Page 78 of For Eva

“I’ve seen you wear a cardigan to work.”

“I have two that I rotate,” I answered, resting my forehead on his shoulder.

He tucked his finger under my chin, tilting my head up and forcing me to look into his eyes. “They adore you, Eva. They’re just older and have a different style. I mean, I’m sure you won’t wear ripped jeans and band T-shirtsforever. You barely even wore them this weekend.”

“I just want your family to like me.”

“They do.” Aaron cupped my face, gently running his thumb along my cheek.

I swallowed and nodded before giving him a quick kiss and turning forward in my seat. They may have liked the me they’d met, but was that therealme? What if Ihadgotten the purple nail polish or asked to go to the thrift store? Would they have liked me then?

“Hey.” Aaron pressed his mouth against my ear so I could hear him over the roar of the plane. “Look at that family over there.”

I peered around him to the other side of the aisle where a young child was nestled in the seat between his mother and father, holding both their hands.

“That could be us soon,” he said.

My chest squeezed, but I wasn’t sure if it was because his comment made me happy or nervous. Maybe a bit of both.

“Just nottoosoon on the kid,” I said, trying to laugh off the unease.

“Huh?” he said as the plane picked up speed.

“Never mind.”

I sighed and gripped the armrest as the plane’s engine whirred, ready to take me back home, where I could finally relax and be myself again.

FORTY

December 1990

December 2, 1990

Eva,

Now I’m the one who needs to apologize for not being in touch. Things have been so hectic with promoting the album, I haven’t had time to do anything except pose for a million fucking pictures and go to my NA meetings. Still keeping up with those at least!

Wanted to let you know we’re kicking off the tour next week in Miami and will be in Chicago March 23rd. Lemme know if you can make it to the show, and I’ll get you tickets and passes. And we have a day off on the 24th, so we should hang out…get some crab rangoon or somethin’. :)

Love,

Eric

December 16, 1990

Eric,

I can’t believe how amazing the album is doing! I mean, I CAN, obviously, but I’m just so happy for you! I saw your picture inRolling Stonewith your gold record, which is clearly going platinum in no time.

I’m super bummed, but I’ll actually be out of town when you’re in Chicago! Some of my college friends and I are going to Florida that weekend for one of their birthdays. We planned it before I knew you’d be coming to town. I feel so bad I’m missing this! But I can still tell you where to get the best crab rangoon if you want. :)

Hope the tour goes great—I know it will!

Eva

FORTY-ONE

Eva

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