Page 74 of For Eva

“I just told you.”

“No, I mean what’s helike? Personality-wise?”

“He’s…I don’t know. He’s a nice guy.” I shrugged, taking another drag off my cigarette before stubbing it out. The scene from dinner where he scolded the waiter over the temperature of his steak flickered in my mind but quickly disappeared. “He sent me flowers after our first date. Can you imagine Dannyeversending me flowers?”

“Are we still saying his name?”

“That was the last time.”

“Good,” Denise said. “So I guess I’ll let you get back to your attorney.ButI’m calling you tomorrow for more information. Deal?”

“Deal,” I agreed.

“I’m happy for you, babe.”

“Thanks. I love you.”

“Love you, too. Now go get fucked.”

I smiled and clicked the button on the receiver as I peeked through the glass panes on the door. Aaron’s head was turned to the side, his eyes closed, remote still in his hand. I screwed up my face and carefully opened the door so as not to wake him. “I think that ship has sailed, actually,” I muttered to myself.

THIRTY-FIVE

July 1990

July 16, 1990

Eva,

Saw this postcard and remembered how much you said you missed the palms along Sunset, so I’m sending them to you. Left a couple messages on your machine, but I know you said the job has been keeping you busy. Things are sounding great with the songs for the album.Spinis doing a short article about my “comeback” (crazy, huh?) so if you see next month’s issue, pick it up and tell me if I said anything dumb during the interview. You were always good for that. :)

Miss you,

Eric

THIRTY-SIX

Eva

August 1990

All in all, sobriety looks—and sounds—good on Eric Stratton. Album release date scheduled for September 25.

I ran my fingers along the glossy page adorned with a picture of Eric sitting on a green velvet couch, leaning forward with his long legs spread wide and arms draped across them. He was dressed in faded blue jeans and a loose white shirt that was unbuttoned halfway down his chest. The sleeves were rolled up, exposing his forearms, and I noticed a new tattoo. His expression was stoic, a deep stare into the camera, and I wondered what he was thinking as the photographer captured his image. Was he imagining what might have been had he not gotten sober? Was he still shocked the label had offered him a solo deal? Was he missing the days before the drugs and alcohol had taken over, thinking about what could’ve become of the band? Was he missing…me?

I shook my head and let out a sharp laugh.Don’t be ridiculous, Eva.The man has a highly fucking anticipated album coming out, and that’sallhe’s thinking about.

I placed the magazine on the coffee table, grabbed a pen, and flipped over the postcard of the Navy Pier that I picked up at the drugstore.

Thanks for the palm trees. Here’s a Ferris wheel that has nothing to do with anything (ha ha), but it was the best postcard I could find. You nailed the interview. Can’t wait to hear the whole album—only one more month! Eva

A loud knock startled me, and I quickly shoved the postcard under the magazine. I stood and smoothed my hand over my sundress, then hurried to the door to find Aaron holding a bouquet of white roses in one hand and a gift box in the other.

I tilted my head and smiled. “You’re early.”

He leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on my lips. “Is that bad?” he asked as he stepped inside and handed me the flowers and present. “Happy Birthday, baby.”

I placed the gifts on the dining table and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Thank you. You know I love white roses.”

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