An Unconventional Kind of Love by Nene

Chapter 13

"So what was that about," RJ asked, as he watched Natalie return to her table. "Are you two getting back together?"

"Hell no!" John said emphatically. "As a matter of fact, that's one of the things I wanted to talk about with you."

"Uh oh, this sounds serious," RJ replied cautiously, sitting back in his seat. "Okay, let's hear it."

"Do you know Evangeline Williamson?" John started.

"You mean that sexy lawyer I see around Lainview?" RJ asked. "What about her?"

"We got married last month," John said, bracing for RJ's response.

RJ looked at John in suspiciously, before starting to laugh. "Sure you did. That's a good one, Mac," he smiled. "You almost had me fooled for a minute there."

"I'm serious," John replied.

"Get the fuck out of here!" RJ said completely surprised.

"It's true."

"Wait a minute, the last time you mentioned Evangeline was something like five years ago," he said. "Now all of a sudden you're married to her? What's going on? Why the big secret? You can tell me. After all I am your best friend. Is she pregnant?"

"No, she's not pregnant!" John stated. "We simply fell in love and decided to keep things on the down low for a little while. Unfortunately, our families found out, specifically our mothers, so in order to keep from being disowned we've agreed to a huge wedding."

"Well, I'll be damn!" he grinned. "I never thought I'd see the day when you would fall in love let alone take the plunge, considering what you went through with Caitlin's death.

"I know. I can't believe it either."

"Do I at least get an invitation?"

"Not only do you get an invitation, you have the honor of being one of my groomsmen," John smiled. "Your also invited to the family dinner."

"Well, that's mighty white of you," RJ joked. "I'm still pissed, but she must really be something to put that stupid grin on your face. So, I forgive you."

"Thanks, man."

"Hey, you're grandmother isn't going to be at this family dinner is she?" RJ asked uneasily.

"Why?" John chuckled. "Do you think she's going to make another pass at you?"

"That's not funny, man and lower your voice," RJ whispered. "No disrespect, but your grandmother is kind of scary."

"Don't worry, man," John laughed. "Grandma Helena likes her husbands older and rich. You'd only be a booty call."

"You're full of jokes?" RJ said unamused.

"I'm sorry," John giggled. "I promise to protect your honor, during the entire dinner."

"So does Evangeline know about Natalie," RJ smiled, snapping John out of his humorous state.

"Ouch," John replied, pretending to be wounded by RJ's comment." Evangeline and I have no secrets. She knows everything about my relationship with Natalie."

"So I gather from your conversation with Ms. Buchanan, that she doesn't know about Evangeline?" RJ asked amused.

"No, she doesn't know we're married," John said. "However, I did emphasize that I was involved with someone."

"I get the impression that didn't faze the buxom redhead," RJ smiled. "She sure did have a cockiness to her walk. I think you need to handle your business and set her straight."

"I intend to do just that."

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Evangeline's Office

Evangeline was sitting at her desk putting the final comments to a Motion she intended on filing, when Natalie came bursting through the door. "Evangeline, I have a bone to pick with you."

"Excuse me, Natalie," Evangeline said visibly irritated. "I'm in the middle of work and I don't appreciate you rudely barging into my office unannounced!"

"I'm sorry," Natalie said, giving a halfhearted apology. "But, you won't believe who I ran into today."

"I don't have time for guessing games," Evangeline replied guiding Natalie towards the door.

"John McBain!"

"Really," Evangeline calmly said, masking any emotion. "Where was this?"

"At the Palace," she said with a gleam in her eyes. "I almost wet my panties when I saw him. God he's so hot! Why didn't you tell me he was a hunk?"

"You didn't want to know anything about him, remember?" Evangeline said in an even tone.

"Yeah, but you could have told me how much he's changed," she said pretending to be perturbed. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you wanted him all to yourself. But we both know he's not your type."

"What exactly is my type?" Evangeline asked, annoyed by Natalie's arrogance.

"You know straight laced, play by the rules, yuppie type," she replied waving her hands. "Somehow, this new and improved John seems more like me, a rebel."

"So what are you saying?" Evangeline asked, getting an uneasy feeling.

"Isn't it obvious, I want him back."

"I seem to recall him telling me he was involved with someone," Evangeline said maintaining her composure.

"I didn't see any rings on his fingers, so that means he's fair game," Natalie replied with her usual bravado. "Besides, we still have a great sexual chemistry."

"No, this bitch didn't!" Evangeline took a deep breath and smoothed the sides of her skirt before speaking. "Natalie, I know you're a take no prisoner kind of girl, but I got the impression that he was really serious about this woman. Maybe you should respect their relationship."

"See, this is exactly what I mean," Natalie smirked. "I go after what I want, damn the consequences. You just sit on the sidelines and let life pass you by."

"That's it!" Evangeline was about to lay into Natalie, when her cell phone suddenly rang. "Hello."

"Hey, baby," John said. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine," she snapped. "What can I do for you?"

"I know you're busy," he said, sensing something was wrong. "But you won't believe who I ran into this morning."

"Oh I think I can guess," Evangeline replied, pretending John was another client.

"She's there isn't she?" John asked. "It figures. Just so you know, I wanted to tell her we were married, but I didn't know if you wanted to make it public. However, I did emphasize that I was involved with someone. Of course, that didn't faze her."

"That was a very wise move on your part," Evangeline said. "However, I have no doubt we should be able to resolve this matter by next week. If not, then I'll have to be more forthright in getting the message across."

"I gather that means you'll kick her ass, if she doesn't back off?" John laughed.

"I'm so glad you realize we're on the same page."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side, he whispered.

"Trust me, you'll know when that happens."

"Since you're being such a good sport about this, I might have to give you a special treat tonight."

"I'll be sure to hold you to that," she said softly, before hanging up the phone.

"John invited me to the gallery opening next week," Natalie squealed with delight. "Are you going?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Evangeline smiled confidently.

"I just know it's going to be a very memorable night."

"I couldn't agree more."