Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(112)

Three weeks in Athens should sort me out. Rest. Visit family.

Clear my head. Come back with new determination.

I hope I do anyway because my drive and focus have disappeared and left me too.

The New Year was supposed to be a new start, a new beginning. Instead, I am barely hanging on by my fingertips. I have no plans. Nothing to get excited about or aim for.

Lincoln has taken over everything for me. Handling finance meetings and anything else I had in my schedule this year.

He even attended the meeting with Tabitha’s father as requested. Alone. I didn’t want him apologizing on behalf of his daughter. She ruined everything—the ball, my reputation, my fucking nose, and I lost the girl I love.

We don’t even have a photograph of us together; Tabitha tore them up.

The only evidence of us together is the sundial I’ve been clenching in my hand for the last two weeks.

So you can always find your way back to me. Just follow the Sunshine x





I know where she is. But I’m not allowed to go to her.

Forbidden. By Charlie.

She’s texted, left voice messages. I can’t bring myself to listen or read.

Like a beacon, the two red dot notifications on my text message and calls icon glare back at me with the number of unanswered calls and texts I’ve ignored from her; it’s dozens.

I’ve never had a heart attack; however, I’m pretty sure the uncomfortable pressure in my chest is similar.

Apparently, Tabitha has been sent away to the family’s apartment in New York on half of her allowance to give her time to think about what she did. Oh, boo-fucking-hoo.

And for the first time in my life, I don’t care about the hotel.

We eventually hired a new personal assistant. I’m yet to determine if she’s any good ’cause I’ve only been in the office a handful of times.

I’m hiding. From staff. From reality.

Moping about my house watching shitty television programs. Aimlessly walking around the house, remembering her.

Her smile.

Her laugh.

All of her.

She went back to him.

Olivia left me.

Eva left me too.

I give Linc a tight hug goodbye then roll my suitcase into the airport.

Athens isn’t exactly going to be hot but it’ll be warmer than Scotland. I don’t care where I go as long as it’s away from Castleview Cove. Although, she won’t be there soon, anyway. She’s moving to Bayview.

“Is it just you checking in today, sir?” The friendly first-class checkin officer takes my ticket and passport from my hand.

“Yes. Just me.”

A vacation alone. Again.

How pathetic.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. It’s Corey.

Corey: You know where I am if you need me. Call me anytime.

Me: Thanks, man.

Corey: Shane suggested a night out when you come back.

Me: I think I’ll pass. Come to my place?

Corey: You can’t hide away forever.

Me: I’m not hiding.

Corey: Yes, you are.

Me: About to board my flight.

Corey: Sure you are. In case you haven’t heard. The gossips have moved on to something else. You’re old news. Apparently, there’s a sex video going around of Tabitha and McLeish, the farmer. Unbeknownst to her, he recorded her and sent it to his friend.

Me: What the hell? He’s married!

Corey: And really fucking old. You have nothing to worry about, my friend. His wife is taking him for everything.

Me: He’s a sleazebag. Felt up several of my staff on Christmas Day and was asked to leave.

Corey: I heard. Go. Enjoy your time away. I’m sure it will all work out.

Me: It won’t, but thank you anyway.

Corey: FYI. Hate to tell you, man. That sex tape was from a year ago.

Me: Cheers for the heads-up.





This year keeps getting better and better. Tabby was fucking a crusty old perv at the same time as seeing me.

I have to get out of here.





Eva

“Can we please talk about Knox?” My dad sits down beside me on my sofa.

He promised me he would come for coffee. He did. He showed up for me, and my family has been incredible the last two days.

“Not now.”

Ewan’s injunction doesn’t allow me to speak to him but Frances has been keeping me updated.

He has deep remorse for his actions and I believe him when he says he wants to get help. His lawyer has said if he agrees to rehab, he may avoid a prison sentence.

He’s no longer my responsibility, but I want him to get better for our boys because regardless of our divorce, which should be finalized in fourteen weeks time, we will always be family. We need to act as a partnership. A united front. Mature adults for our sons. The boys connect us to each other. That will never change. We have to learn how to be civil to one another and navigate that. Over time, I have no doubt we will.

His mom and dad have taken him back to their house and they are going to do their best to wean him off the alcohol.

They met with addiction services in the hospital and they now have a plan.

I explained to Frances that I cannot allow Ewan to see the boys again until he is clean. So, right now, the injunction is in place indefinitely.

I explained everything my sisters have done for us.