#everett james

“Hey, Evvy.” He gave her a hug then he pulled her in for a kiss that almost got away from him before he remembered where they were. “I was going to get you the halva latte you like from Tatte you were sending me pictures of the other day but then I realized we probably couldn’t take them into the museum so I owe you one.”

“I won’t forget that you know, Daddy,” Everett reached up to whisper the last part into his ear. That was a word just for him to hear.

Andy let out a quiet groan. He didn’t understand why he loved it so much when she called him Daddy but it made his cock twitch every time.

“I know you won’t,” Andy laughed and took Everett’s hand, leading her into the gallery. “So what is this exhibit again?”

“It’s Wu Tsang: Of Whales. It’s kind of like a movie but it’s the whale from Moby Dick and it’s all made on a gaming platform and there’s sound all around you,” Everett explained with a joy on her face that melted Andy’s heart. He didn’t know much about art and this sounded kind of out there but he was down for anything that made Everett this happy.

“Lead the way, Baby.”

Using her membership, Everett got their tickets and the couple walked through a few rooms on their way to the main event. Andy felt so content and couldn’t get enough of Everett talking about the different pieces. Most of it went over his head but he could listen to her talk about art for hours.

They weaved through the entrance to the exhibit and into a huge room, all dark except for the video on the massive screen. There were large bean bag chairs in an arc facing the installation. Everett and Andy settled in and Andy leaned over to whisper to Everett.

“Now that I’m down here, I may never be able to get out.”

Everett giggled. “You’re not that old, silly.” She kissed his cheek and looked up at the screen.

“So what do we do now?” Andy asked as quietly as possible.

“We watch and listen and feel.” Andy silently nodded and placed his arm around Everett.

They sat there and watched the installation. The whale was swimming and floating around. The screen filled with images and lights, changing as the whale went up for air in real time once an hour. The oceanscape was mesmerizing and neither Everett nor Andy realized how long they had been sitting there. Peacefully and silently together, fingers intertwined. Andy had spent most of the time watching Everett watch the piece. The blue lights reflected on her face creating sparkles in her eyes.

Everett sensed Andy’s gaze and looked over at him. “Do you want to walk a bit? Go through that last room and maybe walk along the harbour?”

Andy nodded and waited for Everett to stand up first. He held out his hand to get her to pull him up. She fake heaved him up quietly and they exited the exhibit before they started laughing. As they walked past the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour, Andy paused. He took Everett’s face in his hand and kissed her. It was long and slow and possibly not appropriate for the public setting but he didn’t care.

Everett gasped for breath and then hid her face in Andy’s chest. He ran a hand up and down her back. “I enjoyed that exhibit.”

“Really? You don’t have to say that to make me happy. It’s okay. I know I’m too into art and stuff sometimes.”

Andy tilted Everett’s chin up to make eye contact. “I’m not just saying it. It was beautiful. And I love listening to you talk about art. I know I won’t always understand but the more you talk, the more I will understand one day. I don’t want you to ever stop talking about the things that make you happy, okay?”

Everett dipped her head in agreement.

”No, Babygirl. I need words.”

Everett’s breath hitched and she replied, “Yes, Daddy.”

“Good girl.”

They stared at each other for another moment, both feeling the heat building between them. A screaming kid in the next room broke them out of their reverie.

“Okay, show me the rest of this place,” Andy said with a smile. Everett took Andy’s hand and they made their way through the rest of the gallery.

An hour later, Andy sat next to Everett, looking out at the harbour. They had been quietly resting on the waterfront steps outside the gallery, hand in hand.

“I made a reservation at Citrus and Salt. Is that okay?” Andy asked. “It’s Mexican. Not pretentious.”

”That sounds great. But I will apologize in advance for how many tacos I destroy,” Everett said with a laugh.

Andy smiled and stood, arm outstretched to lift Everett to her feet. “Let’s go, Evvy.”

Everett spent the entire ten-minute walk surprised at how easy everything with Andy was. She and Trevor couldn’t walk a block without it being awkward or him provoking a fight somehow. That’s why they seldom went out, instead watching whatever Trevor wanted to watch at his place and ordering in food. He spent the whole time on his phone, ignoring her. If he did talk, it was about the Patriots or something else Everett did care about. And he didn’t care. He didn’t care about her. Trevor rarely came to her loft. “It’s old and it smells.” Everett’s eyes rolled at the thought. Meanwhile, all Andy did was ask her about her photography and art. And hold her hand. He hadn’t let go since they met up. He always had a hand on her and it gave her a sense of security she had never felt before.

Everett’s train of thought continued as they ate. Andy was chatty. His phone vibrated a few times and he ignored it every time, eventually shoving it away in a pocket. She wasn’t used to that from a lawyer after a lifetime with her father and a decade off and on with Trevor. She loved watching Andy gesture as he talked about his mom and a few childhood memories. There was a joy inside him she hadn’t realized and she was so happy he was sharing it with her.

“Okay, one more churro but then that’s it!” Andy let out a sigh and pushed his plate to the center of the table. He split the treat in half and popped the bite of fried dough in his mouth and winked.

”There is always room for churros,” Everett teased. “Mmmm so sugary.” Everett took the final bite, savouring every morsel.

This time Everett put her hand out on the table, waiting for Andy to place his hand in hers. “This was perfect.”

Andy nodded in agreement and threw some cash on the table. “I parked just up the block. Let’s get you home.”

Everett grabbed her bag then stopped Andy and reached up to give him a sweet kiss - a literal sweet kiss as they both still had sugar and cinnamon on their lips. She moaned into his mouth, making him smile and pull back to whisper, “Not here, Evvy.”

His voice in her ear sent shivers down her spine and tingles everywhere else. She didn’t know what to expect tonight but at this moment, she was ready to give Andy every piece of herself, anything he wanted.

As expected, Andy took Everett’s hand once they were in the car, managing the wheel with his free hand. Everett was starting to feel nervous but then felt silly for feeling nervous. Her mind was racing and trying to tell herself it was just excitement for what was about to come. Hopefully, her. She snickered to herself.

Andy found a spot to park near Everett’s door and Everett took a deep breath, trying to psych herself up.

“Do you want to come up for —“

Andy’s phone buzzed just as she started to talk but he didn’t ignore it this time. He grimaced and fired off a text.

“… a drink or just to talk?” Everett finished her sentence but her voice dwindled off.

“I have an early meeting. I should get going.” Andy’s jaw twitched and he rested both hands on the wheel.

”Oh. Of course. Sorry. No worries.” Everett undid her seatbelt as fast as she could. “Thanks for dinner. It was nice.”

Andy pulled her towards him and gave her a kiss. “It was more than nice. I will call tomorrow okay?” His eyes had softened and looked more like her Andy but that little voice in the back of Everett’s mind wouldn’t stop yelling. She did something to change his feelings for her.

She smiled with a curt nod and headed to her door. Everett watched from the foyer of the building as Andy drove off. She wasn’t sure what they may have done if Andy had come upstairs but she would have liked the opportunity to find out. Everett stomped around the loft trying to keep her mind off of Andy, eventually giving up and going to bed.

The night was spent tossing and turning and when she woke in the morning, her instinct was to reach for her phone. Andy always sent a ‘Good Morning’ text. It had been her favourite part of the past few days. Since their trip to the flea market, all of the days had felt better and it was because of Andy. But there was no message.

With a sigh, Everett threw the covers off and headed downstairs for coffee. She spent the morning like she spent last night. Jumping from spot to spot, trying to stay busy. She listened to a podcast while working on an embroidery piece. She stocked up the dark room. When she was about to start organizing her negatives based on the rule of thirds, she realized she was more upset than she thought.

No. She wasn’t upset. She was sad. This reminded her of Trevor and how she felt every day with him. Always begging for crumbs of attention and her actions being used against her. Everett truly didn’t believe Andy would be like this but her brain wouldn’t let her think otherwise. In a moment of weakness, she decided to text Andy. Maybe his appointment was keeping him preoccupied and he would like a message from her. Hoping it was cute and not desperate, Everett picked up her phone.

E - I can’t get those churros off my mind ;)

Andy hadn’t replied by the time Everett finished her third cup of coffee so she gave up. She headed into the darkroom and stayed there for the rest of the day. Any rolls around the place were developed. Photos were printed and experimented with. A few might be able to become sellable pieces but Everett knew her heart wasn’t in it. She ordered a pizza and moped, watched an old season of Drag Race, and went to bed.

This time, when Everett woke up, it was a mixture of anger and worry. If he was blowing her off, he should at least tell her to her face. If something happened, maybe on his drive home or in the morning, she wanted to find him and make sure he was okay. Her only option was to go to the office and see if he was there. If she ran into her dad, visiting Claire or Tony would be an acceptable excuse. That would work on Andy as well if he were being a dick and ghosting her. She got dressed and made her way to Beacon Hill.

”I didn’t expect to see you today,” Claire said as she hugged Everett. “I thought you would still be in your fortress of sex with Andy.” Claire waggled an eyebrow.

“What are you talking about?” Everett asked with confusion as she sat down on an extra chair behind Claire’s desk.

“I haven’t heard from either of you since your date so I figured you hooked up and were fucking each other senseless. You both need it if I’m being honest,” Claire whispered, making sure no one was walking nearby.

”Claire! God,” Everett scolded her sister in-law while she picked at her nails. “I haven’t heard from him since he dropped me off after dinner.” Her voice got softer. “He didn’t even come up when I invited him. No texts. Nothing.”

Claire squeezed Everett’s knee.

”That doesn’t sound like Andy. He spent more time at my desk on Wednesday talking about how excited he was than he did doing any work.” Claire turned to her computer and tapped away. “He had booked off yesterday. It seems he blocked that day off right when he started. There’s nothing about today in the calendar though.”

”So I’m such an awful date that he needed multiple days to recover? Great.” Everett chirped and slumped further in her chair. “I shouldn’t have got my hopes up.”

“E. Come on. Andy isn’t Trevor. I promise.” Claire was searching the computer a bit more before abruptly stopping. “Oh shit.” Her nails flew over the keys on a mission

“What?”

“I know why he didn’t work yesterday. It was the anniversary”

Everett’s eyes widened as she gestured with her hands, waiting for Claire to spill.

“Of his son’s death.”

Everett’s heart plunged into her stomach. She felt awful. She had spent the last 36 hours cursing Andy in every possible way but she was the one who needed the curse.

“I’m such an asshole. I should have known when or at least had an idea. I knew it happened obviously…” Everett dropped her head into her hands.

“Oh, sweetie. He isn’t mad at you for not remembering. He probably just had a rough day yesterday and will call when he’s in a better headspace.” Claire gave Everett a hug. “Has he talked about Jacob before?”

“Not a lot. If it comes up naturally, he mentions him. I don’t think he’s keeping those memories from me but you are probably right. It’s the first anniversary and I can’t imagine how tough that is to go through.” Everett took a deep breath and stood up. “Thanks, Claire. Sorry for coming here and being a mess.”

“Oh girl, don’t be silly. Go get some coffee. Text your man and let him know you’re there for him when he is ready. Call me later, okay?” Claire gave Everett one more hug.

Everett nodded and turned for the door. “Don’t tell Tony or Dad that I was here.”

Claire winked and blew Everett a kiss.

Everett walked through the Public Garden and found a bench to sit on for a moment. Her mind was racing, worried about Andy and hating herself for spiralling out. None of this had been about her. She wanted Andy to let her in but he wasn’t trying to keep her out. Trevor did that. Everett growled at herself for letting that asshole keep invading her thoughts. She needed to focus on Andy. Claire was right. He was different.

E - I’m so sorry. I forgot that yesterday was the anniversary. If there’s anything I can do, I am here.

Everett didn’t know if Andy would see it but she wanted the message there waiting for him when he did. Her heart hurt for him. Losing a child was always the worst thing to experience, but the way it happened to Andy was beyond tragic. Everett would never understand Laurie’s reasoning for what she did that day.

A crack of thunder brought Everett back to the moment and she started for home. Walking through the Garden and past her favourite Edgar Allen Poe statue with the air turning crisp was exactly what Everett needed to get past the last day and get back into the right headspace. She kept a brisk pace when she started to feel a few raindrops when she was a block from home, making it inside just before the skies opened.

Everett loved a rainstorm and all she could think about was how wonderful it would be to be curled up on the couch, in front of the fire, sipping on tea, and melting into Andy’s arms. Since that wasn’t happening tonight, Everett wanted to at least create the vibes so she lit candles around the main floor and dimmed the lights. She found a lasagna in the freezer so she popped that in the oven. A hearty meal was always perfect for a stormy night. She threw Mr. Malcolm’s List on after she had put on her pajamas and settled in. Andy would still flit into her mind any time something in the movie reminded her of him or something she wanted to tell him. While she was still alone and worried about Andy, this night felt very different from the last.

Everett was in the kitchen making tea and deciding what to watch next when the buzzer rang. It happened so infrequently. Everett usually went out to meet people. She looked towards the door when it buzzed again in rapid succession. Everett went to the speaker and hesitantly pressed the button.

“Hello?”

“I’m so sorry.” The voice was coarse and muffled by the rain but Everett knew.

“Andy?”

“I’m so sorry, Everett.”

Everett started to panic, filled with worry over whatever state Andy was in. She pressed the Enter button to let him in and flung the door open. She ran to the elevator to wait. The old lift creaked and squeaked but at least that meant Andy was on his way up.

As the door slid open, Everett’s heart sank. Andy was wet and looked like he hadn’t slept in days, tears staining his cheeks. She enveloped him in a hug when he stepped out of the elevator and they crumbled to the floor as his weight overpowered her strength.

“Hey. Hey Hey. It’s okay. It’s okay, Daddy.” She peppered him with kisses while he hugged her and sobbed into her shoulder. “Come on. Come inside.”

She did her best to lift him but he managed to stand up mostly on his own. Once inside, Everett locked the door and walked Andy over to the bathroom. Andy didn’t know what her plan was and tried to redirect her.

“No, baby. You are getting in a hot shower to warm up.” She pushed him inside and slowly peeled off his clothes while the water heated. “In you go. I think Tony left some clothes here one time when he crashed after a long night at the office.”

Andy didn’t put up a fight and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash over him. Everett ran up to her closet and dug around until she found her brother’s sweatpants and T-shirt. She set them by the bathroom sink and left Andy in the shower so she could put the kettle back on. She grabbed her dishes and tidied up the couch so they would have a place to talk while the tea steeped. She didn’t really know what to do but she was going to be there however Andy needed.

Just as she was pouring the tea, she heard the water turn off. Andy emerged in the borrowed clothes, his hair damp. He stood behind Everett, wrapped his arms around her waist, and let out a heavy sigh. Everett ran a hand over his arm then turned to kiss him. She gave him a soft smile and then grabbed the two mugs.

“Come. Sit with me.”

Everett covered Andy in an afghan when he sat down and handed him a cup of rooibos. She climbed onto the couch next to him, curling her feet under herself. She didn’t want to push him to talk so she silently sipped her tea.

“I’m so sorry, Evvy. Really,” Andy said with sad eyes.

“There is nothing to apologize for. I promise,” Everett reassured.

“I didn’t mean to disappear. I had such a good time with you on Wednesday and when you invited me up, I damn near came in my pants. I wanted to come up so badly.” Andy shifted around and pulled Everett closer. “Laurie was the one calling me that night and I obviously didn’t want to talk to her. I wanted to go to the cemetery first thing in the morning and talk to Jake and then go to Johnny’s. It was his favourite breakfast place. I wanted to take the day and celebrate him or something. I knew I wouldn’t want to leave you though if I had stayed the night.”

Everett’s jaw dropped and a wave of guilt washed over her.

“I would have made you go. Or I would have gone with you if you wanted. I never want to take away your time with Jake or like time for his memory.” Everett squirmed and tried not to think about Trevor always calling her needy and a time-suck.

“Oh, Evvy. No. That's not what I meant. And thank you.” Andy kissed Everett’s forehead then set down his tea. He grabbed her tea and placed it on the coffee table as well then grabbed her by the hips and pulled her into his lap.

“This was the first anniversary and I didn’t know what to expect. I was trying to keep it together at Jake’s grave and then Laurie showed up and caused a scene. She doesn’t seem to understand that I hate her and that she killed our son. It’s unforgivable.” He shook his head thinking about his ex-wife and Everett wiped the tears that had snuck down his cheek. “We fought and I left, got in the car and just started driving. I was mad and sad and without even realizing it, I had driven to my cabin. Service is spotty up there so I couldn’t call you. I ended up just sitting and staring at the lake for two days. Your message managed to come through when it was starting to rain and all I knew was that I needed to be with you.”

Everett smiled and kissed Andy but this time, he held it long. It wasn’t a comfort kiss but was filled with passion. His hands ran up and down her back as he moaned lightly into her mouth. Despite his desire, Andy knew this wasn’t the time and pulled his head back. He stared into Everett’s eyes and felt his whole body relax. She smiled and ran her fingers through his hair, straightening out his still-damp locks.

“Would you tell me about him?” Everett asked with a catch in her throat.

Andy’s eyes lit up and he hugged Everett. “Of course.”

Everett settled into Andy’s lap and rested her head on his shoulder as he began to talk. The lightness returned to Andy’s voice. The deep sadness had not left but had been set aside for some happiness.

Andy started with Jacob as a little kid and how silly he was. By the time he had reached the teens, Everett had fallen asleep, her breathing too steady to be awake. Andy smiled as he maneuvered her into his arms to carry her up to the bedroom. Once he had her tucked in, he went downstairs to clean up their mugs and make sure the candles were out and the lights were off. He paused for a moment by the window and watched the rain. It hadn’t let up but it calmed him now.

Andy went up to join Everett in bed, doing his best not to wake her as he crawled in. She instinctively rolled over and cuddled into his chest. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. Right as he was about to drift off, Everett lifted her head.

“Wait. You have a cabin?”

Andy couldn’t help but laugh, shaking both of them. “Yes, baby. I’ll tell you about it in the morning.”

Tags - @buck-i-stan

Chapter 6

Everett curled up on her couch with a cup of tea and her mind wandered to Andy, unsure if he would actually show up tomorrow. She was so flustered when he asked about the flea market, she spit out 8:20 am without even realizing what she had said. She never went to the market that early but she thought maybe it would make him back off. She didn’t even know why she wanted him to back off. He was handsome and had been nothing but kind to her. His interest in her photography seemed genuine but she knew he would never actually be attracted to her. He was probably just looking for a quick lay. When people saw the photograph in his home, he could say he banged the artist. Someone like him wouldn’t want to be with someone like her. Trevor made that clear. She didn’t belong in that world, no matter who her family was.

As if he knew she was thinking about him, a text from Andy came through.

A - In case I beat you there, what is your coffee order?

Everett smiled and sighed. Worst case, he would spend the day with her, realize they have nothing in common, and that she was a weirdo. He would never bother her again. Maybe make some offhand comment to her father and they could commiserate over their dislike of her and Andy would move on with his life.

E - Flat white with oat milk.

E - And don’t worry if you change your mind. I’m sure you don’t want to spend time with old ladies, perusing vintage china and old books.

Everett hated herself for the double text but she couldn’t help herself. She wanted to give him an out if he needed it.

A - Alarm is set. I’m great with old ladies and who doesn’t love a good vintage plate?😉

The next morning, Everett headed to Somerville and parked near the flea market. As she walked towards the coffee shop, she saw Andy waiting with two coffee cups in his hands. His face lit up as soon as he saw her and he walked to meet her.

“Morning, Counselor,” she teased.

Andy handed her her coffee and shoved his free hand into his pocket. “Morning, Evvy,” he smirked, seeing her eye twitch at the name. “So, how does this work?”

Everett’s face scrunched in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“The flea market. Do we walk around? Do you barter?”

Laughing, Everett started to walk to the market and Andy kept pace next to her. Everett felt a tingle every time their shoulders brushed against one another.

“No bartering or at least I don’t anyways. I walk around. Sometimes I’ll take pictures. Get a snack. Talk to people. I always end up at Eduardo’s table for an hour,” Everett smiled and sipped her drink.

Andy raised an eyebrow at the mention of Eduardo. “Who is that?”

“He sells me old photographs and negatives that I use in my art. He often has expired film and old cameras as well.”

“That’s interesting. Did he sell you that camera you used at the office? The Mamama… Mamacita…” Andy trailed off when he realized he was getting the name horrible wrong. He kicked himself for not looking it up beforehand.

“No. The Mamiya,” Everett said slowly, enunciating each syllable so he would remember, “was my aunt’s. I inherited it from her.”

“Well, it certainly takes great shots. I think the one I picked for my website profile was from that camera. It was black and white. Claire said I wasn’t allowed to pick that one because it wouldn’t match the other profiles but I got my way,” Andy said with a wink before catching himself. “I mean, you are obviously talented. Not the camera! Or you use it well! You know what I mean. I’m sorry.”

Everett couldn’t help but giggle. She wasn’t used to seeing a lawyer get flustered and certainly not around her. All of the lawyers she knew were confident to a fault. Even her brother, who at least still had his humanity.

“I do know what you mean and thank you, Andy,” Everett said with a grin.

They entered the market and fell into a comfortable silence. Everett was surprised as she watched Andy weave through the aisles of the flea market. This was the first time she saw him completely outside of his usual lawyer realm. Sure, he wasn't in a suit yesterday but Joanna was there and there was some office talk. He seemed softer here, always smiling when she offered him an old book or vase to look at. He talked and laughed with vendors, showing a genuine interest in their wares.

Everett chewed on her bottom lip, wondering if maybe Andy was brought to her for a reason. They were so different and she had been hurt so badly before. She wasn't sure if it would even be fair to Andy, knowing her past and how it still affected her. Was Andy Barber worth a shot? Or moreover, was Everett worthy of someone like Andy? Everett shook her head to clear out the negative thoughts which she knew were actually just Trevor’s voice, still creeping in to make her feel unwanted and undeserving.

Everett felt Andy gently place his hand on her lower back and she snapped back to reality. “I’m sorry, what?”

Andy smiled. “I was just asking if that was Eduardo?” he said pointing to the man a few tables down.

“Ah. Yes, it is.” Everett waved down to Eduardo who returned the gesture.

They walked down the row, Andy’s hand never leaving Everett’s back. Trevor had never done something so simple, so caring. She was mad that she kept thinking about Trevor but she was beginning to see what she had been missing out on, even in the small amount of time she had spent with Andy.

Andy and Eduardo got along like old friends. Eduardo insisted on giving Everett a discount on her purchases because he teased that he didn’t want his new lawyer friend to come after him. The men shook hands and Everett was filled with happiness. Trevor had never come to the market with her and would never talk to someone like Eduardo but Andy had truly enjoyed the moment.

As they walked through the exit, Everett started to slow down, not wanting the morning to end. “Umm, so I’m just parked over there. I have Joanna’s print but like I said I’m happy to drop it off.”

“No, no. I’m headed to her place for dinner anyways and it’s out of your way,” Andy insisted.

“It’s not actually but thank you.”

“What do you mean? Are you not heading back to the city?” Andy asked.

“No. Sunday is family dinner. Parents live just outside of Newton. That’s why I know that tree from the piece you bought. I drive past it all the time.” Everett said while walking to her car.

“Oh right. I wouldn’t have thought you were a family dinner kind of girl, especially after the few comments you’ve made about your dad.” Andy didn’t want to press but he knew something was there. She didn’t work at the office like the rest of her family. He didn’t even know Everest had a daughter until she came in the other day.

Everett scoffed. “Yes, well. You can be the black sheep of the family and still be required to attend family meals.” Everett placed the box of photos in her trunk and slammed it shut. “I always come to the market as mental preparation for the time with my family. My father. Every Sunday a little reminder of what I haven’t done and how I’m a disappointment. God, I sound like a whiny teenager. Not a 38-year-old,” Everett said with a sigh.

“Evvy. I’m sorry. Parents shouldn’t do that. They should support their kids no matter their interests and always help them chase their dreams.”

Everett waved Andy off, knowing she shouldn’t have said anything. She didn’t think he would say something to her father or brother but still. He did work for them now, just like Trevor. “It’s fine. I was just having a moment and you don’t have to pretend to care.”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but since you walked into the boardroom the other day, I’ve cared,” Andy said, looking deep into her eyes before taking a chance to pull her in for a hug. He could feel her tense then relax into his arms and he didn’t want to let go.

“Thank you, Andy,” Everett said before pushing herself back as his kindness filled her with guilt. “I am so sorry I made you get up so early! I never come here before noon.” She burst out laughing.

“What?! Why the hell were we here so early then? Is that why some of the booths weren’t open yet and Eduardo seemed surprised to see you?” Andy asked, his hands still resting on her shoulders.

“I was trying to get you to bail! I didn’t think you wouldn’t actually get up that early to come hang out with me.” Everett tried to free herself of Andy’s arms but he pulled her back into his chest for a moment before giving her reprieve.

“Wait. So, when is dinner? What are you going to do until you have to go to your parents?

Everett shrugged. “I don’t know. I normally get here around 1 pm and then go to their place around 4 pm. It’s nice out so I’ll drive around and take pictures for a bit, I guess.”

Andy took a deep breath and slowly reached over to take her hand in his.

“Would you want to go for a walk with me instead, Evvy? You can still take pictures. We could get some lunch,” Andy said, trying to win her over.

Everett squeezed his hand and nodded. “Sure. Lead the way, Counselor.”

“I know you think you’re teasing me by calling me that but it just turns me on,” Andy said with a coy smile.

Everett laughed and buried her face into his shoulder. “Oh my god. Let’s go!”

Just like earlier in the day, they both felt at ease. As they walked along the community path, Everett paused a few times, taking pictures of leaves and of Andy. Every time she stopped, Andy tried to see what she was seeing, figure out what was speaking to her and see the world through Everett’s camera lens. He hoped one day, they could curl up on his couch and spend the afternoon looking through her work. He wanted to hear her stories. Every last one.

“Hey, I’ve heard about this place. Want to grab something to eat here?” Everett pointed to a little cafe with a patio across the street. Andy nodded, checked for traffic, and led them over.

They got settled, ordering some sandwiches and iced teas. They both began to feel an awkwardness that hadn’t been hovering over them all morning. Everett’s leg started to shake and she decided to bite the bullet.

“Okay, so despite how I feel about most things my father says, he always hated weird silences. He said ‘Just get down to brass tacks and say what you need to say.’ It wasn’t always great when you were a teen and trying to talk about delicate lady things with your mother but…” Everett said with a deep breath and a bit of a laugh. “I like you, Andy, but I’m a mess.”

Andy’s head tilted and he smiled, reaching a hand across the table. “I highly doubt you’re any less of a mess than I am. We could be messed up together,’ he teased.

“Andy. I’m serious. I’m sure you’ve heard all about me and Trevor already at the office,” Everett said with a grimace. “And I want it on the record - that depending on who you talked to, it was probably all lies. Never mind anything with my family. Fuck, I’m rambling.”

“You’re not. Keep going. Tell me anything you are comfortable telling me. You know my life was headline news. I’m not going to gossip around the water cooler or something. I don’t have ties to your father or the firm, outside of needing a paycheque but I can find somewhere else if I have to.”

“You realize I’m about to go into a monologue of chaos, right?” Everett asked.

Andy laughed. “Should I ration my sandwich? How long will we be here?”

Everett paused for a moment. She liked how Andy teased her. It was genuine and had no malice behind it. It was as if they had been together for years and had a comfortability that she had never felt before. “Three days, Counselor. So buckle up.”

They both laughed and had a few bites of food and then Everett began.

“Well, Tony and Trevor have been best friends since college. They graduated together and both immediately started working at the firm. He seemed so sweet and fun, which made me giddy and excited. It took way too long to realize it was all fake. He was constantly gaslighting me and I had ways to explain it away. My parents refused to see any of it. They saw him as a provider and someone I *should* be with. If I wasn’t a lawyer, I could at least be with one and not be a complete black mark on the family name.” Everett took a sip of her drink and pushed a few fries around her plate before continuing.

“We were together for ten years. Now, looking back, I can say he was abusive and manipulated me constantly but back then, I didn’t know. I just thought I was doing everything wrong. That I wasn’t enough and needed to try harder.”

“Evvy. No. You are more than enough. You are…” Andy trailed off, knowing he couldn’t find the right words to describe the woman in front of him. “I’m going to fucking kick Trevor’s ass next time I see him.”

“No. You’re not. He’s not worth it. He’s garbage and I’m sure karma will get him in the end.” Everett stared off, watching people walk past the cafe as she finished her sandwich.

Andy was surprised by Everett’s openness but it came as a pleasant surprise. After a year of everyone tiptoeing around him or giving him looks and then lying to his face, he appreciated her even more. She wasn’t coddling the man with the tragic past. She was just being Everett.

“Long story not so short. He was and is not a good person. We never went out unless it was a work function. He never held my hand. He never said he loved me when it wasn’t just a way to get something. Never mind our sex life, if you want to call it that.” Everett scoffed at the memories. “Want to hear about what a disappointment I am to my father?”

Everett didn’t realize she was tapping the table until Andy grabbed her hand, squeezing it in his.

“Evvy. Look at me.” Andy moved his chair so they were sitting next to each other. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Everett snapped but then caught herself and mouthed I’m sorry

“For being so open and honest with me. I am well aware of your father’s reputation but he might be right about that brass tacks thing.”

Everett sighed. “I think at this point, I’m just so over Trevor’s bullshit and feeling ashamed that I let myself be trapped in the situation that I am just honest about it all. No point in sugarcoating it. I don’t have regrets but I also know that I will settle for nothing less than what I truly want.”

“As you should.” Andy wrapped an arm around Everett, pulling her in for a hug. He held on tight, not wanting to let go. “I guess I owe you my story now.”

Everett pushed away and shook her head. “You don’t owe me anything, Andy. Like you said. You can tell me anything you're comfortable sharing.”

“You know the highlights. Jake was accused of murder. Laurie didn’t handle the situation very well. I suppose I didn’t either,” Andy sucked in a deep breath. “After the trial, Laurie couldn’t move past things and made a decision that day that destroyed our lives forever. We got divorced. We would have anyway. Neither of us had been happy for a long time but I think we were trying to wait things out. Get Jacob to college then go our separate ways.”

This time Everett was the one taking Andy’s hand. She gave him an understanding smile and waited for him to continue.

“Laurie kept the house. I thought about moving somewhere and starting fresh but I couldn't leave Jake. I found a new house, still in Newton. Close enough but not ‘that’ house. I was more than happy to leave that place. I was going stir crazy not working and that’s how I ended up at James and James.”

Everett started to giggle, causing Andy to worry. His brow furrowed and he tried to pull his hand away from her grip.

“My story is funny?”

“Oh, god no! I’m so sorry. I… We really are two giant messes, aren’t we?” Everett’s shoulders began to bounce with her laughter and Andy was overwhelmed with a happiness he hadn’t felt in years. He lost himself watching Everett laugh. The way her eyes squinted and her smile took over her face.

Everett caught Andy staring at her and wiped at her face. “What? Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

One side of Andy’s mouth rose into a grin. “Just looking at a pretty girl I’m on a first date with and enjoying the moment.”

“This is a date?” Everett asked, her laughter switching to panic instantaneously. Something about putting a label on it changed the day and she was scared. Trevor refused labels of any kind. He never called her his girlfriend once ever.

“Yes, Evvy. It is. And I want to kiss you.”

Andy’s face was soft and he leaned closer. He waited a moment, making sure she wanted him to. With an almost imperceptible nod, permission was granted and he leaned down to kiss her. It was slow and gentle. Their arms snaked around one another and the kiss only ended when they were both out of breath.

Everett couldn’t help but smile when she looked up at Andy. She had never had a kiss that felt like that one. She felt safe and warm and never wanted to leave his arms.

“Well…” Andy said with a joy-filled sigh. “That was pretty good, wasn’t it?”

Everett playfully rolled her eyes at him and pushed him back toward his seat. “Yeah… it was.”

Andy grabbed his wallet, throwing more than enough cash down on the table. “Let’s go. There are more pictures to take!”

Everett laughed and stood up, taking Andy’s outstretched hand and they continued their walk. No talking, just being together. Andy kept an arm wrapped around Everett’s waist, needing to touch her. Be close to her. A few blocks later, Everett saw some graffiti in an alley and tugged at Andy.

“One second. I’ll be right back. I just want to grab a quick shot.” She quickly made her way down the narrow path and clicked a few frames.

She didn’t notice that Andy had followed her and was right behind her until she felt his chest press against her back. His hands settled on her hips then he spun her around. His lips were on hers before Everett knew what was happening.

Holding on to Everett, Andy moved them towards the wall. His thigh pressed between her legs and his hands braced on the wall on either side of her head. As she caught her breath, he began to move his thigh ever so slowly causing Everett to squirm. Her hands worked their way over his chest.

“Oh god. Da…” Everett’s eyes went wide and her hand clapped over her mouth. She tried to bury her face in Andy’s chest but he wouldn’t have it.

Leaning in, Andy paused, nibbling on Everett’s ear, then spoke. “What were you going to say?”

“Nothing. I wasn’t saying anything,” Everett tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She was embarrassed because she knew exactly what word she almost said and had no idea where it came from.

“I think you were saying something and I want you to say it. Right. Now.” Andy’s tone was forceful but gentle at the same time. He nuzzled his nose into her neck then pressed a few kisses onto her skin. His hands roamed over her body. “Evvy. I’m waiting.”

Everett had never felt like this before. She felt electric from head to toe. She also felt completely safe at that moment. She knew no matter what she said to Andy, he would hold her and take care of her, in all ways. She felt herself getting wet, her chest heaving as she got closer to her edge.

“Daddy…” Everett squeaked out. It was so quiet she almost hoped he didn’t hear her but a rumble from his chest let her know he did. The kisses didn’t stop and his arms pulled her into him even tighter.

“Say it again and I want to hear it. No whispering, Everett.” His mouth latched onto her neck.

Everett let out a moan as Andy’s thigh continued to create friction and his hand gave her ass a firm squeeze. “Daddy!!!” she cried out, letting herself go. Andy’s movements pushed her over the edge faster than she expected. Her body tensed for a moment and then relaxed into his.

“That’s my good girl,” Andy cooed into Everett’s ear before he pushed himself back. Andy sighed and smiled at Everett. One hand wrapped around the back of her neck while the other cupped her cheek.

“I… I… I don’t know where that came from and I’ve never, ever called anyone that before. I’m so sorry. I…” Everett stammered and tried to free herself of Andy’s grip. She felt so good but also so confused and wanted to hide.

“Hey. Hey. Evvy. Look at me,” Andy said, holding her chin between his thumb and index finger. “No one has ever called me that before either in… this type of context anyway,” Andy said with a grin, “and I didn’t think it would make me feel this way but I liked it. I liked it a lot, Evvy. I like you a lot.”

Everett smiled sheepishly, still trying to sort out how she was feeling but she knew one thing. “I like you too. And…” she paused. “I liked calling you Daddy.” This time she got her way and he let her hide her burning cheeks against his chest. “I’ve never felt that before. It was really hot. Wow, that sounds so silly to say!” Everett started to laugh.

Andy matched her giggles, nodding and wrapping his arms around her. “That was hot, Evvy. Did I just make you cum in an alley?”

“Andy!” Everett hollered and smacked Andy’s chest. She shook her head and picked up her camera bag. She even didn’t remember setting it down. She had been too caught up in the moment. A moment of passion she had never experienced before.

“What? It was beautiful. You are beautiful.”

Everett chewed on her cheek and straightened herself up. She adjusted her jacket and wiped her mouth. Looking into Andy’s eyes, she realized she was a goner. One date and she was his and always would be.

“Thank you, Andy.” She pushed up onto her tiptoes and kissed him.

They took another moment just breathing each other in and enjoying what they had just experienced.

“We should probably go. We need to walk back and then you have dinner with Joanna,” Everett said even though she didn’t want this to end.

“As much as her wife does cook a mean pot roast, I would rather be with you,” Andy said. Much like Everett, he was swirling with new emotions. He had never experienced these feelings with Laurie. “But I’m sure you don’t want to be late to your parents. I imagine your father’s disdain for tardiness doesn’t just apply to the office,” Andy teased.

“You have no idea. Don’t need to give them any fuel.”

They headed back to their cars, sneaking kisses and snickering at their silliness. Everett gave Andy Joanna’s print and promised to text him when she got back to the city later. Andy grabbed Everett for one last long and slow kiss. Everett moaned and sighed when Andy released his lips from hers. They smiled, not needing any more words. Everett reluctantly got in her car, leaving Andy to head to his dinner as well. She was so distracted by what had happened that she didn’t even realize how far she had driven until she was pulling into her parents’ driveway.

Everett didn’t bother to knock and walked into her family home. Sometimes she forgot that she and Tony grew up in this house. There is no evidence they ever existed as children. It’s been remodeled more than once and everything feels too delicate and expensive to touch.

“Everett? Is that you?” Julia called from the kitchen.

“Yeah, it’s me.” Everett made her way into the kitchen to see her mother stirring something on the stove. That was one thing Everett always appreciated. Her mother did cook the family meals. If it was an event then she would hire someone but for the family, she cooked. She gave her mother a brief hug, knowing she wasn’t to disrupt her while she was busy.

“Were you at the market again?”

“Yes, we were. I had a really good day,” Everett couldn’t help but smile thinking about Andy.

“We?” Julia questioned.

“Oh, a friend joined me. I sold his old coworker some prints and we met up to deliver them and stuff '' Everett did her best to distract her mother by grabbing plates to set the table.

“Well that’s nice they’re supporting you,” Julia said with her usual tone of slight haughtiness. Everett did her best not to break the glass she was setting down. “Claire mentioned you went by the firm to take photos for Andy. You should do more work like that. I bet headshots and marketing photography are good money and steady work.”

“Did you even listen to the part where I said I sold a piece this weekend? Not to mention almost completely sold out my show in New York last weekend. I told you when I was here for dinner last Sunday!”

“When is your show? Maybe your father and I could take the train in and see these pieces,” Julia made air quotes with her hands.

Everett’s jaw twitched. “I told you a month ago. It was last Friday, as I just said. We talked about how well it went when I was here for dinner last freaking Sunday”

“No need to get excited, dear.”

As Everett felt her rage bubbling up her throat, Tony and Claire walked in the door and finally took her mother’s attention elsewhere.

“Hey, Big Sis!” Tony waltzed over and hugged Everett, then softly spoke. “It’s just dinner. You got this. Three hours tops.” Everett snorted and let out the breath she had been holding since she arrived. The only reason she survived her parents was Tony. And Claire, of course. As long as they were around, she felt semi-normal. Like she could be herself without having to defend every word and move she made.

“E! How was your weekend?” Claire pulled her away from Tony and out of the dining room.

“It was fine. Got some prints–”

Claire interrupted her and leaned in close. “So, anything exciting happen this weekend?” Claire had an evil grin filling her face.

“What do you know?” Everett asked with a pointed gaze.

“I don’t know anything. Just that a certain lawyer was very excited to be going to your studio yesterday. Which is also your apartment so I’m secretly hoping you two boned and released some stress.”

“OH MY GOD, CLAIRE!” Everett hissed. “Boned? What are you? Thirteen? Seriously.”

Claire couldn’t help but laugh at her sister-in-law. “E. I’m just saying. I know you’re both into each other. I could tell the second you two saw each other when you were in the office. And don’t worry. Andy made sure to never mention you when Everest or even Tony was around. But he did talk about you a lot. So spill.”

Everett headed to the patio door and out to the backyard, jerking her head at Claire to follow. Once she felt at a safe distance from prying ears, she filled Claire in on everything. Well, almost everything. She may have kept the alley all to herself.

“Weeee! I’m so excited for you, Honey! This is great.” Claire squeezed Everett’s hand.

“Is it though? He works at the firm. With Dad and Tony… And Trevor.” Worry began to creep into Everett’s mind.

“Fuck all of them, Everett. Yes, they’re your family and he works there. Yes, Trevor is a dickbag but you know who isn’t? Andy. And you deserve some happiness. And some fun,” Claire winks.

“You two planning on joining us for dinner?” Everest’s voice boomed from the house. He didn’t even bother waiting to see if they were coming before he walked back inside.

Everett and Claire gave each other a knowing glance, snickering as they went to the house.

Dinner was mostly uneventful. Everett knew better than to get involved in the conversations. It was mostly about the firm and cases her father and brother were working on. Sometimes her mother talked about events at the country club and such. Claire talked about some of the work being done on her and Tony’s house. Everett ate her food and smiled when required. She almost thought the night was going to be okay until her mother spoke up.

“Everett, did you hear Trevor and Samantha had their baby on Wednesday? He’s taking some time off from handling any cases to be at home with them. Such a cute family.”

“Yes, Mother. I know! And I don’t care!” Everett dropped her cutlery. It clanked against the dishes causing her mother to flinch. Tony caught Claire’s eye, knowing his wife would want to stand up for her friend, and shook his head. They both knew this was a losing battle for everyone.

“Do you ever listen to me? Why do you think I broke up with him?! Aside from the fact that he is a manipulative asshole, he cheated on me with her and got her pregnant!” Everett tossed her napkin down on her half-empty plate and stood up from the table. “Thanks for dinner.”

Everett didn’t bother looking back or stopping when she heard her father call her name. She grabbed her purse and got into her car. Cranking her music to a level that probably wasn’t safe, Everett put the car in drive and drove back to the city.

Other than setting her camera bag down gently, Everett crashed and slammed around her apartment when she got home. She debated pouring herself a whiskey but opted for a ginger ale and cookies. She flopped down on the couch with a huff, shaking her head, unable to settle her thoughts.

Right on cue, Andy texted.

A - I’m sure you can’t reply but I hope dinner is going well. I was sent home with leftovers for days. I don’t know why Joanna thinks I can’t cook for myself 😝

E - I’m already back in Boston. Rage-eating Oreos.

Before Everett could send another message to lighten the mood, her phone rang. It was Andy.

“Hey,” Everett said, just above a whisper.

“What happened, Evvy? Tell Daddy everything.”

Chapter 5