Page 92 of From Us, Forever

“Now, I must say, Evelyn, it was a pleasure to read your draft. I was taken by it, to be honest. There was something raw and unique about it, and I see a lot of potential.” She adjusted her glasses as she peered at me intensely. “Now I think we can make this work, and I’d love the opportunity to represent you. So what do you say?”

I swallowed the excitement that lodged a lump in my throat. “I’d say yes.”

“Great. Then let’s get down to business, shall we?”

I nodded, grinning.

An hour later, I left the meeting feeling like a million bucks. She didn’t say a word about Jay or ask anything about him. I don’t even think she cared. She gave some serious pointers that suggested she genuinely wanted to work with me.

Joy flooded my blood at the thought I was one step closer to my dream of getting my book published.

My smile remained beaming on my face as I walked out of the office building and straight to our car, where Tyler patiently awaited me.

“Thanks, Tyler,” I said while he held the car door open for me and gave me a curt nod in acknowledgment.

I couldn’t wait to tell Jay the news.

He was the first person I wanted to talk to, but I wanted to tell him in person. He was returning tomorrow, so waiting one more day wouldn’t hurt.

An unrecognizable ring filtered through the air.

It took me a second to realize that Tyler’s phone was ringing. It went silent before it started ringing again. It must be something important.

“You can take it, Tyler. I don’t mind,” I said softly.

He nodded with apologetic eyes. “Thanks, Ms. May,” he replied, parking the car along the curb.

“Hello.” His grim voice resonated through the car. “Yes. No, it’s okay. Hmm, I’m busy at the moment.” He paused.

My curious eyes watched him through the rearview mirror.

“No, I told you I’m at work. Fine, fine, I’ll take care of it.” A frustrated sigh left his lips as he snapped his phone closed.

I frowned. “Is something the matter, Tyler?”

“I’m sorry about that, Ms. May.” He glanced at me over his shoulder. “That was my sister. She couldn’t pick up my niecetoday and wanted me to go get her from school. Just give me a minute while I arrange something.”

I shook my head. “That’s all right, Tyler. We can go pick her up. I don’t mind.”

His brows furrowed as he regarded me. “Are you sure, Ms. May?”

“Yes, I am,” I reassured.

He nodded, speeding through. Ten minutes later, we reached the school, and Tyler asked me to wait while he walked around the block to pick her up.

I stepped out, and a calm breeze washed over me. A smile lit up my face as I leaned against the car, watching all the kids scurry to their parents, all giggles and glittery eyes.

“Evy?” A skeptical tone interrupted my thoughts. It sounded oddly familiar.

Frowning, I snapped my head toward the voice, and my heart almost stopped as my eyes landed on Liam, standing by the sidewalk, his face pinched in gentle sadness as he held a tiny girl wearing a red dress in his arms.

“Liam,” I whispered, almost as if I’d seen a ghost.

He swallowed, his eyes sweeping over me. “How are you?”

“Good,” I mumbled through the thickness of my throat. Seeing him after six long years brought me right back to the past, flooding me with memories ofher.

“That’s good. You do look good.” He gave me a small smile. “You’ve changed a lot. More mature,” he said. Just then, the girl in his arms squirmed, watching me with curious eyes. “Daddy, can we go home?” she asked in an adorable tone.

---