Page 3 of The Wrong Side Of Us

A slow smile crept on his face. “Yeah. I scared them off, though.”

“Oh, goodness. What did you do?”

With a smirk, he replied, “I showed them the five-legged horse or dog or whatever the fuck it was that you drew.”

“No.” I could feel the color rising to my cheeks, my ears turning a bright shade of red. “You’re kidding, right? Why would you do that? And why the hell would you still have it?”

He burst out laughing, the corners of his eyes crinkling with the action. “It’s a masterpiece, I tell you.”

“Screw you,” I hissed, far too embarrassed to say anything else.

“I’m right here, darling,” was his quick reply.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

Always so blunt.

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, closing my eyes.

“You’re wearing your bracelet,” he noted.

I never took it off.

“You know it,” I replied with a small smile. “If you want, I’ll let you go. You need to entertain your guests.”

Nathan rolled his eyes, finishing the last of his beer. “Most of them are too drunk to even notice if I’m there, Evie. Besides, it’s been a while since we talked like this. May as well take advantage, since the city life has you so busy.”

I walked back inside, locking the door to the balcony and throwing myself into bed. I lay on my side, placing the phone next to me. The day had been exhausting, and the sucky date had drained me of all energy.

“You heading to bed, pretty girl?” he asked, his smile softening.

I nodded, unable to hide my giddiness at the use of the nickname he had for me now.

“We’ll talk tomorrow?” I asked.

Nathan seemed to tense and finally exhaled, shaking his head. “I can’t. I’m going to be busy, but I’m sure on Sunday we’ll be able to sit back and talk.”

“I understand,” I said with a yawn. “Have fun and enjoy your party.”

“Of course, Evie. Good night.”

“Good night, Nathan.”

I closed my eyes and secretly couldn’t wait until Sunday to hear from him again.

Chapter 2

Evelyn

Life was interesting, to say the least. I never felt bored, always exploring the city. There was never a dull moment in New York. It was a place where there was always something going on, where life never stopped. It was difficult to get into its rhythm, though, especially when I didn’t know anyone.

I used to feel invincible, like I could conquer anything. And though now I felt stronger, I didn’t feel like myself. I couldn’t be the same or, rather, I was terrified to be the same. That broken and betrayed girl, the girl that made mistakes that nearly cost her her sanity. I didn’t want people to take advantage of me anymore. I’d chosen to build a wall around my life—one that only a select few could break through.

I sat at a coffee shop, looking at the people there as I sipped the hot drink. There was a couple who always sat at the same table and had the same routine all the time. They looked to be in their early thirties, and they were adorable.

They always walked in hand in hand, and she’d go sit at a corner table and take out her laptop while he ordered. He would wait and then set the drink in front of her, place a kiss on her forehead, then sit next to her. The next few minutes they’d sit in silence while she did who knew what on the computer, and when she would finish, they’d talk and talk and talk.

It was beautiful. There was always a smile on their faces, and even if they weren’t talking, there was nothing but pure love in their eyes.

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