Two people locked eyes, neither willing to break the silent standoff.
After a lengthy pause, Dorothy spoke first, "Did you rush back hbecause of that phone call | made?" "No." Everett replied sharply, looking down at her, "It was because of my mother's trial." The air between them tinged with a strange tension with that sentence.
"Oh." Dorothy muttered.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"I'm involved with you only because you're the mother of Abigail and Langston. Don't read too much into it." Dorothy nodded with a cool demeanor, "I wasn't overthinking." Everett didn’t say anything in reply.
"Like I said before, it was wrong ofto disturb you after having a few too many. It won't happen again," Dorothy declared with a straightforward bow, devoid of any coyness or emotion, "I'm sorry." Her bow seemed to suggest that Everett had gone to great lengths to bring her here just to see her genuflect.
They hadn't seen each other for months, and this was how they reunited.
Everett's temper flared even more because of that, "Dorothy, what's the point of this performance?" "No point," she replied, tugging at her lips slightly, "Though I promised it won't happen again, if you're still worried, you could... change your number." That would settle things once and for all. And she wouldn't seek out his new number.
"Do you know how much of a hassle it is forto change my number? This whole situation could be avoided if you just stopped drinking." "I want to drink." Dorothy craved a peaceful, deep sleep.
Showing a rare resolution, she met Everett's gaze and said, "Everett, getting drunk is my right. | hope you won't arbitrarily take that away from me." "Then giveone good reason you need to drink." Everett remembered Dorothy rarely touched alcohol. Even at business functions where she couldn't avoid it, she'd dodge it if possible or drink as little as she could.
"Why do | need to give you a reason? | believe it's sufficient that | ensure and deliver on not bothering you anymore." The rest was her freedom.
"Dorothy!" "Everett, I'm trying to reason with you calmly," Dorothy inhaled deeply, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration, "Whether | drink at my apartment or go to a bar, or even if | find sguy to drink with, it's none of your business. We've been divorced for years. It has nothing to do with you." That stung - 'nothing to do with you." Everett could never outdo her in harsh words. While he might sound angry and loud, Dorothy's cutting remarks were delivered expressionlessly, giving no face, quarter or emotional preparation.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHaving said her piece, Dorothy turned to leave, not caring about Everett's darkening expression. Kevin, who had been watching the unfold, quickly intercepted her, "Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Lopez is just concerned about your wellbeing..." He couldn't fathom why these two were at loggerheads.
Clearly, neither had moved on.
Dorothy remained silent, but Everett spoke up, "What does her health have to do with me? I'm only worried about Abigail and Langston getting hurt!" "Mr. Lopez! Oh, con!" Kevin snapped.
"I won't die before the verdict is in, so sparethe concern," she pressed her lips together. She paused after stepping away, "And stop having people follow me. I'd appreciate it if you could be a decent ex." Everett said nothing.
"Hey? Ms. Sanchez!" Kevin started to follow her, but glanced at Mr. Lopez for direction.
With a stern face and clenched teeth, Everett ordered, "It's dark out. Make sure she gets hsafely."