Page 46 of Ever's Last

“I know. I was young and stupid that night.”

“No, Ever was young and stupid. You were an adult.”

He’s right.

“I plan on making it right.” I pull out my wallet, take out a blank check, and fill it out. I know it’s more than the bills or college, but if he’s going to be my father-in-law one day, I want to take care of him.

“Memphis, this is too much. Jesus, I only wanted an apology.”

“Shane, I’m getting Ever back. I will prove to her that I’m worthy of her. So in a sense, that means taking care of you as well. Use it for a wedding,” I glance at Ivy, who grins at me.

“What?”

“We all see it. I know you loved Anne and you both tried, but we see how you are with Ivy and it’s much different. You’re perfect for each other.” I wink at her.

At least she’s coming back to my side.

“No more fucking other girls, Memphis. I can’t have her hurt again.”

“I know. Tune in for my next reality show. You might find it funny.” And with that, I head up to bed.

Brick’s idea is to laugh at myself. I’m going to make a fool of myself, letting guys go at me in small arenas. And they’re going to win, but I will make it look good. The fights will be in towns across the nation where girls I’ve wronged live and I’m going to let a guy take hits at me in their honor, even after I’ve apologized to them. And it will play out for everyone to see.

I’m basically going to make myself a joke or meme for the next several years. And then I will come back to Ever, begging her to take me back.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ever

My dad said the show will be wrapping up soon and then I could come home. But I don’t think I’m going home. Not yet anyway.

I haven’t told him yet, but I’ve enrolled in college in Texas. I’ve also pitched an idea to Uncle Sal and he liked it. He’s my agent now.

I wasted years pining for a guy that wasn’t worth my time. I thought I knew Memphis, thought I loved him. He went on to have it all, the big house, the dream job, the nice cars, and expensive suits, knowing he was the reason I was laid up in the hospital.

I make myself mad thinking about it.

“Breakfast,” Anne calls from the kitchen.

That’s another thing. I was wrong about Anne. Just a few weeks ago, I thought she was mean, rude, and everything else I can think of that describes the villain in every story. She is far from that.

I guess I’ve been wrong about a lot of things.

Anne has plates of eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, and toast on the table. I have come to find that Anne is a great cook.

“Have a seat. Your dad will be joining us.”

“What?”

“I invited him and Ivy. Yes, I know about them. You need to tell him about enrolling in college. He won’t be mad, I know he will support you.”

“Thank you for all of this.” I sit, and fidget, waiting on them to arrive.

“Thanks for inviting us.”

“It’s been a few days and I know she misses you. And she’s had time to think.”

Ivy comes around the table and hugs me. “We’ve missed you,” she sits across from me.