Evelyn Table London Novels & Stories

I’m debating whether or not to do laundry now or later when there’s a knock at the door. Lily immediately loses her mind barking like she’s auditioning for security dog of the year. I grab her collar, shushing her as I shuffle over. I peek through the peephole… and then freeze. You’ve got to be kidding me. Evelyn. Of course she’s standing there like she’s posing for the cover of some minimalist fashion magazine. Sunglasses perched on her head, silk cream blouse tucked into high waisted dark jeans, low block heels that probably cost more than my rent. Hair sleek and perfect, even in this ridiculous humidity, and offcourse the signature red tint on her lips.

I asked, sitting down and dropping my backpack. She brought a tray with a small tea kettle and pushed over a TV tray. There were at least half a dozen different tea bags. My eyes gazed over them until I found green tea with lemon and quickly helped myself. “I’m Evelyn, by the way. Well I have a confession to make. I truly hope it doesn’t scare you off,” she said, sitting next to me and promptly crossing her legs like a perfect lady. Her posture was perfect, her eyebrows freshly waxed. She didn’t look a day over thirty but her voice and actions were like a sixty year old.

What secrets could such a young beautiful lady like Evelyn have? "Thank you," Evelyn said with a smile before taking deep breaths and shortly after left the room alongside Ivy and Leon to the dining hall. The morning sun cast long shadows on the ground. The slanting rays of the rising sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky, the sky was ablaze with the fire of the morning sun beaming its orange hues of sunlight around the Donovan mansion where a dark curly haired man seated at a dinner table was currently awaiting his breakfast with Evelyn stepping In, Invited by Leon and the Donovan Princess Ivy.

“It’s already been included, Madam.” Evelyn turned. “Included?” “Yes. Mr. Sinclair asked us to wrap up everything you selected.” “…Everything?” She frowned slightly. “I only chose a few.” The staff hesitated briefly. Then answered carefully. “Everything you tried on, Madam.” Evelyn went still. “…What? Hold on.” She stepped out immediately. Roman was still seated, flipping casually through a magazine. “Roman.” He looked up. “Yes?” “Why are they packing everything?”

Evelyn wasn't supposed to be there until Linda called her up last-minute to represent the marketing team due to a last-minute cancellation. The skyline glittered behind them like a mosaic of power. The tables were arranged in soft spirals, candlelight flickering over silk napkins and plates rimmed in gold. Alexander stood at the head table, flanked by department heads. And Genevieve, in another red dress, sat to his right. Evelyn arrived ten minutes late and slipped into her assigned seat near the end of the spiral. She was far from the head table, but with a clear view of it.

She opened the door for her as Evelyn entered her extravagant and spacious cabin. Dark brown walls were complemented by golden curtains that were made of pure silk. The ceiling was black. Her mahogany desk was at the center while the couches were placed in one corner with a small glass table in between. A flamboyant chandelier was placed in the mid that was scattering the golden light all over the room. Evelyn headed to her table and scrapped the swivel chair before sitting on it. Placing her purse, she opened her laptop and turned it on.

“Is this your first visit with us?” “It is. Yes.” Evelyn’s gaze was back to me. “We have your table waiting.” She picked up three leather-bound folders and said, “Follow me please.” We passed by tables filled with customers on our way to the back of the large room. My table was a semi-circular booth on the back wall. From my seat, I could see the front door and the door to the kitchen. No one would have the opportunity to sneak up on me. Evelyn laid the menus on the table.

Amidst the elegant ambiance of Sophia's apartment, the air carried a sense of familiarity and warmth as Sophia and Evelyn settled in for a candid conversation. Sophia, true to her promise, presented Evelyn with the limited edition Burberry handbag. “I can't believe you actually bought me a bag. I was joking,” says Evelyn standing in front of the mirror posing. "I know, but I wanted to make you happy," Sophia replies. "Speaking of which you have a lot to tell me about London, the media has exploded," says Evelyn.

A long table stretched beneath them, its surface crowded with silverware, wine decanters, and crystal glasses that caught the firelight. Evelyn presided at the head, the queen in her court. To her left sat Dominic Wolfe, Lucien’s estranged cousin. His hair slicked back, his cufflinks gleaming, he looked every inch the corporate predator who fed on boardrooms. His smile was too easy, too polished. On Evelyn’s right, Cassandra—the aunt Zaria had only heard of in whispers. Regal in emerald velvet, eyes narrowed with suspicion, she carried the air of someone who had outlived too many betrayals.

"That would mean it wasn't due to your courtesy that I found an interesting piece of a woman's clothing hanging off a plant the first time I visited Adrian's place. It actually must've been Adrian. I'm sure the better and more gentlemanly brother wouldn't know of this." I smirked as he looked at me with wide eyes, the tips of his ears and even his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. He stuttered for a while but I waved my hand in dismissal. "Don't worry about it. Your secret is safe with me. As long as you limit your nonsense. Oh, and if you've forgotten, my name's Evelyn, not Lyn. Now, shall we order?" *** Eva was finally returning home tomorrow.