Chapter twenty : Everly

I locked the door and leaned against it as I slid down on the floor. I still couldn't believe what happened. I cried. For the first time in seven years I cried in front of somebody else, I showed them my weak side, but it wasn't just somebody, it was Lucifer. The guy I told myself to stay away from. I pushed him away with all my might but he pulled me back to himself. He held me close while I cried, he didn't look at me with stone eyes like others, he held me like I was something precious. For the first time in my life I felt protected and cherished, even if it was just for a moment.

Maybe he really was a good person, someone who won't hurt me. Maybe I was thinking too much. Even though my mind asked me step back my heart asked me to take the risk. I almost forgot how to trust anyone. Could I do that again? I didn't really know. But I knew one thing for sure I'd give him a chance, I'd give myself a chance.

With a smile on my face I got up but slumped back down when my hand slid. I looked down and realised I was still in his suit jacket. I forgot to return it. I carefully got up and stood in front of the mirror. I wore the jacket properly and then looked at myself. It fell down to my mid-thigh and the sleeves were too long for my arms. I flapped my arms and smiled at myself and took it off. Carefully I kept it on my bed and headed for my closet. I brought back a hanger, as I was sliding the jacket on it I noticed a patch. It was on the inner lining of the inside pocket and it read–'Monsieur Lucifer' in beautiful golden threads. Okay so it was definitely custom made. I gently slid it on and then hung the hanger back in my closet. It really stood out in my closet filled with thrift store clothes. I grabbed my pajamas and then headed out for a shower.

***

"Tell me you won." Peyton stood beside me in the locker room of the café.

"I did," I smiled. She took me in a bear hug, "I knew it, I knew it. I knew you'd win." She started jumping with me. "I am so proud of you Everly."

"Thank you Peyton but we ought to get out now or Mr. James is going to be–"

"Going to be what?" Mr. James walked into the locker room. Peyton still had me in her hug, I pushed at her to leave me and reluctantly she did. "Congratulations Everly. I heard you won." He smiled.

"Thank you Mr. James."

"So for celebrating this I'm going to give you a day off."

"But I –"

"No you should go rest, I'm quite sure it'd been quite hectic for you there. You should go rest. And if you don't I'll take it off on your paycheck." Wait what was that? I looked at him surprised and he shrugged.

So after fifteen minutes I was back outside. I had a morning shift today so after the off I now had a full day to myself. What should I do? Oh yes, I knew. I planned on buying a gift for Lucifer so maybe I could go do that.

So what should I get him? He already had everything. I walked around the mall aimlessly, wandering about hoping for the gift to pop out in front of me. I visited a few shops but nothing there caught my eye. Man it really was tough buying a gift for somebody. Somebody who had everything, also somebody you knew only for a few months. I sighed and decided to head back when one shop caught my eye. It wasn't a fancy one like the others but it wouldn't hurt giving it a try.

The bell dinged when I opened the door, an old lady greeted me, "Oh my dear, good evening. What would you like to have?"

"Can I look around?" I asked. She nodded and then left me alone. I walked around the aisles looking at the shelves and the glass enclosed tables. I stopped when something caught my eye, in one of the table showcases I found a box which had a pair of cufflinks. They weren't anything extravagant but were beautiful. They were matte black sharp faceted triangular shaped and had a lyre emblem etched on the toggle. They had an understated appeal, something he might go for. This was it. I found his gift. "Excuse me," I called for the woman and she was beside me within a few minutes. "I'd like to buy these." I pointed at them. She looked at them with a smile, "Good choice dear I'll pack them for you."

"Thank you."

I walked back happily, I'd finally found something for him. Now there was only one trivial matter, how was I supposed to give it to him. I couldn't just barge into his place and shout, "Hey Lucifer, I got you a gift. Now return my watch." Should I parcel this to him? Buying a gift was one task and giving it was another. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, taking it out an unknown number flashed on the screen. "Hello," I said.

"Everly," I knew who it was. I felt him smile, "What were you doing?"

"Nothing much, I got a day off." I said back.

"That is really good. Do you remember the promised dinner?"

I nodded, and realized he couldn't see me. "Yes I do."

"So shall we have it today? You don't have any later engagements, right?"

Perfect, I could also give him his gift. "Everly?"

"Yeah, I'm here. Yes we can have it today, I mean if you're free."

"I'll always be free for you sweetheart. So it's done. I'll pick you up at seven from your place. Okay?"

Like an idiot I nodded again and I guessed he saw it because he continued, "I cannot wait to see you my sweet Everly." And he hung up.

I stared down at the screen, I was going to have a dinner with him. Wow. I looked up the time, it was four. I had three hours but looking at my past records, even with this much time I still somehow managed to get late, so I rushed back to my apartment.

Getting back I wrapped the box for him and then ran a quick shower. I put on a pair of black jeans and a white shirt. I completed my look with my lucky black jacket and white sneakers. I looked at myself in the mirror debating to put my hair up. I decided on it. I pulled up my hair in a high ponytail. Taking a last look, I gave myself a thumbs up. I looked up at the clock it was quarter to seven. Good, I'll not be late. I grabbed the bag with his suit jacket inside it and the present, then locking the door I headed downstairs where I was greeted by Casper. He barked when he saw me and started wagging his tail. "Casper," I bent down on my knees and scratched him behind his ears, knowing he would like it. He barked again, elated and I laughed.

"Seems he likes you very much." I looked up and saw Lucifer standing on the pavement. His suit was navy blue today with a crisp white shirt and a black tie. "This is Casper." Casper turned to him and then back at me. He barked again and went off. "See you," I waved at him.

I stood at my spot for a second and then walked toward him. As if he was waiting for me to walk he started toward me and closed the distance. He cupped my cheeks, "I missed you." Then leaned down and kissed behind my ear, I felt shivers through my body. Maybe I should've let my hair down. "Come," he took my hand in his and lead me to his car. He helped me in and then got in his seat. "So what would you like to have?" He asked putting on his seat belt.

"Anything would do," I said.

"Good, I have a place in mind," he started the engine and drove out.

I really, really hoped everything went well. Because my brain kind of went on a full strike when he was around. I just had to keep my calm and it'd be alright. I assured myself.