Chapter 72

Rayna was getting into the car when Evelyn caught up with her. After Evelyn got in, she looked at Rayna with concern, wondering what had ruined her mood.

"Did something happen?"

Rayna huffed, her cheeks still flushed with anger and embarrassment. "I really don't know what's wrong with people. Can you believe some sick pervert tapped my ass?" she asked incredulously. Evelyn's eyes widened. "Someone touched you inappropriately?"

Rayna shook her head, her voice laced with frustration. "Can you stop making it sound so mild? Touching me inappropriately could mean anything. Touching my ass is sexual harassment! Someone touched my ass!" Evelyn nodded. "I hope you handled it. Did you report him to security?"

Rayna sighed. "I would have if I was sure who did it. The jerk I thought was responsible had the nerve to say I wasn't attractive enough for him to notice, or smart enough to be his type. Can you imagine? I don't know what's angrier—believing that annoying jerk might be telling the truth, or not finding the bastard who actually touched me!"

"What kind of jerk says that to a beautiful woman like you? Didn't he realize you were upset? Instead of being rude, why didn't he help you find the culprit?" Evelyn asked, equally annoyed.

"You know what? Let's go back. I want to confront that jerk who upset you. I'll give him a piece of my mind, and then we'll find the asshole who touched you and make sure he never uses that hand again," Evelyn said. Rayna, still upset, smiled.

"That sounds more like the Evelyn I know," Rayna said.

"I'm serious. Let's go," Evelyn insisted. Rayna giggled.

"Let's just go home, Eve. He looked pretty pissed, too, when I called him a pervert. And I told him he wasn't my type," Rayna said, thinking of Ethan.

"You did? Who had the last word?" Evelyn asked. Rayna giggled, remembering their childhood habit of vying for the last word. They always believed the winner was the one who had the last word and walked away first.

"Well, his last word was an apology after I told him he wasn't my type," Rayna said. Evelyn clapped happily.

"Great! That should put Mr. Shitface in his place," she said. Rayna laughed.

"He's not exactly 'Mr. Shitface'," Rayna corrected. Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

"He isn't? But you said he wasn't your type?"

Rayna giggled. "He was actually good-looking. He's very much my type, and maybe if he'd admitted to tapping my ass, I might have forgiven him and let him tap more than my ass," Rayna confessed. Evelyn shook her head in amusement. "You know what, Ray? Take me home. I'm done with you for tonight."

Rayna giggled as she started the car. "Just kidding. I'd never let a pervert tap my ass but then again, maybe I would. Love comes in unexpected ways," Rayna said thoughtfully. Evelyn laughed.

"You're just a silly, confused girl," Evelyn muttered.

"By the way, how did you conclude he was the culprit?" Evelyn asked as Rayna drove.

"How else? He walked past me right before I felt the tap. Isn't that natural to assume?" Rayna asked. Evelyn raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"Maybe. But didn't you walk past others, too?"

"I don't know. He suggested a group of guys nearby might have done it, but they didn't look guilty."

"And he looked guilty?" Evelyn asked, amusement in her tone.

"Not exactly. I don't know. Maybe he was innocent, and I messed up," Rayna admitted.

They were silent for a while. Then Rayna turned to Evelyn. "Do you think maybe I should have asked for his number? Apologize after I find the culprit? Offer to buy him a drink?" Rayna asked with a wink. Evelyn giggled.

"What's wrong with you, Ray? What exactly is your problem?"

"I'm just saying," Rayna said with a grin. "By the way, I saw you with Derek again. If you like him and he likes you, maybe you should give him a shot."

"I can't. It's complicated," Evelyn said, looking away.

"Then uncomplicate it. I feel people only make excuses when they say something is complicated," Rayna said. Evelyn sighed.

"It's not easy, Ray. Derek is Michael's cousin," Evelyn confessed.

"Oh!" Rayna's lips rounded in surprise.

"Yeah. That's all I can tell you for now," Evelyn said.

They were silent for the rest of the drive. Rayna thought about Ethan; Evelyn thought about Derek's date with Sandra.

"Evie, where do you live?" Rayna asked. Evelyn hesitated, considering whether to reveal her address. She wanted to avoid a surprise visit until she could tell Rayna about Samantha.

"Visteria Lane," she said, deciding to let Rayna drive her to her street.

"Oh, I know where that is," Rayna said.

As they approached, Evelyn exclaimed, pretending to remember something. "Oh my god! I forgot my toiletries. Can you drop me at that convenience store? I need to get some stuff."

"Will it take long? I can wait," Rayna offered. Evelyn smiled appreciatively.

"No, you don't have to. My apartment is nearby," she said.

"Are you sure? I took you out; it's only right I take you home," Rayna insisted. Evelyn playfully rolled her eyes.

"Are you going to walk me to my door and kiss me, too?" she joked. Rayna laughed.

"I'm not comfortable with you driving around alone this late. Drop me off here, and call me when you get home," Evelyn said firmly.

Rayna sighed and pulled over. "Alright. You too. Call me when you get home," she said. Evelyn nodded.

Evelyn smiled as she got out. "Thanks, Ray. I had fun," she said. Rayna waved before driving off.

Evelyn sighed deeply as she watched the car disappear. She longed for the day things would become less complicated, and she could finally open up to her friend.