Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“No, I’m trying to find the right words to explain. If this is about the principle of talking to you, it’s understandable you’re upset. But what is it genuinely about?”

My stomach drops and I glance at Ryanne to see her watching me closely. She reads my expression and shakes her head. I think about lying, but I’m a terrible liar, even through the phone.

“Evin spent a week here and didn’t let me contribute to anything. I don’t want it to look like I’m taking advantage of him.”

“Look to who? Evin? I’m pretty sure he doesn’t see it like that at all.”

It’s me who’s quiet this time.

“Oh my God, Poppy, do you think we care?”

“I don’t want to be a freeloader.” There, I said it.

Ryanne drops her chin to her chest while Darby gasps. “No one in our circle would ever think that. If Evin knew you said it, he’d lose his mind.”

“Let’s not tell him.”

“Put me on speakerphone. Ryanne needs to hear this.”

I step closer to Ryanne and do as she asked. “You’re on.”

“Okay, it’s important that I set you straight, and your best friend most definitely needs to be knowledgeable. She can make you see reason since I can’t pop in when you have these doubts.”

“I like this chick already,” Ryanne claims loudly.

“Likewise, Evin is very complimentary about you,” she responds, not missing a beat. “Now, Poppy, you will not like what I’m going to say. But it comes from experience. Don’t argue with Evin about money—ever. If he wants to do something for you, let him. If you choose to argue, get ready to see a grown man turn into a caveman. I learned the hard way.” She stalls to take a breath. “Pierce doesn’t let me pay for anything. He never has. Since I was seventeen, he’s never even let me pay for a movie ticket. When we were engaged and I moved in here, he refused my attempts to contribute. When we got married and I was legally Darby Kendrick, he put my name on all our bills. I have access to everything, and the one time I paid them, he exploded. My husband has certain views on taking care of his family. I found other ways to contribute and let him get his way.

“Miller is the same. Although their situation is more complex because Ashlyn bought their house, renovated it, and he bought the addition. Like me, she attempted to reason with him with no luck. I was rooting for Ashlyn because she can be a shark. Unfortunately for her, Miller likes her form of bitch and the argument lasted a nano-second. She found her way to work around.”

“You’re married. Evin and I just met,” I point out.

“Seventeen, Poppy. I was seventeen. It has not changed. Evin has these same traits. He’s protective by nature and wants to take care of you. That’s his way.”

“I don’t need taking care of.”

“It’s not about you needing it; it’s about him wanting to do it. Big difference.”

“Makes total sense to me,” Ryanne pitches in. “I’d let Chris Hemsworth spoil me.”

I elbow her in the ribs. “Your opinion isn’t needed.”

“Ryanne’s right,” Darby agrees. “Trust me on this. You’ll get used to it.”

“Okay.”

“My brother’s crazy about you. We’ve always had this bond and I can feel it. He sees a future with you.”

“I want that.”

“So, accept the fact that he bought and upgraded your ticket. What’s done is done, not worth the argument.”

“He didn’t really let me argue; he shut me down.”

“Know that feeling. This second pregnancy is proof my arguments get shut down a lot.”

I smile, knowing Darby will be pregnant many more times if Pierce gets his way.

“And fair warning, he’ll make decisions that affect you without consulting you. If he buys you a bakery, we can talk about being aggravated.”

I giggle along with her, knowing Pierce and Evin purchased Darby’s bakery without her knowledge. “I don’t think a bakery is in my future.”

“You may rethink that when you visit. My bakery has a suite that has become my sanctuary.”

“I can’t wait.”

“I’m glad you messaged. I’ve wanted to call you, but the time zones are killer.”

“I understand.”

There’s a loud screech in the background. “Ugh, I need to go. My little monster is trying to crawl on Runner’s back.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“I’m more worried about my poor dog than my son. He’s a determined sucker.”

“Talk soon.”

“One more thing, you’ll find your way to workaround. And when you do, it’ll make you both happy.”

We hang up, and Ryanne throws her arm around my shoulder. “You’ve totally got the approval from her.”

“Yeah, she’s great.”

I toss my phone in my purse and grab the handle of her rolling cart that holds our purchases. “Come on, we have a lot of ground to cover.”

She eyes me skeptically and then her lips split into a wide smile. “You have an idea for a workaround?”