Chapter 3 Evie's Scheme [James' POV]

When Trish told me a week ago that she wanted a divorce I couldn't believe what I had heard. My wife wanted to leave me because of something like that?

I tried explaining that it wasn't what it looked like, well it was, but I didn't expect Evie to do what she did. She and I have been friends for so long and she has always been a part of our family. Our families would have dinners on a regular and we became close. Not as close as she and Gabby, my sister, but I enjoyed her company as a friend of my sister's. Never in why wildest dreams did I expect to see her to do what she did.

It was a typical Sunday afternoon at my parents, and I had gone over for dinner. Trish said she was going to visit her family instead since she doesn't see them as much and I understood. Her parents lived almost three hours away and she'd visit every few months.

My mom and Gabby were in the kitchen while my dad and I were watching the game. The ringing of the doorbell at some point during the game alerted me to the presence of the Stone family. My dad was glued to the game, so I went to let them in. The smile and greetings were as warm as usual, and they each gave me a hug. Evie's hug lasted a bit longer than normal, but I ignored it. It was normal for us to greet each other with hugs, so I brushed it off and we all went inside.

Grant, Evie's dad joined in on the game while her mom, Sarah went to the kitchen with the food she had brought over. Normally, Evie would've gone to the kitchen but this time she didn't and instead asked for me to talk with her outside. I nodded in response, and we went to the seating area at the front of the house.

She started spilling her guts about this guy that she likes and is struggling to get her to like him. I wasn't sure why she was telling me this at first but then told me she wanted a guy's perspective - which to me made sense. I was guy and we were friends so why not. I asked a few questions about the guy, but her answers were a bit vague, again I thought nothing of it.

She spoke about him being a bit older and how they'd known each other for years. She'd always had a crush on him, but she had never found the courage to confess. When she finally had worked up the courage, he started dating. I could tell she was crushed by the way she spoke and the only thing I could say was to encourage her to confess.

"There's no harm in putting yourself out there. He can either accept your feelings or reject, but as at least you can say you tried."

She leaned over and I thought she was going to give me a hug as a thank you, but I suddenly felt her body in my lap. Her hands grabbed mine and placed them on either side of her waist. Before I could react, I felt her lips on mine. The kiss was quick as I wasn't participating, much to her dismay, but I didn't care. The only person I thought and cared about was Trish and I'd hate for her to see this scene.

I love Trish with all my heart, but I didn't realise giving Evie advice would lead to this.