Standing, I grab the final menu and clap Lee on the back. “I’ll be in tomorrow around lunchtime to begin the taste test. I won’t take this to the printer until we’ve tasted everything, just in case we need to add or remove something.”
I met Lee about five years ago. The divorce had just been finalized, so I was spending a lot of time with The Outsiders. Lee had just been released from prison, but once an Outsider, always an Outsider. He was given a place to stay and hired at the bar as a part-time cook to help him get back on his feet.
I was drunk out of my mind one day, wallowing in self pity. He made me lunch to soak up all the alcohol in my system. That’s when I realized how great of a cook he was. I hired him as a full-time cook at one of my restaurants and we’ve been friends ever since.
“You still think we’ll be able to open next month?” he asks.
The last thing we were waiting for was our liquor license. It came in last week, so I was able to get all the liquor we need ordered. The shipment will be in by the end of the week.
“Yep. Everything else is easy after this.” This is his first business venture, so I understand his questions and nerves. “I have someone coming in on Friday to interview for the bartender job. And we’ll need a barback.”
“I’ll go pick up ingredients in the morning. We can begin the taste testing tomorrow and start with appetizers.” We both walk toward the door. I set the alarm and lock up.
“Alright. I might have someone with me tomorrow, so make enough for two people.” I already have my phone out, ready to call Olivia. Whether she likes it or not, I’m not leaving her alone.
Lee raises an eyebrow. “Anyone in particular?”
I look up from my phone and shrug a shoulder. “Just someone I used to know.”
He scoffs and shakes his head before walking toward his bike. I pull up Olivia’s name on my phone and press the button to call her. It’s after five, so she should be off work. As it rings, the sound of a diesel engine draws my attention.
A white truck slowly rolls by and I shake my head, knowing it’s Connor without having to see his face. I lift my hand in a wave, but whether he sees it or not, I don’t know. His windows are tinted too dark for me to actually see him. Hopefully, he’ll see I’m not in this town to cause the same damage Donovan caused. If he doesn’t figure it out on his own, I think things may come to a head with the two of us in a way I’d rather avoid.
Olivia doesn’t answer. I hit end, deciding not to leave a voicemail. Is she one of those people that doesn’t talk on the phone, but would rather text? I grind my teeth. Hopefully not. I hate texting. Maybe it’s my age, but I miss the days when people actually enjoyed talking on the phone.
I put my phone back in my pocket, grab my helmet, and climb onto my bike. Of course, it could just be me and not my age. I know other forty something year olds that don’t like talking on the phone either. They will sit and watch it ring, then text the person to ask what they want. I snort and grab my phone again. Texting it is then.
Victor: Are you busy for lunch tomorrow?
I start the bike and wait for a few minutes to see if she answers. The streets are getting busier with people getting off work. Whenshe doesn’t answer right away, I decide I’ll try again later. I’m not going to allow her to ignore me, if that’s what she’s doing.
I’ll find out, one way or another. It’s my goal to find out why her eyes are filled with so much sadness. Then help her find happiness. If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s her.
Chapter ten
Olivia
When I’m done with my workout, I give Bec a wave and walk into the locker room. I take the time today to shower. It’s pouring outside, so I won’t be able to go home and work in my garden. The warm water soothes my sore muscles, making me sigh. I went up in weights today. I needed the extra resistance to keep my mind off what happened with Victor earlier today.
I can’t stop thinking about him. How he affected me. How he both eased the pressure in my chest, but also made me want to release every pent up emotion I’ve held in check since the day my mother died. After I’m done showering, I dry quickly and change into some leggings and a baggy T-shirt.
I have a hard time wearing shorts or skirts, so I try my best to not wear them. At least when other people are around. I don’t want anyone seeing my scars, plus I learned fast not to wearanything that seemed the least bit inviting. Shorts and skirts were always inviting.
Closing my eyes tightly, I shake my head slightly, trying to dislodge those memories. I grab my bag and purse, then glance at my phone and notice a missed call from Victor. My heart rate speeds up and my mouth is suddenly dry. I also have a text. Pulling it up, I freeze when I notice it’s from Victor.
Victor: Are you busy for lunch tomorrow?
Olivia: I am.
I don’t elaborate further. Why should I?
Victor: What about on Monday?
He surprises me when he answers right away. I stare at the text, trying to see behind the words.Why is he suddenly interested in being in my life?I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. I want to trust him. I do. But what if he’s not being honest about Donovan? I sit on one of the benches and inhale deeply, putting my phone back in my purse.
He’ll probably see I read it, but I can’t answer right now. Maybe after going to visit Ansley in Atlanta this weekend, I’ll be ready to face him.
I’m lost in my thoughts as Caroline and I drive home. We had a fun weekend with Ansley, but hearing their stories about Sebastian and Lincoln has me all in my head. Will I ever have a normal relationship? The thought of someone touching me makes me so anxious. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to do it. IfI wasn’t allergic to cats, I’d get a bunch of them and become the stereotypical cat lady that never gets married. Shaking my head, I focus on the road. Bass will kill me if I get in an accident.
