20
Two Hearts
December 2, 1945 — EvelynEvelyn felt like the words were lodged in her throat. There had been no time to prepare, no moment to clear her head. The scent of Jim’s aftershave clung to her dress, and it mingled with the scent of Sterling she knew so well. The mechanic’s cologne, he joked, was free, but one could never be rid of it.
Sterling held out a present wrapped in blue paper. “You look beautiful.”
Before she could speak, he set the gift on the floor and gathered her into his arms. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t be here earlier.” He pressed his lips against hers and she succumbed to his kiss. The wave of emotions running through her broke and she struggled to return Sterling’s affection. Her resolve withered as he pressed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “I love you so much.”
Eve
