Given Everett's charm and success, wasn't it normal for women to throw themselves at him?
"He wouldn't do that."
"l used to believe Everett wouldn't, but you know, once a man starts acting out of character, you gotta keep your eyes peeled! If |
ever caught a whiff of Jeffrey acting funny, I'd be on it like a hawk. You, my dear, need to stop being so laid-back and carefree
about this!"
"I'll talk to him when he gets htonight, okay?"
"Do you honestly think a maning hwith a guilty conscience is going to spill the beans just like that?"
"Here's what we'll do! Next the says he's working late, you givea call. We'll head down to the Lopez Corporation together
and see if he's really buried in work or just playing hooky."
Dorothy appreciated the concern, truly.
But...
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"I trust him. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
Karen went on for a bit longer before they finally ended the call.
Dorothy was about to check on the project progress on herputer when Everett's car pulled into the driveway.
She heard the engine shut off and went to the door, opening it to see Everett walking up with several bags in hand.
"Brought back seats."
"Perfect timing. | was just getting hungry," Dorothy said, smiling as she took the bags from him.
As Everett bent down to take off his shoes, Dorothy caught a whiff of something fragrant!
It wasn't like any cologne she knew; it was more like the scent of fresh flowers.
If it was cologne, it was impressively subtle...
"Did you swing by the office just now?"
Dorothy asked, trying to sound casual.
"Just tidying up sloose ends," Everett replied, his answer vague.
He didn't confirm or deny going back to the office.
Dorothy didn't suspect him of infidelity, but she did realize Everett was hiding something from her, something he had been dealing
with lately.
After changing, Everett made his way directly to the shower, a ritual aftering home.
Once he was in, Dorothy picked up Everett's jacket and sniffed it again, confirming the scent of fresh flowers, and... she even found
a tiny piece of what seemed like a leaf on the cuff.
What could possibly involve flowers?
Dorothy pondered for a moment, then a slight smile formed on her lips.
Perhaps he was planning another surprise, or maybeanizing a housewarming for their new place.
"Are Abigail and Langston asleep yet?"
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Everett emerged from the bathroom, loosely wrapped in a bathrobe, toweling off his hair.
"l don't think so."
"I'll go check on them."
As Everett moved to leave, Dorothy suddenly stepped closer, looking into his eyes. "Is the construction at Bay Residence wrapping
up soon?"
"Almost there."
"Oh."
He gave a slight smile, moving behind her to wrap his arms around Dorothy's waist. "Why, feeling homesick? Not settling in here?"
"Not at all," Dorothy shook her head. "Anywhere with you and the kids is hto me. I'm fine anywhere."
"I've been pushing the contractors. We'll definitely finish before the baby arrives."
Dorothy wanted to ask him directly about the flowers, but then she thought better of it.
If he wasn't ready to talk, she reasoned, there must be a good reason for it.