Alone

Patience

Evie enjoyed her day with Tom and Lily. She loved how happy Lily was. Tom sat back and observed. At times, he had a smile or a smirk on his face, but at other times he looked sad. Of course, Evie knew from the first time she saw his amazing, yet sad eyes he was still mourning. A few kisses between them wouldn't change that.

When she agreed to let him call, she was nervous, especially after he had commented about her hurting Lily. As she listened to his reasoning, she agreed that taking it slow was wise. Truthfully, she knew so little about him other than his profession and he was a loving, caring father. She didn't even know how old he was, but she assumed he was more than a few years older than her. He would have to be older to accomplish as much as he had, including becoming department head.

Evie also noticed a little gray around his temples. She found it enhanced his good looks. He was incredibly sexy, and she knew there was no way they would limit a physical relationship to just making out or whatever it was called these days. Yet they were both too old to have casual sex. Getting to know each other better was a good plan. Evie wondered just how long it would take? Weeks or months? She hoped not months.

They had a nice conversation on the phone and he called at nine-fifteen the following night. Evie deduced that Lily's bedtime must be nine o'clock. Evie started getting ready for bed before nine. Often she'd hang up and turn over.

The next time she saw Tom was when he came for Lily on Wednesday. Some evenings he came after she left. When he walked under the arches, he winked at her and she felt a flip in her belly. When Lily said goodbye, Tom just smiled. Knowing they would talk later was their secret.

On Friday, Tom had promised to bring dinner. Lily was happy to be back at Evie's apartment. While they waited, Evie painted Lily's fingernails and learned all about her friends and the drama of being in seventh grade.

When Tom arrived with Thai food, Lily was excited and dug right into the pad Thai. Tom looked tired or more accurately worn out. When Lily went to the bathroom. Evie put her hand on his. "Is everything alright?"

He responded, by giving her hand a reassuring squeeze which set a fire within her. He answered, "It was a trying day, but you don't want to hear about it."

Evie knew that he was protecting her from pain, but who would he turn to if not her. Perhaps they weren't a good match, but she was developing strong feelings for him.

Lily asked if they could see Evie again over the weekend. Both she and Tom looked at each other and feeling bold, Evie said, "I could cook you dinner. What do you like?"

Lily said, "Anything! Everything!"

"How about lasagne? I haven't made it in a long time. It isn't a meal for one."

"We can come back and I can see Dewey," Lily said excited.

Tom laughed. "Sassy won't like that you've found another cat."

"So tomorrow night or Sunday?" Evie asked.

Lily answered, "Tomorrow."

"It looks like it's decided then." Tom winked. He hadn't joked, but perhaps she'd tease him a little to test his sense of humor.

"Alright if I cook, you can clean up," she said with a smile.

He thought a moment. "I'll tell you what. I'll clean my plate and ask for more. That's if you can cook as good as you say you can."

"Oh I guarantee, I am good," she said with an undertone.

"I'll clean up this table now," Tom said changing focus.

Evie followed him to her little kitchen with the dirty plates. Tom turned, and she was right behind him. He whispered in her ear, "Be careful, I can tease too."

His breath on her ear felt like electric shocks that made her skin tingle and it spread throughout her body. This would be harder than she realized.

Sounding serious, he asked, "Are you sure you can cook in this small kitchen? You could use my kitchen."

"Do you even have pans?"

"I kept most of the kitchen items from, ah, before."

"You can talk about her, Tom. I don't mind. What was her name?"

"Deanna." He whispered as if it was a sacred word, much like when she said, Gabriel.

"Evie come see what Dewey is doing!" Lily called to her, interrupting them.

She smiled. "I'll clean up later. Bring out that box will you." She pointed to a bakery box on her counter. "I snuck out at lunchtime."

They enjoyed the cupcakes, and then her guests left so Lily could get to bed. Evie hoped that Tom would call her.

When her phone rang her heart lurched, she knew little by little that she was falling for him. She heard his voice, and it was like music.

"Someone was feisty tonight"

"You enjoyed it." She laughed.

"I did. Do you really want to cook for us?"

"Of course, I need to show off my skills."

He laughed. "Do you want to cook here? My kitchen is bigger."

"Alright."

She secretly hoped that after Lily went to bed, Tom would kiss her, but she knew a week was too soon to sort through feelings.

She arrived at Tom's with sacks full of groceries. Lily was interested in what she was doing, so she taught her. She was a willing student. It was enjoyable, but Tom watched with a look of sadness. Evie was sure that he thought her mother, not Evie should teach her to cook.

Evie wondered if she could ever compete with Deanna, but she wanted to be with them as often as she could. Once Lily was in bed, it felt awkward. Why was it they were fine on the phone, but didn't know what to say in person? Evie wanted to reach out and hold his hand, but refused to make the first move.

When she was ready to leave, she looked up at him and said goodnight. As Tom ushered her to the door, he lightly touched her back. His fingers left a warm lingering feeling behind. That night she dreamed of many more touches.

The weeks progressed and Evie woke to realize that she'd known Tom and Lily for over a month. Nothing had changed between them, but she knew she had to give him time and patience.

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