Even though Evelyn’s mind was troubled by indecision it was impossible not to smile as she was greeted by Lola. Her friendly kiss and the soft, concerned voice instantly soothed Evelyn’s turmoil, pulling the blonde from the shadows into the warmth of Lola’s care.  There was no doubt in Evie’s mind that the request to share her troubles was sincere, and although it was not Lola’s intention, the guilt that weighed heavily upon the blondes shoulders tightened the band that already squeezed at her heart. Lola had her own troubles, what with King’s threats and demands and now the uncertainty about Jackson, but she had still enough strength to take on Eve’s plight. How could have Eve ever considered not offering the nest egg to her friend?<br/><br/>Twisting in her chair Evelyn offered a genuine smile that reached her honey brown eyes, returning the friendly morning greeting with a heartfelt embrace and soft kiss upon Lola’s cheek.<strong>”A penny for these thoughts is an overindulgence, they aren’t worth even half that”</strong>Eve began as she reached for the coffee pot to pour Lola her morning brew. Sliding the cup across the table Eve silently assessed her friend as Lola settled herself at the table and debated within her mind how to approach the subject of King and his demands.<strong>”You’re not alone you know”</strong>Eve began truthfully.  No matter how many times the thought of cutting out on her friend might rise to the surface, Eve knew without a doubt that she wouldn’t ever take that way out. It was a cowardly thing to do. She may be many things to different people in this town, but a coward was not one of them.<strong>”Whatever King has in mind, whatever he thinks he can do…”</strong>reaching a comforting hand out to cover Lola’s, Eve hoped to bring even an ounce of comfort to her friend<strong>”we will face it together. I’m not leaving you.”</strong><br/><br/>Eve wasn’t sure if her words were meant to comfort Lola, or to cement the decision she had finally reached in her mind.  She felt weightless, infused with the peace and clarity that came with having a plan, or at least an option other than raising the white flag and handing over everything they had worked so hard to accomplish.<strong>”I don’t think you should talk to him alone”</strong>Eve began<strong>”but honey, you are going to have to talk with him. At the very least we need to try and find out the truth about Jackson.”</strong>She was thinking on her feet now. Perhaps offering King the money wasn’t the right thing to do. Perhaps, offering it to someone who close enough to the snake to hold his confidence was a better idea. It would be imperative that person would be able to be coaxed into sharing information, and if that meant Eve would have to use her special talents of persuasion then so be it.<br/><br/>She would have explained further however the quiet of the morning was soon disrupted with a loud clattering causing the blonde to turn sharply towards the kitchen door. Her soft brown eyes grew darker, pinning a glare upon the red head that had arrived with all the grace of a sand storm. Eve bristled with irritation, instantly drawing herself higher in her chair, ready to do battle on Lola’s behalf. Her instinct was to protect her best friend, whether it was from one of the girl, King, or the devil himself. No matter how selfish Eve could act, Lola’s welfare had always trumped her own needs.<strong>”Sit down Abby, stop screeching like a banshee”</strong>Evelyn snapped, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at the other woman’s dramatics. If there was one thing that life had taught Eve, it was that hysterical behavior seldom got you anything but a headache. She may come off as cold and uncaring at times, but she never once lost ground with a man when negotiating her terms, simply by being in control of her emotions.<br/>