Chapter 5 The goody bag

EVELYN

From: Scott Greyson

Sweethearts, good morning! Boss is hosting a get-together party today at 2:00 PM in his home. I'll pick you up at one, text me your address.

I texted him back with my address and then went to my closet to choose my party wear. I still had a few hours to get ready because it was just 10 A.M. I'd heard that occasionally, our boss would host a get-together party at the office so that our coworkers could socialize. It was considerate of him.

Just as I was getting ready, there came a knock on my bedroom door. Edward was standing behind it with his hands in his pockets as I opened it. The recollections of our fight from last night quickly invaded my mind.

"Yes?"

"Can I come in?"

I did not want him to, though. However, I was wondering why he was here. To let him in, I widened the door. As though this was his first visit, he surveyed the space. It was. He hadn't visited my bedroom in the previous six months.

His eyes landed on my clothes on the bed, my bra and underwear, and he asked, "Going somewhere?"

I quickly hid them beneath the pillow after blushing. "I was invited to a work party."

"On Sunday?"

"Yes, hence why it was called a party." I didn't have to divulge the specifics to him. "So, why are you here again?"

After giving me a long look, he cleared his throat. "I would like to discuss last night. I should not have been so impolite to you, and everything I said wounded you. You were correct; that wasn't fair to you. Thus, yes."

I was wondering who the hell this guy in front of me was as I stared at him. "I've never heard an apology from someone as bad as that one."

What happened to the expressions of regret such as "I'm sorry for hurting you" or "I apologize for speaking to you like that"?

"That's my way to apologize."

"Then you have a shitty way of doing it," I replied, shaking my head. "Well, I didn't have high expectations for you. We've been squabbling for months, so it was inevitable that we would argue."

I was stung by his statements last night, but it wasn't the first time. It was something I was used to. That was our nature.

Edward didn't say anything; he just looked at me, leaving me to wonder what was going through his mind.

"If there's nothing you want to say to me again, I'd like to get ready."

He simply nodded before walking out of my room. After he left, I shut the door and prepared for the celebration.

I couldn't help but wonder what the hell had just transpired back there under the shower.

*

It was a lovely celebration. It was good to meet new individuals and get to know more members of the company's staff.

Gathered on the lawn, we witnessed Matthew deliver a powerful motivational speech about his job at his company. It was no secret that our boss was adored by all, as Matthew genuinely cared about his staff in addition to being incredibly nice and giving. He even enjoyed occasionally playing football with his staff on the weekends, and he made it clear that we should never think of him as our boss but rather as a friend.

"He's so perfect, isn't he?" With a dreamy sigh, Greyson watched as our boss got up to excuse himself.

I gave a headshake. "Isn't he married or something?"

"He's not, otherwise we would meet his wife at every gathering party."

He was not wrong.

All I knew about Matthew was that he was 35 years old and had taken over the company's operations three years prior, following his father's departure from the role owing to a health issue.

Everyone at the firm mentioned how different he was from his father. Wilson Sr. was stiff and rigid, but Matthew was laid back. Everyone liked working with him because of this. As did I.

"I need to use the bathroom, do you guys know where it is?"

"Second door to your left." Greyson gestured inside the residence.

I stood up and headed to the restroom. When I emerged from the room after taking care of business, I saw that Matthew had simply strolled by. He paused when he saw me.

"Hey, Evelyn."

"Hi, Matt." I smiled at him. "Nice party."

"I'm grateful. Did you enjoy yourself?"

"In actuality, I did. You gave a really powerful speech. I see why working with you is enjoyable for everyone."

"I couldn't have done it without them, it's teamwork."

"I agreed with that."

He grinned. "Anyway, have you been to my art room?"

"You have an art room?"

"Yes, I do. Would you like to have a look at it?"

"Yes." Is that necessary? I adore the arts.

He guided me to the room located in the house's corner. The room had a simple white paint job, but numerous canvases were hanging on each side of the walls. I moved in closer to have a closer look. Every painting was simply breathtaking.

"Did you do all of these? "I did."

"Whoa, that's incredible. Matt, you truly are talented."

"I'm grateful. When I have leisure time, I prefer to paint. I worked and thought a lot on these paintings."

I was so taken aback by his painting ability that I could only nod in response. I studied each painting, and he trailed behind. My heart skipped a beat when I saw this photograph of a guy and a lady dancing on the beach. Life suddenly sort of flashed before my eyes.

I sensed Matthew standing next to me. "You like it?"

I gave a nod. "Yes, I do. It makes me think of my folks."

"It does?"

"My parents used to love taking me to the beach when I was little. I smiled at the recollections of my parents as I sat down on the coast and watched them dance as if the world was theirs. "This, this painting, is like my point of view, watching my parents dancing together.. like the old times."

It seemed like yesterday that we had spent time together on the beach, as the memories were still so clear.

It seems like a pleasant recollection. Are you still taken to the beach by them now?"

I gave a sorrowful smile. "No, they have passed away 2 years ago."

Everything was silent. I avoided glancing at Matthew's appearance. I simply gazed at the painting, recalling a pleasant moment shared with my parents.

"Evelyn, I'm really sad about your loss. I genuinely do." I overheard him say.

I gave a nod. It's alright. I truly appreciate that, thank you."

After that, we just stood there silently. I was unable to turn away from the painting because it seemed so lifelike. I had the impression that I was seeing my parents dance at this exact moment.

Matthew abruptly removed the painting from the wall. "Here, you can take this painting home."

I immediately glared at him. "What?"

"I wish it were yours. It appears to bring up pleasant memories of your parents for you."

I gave a headshake. "Oh, no, no, I appreciate the offer, thank you so much but you don't have to do that."

He said, "But I want to," right now. "I would like you to have a memento of your parents. More than I do, you need it. I can paint another one at any time."

I wanted to cry. The kindness I received from my supervisor was undeserved.

He handed me the picture and placed it in the goody bag without waiting for a reply. "Take it as my welcoming gift to you, will you?"

I glanced at him and then at the painting. "All right. I sincerely appreciate your kindness, so thank you very much."

"Don't mention it."

We made our way back to his backyard, after which he excused himself to go speak with others and I returned to my original location. I had to keep the picture hidden in the kitchen to avoid questions about how I obtained it from anyone, even my closest friends. I didn't want rumors about me spreading among my coworkers.

After a long day, everyone had started to go, including Greyson who had just two hours earlier gone into labor due to his cousin's recent labor. I realized I should go home as it was already seven o'clock when I looked at my watch. Bella and I said our goodbyes, and I went to the kitchen to find Matthew.

I touched on his shoulder and said, "Hey," and he spun around. "I'm returning home. I appreciate you inviting me; the gathering was enjoyable."

You're quite welcome, and I appreciate you coming as well. Are you in need of transportation? I'm going to head out to get some more beverages."

"Erm.. okay, if it's alright with you."

"Come on."

Once we were inside his vehicle, he pulled the driveways. We didn't say much to each other in the car; instead, Miley Cyrus's rendition of Nothing Breaks Like a Heart was playing on the radio. The events of the last few days between Matthew and myself continued to cross my mind.

He did drive me home just twice, but I didn't want that to become the norm. I considered my options and decided that I shouldn't have accepted his offer to drive me home tonight. He was very, very amiable. Even as a gift, he gave me one of his paintings. Did he treat another coworker in that way?

When we arrived at my place, I thanked him and exited the vehicle. Matthew exited the vehicle as I rang the doorbell.

He carried the goody bag to where I had put the artwork and said, "Hey, you left this."

"Ah, I see. Thank you; I apologize." I removed it from his grasp.

"Don't worry. "I'll see you at work tomorrow," he said, and I simply nodded before waving him off. As soon as I entered the house, I headed straight to my room. However, I gave a start when I realized Edward was leaning against the wall next to my bedroom door as I ascended the stairs.

He also didn't appear content. No, he appeared enraged.