Page 26 of Evan
“We are the same, you and I Evan. We are cut from the same cloth so it’s no use you trying to think and behave otherwise. Ms. Daley.” Raising his glass in a mocking toast, he turned and left.
“Who was that?”
“No one. It is getting late.”
“Jackson promised to show me some of the paintings that are not on display.”
“And I am ready to leave.” He told her tightly. He was feeling irascible and angry and yes, he had to acknowledge the nagging emotion as jealousy. She had been surrounded by admiring males all evening and Jackson had been monopolizing her attention.
“You are upset. What is it?”
“You don’t know me enough to make that kind of assumption. I am ready to leave and if you want to stay, I am sure one of your admirers would be happy to give you a lift.” He felt like the lowest form of scum when she simply trained those patient dark brown eyes on him.
“We came together, so that is not even an option. Let me at least go and say goodbye to Jackson and Jerri.”
“I will be out in the parking lot.”
With a nod, she turned and made her way towards them. Wheeling around, he strode purposefully towards the entrance, ignoring the people who were trying to get his attention.
His mood was mercurial and in his present state of mind, he might do or say something he would no doubt regret. He had just accepted the key fob from the valet when she came walking out. Declining the young man’s help, he opened the door for her to get into the passenger seat before going around to the driver’s side.
“Are you hungry?” He asked abruptly when they were out of the parking lot.
“I am. But I know exactly what I am craving.”
He glanced at her quickly, the laughter in her voice surprising him.
“What is that?”
“There!” Her excitement had him easing his foot off the accelerator and noticing Wendy’s sign.
“Fast food?” The look of repugnance on his handsome face had her laughing. He found himself pulling up to the window. “What now?”
“You look at the menu and place your order.” When she rolled her eyes, he grinned, his mercurial mood dissipating. “What are you in the mood for? I recommend the Baconator combo.” He placed the order, ignoring the admiring gaze from the girl whose name tag said – Wilma.
“An extra side of fries, please Wilma.” Leaning forward, she placed the additional order, her smile so disarming that it had Wilma smiling as well. “Thank you so much.”
“What now?” He could not believe he was in a drive through line at the local Wendy’s.
“We collect our food at that window.” She pointed to it, and he eased into the section. He did not even mind waiting.
“Where are we going to eat the meal?”
“In the parking lot.” She pointed to a closed off section in front of them. Sliding the lever into park, he reached for his food. The interior of the vehicle was already permeated with the burger and was making his mouth water.
Unwrapping his meal, he took a healthy bite and closed his eyes as it hit his tastebuds.
“I told you’’ she smiled at him as she sprayed ketchup over the fries.
“Why aren’t you upset?” He had demolished half the burger and was slurping coke through his straw when he asked the question.
“About what?” She looked genuinely puzzled by the question.
“I was very short with you and dragged you from the showing before it was over. I was also unforgivably rude.”
She gave him a quizzical look as she reached for the brown napkins in the paper bag and handed several to him. “There must have been a reason why you were behaving that way.”
“You never hold a grudge?” He persisted, finding it difficult to believe that was unlike any other woman he had ever met.