Dawn of Eve by MJ Howson (best ereader for students .txt) 📕

Just the usual.” Jacob took a sip of the wine. “Clients and such.”

“And such.”

“Lisa’s working the bar tonight.”

“Don’t you usually work Saturday nights?”

“It depends.” Jacob placed his glass on the counter and took Dawn by the hand. “Are you okay? You seem . . . pensive.”

“I’m fine.” Dawn squeezed Jacob’s fingers and withdrew her hand. She cupped her wine glass with both hands and took a long sip. “So, tell me more.”

“More?”

“How are you doing? With your clients. Still building out your business?”

“Always.” Jacob smiled and asked, “Is that a new shade of lipstick?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve been trying new things lately.”

Dawn stepped into the kitchen, placing the counter between her and Jacob. She tried to suppress her escalating tension. Jacob obviously had no idea she’d seen him with Dr. Cole. Or did he? She couldn’t be sure.

“Oh, before I forget, I told the doctor we can’t move forward unless you come in for a joint session. He agreed. He . . . he has to see you.”

“Really?”

“Would you be okay with that?”

“I don’t know.” Jacob frowned and added, “I guess.”

“You don’t seem that excited about it.”

“I’ve told you before I think you’re the one that needs him, not me. But if he wants to meet me, then okay.”

“Have you?”

“Have I what?”

“Have you met him?”

“No.” Jacob crossed his arms defensively. “Why the hell would you ask me that?”

Dawn studied Jacob’s face. There wasn’t a hint of subterfuge. She couldn’t get a read on him. She took a sip of wine, smiled, and asked, “I just . . . wasn’t sure.”

“I’ve told you many times, Dawn, you’re the one that needs the help. Not me. Can we drop this? Or do you have other questions?”

Dawn bit her lip and glanced over at Eve, sitting on the edge of the kitchen counter. She said, “I . . . I think I’ve got my answer.”

“Good.” Jacob smiled and relaxed his stance. “So, are we eating in tonight? Or should we venture out? The wind’s a bit brutal this evening, but maybe we could–”

“Actually, Jacob, I think I need you to leave.”

“Leave?” Jacob shook his head, clearly confused. “Why?”

“I’m . . . I’m not feeling well.”

“What?” Jacob walked around the counter into the kitchen and gently took Dawn by her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m suddenly tired.”

Jacob placed the back of his hand against Dawn’s cheek and then her forehead. He said, “You do feel a bit warm.” He took the glass of wine from her hand and placed it on the counter. “Why don’t we go sit by the fire. Maybe you’ll feel better after you’ve–”

“No.” Dawn pulled herself away from Jacob and grabbed her glass of wine. “Really. I . . . I think you should go.”

Jacob folded his arms and looked down at Dawn.

She knew that look in his eyes. Given a chance, Jacob would continue to make suggestions until she finally caved. Dawn had her answer and needed him to leave. She smiled and slid her arm around Jacob’s elbow.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?” Dawn said, placing her glass on the counter. She tried to guide Jacob out of the kitchen, but he remained stationary. “What?”

“I came all the way from Jersey to see you.”

“I felt fine when we talked earlier. Now, I . . . I don’t.” Dawn picked up Jacob’s coat and handed it to him. “I think a nice quiet night home with Eve will make me feel better.”

“Eve?” Jacob reluctantly slid his coat on, glared at the doll, and said, “Of course.”

Dawn smiled and walked to the front door. Jacob remained still, but she didn’t care. Dawn reached the door and opened it wide.

“You keep picking that stupid doll over me.” Jacob sighed and shook his head as he made his way over to Dawn. “What does your doctor say about it? When does playing mommy end?”

Dawn bit her lower lip as she tried to suppress her anger. As if Jacob didn’t know what her doctor was thinking. Part of her wanted to explode in anger and tell him what she saw at the bleachers. But she knew it was better to listen to Eve and keep Jacob in the dark.

“Eve’s good for me,” Dawn said. “She’s helped me. Given me strength.”

Jacob looked back at the kitchen, his eyes settling on Eve, still keeping watch over the entrance. He looked at Dawn and said, “I’ve tried to be supportive, Dawn, but eventually, you have to pick one of us.”

“Good night, Jacob.”

Jacob leaned down to kiss Dawn, but she once again turned her head, letting his lips brush against her cheek.

“Bye,” Jacob said.

Dawn closed the door once Jacob entered the foyer. She let out a long exhale and went back into the kitchen. Dawn refilled her glass of wine and took a sip. “He lied, Eve. Did you hear him? Never met the doctor. Liar!”

“Stop believing him,” Eve said.

“I had to give him a chance, Eve. I had to.”

“Stop trusting him.”

“I know. You were right. I just can’t believe he and the doctor have been conspiring behind my back.”

“Stop trusting the doctor.”

Dawn nodded and took a sip of wine. She frowned as she inspected the stains on Eve’s face. She licked her thumb and tried to clean the stain, only enlarging the smear. Dawn sighed and asked, “What should we do with them?”

Thirty One

Worried

The walk from the Grove Street PATH station to his apartment gave Jacob time to review his next set of appointments. The calendar on his phone showed a busy Sunday ahead of him the following morning. As he tried to figure out his travel schedule to jump between the widespread locations, his mind drifted back to Dawn. Her cancellation earlier this evening was highly unlike her. Also, the fact she said she preferred to be with the doll instead of him had angered him. He pocketed his phone, turned up his collar, and quickened his pace home.

Jacob entered his apartment to find the living room and kitchen dim and quiet. A