Chapter 40
Walden didn’t hesitate. “Sounds great, Mr. Hayes.”
Hugo gave Evalina a long, intense look. “Evalina, please do come.” Then he just brushed past them.
Evalina inwardly cursed Hugo. This guy was seriously something else.
Once everyone else bailed, Walden walked over to Evalina. “You cool, Evalina?” he asked, looking her over.
Evalina managed a smile. “What’s there to be bummed about?” she said, trying to keep it light.
Walden scratched his head. “I don’t know. I just got this feeling that he focused on you.”
Evalina looked up, eyes wide. “Me? What are you talking about?”
Walden shook his head. “I feel like Hugo’s got a thing for you. Like he’s really into you or something.”
“A thing for me? Nah… you’re probably just tripping,” she said with a forced chuckle.
Walden’s face turned serious. “But what if Hugo’s onto something? Like, figured out who you really are… His voice got quiet, a hint of worry there.
Evalina was like, “No way. I’m just a nobody to him. Why would he dig into my life? Even if he found out I’m Fate, I’m still just a designer,” she said, standing her ground.
Walden shook his head and sighed, “What do you say that? You’re not ‘just a designer, Evalina. I mean, did your ex mess with your head before the divorce? You seem so down on yourself since you came back.”
Evalina went quiet. Hugo’s presence alone was enough to make her feel off. “No way,” she finally said, more to herself than him.
“Alright, you’ll get it eventually,” Walden said, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. “Just be more careful if you don’t want him to find out.”
Walden knew the buzz around Fate’s return was already stirring things up. Evalina had no clue about the fuss she was causing.
And he had to admit, he was being a bit selfish. If she realized she was the hot ticket these top companies were after, would she still stick around, staying by his side?
They pulled up to the restaurant and got inside.
Hugo was already there, sitting at the round table with a bunch of other folks. He was staring at Evalina like he couldn’t believe she showed up.
Walden, being the nice guy he is, pulled out a chair for her and let her sit down first.
Evalina felt a little weird about it, but she figured it was just Walden being a gentleman. If Hugo thought anything else, it just showed how much of a stick–in–the–mud he could be.
But Evalina didn’t realize just how much of a stick–in–the–mud Hugo could be. “Ms. O’Donnell,” he said, “you look so familiar. Like someone I used to know. So, first drink’s on me.”
He gave a little nod, and someone filled Evalina’s glass with bourbon, some strong liquor.
Evalina looked at the glass and her heart sank. Seeing Hugo raising his glass, she smiled, “Mr. Hayes, I’m gonna have to pass. I don’t really drink. Maybe we can toast with water instead?”
Hugo’s face went all stiff. Walden could tell things were about to get tense,
So he said, “Mr. Hayes, Evalina’s telling the truth. She’s not feeling great, and she doesn’t drink. How about I take a sip for her?”
Hugo slammed his glass down like he didn’t even hear Walden. “She can’t drink? Or does she just not want to drink with me?”
Evalina looked at Hugo, her expression serious. She got a baby on the way and she’d gotta take care of herself, so there was no way she drank this. Not a chance.
