Evelyn.
(Flashback continuation)
The other boys hooted, and I saw one of them shove the loudmouth in the shoulder as they passed, laughing harder at Damien’s comeback than the original insult.
It took everything in me not to burst into laughter right then and there.
I turned to him. “Thank you,” I said, genuinely. “You didn’t have to do that.”
He shrugged, still holding the umbrella above me. “Didn’t seem right, watching everyone act like dicks.”
I laughed, just a little. He looked at me like he hadn’t been trying to be funny but didn’t mind that he made me smile.
“I’m Evelyn,” I offered, shifting the soggy folder under my arm. “In case you wanted to know whose day you just saved.”
He nodded slowly, thoughtful. Then held out his hand. “Damien.”
His palm was warm even in the cold rain. Firm shake. Confident. Strange for someone his age.
“You’re freezing,” he added bluntly, eyeing my arms. “Do you live nearby?”
“Kind of. But I was supposed to turn in these papers…” I held up the drippi
