Susan took to showing up at the school gates, shouting at Eleanor and demanding money for “rent.” Eleanor pointed out she hadn’t lived in that apartment for a month and that the costs should fall to those living there—Mike and his mother. Susan wouldn’t stop, and the school security guard finally pushed the panic button.
When officers arrived they escorted Susan away. After that, Evan started picking Eleanor up regularly. They began going to movies, the theater, and taking walks in the park.
Evan turned out to be an attentive, decent man with a warm heart and an easy way about him. He was good company, and Eleanor realized, with some surprise and alarm, that she was falling in love. Because of that she wanted to move out and sort things out quickly—she felt a responsibility not to overstay her welcome with Margaret and Evan, who had been kind to her.
One sleepless night she found herself in the kitchen with Evan, who was pouring a glass of wine. When he asked her to join him she agreed. They toasted—quietly, simply—and what followed was a gentle, private moment rather than anything theatrical. It felt like a scene from a tasteful movie.
