Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(67)

I announced I was going to use the bathroom, but really I was secretly sneaking away.

The Basement wine bar is situated below street level inside an old brewery. It’s actually pretty cool and I'll definitely be coming back. As much as I want to stay, I want to go home to Knox. It’s going to be Wednesday again before I see him.

I already despise this sneaky stuff, and it’s only been a week.

Lincoln casually glides up the stairs.

One step down from me, we’re the same height.

“I’m going home. Gotta get back for the boys.”

“Eden mentioned all the kids are at your mom and dad’s tonight, though,” he says, confused, his forehead wrinkling.

“Yeah, but early morning pickup.” I start to get flustered.

He thumbs over his shoulder back in the direction of the wine bar. “But Eden and Hunter said you’re not picking them all up until later tomorrow afternoon.”

Christ sakes, Eden.

“Oh, yeah, right. I forgot.” I’m not keen on how close Lincoln is. “I best get going, anyway.” I go to take a backward step up the ascending stairs.

“Eva.” Lincoln gently grasps my elbow. “I like you.”

Oh, not good. Time-out. I call time-out.

“And I would like to take you out sometime.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Lincoln.”

“Why? Am I too young? Is that what it is? ’Cause I’m only three years younger than you.”

“Nope. No. It’s not that. It’s…”

“I want to kiss you.”

“That’s definitely not a good idea,” I whisper, not sounding quite so confident.

A couple leaving the bar step into the small hallway below and I have to shuffle across to one side to make space for them to pass.

“Oh, hey, Eva,” Matthew greets me as he slowly ascends the steps with his new wife, Tiff. He eyes Lincoln and me standing on the stairs as he passes.

Matthew was Ewan’s best man at our wedding. His best friend. I’m unaware of how close they are these days. I certainly haven’t seen Matthew since Tiff and he tied the knot last year, before Ewan and I officially split up. It was another evening I spent watching every drink Ewan drank, every interaction, apologizing on his behalf when Ewan said something rude. It. Was. Not. Fun.

“How are you? You are looking great,” Tiff says with a genuine smile.

“Oh, thank you. I’m good. Better.” I roll my eyes. “Sorry, I shouldn’t say that. I know you and Ewan are friends.”

“No need to apologize, Eva. I haven’t spoken with Ewan since he took a voluntary layoff. He’s never been in touch.”

Did I hear that correctly?

“Voluntary layoff?” I’m baffled.

“Yeah. He should have stayed on. It was a foolish move in my opinion. Is he still out of work?”

“He is, yes. He told me he was laid off. Made to take it.”

Tiff slaps Matthew’s jean-clad backside. “Matthew!”

“Shit. I may have put my foot in that one. Did he not tell you?”

I shake my head in dismay.

“Fuck. Look, please don't tell him I told you.”

“We don’t speak anymore.”

“Is it that bad?”

“Yes.” They have no idea. “He would have gotten severance pay if he took a voluntary layoff?” He worked there from leaving school, so almost ten years’ worth of pay.

Matthew nods.

That scheming son of a bitch.

Forcing my confusion and anger into a neat pile, I straighten myself out with dignity.

“Well, it was nice to see you both again. I’m just saying goodbye to Lincoln.” They know I’ve dismissed them.

“It was good to see you too.” Tiff lays a gentle hand on my bare arm. “Take care, Eva.”

“Thanks.” I suck my lips into my mouth.

Lincoln nods, informing me they’ve gone. I let out a huge breath.

“He lied to you.”

“He did. He’s been lying to me for years. There’s so much I can’t tell you.”

“I understand. Will you be okay getting home?”

Your dad's driver is here to pick me up.

“I will be. Thank you.” I give him a grateful smile.

Without notice, Lincoln leans in for a kiss, but I pull back and raise my hand in the air just in time. His lips smack against my hand as they make contact.

“We can’t happen, Lincoln,” I say softly.

“Shit. Now or ever?” He looks embarrassed.

“Ever.”

“Okay. I think you and I could be something special. You’re not like other girls, Eva. You’re pretty remarkable. Unique.”

Knox said the exact same words.

“I’m sorry. I don’t see you in a romantic way.”

He shrugs to hide his embarrassment.

“I get it. I tried though, huh?”

“You did.” I rub his shoulder. “You’ll meet someone soon, Lincoln. I promise. And she’ll blow you out of the water. You’ll feel it so deep. It’ll be instalove.”

“I doubt that. Here, in Castleview Cove?”

“It will happen. The perfect girl is waiting for you. Be patient. She’s coming.”