Chapter 32: Ezra’s ’Era’
Evie and Ruby decided to take the day for themselves, just like they used to, to strengthen their bond.
Ruby was already prepared and waiting in the living room while Evie got ready for their outing to the arcade.
They planned to play some games, eat ice cream, and buy snacks before heading home. Evie finally walked downstairs, wearing a short jean skirt and a red top, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, complemented by a stylish handbag and wedges. She spotted Ruby and flashed her a bright smile. "Thanks for waiting," Evie said, knowing full well Ruby was used to her taking her time.
As Evie descended the staircase and was about to step into the living room, a hand unexpectedly wrapped around her neck. She jolted but quickly turned her head to see Shane, who shot her a playful wink. "Where are you off to?" he asked, a grin spreading across his face.
Evie took a moment before responding. "You startled me!"
"My bad," Shane said, playfully nudging his head against hers as they walked towards the living room. "So, what’s the plan with that outfit?" he continued.
"I’m heading to the arcade with Ruby. It’s been too long, and we decided it’s time to hang out again, just like old times," Evie explained, turning to Ruby with an enthusiastic smile.
Shane nodded in understanding, but Ruby’s gaze was fixed elsewhere.
She felt a twinge of discomfort watching the way Shane and Evie interacted—too close, too familiar for her liking.
"Care for some company?" Shane asked, looking between the two of them.
Ruby was about to agree when Evie swiftly replied, "No, it’s just for us girls."
"Oh," Shane said with a mock pout. "Guess I’ll be home alone then," he teased, leaning in to plant a light kiss on the side of Evie’s head, eliciting a chuckle from her. With that, he let go and sprawled on the couch.
At that moment, Ruby stood up and walked over to Evie. "Ready to go?" Evie asked, noticing that Ruby’s expression had shifted.
Ruby only nodded in response.
"See you, Shane," Evie called out.
"See you, girls," Shane replied in his typically sweet tone. But just as they were about to leave, his voice interrupted them. "Ruby, won’t you at least wave?"
They exchanged glances, and Ruby muttered an unenthusiastic, "Bye," before she hurried out the door as if escaping something.
"Are you okay?" Evie asked after they stepped outside.
Now that Shane was out of sight, Ruby found it easier to relax. "Yeah... I’m fine," she replied, squinting against the sunlight as she raised a hand to shield her face.
Evie didn’t push, but curiosity got the better of her. "Did you finally get his contact?"
Ruby shook her head, her discomfort palpable. "Why not?" Evie pressed.
"Just... nothing," Ruby replied, swallowing hard. She’d anticipated running into Shane before Evie came down, but in those moments of waiting, Shane hadn’t shown, leaving Ruby feeling uneasy when he finally appeared, arm around Evie. That closeness stirred something within her, and watching him kiss Evie’s head intensified that uncomfortable knot in her stomach. It was all too much, and she needed out.
"Huh?" Evie asked, narrowing her eyes, sensing Ruby’s turmoil. But Ruby chose to remain silent, simply grabbing Evie’s arm and steering them toward the arcade.
They arrived at the familiar arcade, bustling with the same lively energy they remembered. The music bounced around them as they entered through the glass doors. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and they saw escalators leading up to the game section, while the ground floor buzzed with activity—the air filled with the enticing aroma of snacks.
"Let’s get ice creams," Evie suggested. "My treat today."
"Absolutely," Ruby replied, and they headed to the left towards the ice cream stand, both opting for strawberry flavors served in cups with small spoons.
"Cheers," Evie said, just like old times, and they clinked their cups before taking their first bites.
Walking side by side upstairs toward their favorite games, they passed a claw machine filled with toys. Evie noticed one that stood out, a bear reminiscent of the one Ezra had given her at the carnival. She frowned slightly but quickly turned her attention away, pushing the thought aside as they made their way deeper into the arcade.
She needed to focus. It was imperative that she not waste her mental energy on thoughts that held no significance, especially not for Ezra.
He didn’t care about anything; he could change on a whim, and if she didn’t sharpen her mind, she would be the one left to suffer the consequences.
When they arrived at their destination, Evie and Ruby took their seats side by side on the ride, which featured a computer that controlled the screens in front of them. They donned their video goggles, ready to dive into the game. Evie felt a surge of confidence as soon as they started; within minutes, she was already pulling ahead of Ruby. Normally, Ruby excelled in games like this, but today she seemed off her game.
"Aha! I got the highest score!" Evie declared, a broad smile lighting up her face as the game concluded.
"That’s because I decided to let you win," Ruby retorted, a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
Evie removed her gear and laughed. "Really? The Ruby I know hates losing. What’s going on?"
"I’m just not feeling it today," Ruby confessed, stealing a glance at Evie before redirecting her attention to the screen.
Evie frowned, sensing something deeper. "You brought up us drifting apart, and I suggested we come to our favorite place to reconnect. Now you’re not in the mood. There’s definitely something bothering you."
"I’m fine," Ruby replied sharply, her voice too loud to be convincing as she locked eyes with Evie.
Evie held her gaze in silence. "If you say so..." she finally said, placing a firm hand on Ruby’s arm. "Just know that if you need someone to listen, I’m always here."
Ruby offered a half-hearted smile before returning her focus to the screen. "Let’s play another round," she suggested.
"You bet," Evie said as they started the next game. This time, Ruby scored the highest, and rather than being annoyed, Evie felt genuine happiness. "Looks like Ruby’s back!" she teased.
Hours passed, and they lost track of time in the arcade, reveling in their shared enjoyment. Just as they were about to leave, Ruby suddenly spoke up.
"I need to ask you something," she said, breaking Evie’s focus as she wiped sauce off her lips with a tissue.
"What is it?" Evie replied, intrigued.
"Are you and Shane close?" Ruby asked.
Evie’s eyes narrowed. She and Shane? They weren’t anything. "Why do you ask?"
"I saw how close he was to you this morning. He even kissed your forehead. Is there something going on?" Ruby pressed.
Evie’s eyes widened in realization and she chuckled dismissively. "No way. That’s just Shane being himself. He’s flirty and sweet—when Ezra isn’t around," she said, amusement lighting her face.
Ruby raised an eyebrow. "So he does this with other girls?"
"No, he doesn’t. He told me he only has fun with girls he finds special," Evie replied, recalling Shane’s words. He wasn’t someone to be taken too seriously.
"Special," Ruby echoed.
"Is that what’s been bothering you? Was it why your mood was off all day?" Evie probed.
Ruby denied it, but Evie shook her head. "Don’t kid yourself—I know you better than anyone. But seriously, nothing is happening. You should really talk to him; it’s not every day you get to meet your idol."
"You think so?" Ruby asked, doubt lingering in her voice.
"Absolutely," Evie affirmed, and they walked together, Ruby linking arms with her.
***
Once Evie returned to the mansion that night, she was surprised to see Ezra.
Her heart raced inexplicably as he glanced her way, then looked away as if she were invisible. He walked off silently, just like he had that morning, leaving her feeling unsettled. Her brows pulled together in annoyance.
"You’re back," Shane suddenly appeared.
Evie shot him a pointed look; he had a knack for emerging unexpectedly. "I’m sorry," he said, knowing he did it again and she definitely didn’t like it.
"Did you have fun?" Shane inquired, and Evie nodded curtly as she attempted to pass him.
"What’s wrong with Ezra? He walked in and didn’t say a word to you," Shane remarked, curiosity evident in his tone. "Did you two fight?"
Evie paused. "No, we didn’t fight"
And she continued "He didn’t speak to me this morning either. He just left in a bad mood. Honestly, I don’t even care." Her brows knitted together, betraying her annoyance.
"Is this a recurring thing with him?" Shane pressed.
"No," Evie replied firmly. Ezra had never treated her like she was invisible before. Even before they left for Paris, he engaged with her as usual, and everything felt normal, aside from a few arguments that were hardly significant. But since arriving from Paris, he acted as if she didn’t exist at all. It was infuriating, even if she didn’t want to admit it.
"I guess we’re already in the ’Ezra era’," Shane remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Evie blinked.
What on earth was that supposed to mean?