Did you throw up? " Evelyn closed her eyes, the humiliation washing over her in a hot wave. "Where is your father? " "Making coffee. " Right on cue, Owen walked into the room. He was wearing faded jeans and a plain black t-shirt. He looked just as exhausted as he had the night before, with dark circles bruising the skin under his eyes. He held a ceramic mug in one hand and a glass of water in the other.
He stopped, taking in the sight of the billionaire CEO huddled on his terrible sofa, being interrogated by his six-year-old. "Maya, go eat in the kitchen," Owen said. His voice was gentle but firm. Mia pouted. "But I'm watching her.
She's not an exhibit kitchen now. Maya dragged her feet, shooting Evelyn one last, assessing glare before disappearing around the corner. Owen walked over and set the water glass on the coffee table right next to the dinosaur. He pushed two white pills across the scratched wood. Take these.
Drink the whole glass. You're severely dehydrated. Evelyn pulled the flannel shirt tighter around her legs. She felt entirely exposed, stripped of her armor. She was used to commanding rooms to dictating terms.
Here, sitting on a sagging couch in a stranger's apartment. She had absolutely no leverage. "I need my phone," she demanded. It came out weaker than she intended. "You lost it at the gala," Owen reminded her, taking a sip from his mug.
The coffee smelled burnt. "You don't have a phone, a purse, or shoes. The only thing you have is a massive headache. " Evelyn swallowed hard, reaching for the water. Her hand shook slightly as she downed the pills. My dress in a plastic bag by the door.
I rinsed it in the tub, but the silk is probably ruined. You threw up on it. Owen didn't soften the blow. He stated it like a line item on an inventory report. Evelyn flushed.
She looked away, staring at the chipped paint on the wall. I need to leave. I have a board meeting at 10:00. I need a car. Owen let out a short, humorless laugh.
A car? Lady? I live in a walk up above a bodega. You want a black car? You're going to have to conjure one.
I can call you a ride share from my phone. Fine, do that. Evelyn stood up. The room tilted again, but she locked her knees, refusing to show weakness. She looked down at her bare legs.
I cannot leave wearing just this. Owen sighed. He walked down the hall and returned a minute later with a pair of worn gray sweatpants. He tossed them onto the couch. They have a drawstring.