#evie-morris

F E L I Z   N A V I D A D . . .

                                                               from the shores of Miami 😘

It wasn’t like Aly to be early. Ever. The brunette was perpetually late to everything. Even when she went out of her way to allow herself extra time to get somewhere. She was always late, except for today. Aly arrived early at Blue Water Avalon and requested a table on the patio. It was a beautiful, clear skied evening, with a slight, chill in the Spring air. The sun was half an hour or so from sinking below the ocean lined horizon. She sipped a glass of wine while she watched it and waited for her friend date to arrive. It almost seemed ironic, how things had worked out. Over a year ago Aly had tried to go on a real date with Evie, but things didn’t come together. Aly started seeing Ben, Evie’s best friend, just after. Which made Aly think that, either way, Evangeline Morris was supposed to be apart of her life.

When Aly thought about her life without the other brunette woman she was instantly reminded of that day in the alley, and the mugger who had held them at gun point. Would Aly have gone that way on her own? Maybe. Would’ve things ended as well as they had? Absolutely not. It left her feeling a little in Evie’s debt. Of which nothing she had to offer seemed worthy. Of course everyone loved the things that money could buy, but what was the monetary value of her life? A priceless gift. Forever unrepayable. 

Every few days Aly went into Los Angeles to work in her office there, but most days she stayed on the island to work. It created a better work-life balance when her office was a cute coffee shop. Or even better, a beach side cabana. Those were the days she didn’t get much done. Too enticed by the ocean to take a dip before the day really even began. Today was not a day she could slack off. Her laptop tucked inside a bag she wore across her body. While she waited in line for her coffee her fingers traversed the strap, and her dark eyes scanned the cafe. It was hard for Aly to do nothing. Even to just stand idly by. 

On her pan across the shop she noticed a familiar face. Standing just a few inches in front of her until she took half a step forward, and then they were standing side by side. “Hi.” Her greeting came sweetly and full of warmth. They didn’t know one another well, but there’d been a time when Aly wanted to know her. Evangeline, or as she preferred-- “Evie.”

What. A. Fucking. Day.

Finally arriving at Evie’s apartment was a relief. At least nothing else bad could happen. Although that would prove an ironic thought. She’d had quite the day. First, Marion had shown up at Aly’s hotel room. Pissed, of course. That was kind of her fault. Last week Aly had sent her a few texts messages. Which really felt like Arthur’s fault, because he’d been the one who provoked Aly to do so. Then, if being attacked by her “husband’s” ex-girlfriend wasn’t enough, she got stuck in an elevator. Although the company wasn’t bad, the ordeal was mildly terrifying. Aly spent the whole time wondering how fucked she’d be if the metal box took a plummet. But it didn’t, she reminded herself, and now she was here. With enough wine for the entire night with her gorgeous new friend.

“Hola bonita chica!” 

After two weeks in Catalina Aly was out of clothes. It never occurred to her while over-packing for what she thought would be a week-long trip she might actually run out of things to wear, but she also never imagined a divorce would take this long. Three boutiques popped up online. Two of which were in Venture, so she started there. Byrd Designer Consignment Boutique was small but packed wall to wall in fashions that didn’t look too many seasons from a runway. Maybe she’d find a few things without having to hop the ferry to LA after all.

Maybe. What an understatement.

Aly had an entire rack full waiting by a fitting room in less than an hour. Why she needed the same dress in three colors she didn’t know, but she was sure trying it on would sort out an answer. Was this the best way to be keep her influx of wealth under wraps? Absolutely not, and yet she couldn’t stop. Her greedy grabs cut off the reach of another, which she didn’t notice right away.

But how could someone not notice her? 

Love Is In The Air…

18…What’s your favorite love song?

“Miriam’s and my song was At Last, the Etta James version, of course. Suppose that’ll always mean something specific to me.”

19…Where is the most romantic place on earth?

“I don’t…” Samuel clears his throat. “I can’t say, really.” It was anywhere with James. And then it was anywhere with Miriam. And now it’s nowhere at all.

22…Looks or personality?

“Well. If I had any interest in pursuing an actual relationship, I suppose I’d have to choose personality. But, since I’m confident I won’t be pursuing one of those again…looks will suit me just fine.”