Faith had stayed with Eve last night in the hospital. She called Asher to let him know that she wasn’t bleeding internally nor did she have any broken bones. It was a damn miracle. The doctors concluded that she was bruised and sore but healthy enough for them to discharge her this afternoon. The only positive that came out of it was that the fucker was in custody. He was charged with domestic battery, and the police department was working on getting a restraining order.
Faith told us the cops had taken photos of Eve and collected evidence of text messages and voicemails on her phone that built a solid case against Gerald. The cops assured them the chances were high of him being convicted of his crimes.
I heaved myself out of the warm embrace of the bed and shuffled to the bathroom. I ran a hand through my short black hair and sighed. Tired eyes stared back at me as I pulled out my toothbrush and squirted some minty flavored toothpaste on it.
After brushing my teeth, I threw on some clothes and headed downstairs to the cafeteria. I wasn’t sure if we were still on schedule but wanted to see if Asher had any more news. I hoped Mags was doing better. She was distraught last night. She went into the bathroom and didn’t come back out when Asher and I were there.
“Hey. Wasn’t sure if anyone would still meet up for breakfast.” Asher smiled at me.
I shrugged. “I wanted to see if you heard anything else.”
He clicked his tongue. “Well, Evelyn was in some emotional distress last night. Thankfully, her physical injuries weren’t as bad as they seemed. She has bruising on her left cheek, around her neck, and grip marks around her arms. She also has a busted lip and a black eye. But she’s trying to comprehend everything right now. Declan took Mags to the hospital early this morning. They should be back before lunch.”
White-hot jealousy shot through me at the thought of Declan being there for Mags at a time like this, but this was what I wanted—what I still wanted—wasn’t it? “That’s good.”
He nodded as Jamie and John joined us. “Good morning.”
Jamie frowned, concern swirled in her eyes. “Is Evelyn alright? Faith texted us what happened.”
Asher explained what he had just told me before my uncle strode into the room in a uniform shade of a bleak grey business suit as crisp as the money he made.
His black hair was slicked back and his icy-blue eyes bore holes into us. The man oozed authority from his pores. “Asher, what happened here last night? Security called me saying Evelyn had been hurt by some man?”
Asher rubbed his chin. “Evelyn broke up with her abusive boyfriend last night, and he lashed out. Faith and Magnolia are at the hospital with her. Aside from some injuries, she’s okay. They’re discharging her this afternoon.”
Uncle Joseph's eyes shifted to me. “I’m sure both of you have it under control. It’s good to see you, son.” His hand clasped on my shoulder.
I smiled at him. “Good to see you too, Uncle Joe.”
He scratched the back of his head. “Well, I’ll be around until the wedding. You kids have fun. I’ll stay out of your hair.”
Asher chuckled. “We don’t mind if you hang out with us.”
“Well, I have work to do, you know. But If you need me, I’m in room sixty. Tell Faith to come see me when she gets back.” He winked before tapping on his phone and walking away.
“He’s so much friendlier now.” I gaped at my Dad’s cold-hearted brother as he strolled away.
Joseph Reed was a hardass, cutthroat lawyer. He worked in the city an hour out from Violet Ridge and was a thriving workaholic. Faith had spent most of her time growing up at our lake house. She was like my little sister. But, ever since that asshole ex-fiancé of hers cheated, her dad had been more present in her life. It was good to see the old man gain a heart.
“Yeah, Faith’s really happy about it.” He smiled.
The rest of breakfast was quiet. We had all gone back to our rooms afterward. Mags lingered on my mind as I counted down the minutes until they were supposed to come back. The woman did things to me I wished were impossible. But Declan was a good fit for her, better than me. Right?
Day Three
12 PM - Lunch
Faith, Evelyn, Declan, and I boarded the ferry to the resort. The ocean waves rocked the boat in a perfect rhythm. Wind gusted around us as I stared at Evelyn. The bruising was prominent upon her skin. Her hair was flowing free, frizzy, and uncontrollable in the wind.
“Stop it.” She glared in my direction. “I will be fine.”
The tightness around my eyes softened. “I know you will be, but I’m allowed to worry, honey.”
She huffed and nodded her head before staring back out at the ocean. “As much as I love the idea of eating lunch, I think I’m going to take a nap when we get back. But I’m not missing scuba diving. That sounds way too cool.”
Faith’s head whipped toward her. “You’re staying?”
Eve reached up and gathered her hair to the side. “I’m not missing my best friend’s wedding because of that monster.”
Faith nodded and wrapped an arm around her. “I’m so glad we’re getting our Eve back.”
I joined in on the hug. “We’ve missed you, babe.”
She sniffled. “I’ve missed you guys too. I was just trying to force the impossible. I should’ve known nobody could measure up to Flynn.”
Faith and I shared a look of concern and tightened our hug.
“You are worth more than you know,” I said.
Once we reached the resort, Faith and I walked her to her new room. The staff had relocated Eve’s belongings to a different room so she didn’t have to stay in the room that reminded her
