I bite my lip. The coward in me wants to text, but I know he’ll worry if I do. “I think this has to be a phone call.” Mandy nods her head and gives me a sympathetic smile as I dial Drake’s number. On the second ring, he answers.
“Evelyn, is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. I just need to speak with you about something. It’s important.”
“I’m on my way.”
He hangs up straight away. “He’s coming over.”
She rubs my arm. “I’d better go then.” She walks over to her taco and starts wrapping it up to take with her. Once she’s gathered her bag, she turns to me. “Call me once you’ve talked?”
I smile. “Of course.”
She sighs. “It looks like you’ve got something else on your plate now.”
“This is huge, Mandy.”
She nods. “I know.”
“I’m only eighteen.”
She nods again. “I know.” She notices my sad expression and nudges my arm. “But hey, look at it this way: When the child is older, you’ll be known as the super hot, young-looking mum who picks her kid up from school.” She starts laughing, which makes me smile. “You decide. It’s whatever you want to do. Having a child is a huge responsibility, but at the same time, you’ll have someone who loves you unconditionally. You can’t ask for better than that.”
I think on Mandy’s words, and I know what she says is true. I would want nothing more than to have unconditional love in my life after being raised in such a loveless home. I would never want any child to grow up like that—let alone my own child.
Grabbing Mandy, I take her in for a hug. “Thank you.”
She strokes my back. “Don’t mention it.” She pulls away, grabbing my hands. “Don’t forget to call.”
I nod. “I will.”
“I’ll see you on Friday. I have to do the lunch and dinner shift tomorrow because Bob is short staffed.” She rolls her eyes, making me laugh. She’s been working full-time at a restaurant just until she starts college in September. I was so happy when I realised she would be going to the same college as I.
“That sucks,” I say, genuinely feeling bad for her. I know how much one shift tires her out. I thought about getting myself a job too, but I’ve been too busy trying to heal myself. Now, with this extra news, I really don’t know what I’m going to do.
“It does,” she sighs. “Listen, I’d better go. I hope you get the answers you’re looking for, but girl … don’t you let him into your knickers or I’ll hit you. Stay strong.”
She fist pumps the air, making me laugh. “Okay. I think I can resist … especially under these circumstances.”
I watch as she leaves and waves goodbye from the lift. I barely have five minutes to myself to think before the sound of the door knocking makes me jump. “Evelyn, it’s just me.”
Running to the door, I take a peek inside the spy hole and see Drake with Kane behind him. I immediately open up, and when I do, my skin heats.
Drake is casual today in a pair of loose jeans and a tight-fitting navy polo shirt. His hair is spiked up today, showing off his piercing brown eyes. He looks tired, but it certainly doesn’t hide the fact that he’s sexy as fuck.
For a brief moment, I forget why he’s here. It’s like my woman parts have come alive … as if lust has suddenly clouded everything.
So much for restraining myself.
“Hi,” he says, his lip curving up into a heart-stopping smile. I’m not sure whether it’s because he’s pleased to see me or if it’s because he’s noticed my reaction to him. I’m guessing both. Drake always did have this uncanny knack for knowing exactly how I feel all of the time. But then he has had six years of studying everything about me.
“Hi,” I say back, trying to snap myself out of this lust-filled haze. “Do you want to come in?” He nods and walks through, but Kane remains where he is standing. “Hi, Kane,” I say, smiling.
“Hi, Evelyn. How are you?”
“Hanging in there.” He gives me a knowing smile as I shut the door and walk back to the living area where Drake is standing and obviously drinking me in.
“You look beautiful today.”
I feel my face flush a little. “Thank you.”
“What is it you wanted to see me about?”
I motion to the sofa for him to sit. “Please, take a seat.” I wait until he’s seated before sitting next to him. When I get a whiff of his aftershave, I decide to move farther away from him. I’m already losing my concentration as it is without adding something else to the equation.