Chapter 2
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
We were sitting in a comfy booth in the corner of the café. I really didn’t want to take any chances, and I certainly didn’t want to put Evelyn through what I had to go through almost every day. Our drinks were ordered and we were waiting for them to arrive.
“Not to sound rude or anything, but what was the big deal over that four-leaf clover I gave you?”
Her eyes grew wide as she spoke to me.
“First of all, do you know how rare those are? I don’t even know how you found one.”
“What do you mean?”
“Four-leaf clovers are found in every one of ten thousand three-leaf clovers. It’s the three-leaf clover that’s so popular in an Ireland. Hell, I didn’t even know those grew over here.”
“Wow. Never knew that. I found it in the yard on my way towards the car. I guess you really did bring some Irish luck into my life.”
I saw Evelyn blush before speaking again.
“It also gave me the memory of my grandparents back over in Dublin and just the whole feeling of Ireland once again. I remember every summer after school had ended we would all head over there. Me and my…”
Her smile soon turned into a frown. Without even thinking, or even noticing on my part, my hand was soon on top of hers.
“What’s wrong?”
“Here ya go guys.” The waitress had arrived with our drinks.
“Thank you,” we both replied at the same time. We told her what we wanted off the menus and she was gone in a flash.
I turned back to Evelyn and she started up where she had left off.
“It was a couple days before Saint Patrick’s Day. Ironic enough right? I had just found out that I had been accepted into the college that I’m going to now. My mom and dad were so excited for me. They said they had some business to attend to and would be back before dinner. They never returned. Turns out a car had hit them head on and neither of them survived. I was…devastated. They were the only family I had here.”
She grabbed a hold of the necklace she was wearing. The gold chain sparkled in the light and there at the bottom was a gold heart. It was a locket. She opened it and showed me its contents on the inside. On the left, was a tiny emerald 4-leaf clover. On the right, was a picture of a younger Evelyn and what looked to be her parents.
“A couple days later, I received a phone call. It was the jeweler calling for my parents’ order to be picked up since it was ready. They bought it for me as an early high school graduation present.”
I couldn’t believe what Evelyn had been through. I also couldn’t believe she was telling me all this. I guess she trusted me. And for that I was grateful.
“It’s ashamed of what happened, but I’m sure your parents are really proud of you from up there.” I saw a small smile come back.
“Yeah.”
My hand was still placed on top of hers when our food arrived.
As we ate, Evelyn started a lighter discussion than what we had going before. Like talking about some of her happier memories in Ireland. I told her some of mine as well. Soon, we got into the topics of what our favorite stuff was. The perfect way of getting to know each other. That lasted all the way til desert.
After the bill was paid, we headed back to my car and we drove off.
“So, where to?” I asked Evelyn. It was almost 8 and I certainly didn’t want this night to end just yet.
“You’re the celebrity. Show me some hot spots that we normal folk can’t go to.”
I really wasn’t in the mood for clubbing. Those were the only “hot spots” that I knew of. I mean, I did know about some place on the beach, but we weren’t in the right attire. Maybe another time. Then something that I hadn’t done in a while came into my head.
“Why don’t we just keep it simple and go see a movie?”
“I didn’t even think of that. Sounds great.”
Of course Evelyn had to win in the movie choosing. I got the “or else” look, even though I knew she was just playing. So yeah, an hour and a half of pure chick flick. Gotta love it.
It was a little after 10 when we got into my car once again. I guess it was time to take her home. I still didn’t want this night to end but I knew she had her studies to attend to. Me? Well, I had some rest and relaxation to attend to.
I heard a sigh coming from my right.
“Hey, what’s wrong? You didn’t like the movie?”
“No, it’s not that. I loved it. I just wish my life was like that.”
“Like what?”
“Girl meets boy. Girl and boy fall in love. Girl and boy have a rocky road but get through it anyway. Girl and boy live happily ever after.”
By that comment, I knew Evelyn hadn’t had the best boyfriend experiences. Maybe I could be different.
One hand held onto the steering wheel. The other lay on the arm rest, patiently waiting for Evelyn’s approval. She gladly accepted and I lightly rubbed my thumb over the top of her hand.
“I’ve gotten up to half of step three all my life.”
“I’m sorry but I’m kinda lost on what you mean.”
“Girl meets boy. Step one. Girl and boy supposedly fall in love. Step two. Girl and boy have rough times and never resolve the problem. Half of step three.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll find that special someone before you know it.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Evelyn looking at me with a smile on her face.
“I hope so.”
We sat in a comfortable silence, just listening to the radio.
Soon enough, like de javu, we were in front of Evelyn’s house.
And once again, we stood in front of the door, not wanting to say goodbye. But just like last time, we had to.
“I really enjoyed being with you tonight,” Evelyn said, looking up at me. The 4-leaf clover I had given her earlier was sticking out from one of her skirt pockets.
“Ditto.” She smiled as I used her word. “So, are you gonna answer my question from earlier today?”
“And that was…?” I could tell she knew what I was talking about. That little smirk gave it all away.
“Whether tonight was considered a friend with friend thing, or a date.”
“Oh yes, I remember now.” She looked up and crossed her arms, as if thinking. “Hmm… I guess there’s only one way to find out.”
Her eyes came back towards mine and she nodded, as if giving me permission to ignite what we both wanted to do so badly.
I brushed my hand against her cheek and leaned down to finally seal a promise that, hopefully in her eyes, I would be different than what she’s had before. A new beginning for the both of us. I could feel her arms snake around my back and then my neck. As the kiss depended, one hand moved to Evelyn’s waist. The other stayed on the side of her face. We were both lost in the moment and I felt like I was at my ultimate high.
Evelyn was just…perfect in every way, shape, or form. I don’t know how she could’ve been let go and hurt so many times. Nobody deserved that. Especially her. I knew at that moment, I wanted to see Evelyn again. A lot more. Hopefully she felt like that too.
We finally broke away and I knew it was time to get going.
“Wow,” Evelyn whispered, still in a daze.
I gave a small chuckle before speaking.
“I guess that just being friends theory isn’t gonna work.”
“Nope.”
“So…you wanna continue what we have going?”
“I’m game if you are.”
“Then let the games begin.”
I had no idea where that little comment of mine came from but apparently Evelyn liked it when I saw her smile get a little bit bigger. I hated to be the bearer of bad news but I wanted to confirm something before we started anything.
“It’s going to get a little complicated though. You with school and me with my…”
“Celebrity status?” She finished my sentence.
I looked down and stuck my hands into my pockets.
“Yeah…”
“What’s to get all worried about? Anything’s possible if we don’t think negative about it.”
I looked back up at her and grinned.
“Fortune cookie wisdom. I like.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes, and playfully pointed her finger into my chest.
“You got a problem with that mister?”
“Not at all.” I raised my arms in defense.
“Good. Now give me a hug.”
“With pleasure.”
We hugged and soon Evelyn got out her keys and opened the door. She turned to me.
“Goodnight Lance.”
“Sweet dreams.” And with that, I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and she walked into the house, shutting the door.
And just like last time, I let out a happy sigh as I headed towards my car. I sat down and turned the keys to start it up.
As I was driving back to my own home, a song came on and it caught my attention. The lyrics practically screamed out how I was feeling. Did I want this to be happening? Was I supposed to feel like this? Whatever it was, I wanted it to continue.
Hey girl
We’ve only just met I know, (yeah yeah)
But I like the little I know about you
Girl I can’t live without you
I like your style, I like your smile
I like your style, I like your smile
Thinking a lot about, the way you make me feel,
This time I know that it’s for real, oh yes it is
You touch a special part of me, you make me so happy
Just wanna spend some time with you, ooh yes I do
I like your style, (Girl I like) I like your smile
(I like it)
I like your style, (Girl I like) I like your smile
(I like it)
Daydream a lot about, the way you make me feel,
There’s no doubt you’re the one for me
Oh yes, you are baby
You found a special part of me
It makes me feel so complete
I just wanna spend my life with you, ooh yes I do
Is it the way you walk, maybe the way you talk,
Don’t know exactly, but what I’m sure is,
Is it the way you walk, maybe the way you talk,
Don’t know exactly, but what I’m sure is.
I’ve been waiting all this time (Waiting, waiting)
Waiting patiently to find, (find someone like you)
If you give me your heart, girl I’ll give you mine
(Give you mine)
Let’s stay together, I just wanna be with you
All the time
Girl I like your style
Girl you make me smile
Everything you do (I like it)
*The song “I Like Your Style” by MYTOWN*