Evolet Pak

“Yeah?” Scout nods, “I’ll keep that in mind. Be warned I work free lance- and part time at Grace’s club now, I guess- so the hours I keep tend to be a bit weird, but I’m tidy enough.”

“That works just fine for me. I go on tour occasionally and I spend a lot of time in my music room, so it sounds like it would be a perfect situation. Working for Grace Shoemaker must be some sort of experience. That woman is terrifying.” Shaking her head with a chuckle, Evolet was pleased nonetheless at the prospect of a roommate. Being on her own was starting to get lonely.

The Mayor nodded slowly and stopped to lean upon his shovel. “Well, Evolet, for me it feel strange to be formal with a neighbour. I do suppose that’s my fault though.” Digging out another shovel of snow, he tossed it across the bank and wondered, not for the first time, if his mayoralty had hindered his personal relationships in this town. Not that he usually minded, for he quite enjoyed his own company. “A frozen pizza?” Ambrose repeated with incredulity laced through his voice. “Now, before I make myself appear incredibly out of touch, I will add the caveat that I do know how much a gallon of milk costs… But I’ve never had a frozen pizza in my life.” The Mayor was almost grinning as he said this, something quite rare and something that would be unbeknownst to the woman before him, though it trickled into his voice. “That sounds absolutely lovely.”

Ignoring the lifting of colour to the apples of her cheek at the sound of her name with that accent, the girlishness in her smile was undeniable and she tried to hide it behind the lighting of a cigarette. Brows lifting at the surprise in his voice, her laughter was easy and amused at his confession, shaking her head with a playful gasp of faux shock. “What rock have you been living beneath? Well, now we definitely need to have some, because no one should go through life without the experience of a frozen pizza that’s unevenly heated. It’s part of the Human experience.” Smile softening at the hint of one in his tone, Evolet brushed dark hair from her face. “I wish I could help, but I wouldn’t even know where to shovel. I’d love to say I at least did one shovel scoop.”

“She really is.” He hummed in a voice all lovestruck and soft. Still a little in awe of the southern belle who’d waltzed into town and showed him a love he’d never known before. “I know I’ve said it so many times but god, she’s absolutely the one.” Harry gave her hand a small squeeze of excitement, touched that she’d even suggest such a thing. “Oh, Evie, they would be beautiful. No pressure, of course. I’ve heard that writer’s block is a real slog. But maybe this blizzard might serve as a little inspiration. At least then it would have been good for something.” Harry sighed, keeping to himself for the moment just how thickly the snow was laid upon the town, letting the thought of Lucy and Evie composing a song humour him instead. “Well, don’t you let her put any cuss words in there. I know she’ll insist it’s creative license.” Pulling his hand away from Evie’s, he dug into his pocket for his keys as they neared the parking lot that had been shovelled prior to the outpouring of people from the school. “I know, it was devastating. Poor Em. Not that that was the reason I proposed, but I really hope the engagement settles her a little. I don’t think she felt entirely at home at my place, which is completely understandable.”

“Well, the whole town’s been saying the same the same thing, so I have no question.” Evolet didn’t know Ember well herself, but from the few little moments they’d had while locked together in the school, Evolet herself had to admit that the young southerner was very charming. “I already have an idea or two floating around my head, and considering that’s more than there’s been for some time, I am sure that my piano is very appreciative of you right now. I know my producer will be. As for your sister, we both know that I think I can handle her, I’ll just tell her that we’re going for instrumental.” Chuckling as the sound of his keys played under their conversation, heartfelt concern painted her face, which showed nearly everything she felt. She’d never been good at hiding anything off her expression. “I’m sure it will take time, but this should help as well. She seems old fashioned so I’m sure it feels more appropriate to be living with you, now. She seemed very happy when I spoke to her.”

“A whole bloody week?” The mere thought sent a shiver down Thea’s spine. She’d learned a little about the blizzard situation from Piper; but hearing that the whole town had been locked together in the high school for a whole week… It was a terrifying thought. “I’m glad she wasn’t here for that. I don’t think she would’ve survived it.” With her sister’s health, especially recently, she really wasn’t sure Rory could’ve handled such a situation. Between the cold and being in such close proximity to so many people, she would’ve been bound to get sick and end up in the hospital. “I’ve not tried Piper’s—well, their—house yet. Rory gave me the address; but like the shit I am, I kinda lost it already.” She’d check the house if she knew where it was. It would make sense that’s where they were since their flight landed. Probably cuddling up with each other between moving in all of Rory’s things.

“I’m not entirely sure how any of us survived it, though toward the end tension were definitely running high. You could feel it in the air.” Shaking her head, Evolet gave a little chuckle. “It was most definitely an experience that I’m sure none of us are really hoping to have to share again.” With a soft laugh, Evolet dug in her bag for her phone and hit the button on the side before speaking after the little bleep that issued. “Located Piper Palmer contact card.” lowering the phone from her mouth she waited for it to ping once more, and then hit the button to have it dictate the screen it was one before holding it out to Thea. “her address should be there as well. Though, if you like we could walk together. It’s not far and Mozart here knows where it is as well.”

The tip of his tongue traced his lip as he listened to Evolet explain the high school bet before rolling his eyes up with a self-deprecating chuckle. “Well, if it had been up to me…”‌ Harry trailed off with a shake of his head. Strange to think about how different his life would have been. His eyes shifted down to his friend as they trod carefully through the snow, watching as she processed the question and then finally smiling quietly along with her. “Would you really?‌ It would mean so much to me. To the both of us.”‌ A laugh trickled from him as he steered them in the direction of his truck. “And honestly, Evie, as if there’s anyone in my life I’d ask. I‌ mean, Luce might have a crack on her ukulele, but she’s no virtuoso.”

“I’m sure you would have been just as happy either way, but from what I know of Ember she does seem like the perfect girl for you.” Evolet had only met her a handful of times during the blizzard, but right from the get go the tiny southerner had radiated warmth. “Of course I would! I may even try and write something just for the occasion, though I have been experiencing my first bout of writers block.” Shaking her head, she gave a little chuckle, trying to imagine Lucy playing the wedding march on a ukulele. “Maybe she and I can write something together. I really am so very happy for you! I’m also so sorry to hear about her house.” Swallowing back that tiny hint of jealousy that she was so used to, Evolet focused on the warmth that came with his happiness. 

Thea was too focused on what the woman had to say about the similarities between her and Rory’s voices that she completely missed her name. “Our voices sound similar to you?” She raised an eyebrow as she reached out to shake the other’s hand. “I don’t know if I should be praising her speech therapist or if I should be mildly insulted.” She was, of course, joking to some extent. She knew what the woman meant. She and Rory did sound similar, the only difference being her baby sister’s lisp and inability to pronounce certain words correctly. “But I’m Thea. Guessing you know Rory, huh?”

“It’s like hearing Rory put on a different sort of accent almost, it’s very strange.” Smile kind, it was obvious that she meant no harm by her words, hand closing tight and giving the other woman’s a shake. “I do know Rory. The entire town is fairly well acquainted after a week locked together. Your sister dodged a bullet with that one, for sure. I don’t know where you can find her right now, though. Have you tried Piper’s house?”

“You haven’t, by chance, seen a girl who looks just like me but with less fashion sense, have you? Probably on the arm of her hot lady cop of a girlfriend?” Moving to place her sunglasses atop her head, Thea strode up to the nearest individual, figuring they probably knew her sister. After all, it wasn’t like Carroll was that big of a town. Everybody probably knew everybody. What a weird concept, especially to her born and bred city-loving self. “Seriously. Who knew little miss thrift shop and save the world could land such a proper catch.” She added, that last bit mostly to herself.

“I’m sorry, but saying she looks like you doesn’t tell me much. From what I gather from your accent, though, you’re talking about the only woman I know who could leave and come back with a twin. I’m Evolet, it’s very nice to meet you.” Turning toward the voice, she switched her cane from one hand to the other so she could hold it out to be shaken. “The similarities in your voice are uncanny, so I can only imagine how it will be for those who can see it.”

“She’s such a nice girl, I really couldn’t ask for a better big sister for this one” she sighed softly a smile pulling at her lips as she took in Evolet’s reaction to the kicking. “She definitely gets that from her Daddy. The little wiggle worm” she laughed. “It’s still so weird..I never saw myself as someone who would like meet someone and start a family and everything” she bit her lip “and now here I am, it’s crazy how much changes in a year”

“Oh I’m sure she would love that! I’ll talk to Grey and see if we can work out a schedule” she clapped her hands before reaching over and grabbing Evolet’s hand “Of course!” She placed the woman’s hand on her stomach. “Here she’s been dancing all around, give her a minute she’ll get going” Eve laughed

“You’re too sweet” She smiled, a blush creeping up on her cheeks as she buckled her seat belt. “I’m sure she’ll love that…between piano and guitar and singing she’ll be the queen of all the music. Her and Nova will be starting a girl group before we know it”

“Well, that would just be the most adorable thing. I’ve been meaning to ask Nova if she’d like some lessons as well. I’m hoping that maybe sharing some of my knowledge will help me get out of this writing funk that I’m getting into. Besides kids are always so creative, it’d be interesting to see what she could tinker out.” Smiling over at her, Evolet held out a hand. “Is it alright if I feel your belly?”

“If anyone should feel snazzy it’s me. My boyfriend is a musician and actor, my neighbor is a musician, and the Mayor lives a few houses down and I’m just me” She giggled softly. “She loves music, always kicking up a storm when I singalong to the radio…then again maybe its because she wants me to shut up”

“You’re the ray of sunshine on our block, and don’t you tell yourself any different.” Sliding into the car beside her friend, Evolet settled into the seat with Mozart laying across her feet. “Well, I mean with her father being who he is, I’d be more surprised if she didn’t love music. When the time comes, I offer up free piano lessons, as well.” 

Jasper whipped the snow from his already cold ear. A small chuckle left his lips. “I’m not going to admit whether that is true or not.” He stated as he kept an eye out for any more snow that might come there way. “I do enjoy a good snowball fight.”

“I’m afraid that I don’t think I’d be really any good at it. I’ve never even made a real snowball. I tried once when I was on tour but it just fell apart.” Laughing to herself, Evolet shook her head and gave his hand a little pat. “Now, are we getting something warm to drink? Because let me tell you, I haven’t even touched the snow and my hands are ice.”

“That’s what I’ve read too…I put my headphones on my stomach sometimes and play her some music, she seems to like that” Eve laughed softly. “I’ll text him, he’s busy with digging people out he’ll hardly notice I’m gone” She nodded “Plus we’re right next door to you”

“That’s so true. I feel quite snazzy these days. A famous musician on one side of me and the Mayor on the other. Couldn’t ask for better neighbors.” Laughing softly as she came up to the car, the sound of it’s idling signalling its presence as she waited for the driver to open the door. “As for the music, I think that’s very smart, and now she’ll have her very own special song to listen to.”

“It might sound that way, but I’m still not sure I’ve got the hang of it.” Ambrose ribbed at his own expense as he dug the head of the shovel into the snow. “And please, call me Ambrose.” He added with a nod towards his neighbour, though she could not see it, and tossed the snow over the side of the bank that was forming. “You absolutely don’t have to repay me but I never turn down a cup of tea.” 

“Ambrose, of course. It just feels so strange to be so informal with the Mayor.” Grinning to herself, she nodded her head, giving a little pet to the top of Mozart’s golden head as the retriever watched him. “Well, lucky for you, Ambrose, I happen to make a wonderful cup of tea and I have some nice ones from Korea that I’m sure you’d enjoy. I think I even have a frozen pizza somewhere I could warm up. Even hard working Mayors have to eat.”

A low hum of laughter left Harry in concert with Evolet’s lighter tones. “Yeah… Not your brightest idea.” Though she could not see his smile, it was rich in his voice. And as they walked from the school, he patted the hand she’d placed upon his forearm before laying his own over it. “Thanks, Evie. Honestly, I’m surprised I made it to thirty before it happened.” He chuckled, though with the knowledge that it likely would have happened a lot earlier had everything with Autumn gone to plan. “But good- no, beautiful things come to those that wait.” As they stepped out into the snow that blanketed the Californian town, Harry drew in a deep breath of the brisk air. Fresh, sweet and cool. “I was going to ask you, actually… We’d really love for you to play at the wedding.” 

There’d never been a time when Evolet couldn’t tell that Harrison Birch was smiling. It not only came through in his voice but in his entire aura and it was still something she adored about him. Colour settled in her cheeks as it always seemed to from the very first day she’d known him, step so confidently lead in the direction he guided her. He had yet to ever steer her wrong. “Honestly, so am I. We had a running poll in our year on if you and Autumn were gunna tie the knot right out of school.” Keeping her relief at losing that bet to herself, the pianist paused at his offer, but only for a beat before a smile blossomed onto her face. “Harry! I’d love that so much, I’m so honored that you’d even think of me!”

Scout nodded, tilting their head up to the sky. “Mmm, well if what they’re predicting holds true and the trailer park turns into a swimming pool I won’t be able to go back inside, so let’s hope the sun sticks around long enough for me to at least enjoy a boozy picnic or something.”

“Well... If you need a place to stay if the park floods, I have an extra room I’ve actually been thinking about renting out in exchange for some help around this place. There’s a lot I can’t do and a lot of the time there’s stuff I don’t even realize needs to be done until someone mentions it to me.”