Chapter 8: Chapter Eight - I Wanted To Make Sure She Was Okay

Orson

I should have gone over to her last night. I had planned to, but I reconsidered. Maybe if I did, I could have gotten her away from him, and she wouldn’t be hurt. I’ve heard nothing but bad rumours about all the sons in that family. I remain confused about why she’d get involved with someone like him. Everly is a smart woman, and I thought she would stay away from guys like that. I know I am no saint, but nothing, and I mean nothing, would make me lift my hand to a woman. Cowards are the only ones who would do that. As much as I dislike her, I wouldn’t wish her to get hurt. Hopefully, she will stay away from him now.

“Would you like a French fry?” she whispers.

“No, thanks. I don’t tend to eat them.” I reply.

“Do you want to tell me the real reason you called me today, or were you in the mood to annoy me?” she asks.

“I called to tell you that I need you to come with me to New York next week after all.”

“Okay.”

I expected a fight or her complaining, not a simple okay. We will be in New York for a couple of days, all for business. I am not looking forward to it. I need to visit one of our New York City offices, and one of the employees there does not like me. I may have hooked up with her a few times and never called after telling her I would. She is a bit crazy. It should be interesting, if nothing else.

“Okay? No telling me to fuck off or telling me no?”

She shakes her head, “Not today. I am not in the mood to fight with you.”

Following that, Everly becomes quiet and concentrates on eating. Her current state is peculiar to me. Her usual feistiness and annoyance are replaced by quiet agreeableness, which is unusual for her.

“Did you clean your lip properly? You don’t want it to get infected.”

“Yes, I did it when I got home last night. It will be fine and heal.”

“Everly, did he hurt you anywhere else?” I ask.

“I fell to the floor after he shoved me, hitting my head, but I’m alright.”

“What happened? How did it all unfold?”

“He was drunk and on God knows what else. I don’t want to talk about it. Can we drop it, please?” she sighs, shaking her head.

I sense there’s more to the story, but I won’t push her to share if she doesn’t want to.

“I am sorry. I won’t mention it again.”

“Thanks. I appreciate your visit, but please don’t feel obligated to be nice due to recent events. I am a grown-ass woman, and I am fine. Nothing has changed between us. You still don’t like me, and I don’t like you. You are free to go.”

I know where I am not welcome, but it is understandable. It is how we are. It is the relationship we have had throughout all the time we have known one another.

“Are you going to be okay?”

“Yes. Fine. See you tomorrow at the office.” She whispers, not even looking at me.

Sighing, I rise to my feet, “See you tomorrow. If you need anything, or he shows up, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

I truly mean what I say. She lifts her head to finally look at me. She smiles slightly and nods her head. I leave before I really outstay my welcome. A strange urge has taken over me, which makes me want to protect her. What is that all about? I can’t tolerate her. I am sure by tomorrow, the feeling will be gone, and we will be back to normal.

A feeling of guilt takes over me as I walk away. She is fine. She said she was. I shouldn’t be worrying about her. I’m going back home; I have nothing planned for the rest of the day.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Everly for the past few hours. She shouldn’t be on my mind, but she is. I am worrying about her, and I don’t understand why. I don’t even like the woman, but like the thoughts from earlier, it doesn’t mean I want her to get hurt. I hope she is back to her normal self tomorrow. It is strange to see her quiet, agreeable and almost defeated. Maybe defeated isn’t the right word, but she is like a completely different person.

I sigh, grab my cell, find her number, and stare at it. Should I call to check in? Would she even answer my call? There is only one way to find out. I hit the call button. The phone rings several times, leading me to believe she won’t pick up.

“Yes?”

I’m surprised by the sound of her voice.

“I just wanted to check in on you. Are you okay? Has he left you alone?”

She sighs, “Orson, I am fine. I can take care of myself. I have spent the majority of my life doing this. You don’t need to check in on me.”

“Has he tried to contact you?” I ask, brushing off everything else she said.

“Yes, he tried calling and texting me to apologise.”

“You didn’t forgive him, did you?”

“Of course not. I blocked his number. Why are you taking such an interest?” she groans.

“Why are you acting like me making sure you are okay is a bad thing?”

She falls silent for a moment before answering, “I don’t see it as a bad thing, Orson. I am confused. You loathe me. Why is what happened to me concerning you so much?”

“I told you earlier. Just because we don’t get along, it doesn’t mean it is okay for someone to hurt you, Everly.”

“I’m aware that it’s not. I appreciate you checking in, but I promise I am okay. I am heading to bed.”

“Okay, rest well. Goodnight, Everly.”

“Goodnight, Orson. Do you want me to bring you coffee and breakfast tomorrow?”

“A coffee will be fine. See you tomorrow.”

She acknowledged my request before hanging up. He had better stay away from her, or I would have words with him. I checked the time on my cell; it was nearly midnight. I suppose I should rest as well. I have a hectic schedule tomorrow.