Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“What goes around comes around,” Alec says menacingly.
Ivy nods grimly. “It may come around even faster than you think, Jace so if I were you, I’d be really careful about my choice of gifts.”
I laugh. “You’re good at sounding menacing on paper but not in real life.”
It’s a fun evening and even though I miss Olivia, it’s manageable. When we’re done with dinner, Ivy asks me to help her clear and clean up, which I’m happy to do.
“She wants to grill you on your love life,” Alec whispers to me as I follow my sister-in-law to the kitchen carrying dirty plates.
“I heard you, honey,” Ivy shouts over her shoulder.
“Good. I actually need some advice from a female point of view.” Maybe Ivy can give me some insight as to what I’m doing wrong or not doing. I don’t feel as if my relationship with Olivia is progressing. We’re not moving forward.
Ivy doesn’t waste any time. “No point in beating around the bush when Alec has already opened his big mouth.” She speaks as she stacks dishes into the dishwasher. “So, how are things going with Olivia? You look happy.”
“They’re going well and not at the same time.” I don’t waste time either and I tell her how frustrated I feel because it doesn’t feel like our relationship is growing.
“I don’t get it. What am I missing here? I’ve never been good at relationships and I’m afraid I might be fucking up somehow. I don’t want to mess this up. Olivia is the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. I think this relationship might be it.”
“Sounds as if she’s not sure about you guys,” Ivy says.
That jogs something in my memory. “You know, that could be it. She said something today that sounded weird. I asked her if she thought about our future and she said, she doesn’t allow herself to.”
“She needs to know that it’s a serious relationship for you,” Ivy says.
An idea comes to mind just then. It’s crazy and wild but it’s perfect for showing Olivia just what she means to me. “I know what I have to do. Thanks, Ivy. You’re awesome.”
“What?” she asks.
“I’ll tell you soon.”
Chapter 33: Olivia
The vibration of my phone wakes me up and I realize with dread that it’s Saturday morning. The day I’ve been dreading since Amelia told me about the interview. My insides feel like they’re full of water. I roll to my side and reach for the phone. Happiness fills me when I see that the message is from Jace.
Jace: Morning sweetheart. Did you have a good night?
Me: Morning! Got a lot of work done. Missed you terribly. How was dinner?
Jace: Very good. I’m excited about the weekend. Especially tomorrow.
Me: What’s happening tomorrow?
Jace: I get to see you.
Warmth spreads across my chest.
Me: I feel the same way.
Jace: About to leave for the airport. I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.
Me: I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Be safe.
My fingers hover over the phone keyboard. I’ve tried not to say those words back to Jace to save us both when this comes crushing down. But what difference does it make? Even if I don’t say it, I feel it. I love him with every part of me. Not saying it doesn’t make it untrue.
I add to the text.
Me: I love you too.
I hit send and a second later another message comes in.
Jace: Say that again.
Laughter bursts out of me. I text him back that I love him.
Jace: I wish I was there right now to hear it in person.
Me: I love you. I’ll say it to you tomorrow when you come home.
Jace: First thing I want to hear.
Me: It’s a promise.
I’m still smiling when I’m taking a shower. For this last week, I’ll pretend that we’re a normal couple planning and looking forward to a future together. The pain will come anyway; I might as well keep it at bay for as long as I can.
After my shower, I dress in comfortable pants and a top. For the first time in a long time, I wear normal, everyday panties. Jace probably doesn’t believe that I possess a normal pair, I muse with a laugh. I have two hours to spare and I spend them going over my notes with questions that I want to ask Susan and Mike. I test my recorder. Double-check that I have everything else that I need, even though I’m sure Amelia will have it all in the conference room.
At a quarter past nine, I leave my apartment, trying to be cool about the forthcoming interview. One day at a time, I tell myself as I start the car. I’m just doing my job. This is what my job entails. Interviewing people for the magazine. I’m glad that I haven’t had anything to eat. The way my stomach is churning, I’m sure if I’d taken anything, I’d vomit it all out.