“You know she always does.” Evie turned to the quiet woman who came in behind Lexi. “Kat, would you like anything?”
“No, thank you. I’m fine.” Kat said as she stood at the back of the room.
“Have a seat, I’ll be right back.” Evie walked out of the room and got them something sweet to eat and to drink.
“Tell me all about your honeymoon. Well, not all of it. I’m not as bad as the Troublesome Trio.”
Lexi laughed. “It was so wonderful. I can’t believe Noah rented out a whole island for us. It was so wonderful even if the place was crawling with security. And we were able to get some sightseeing in.”
“Was that all you did all day?”
“Nope, but that’s all I’m going to tell you about.” Lexi winked at her and proceeded to tell her all the places they had gone and seen and the people they’d met.
Evie sat up. “Hey, wait a minute. I thought you were going to be back next week at the earliest.”
Lexi smiled at her. “We were, but then…”
“But then what? Tell me, damn it.”
“Well, it seems someone doesn’t trust foreign doctors. Even ones that are world-renowned.”
“Doctors? Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Evie moved closer shaking Lexi’s arm.
She frowned as Lexi laughed at her. “I’m fine. In fact, I’ve never been better. And in just over eight months we’ll be…”
Evie screamed and started jumping up and down shouting, “You’re pregnant! Oh my god, you’re fucking pregnant! Oops.” She sat back down and patted Lexi’s stomach, “Sorry little one, I’ll try to be better with my language.”
“I don’t think the little one can understand you yet.” She patted her stomach.
“Ha-ha. Oh my gosh! I’m so excited. How’s Noah? I bet he’s over the moon. Tell me everything.”
“I will, if you’ll give me a chance.”
“Sorry.”
“He’s crazy happy. I’ve had to try to stop him from buying every baby item out there. I figure we should, at least, wait until we know if we are having a boy or a girl.”
“Well, yeah. Totally makes sense. We’re going to have to get together and celebrate. Well, some of us anyway.”
“I can still have a glass of wine a week.”
“We will plan around that then.” Pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to see the proud papa. We should start planning.”
“Planning? Really Evie, it’s a bit…”
“Evie, can I talk to you…”
Lexi jumped up off of the couch and screamed at the sight of Anthony standing there.
In slow motion, Evie saw Kat pull the gun out of her holster and point it at Anthony.
“No!” Evie screamed as she jumped in front of Anthony. “It’s not Jeremy. Kat please put the gun down.”
“Never,” she hissed. “Move out of the way.”
“Stop. Please. Really it’s Anthony. He’s come here to get answers about Jeremy.” She was fighting against Anthony as he tried to push her out of the way.
“Evie move, I don’t want her to shoot you.” Anthony pleaded.
“How can you be sure it’s not Jeremy?” asked Kat.
Not taking her eyes off of Kat, Evie reached around to pull Anthony’s arm in front of her. “See? No scar.”
Evie let out a breath as Kat lowered her weapon even though she didn’t holster it. She finally looked over at Lexi who was backed into the corner of the room with her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry Lexi. I was going to tell you. I just hadn’t gotten a chance yet.”
Lowering her hand and sidestepping towards Kat, Lexi glared at her. “Yeah, is there really ever a good time to bring up the fact that you’ve got someone who looks just like the bastard that left me to die twice living with you? Come on Kat, let’s go.”
“Please Lexi, let me explain.”
“Save it.” The door slammed as they left.
Anthony’s arms came around her holding her tight against him. “I’m so sorry, la mia belezza. I didn’t know she was here.”
Leaning her head back against his chest she said, “I know. I’ve got to go explain things to her.”
“I’m not sure now is the best time.”
“It never will be. It will be better going to her place, Noah will be there. Plus all the other security. She’ll feel safe.”
“I hope you’re right. Please make sure she knows it was never my intention to scare her.”
Running her hands up and down the arms that were wrapped around her waist she said, “I know. I’ll be back soon.”
*
Evie was distraught while driving to Noah’s. She was shaking by the time she got there and went through security to get to his home. For a moment, she worried that Lexi would tell them not to let her in.
Noah opened the door for her and pulled her in for a hug. Evie relaxed into him for a moment.
“You’ve really pissed her off.”
“I know, I’m so sorry. I didn’t have a chance to tell her what was going on.”
“Well, here’s your chance. We’re in the kitchen. Come on. The best way is to just get it over with.”
“And you know this how?”