“Wow.”
Olivia wrinkled her cute, button nose. “Too cheesy?”
Lexi chuckled. “Not at all. Actually, it’s a great way to look at it.” Biting her bottom lip, she started to ask something else, but wasn’t quite sure how to word it. Apparently, she didn’t hide her thoughts very well.
“It’s okay, Lexi.” Olivia rested her hand on Lexi’s shoulder. “You can ask me anything. I’m pretty much an open book.”
In that case...
“Do you know what their last job was?”
Olivia groaned. “Okay, so you can ask me anything butthat.”
“Oh,” Lexi bit her lip again.
“Not because I don’t want to tell you. It’s because I can’t. I have no idea what their last job was. Or most jobs, for that matter.”
“Oh,” she said again. “I figured since you were married...”
“Nope.” Then the other woman rolled her eyes exaggeratedly and used air quotes when she said, “It’s classified.”
Lexi laughed. She could totally see Olivia as someone she could be good friends with.
Feeling more at ease than she had all night, Lexi said, “He just seemed a little different after he got the call to go, that’s all.” Lexi thought for a moment and then, “Okay, fine. You can’t tell me about his job. What about his love life.”
“Oh, that I wouldtotallydish on...if the man had one. Of course, I guess he does, now...with you, I mean.”
“So, it really has been a long time since he’s dated someone?”
“As far as I know, you’re the first woman he’s dated since I met him. I know for a fact, you’re the first woman he’s cared enough about to introduce to the team.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say he actually introduced us because hewantedto. I met Derek when he came with Trevor to eat at the diner where I work. They’ve been coming there somewhat regularly, lately.”
“Uh huh.” Olivia looked at her knowingly. “And why do you think that is?”
Lexi thought for a moment, then blushed. “Oh.”
“Yeah,oh.”
“So, why is he still single?” Lexi’s blurted question made Olivia laugh, but Lexi said, “I’m serious. The guy is drop dead gorgeous. He has a steady—albeit dangerous—well-paying job. He’s funny and nice...what am I not seeing?”
Olivia grinned. “There’s nothing wrong with Trevor. He’s one of the sweetest, most caring men I’ve ever known.” She patted Lexi’s knee and zeroed in on her gaze. “Honestly.” Then, Olivia inhaled deeply, her smile turning a bit sad. “His story’s not mine to tell. All I can say is that he’s ready to start a future with someone. And”—Olivia nudged Lexi’s shoulder—“from the way it looked and sounded when he was telling me about you,you’rethat someone.”
Lexi wasn’t quite sure why, but she found herself wanting Olivia to know she felt the same for the man who was her friend. “I like him a lot, too. More than a lot, actually.”
The other woman smiled wide. “I wish we could have met before tonight. Of course, I didn’t really find out about you until tonight. Still want to choke out that husband of mine for keeping me in the dark.”
Lexi chuckled. “Well, with the shitstorm that’s been my life lately, we haven’t really had a chance for introductions before now. Or to even go out on a real date yet.”
Olivia smiled sadly. “I’m sorry you’ve been having such a hard time. I can honestly say I understand exactly what you’re going through.”
“Oh, I can’t even compare my situation to yours. What that man did to you was...I can’t even think of a word bad enough to describe it.”
“Thanks. Someday, I’ll tell you about what happened after I came home.” When Lexi’s brows turned inward with confusion, she said, “That part didn’t make the news.”
“How did you cope...after.”
“Honestly, it was hard at first. And you should be prepared, just in case. This is a close-knit area, and what happened tonight is probably already on the news. Luckily, yours won’t make the national news like mine did. That was a nightmare in and of itself,” Olivia shook her head. “But, you could have reporters approach you, so just be aware of that. Although, with Trevor by your side, I doubt it will be an issue for you.”
