Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“For the record, until a short time ago, there wasn’t a woman in my life to have these conversations. My perspective has changed, too.” He steals my words, his voice warm and tender.

“Stop being so sweet.”

“Keep it to yourself.”

I decide to change the subject before my heart bursts. “Going back to your family night, was our relationship the only topic of conversation?”

“Dev saved me. I’m depositing money in his college fund today.”

“Do tell how an eight-month-old saved you.”

“Apparently, he said ‘mama’. It sounded like more of a babble followed by spit bubbles, but I took his distraction. He’s a total badass.”

I can’t stop laughing, picturing his sweet little face. “Yes, I can see he’s growing into a real man now.”

It’s his turn to chuckle. “You better get some rest. I’m gonna run before work.”

“I hate you’re starting your day as mine ends.”

“Call me when you wake up.”

“Isn’t your calendar slammed today?”

“Never too slammed to take your call.”

“Okay, I’ll call.”

“Sweet dreams, Poppy.”

I listen to him disconnect and curl around my pillows. For the first time in a long time, my mind wanders to the possibility of a life outside of performing.

“This is extraordinary!” I admire the stained glass.

“It has a matching blown glass vase.” Ryanne holds up another stunning piece.

“It’s perfect for a wedding present.”

Ryanne’s eyes flash with hesitation when she puts the vase down.

“What? You don’t like it?”

“I love it, but it’s you. What if Stephanie has more modern taste?”

“Hmmm, you’re right. She may be more of an etched fine crystal type of person.”

“Why won’t you order from her registry?”

“I wanted to give her something unique.”

“Considering you’ve spent little time with her, call the person who knows her best.”

“That’s a toss-up between Darby and Scottie, and they’re both busy.”

“Message Darby, trust me on this. Spending that kind of money and shipping across country is risky.”

I shoot a few pictures of the pieces and send a message to Darby.

Ryanne grabs a card, and we stroll through the art market, stopping at our favorite booths to shop.

Darby calls as Ryanne loads our cart.

“Hey!” I scoot into a quiet alleyway.

“Hi, where are you?”

“Ryanne and I are shopping.”

“For a wedding present?”

“That’s on my list. What did you think? Will it fit Stephanie’s style?”

“She’d love that. But Evin already sent a gift in both your names.”

A warm sensation flows through me. “That was thoughtful. He didn’t mention it.”

Her bubbly giggle rings in my ear.

“What’s so funny?”

“I know exactly why he didn’t mention it. Heard about the airline ticket brawl.”

The warmth turns to humiliation as heat burns my cheeks. “Scottie has a big mouth. And it wasn’t a brawl, it was a strong disagreement.”

Ryanne joins me, her smile growing at my irritation.

“Stop smirking!” I snap.

“No, it is highly entertaining.”

“Is that Ryanne?”

“Yes, and she finds the whole thing humorous, too.”

Yesterday, I received an alert that my credit card account had a refund. In a panic, I called Scottie, and he explained Evin had him switch the payment method on my ticket. My new accommodations included flying first class.

It took a full five seconds for this to register before I went crazy. Scottie hung up on me, laughing when I demanded he reverse everything.

Evin was my next call. He barely got out ‘hello’ before my tirade hit. He also found me amusing. Since he was not here to distract me, I may have gone a little too far. When I mentioned canceling the trip unless he let me pay, all humor died. The icy reaction reached across the country.

It was over the top and dramatic. I knew this immediately but was too stubborn to back down.

“Poppy, I pay for you. You have a problem with that, too bad. But don’t threaten me when I’m too far away to do something about it. Your ass will be on that plane or my ass will be in Vegas to get you.”

I realized Evin had not only the gleaming eyes that could talk me down; he had the voice to hit home.

I’m screwed. With one last attempt, I said we’d talk about it later.

He said there was nothing to talk about.

I huffed out of pride, knowing I was beat.

He remained quiet until I relented.

That was it.

“Evin and I rarely argue,” I rush to tell Darby.

“Oh, sweetie, that’s about to change. But in a good way.”

“How is fighting a good thing?”

“Poppy, let me give you some advice that was doled out to me by some wise women. It goes deeper than picking your battles. It goes to understanding the man he is. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and voice your opinions. But know he’s not stripping your independence.”

“He should have spoken to me about it. I found out from my credit card company, which was not cool. Then he upgraded me to first class, which is unnecessary.”

Her silence makes me uneasy. “I’m sorry, he’s your brother and I sound ungrateful.”