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Until I met Tell. And Gavin. And Evan.
He drinks me in one last time, shaking his head as I close the door.
It makes me ache, wishing he’d do something about it.
It’s a vibrant, cool, early summer day. Basically, your perfect Saturday.
And I get to ride into the hills in a convertible. Evan’s sunglasses don’t hide the way his head drops, telling me he’s getting just as much of an eyeful as Gavin.
Our drive is actually pleasant for a change.
Ever since my discovery of Evan’s little secret, I’ve wondered how the next time we saw each other would go. Apparently, it means he’s content to not criticize me or give me the list of how I should act. At least today.
Maybe he’s lowering his defenses. Or I need to be very careful to keep mine up. In case this turns out to be another test.
It certainly tests my self-control the way he’s dressed today.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in anything but black, dark gray, or navy. The light blue shirt he’s sporting, tucked neatly into his cream slacks, looks positively mouthwatering. He wears everything he owns like it was designed for his frame and his attitude.
So, despite the feeling that things are a little more relaxed, there’s friction between us. Friction that was only hinted at before, simmering under the surface.
Now it’s tangible. Tight.
I can’t be around him without thinking about…
Heaven.
Knowing that there are tattoos hidden under whatever he’s wearing, running the length of his back, stomach, legs, shoulders. All directing the eye to his best features.
“What are we getting into today?” I force out, trying to push my scalding thoughts aside.
“Mailman jobs.” He smirks as he says it. “Simple things. Little favors I like to see to personally.”
“I take it there’s a difference between these and the petty squabbles you avoid?”
“Naturally. It doesn’t pay to get caught up with every menial task. Everyone has money to pay for conveniences. That’s what Uber and DoorDash are for.”
It makes me think of how Todd or Jake from SHSU would blow up my phone day and night asking for stupid shit. Stuff they just didn’t want to be bothered buying or doing.
And I was happy to do it.
It’s what Evan would call ‘chump change’. Wastes of time.
More importantly, I’m beginning to learn how emotionally driven requests and petty asks can cause unnecessary conflict. Unhappy customers blame the provider.
“It really comes down to positive or negative. I’m pleased to take on positively driven desires. I try to avoid the ones driven by hatred and malice.” Interesting. Not that I thought Evan was a contract killer, but it is relieving to hear more and more that the bulk of the work we do is for good reasons.
The first three stops are simple. Drop offs at a small church parish, a food bank, and an orphanage.
Someone signs, shakes Evan’s hand. They’re grateful for whatever it is we’ve brought.
And Evan is gracious, quiet, and… kind.
Especially to the older man at the orphanage. They chat for a moment while I wait in the car, and I see just how little I know about my benefactor. There’s more to Evan than his cool façade. I know there had to be, but he’s convincing.
And any trace of the warmth I see traces of with each delivery vanishes the second he turns away to walk back to the car.
I’m definitely going to bribe Geneviv to let me see the reports on these on Monday.
