Tom knocked again. He saw her car. When she opened the door, she had red blotchy skin around her eyes. Her eyes looked as sad as they had the day he first saw her. That look, had disappeared when they were together.
"Tom. Let me get you your key."
He grabbed her hand. "Evie, what's wrong?"
Pulling away, she said, "I can't do this anymore. I love Lily and will continue to see her, but you and me. It isn't working."
"How can you say that? Is it because I took too long to figure this out? I just wanted to be certain this time and I am. I really am," Tom said with sincerity and fear combined.
"This time?"
"Before we moved, there was a woman. I jumped into a relationship, but I wasn't ready. Lily hated her, and I wasn't in love. One of the benefits of moving was getting rid of her. Sorry if that makes me sound awful."
"You've kept me at arm's length and I put up with it because, I thought you weren't ready and then I found out you've already had a lover."
"What did Judy tell you?" Tom asked agitated.
"She assumed things about us and said at least I liked Lily, unlike the last one." Evie felt like she spat her words.
"I'm sorry. I know I hurt you, but I needed to be certain of how I felt about you because you're different. I wasn't deciding what I wanted for right now. I was deciding for always. I know it took me too long, but now I know for certain, I love you. Truly love you forever." He opened his heart to her.
"You love me?" she asked timidly.
"Yes, and I can't lose you. Please tell me. Do you love me too?"
"Yes. I have for a while." She smiled.
Tom gathered her in his arms and kissed her. It differed from the kisses they shared that first night. These were full of passion and love and desire.
Evie never thought she would kiss him again. Over and over her head kept saying, he loves me. He loves me!
When they broke off breathless, Evie said, "I don't think she likes me."
"Who? Judy? She's the one who convinced me that Deanna would want me to be happy. Me and Lily. You make us happy, very happy."
They kissed again. Evie's knees felt weak, so she leaned into him and felt his hard body. Her body was truly alive for the first time in a very long time. She never wanted to let go.
Tom said, "I have one more concern. Can you handle being with me? I can't change my job, it's too important."
"I've thought about it. I know you've been keeping it from me and that's not fair to ask. I need to move on and I can't think of a better place to heal than in your arms. I love you and to lose you would hurt as much as when I..."
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