Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

The strong façade she’s held on to since walking in the door cracks and her lips quiver. “He is such a good man. I ruined everything.”

“Karen, go back to the hotel. I’m not being a dick when I say this isn’t the place to have any kind of breakdown. No one here has any sympathy for you. I personally didn’t care if your ass swung in the wind, but my wife’s selflessness outweighs her memory of betrayal. We all played our part to control this shit by doing that interview. Now that it’s over, so is my civility.”

“You saw something in him and made that happen.” She points to the yard. “I forgot how beautiful that smile is. He hasn’t smiled like that in over a decade.”

My eyes return to where the group now includes Mom, Pierce, Lynda, Ray, and an overly excited Runner as he chases the ball Maya and Cole are throwing. Poppy is holding Dev, who is fisting her hair and screeching in baby gabble. Marco is staring adoringly.

“I don’t know what to say to that. Not sure he had a reason to smile when his wife was bed-hopping and he was busy covering everyone’s shit.”

Her breath hitches and arm drops. “My marriage is over, Evin, you don’t need to remind me of why.”

“Your motorcade has a driver ready to take you away anytime you want.”

“I want to repair my relationship with Poppy.”

I fling my head back to find her looking at me hopefully.

“I went to see her perform, in Vegas, and she was impeccable. So incredibly talented and brilliant. I always loved watching her on stage.”

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“You think I’m a monster, but Caitlyn will always be my daughter. Even if I screwed up.”

“A monster doesn’t come close to what I think of you.”

“She won’t even talk to me, yet she forgave Marco. I would like my chance.”

“Un-fucking-believable. She hasn’t forgiven Marco. She’s moved on. He may be a sorry ass bastard that made shitty decisions, but he stepped up when it counted and took responsibility. I wanted to kill him when he snuck into her hospital room, but at least it showed perseverance. He took the chance. I had to deal with weeks of his texting multiple times a day and constant interference. He may be a pain in my ass, but he did what he said by at least caring when her world shattered. You didn’t even send a card.”

“She didn’t want a card.”

“No, she didn’t want to lose her career, either.”

“I had nothing to do with that.”

“We’re done.” I turn before I unload on this woman and cause a scene.

“I’m sorry,” she pleads. “That’s what I should have said. I’m sorry for everything.”

I jog down the stairs, leaving her to stare at my back. Poppy catches me coming and puts Dev on the ground, pointing my way. He’s been walking for two weeks now but hasn’t mastered his balance. His coat and boots don’t help, and in three steps, he’s over, squealing in happiness.

She lurches, but Pierce waves her off, letting Devin figure out how to get up. Runner trots over and leans in dutifully, offering assistance. Dev wraps his little arms around the dog’s neck and together they pull up.

Poppy squeals, bouncing in the air and clapping wildly. Darby told us this had happened a few times, but it’s our first time seeing it firsthand. The group cheers when he’s back on his feet, teetering my way.

The hair on the back of my neck prickles, and I glance over my shoulder in time to see the tears rolling down Karen’s cheeks as she watches. Our eyes meet briefly before she ducks inside her town car and they drive away.

“Ooof!” My feet brace when my nephew rams into me. He looks at me with such excitement the anger dies away. “Hey, buddy, you want up?”

He screams and takes off back the other way to Lynda, who’s squatting with her arms outstretched. Poppy hurries to take his spot, throwing herself into my arms. “Is that offer only for the toddler?”

“Never.” I grab her ass and hitch her up.

“You okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Things with Karen looked intense. I’m surprised she had the nerve to approach you.”

“She’s scrambling to save face. Her life and reputation are ruined.”

“I feel sorry for her.”

“I don’t, she can live with her decisions. She knows she fucked up, especially sitting next to you today. You were incredible. Nerves of fucking steel.”

Her mouth touches mine, and she flashes her blinding smile. “Because you were by my side.”

“That was all you.”

“Let’s hope it works and we’ll be old news in a few days. Boring old dancer and her financial husband. Who wants to keep digging into us?”

“If you wanted to portray the image of a boring old dancer, you shouldn’t have gone on camera looking like a living wet dream.”