coffee too. But you’re actually letting me drive your Porsche?”
I loved how excited she’d get over the little things.
“Mhm. I’m getting a bit of a migraine, and caffeine usually helps. But I’d still prefer to take a break from driving until it passes, in case it begins to affect my vision,” I shared, not wanting to alarm her without reason.
“Oh, is there anything I can do to help?” she asked.
“Yes, actually. Can you please pass me the white prescription bottle in the largest middle pocket of my purse?” I knew exactly where I kept everything and usually hated when people touched any of my well-organized belongings.
“This?” she asked, holding up the exact bottle.
“Yes, please unscrew it for me too, angel.”
She handed me the uncapped bottle, then reached for her water, noticing I’d finished mine.
“Thank you, love. Can you please unscrew the water too?” I requested with an amused grin. Opening everything before handing it to her was second nature for me. But she’d already learned that in normal circumstances, I preferred doing things on my own.
“Of course,” she laughed, doing so.
“Thanks, honey,” I chuckled, taking the pill.
She took the water back once I was done, making a show of putting the cap back on for me.
Getting out of the car, I hurried in after opening her door, not wanting to delay Evelyn solely because I’d chosen to go a bit further out of the way for some real coffee—not the watered-down instant type served at drive-thrus.
I skimmed over the coffee menu, not yet in line, deciding which cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso to try. A finger tapped my shoulder. It was an adorable habit Evelyn had developed for getting my attention.
“Sorry, sweetheart, I’m ready to order,” I assured her, deciding on a simple vanilla.
“No, take your time. It’s just… There's a woman trying to order, and she seems to be struggling. I think she said she speaks French—in French—but I’m not sure,” Evelyn explained, gesturing toward the woman.
I glanced over, tuning in to her incoherent English spoken with a thick, obviously French accent. Sensing her distress, I walked up to the woman, offering my assistance. “Salut, est-ce que ?a vous dérangerait si je vous aidais, madame?”
“Merci. Je suis ici pour rendre visite à mes enfants, et ils traduisent généralement pour moi,” she said gratefully.
“Oh, comme c’est beau. Et ce n’est pas un problème. Expliquez-moi ce que vous voulez, et je vous le commanderai,” I assured her.
“Je veux un café simple, juste décaféiné et glacé.”
I repeated the order in English, deciding against adding it to mine in case the woman would find it degrading.
“Merci, bonne journée,” she said again.
“De rien, vous aussi,” I replied before glancing over at Evelyn and noticing her darkened eyes. I made a mental note to use that little piece of information another time.
“That was sweet of you,” I noted, opening the driver’s side door for her. My headache had dulled, but there was no reason to take any chances.
“Common decency,” she shrugged, focused on settling into the seat.
“Still, you think about other people.”
She blushed, rolling her eyes at me, which I uncharacteristically chose to ignore. Now wasn’t the time to scold her.
“Shhh, Nessa, I need to focus on driving, and you should rest.”
I smiled, again uncharacteristically ignoring her telling me what to do. Now was not the time to tell her she had done something wrong.
“Honey, take the compliment. You’re a good person, Evelyn.” My goal wasn’t to get her worked up with praise before seeing her family—my French had already done that. My goal was to build a shield around her precious mind so my words would overpower theirs.
I sat in a rustic coffee shop, getting work done after meeting an old friend for brunch.
Evelyn: Hey, how is your day going?
We’d been apart less than three hours, and she was likely already attempting to figure out if I was preoccupied.
Vanessa: It's been lovely, I finished brunch, which I enjoyed. Everything okay, honey?
Evelyn: Yeah, I'm glad I went. How is your head?
Vanessa: The migraine hasn't come back. I'd be comfortable driving now, mon amour.