Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
As her words settle, I make a silent vow—whatever it takes, I’ll make sure she gets the life she deserves.
Chapter 9
Evangelina
I leave the club late, the music still pulsing in my veins, but I feel a bit better about everything. The city lights blur as I walk, a haze of neon and headlights. I'm not sure how Father Carmichael can help me with my current situation, but I could use the money more than anything. I need it. Desperately.
The thought of Nate slips into my mind, a shadow that lingers no matter how hard I try to push it away. I feel like I’m never going to get Nate back, and it’ll forever be this way. The weight of that realization settles heavily on my chest as I make my way to my tiny apartment.
Once inside, the familiar surroundings offer no comfort. Tears fall steadily down my face, and I can't stop the onslaught as I think about my pathetic life. The walls close in around me, and the loneliness is suffocating.
Adding to my confusion is the inexplicable attraction I feel toward Father Carmichael. The thought of being drawn to a priest makes me laugh through my tears, a bitter, broken sound. Now I’m sobbing and laughing uncontrollably, a mess of emotions that I can’t untangle.
What the heck is wrong with me? The question echoes in the silence of my apartment, unanswered and unanswerable.
The next morning, I make my way to the diner, bracing myself for another hectic shift. The early sun glistens off the dew on the grass, a deceptive calm before the storm of the breakfast rush. As soon as I step inside, the familiar clatter of dishes and the hum of conversations greet me. I tie my apron and dive into the overpacked morning crowd, taking orders, pouring coffee, and dodging the chaos.
Then, through the din of clinking cutlery and chattering customers, a lone figure steps through the front doors. It's him.
Father Carmichael, looking stunning as always, with the sunlight streaming through the windows catching in his light blue eyes, making them sparkle. How unfair is my life?
He walks with a quiet confidence and sits at the counter. Before Daisy can get to him with the coffee pot, I make a beeline for him, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Hi," I say, nearly out of breath from the rush and the unexpected sight of him.
He gazes up at me, and a smile splits his face, warm and genuine. He really is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. The sight of him takes my breath away. "Hey, Eva. I’ll take a coffee." He flips his coffee mug over, and I nod, trying to keep my composure.
"Sure thing, Father." I grab the coffee pot as Daisy gives me a knowing smile.
"Shame he’s a priest, huh?" she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I force a nonchalant smile, pretending I’ve never had such a thought in my life. "I hadn’t noticed," I lie, hoping my face doesn't betray me.
Daisy rolls her eyes, clearly not buying it. "You’d have to be blind not to notice," she mutters, walking away.
I pour Father Carmichael some coffee, my hands steady even though there’s a flutter in my chest. "Are you here for breakfast?" I ask, trying to sound casual.
He shakes his head, his expression serious. "Actually, I came to talk to you."
Surprised, I set the coffee pot back on the warmer and give him my full attention. "Oh, okay. I get off in an hour, unless it’s something we can discuss here." I glance around the busy diner, wondering what he could possibly need to talk to me about that couldn’t wait.
His eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the noise of the diner fades away. "It's important, and I don’t want anyone to overhear us," he says softly, his gaze steady and sincere.
I nod, feeling a mix of curiosity and trepidation. "All right, Father. I'll be done soon. Maybe you want some pie while you wait?”
He smiles wide. “Well, I can’t turn down pie, now can I?”
I dish him out a slice of apple pie and set it in front of him. “I’ll be back soon.”
I continue my rounds, checking on tables, cashing customers out, and ringing up orders until it slows down enough for me to head home.
True to his word, Father Carmichael stayed put the entire time. Not quite an hour, but close to it. I untie my apron as I say my goodbyes to Daisy.
“Want to walk with me for a bit?” he asks me.
I nod. “Sure.” We fall in step with each other and I ask, “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I’ve spoken with Huxely, and he’s agreed to promote you to a Greedy Girl and let you work the Delgado meetings.”
I stall, snapping my eyes to his. “Wow, you must really have some pull at the club.”