Page 25 of Capturing the Captain

“It’s okay, baby girl. How about I come get you? You can come to my place, we’ll watch shitty movies all day, and stuff our faces with everything in sight.”

“Yes, please, that sounds like a good distraction.” I don’t want my girl to leave. We need to talk about this. I feel awful standing here, listening to their conversation, but I can't bring myself to move away.

“I’ll be there in ten minutes. Love you.”

Silence meets my ears next as they hang up the phone. Knocking lightly, I push the door open.

“Hey, do you mind if I come in?” I ask.

“Don’t be silly, it's your room.” Olivia replies, with a small smile on her face.

I enter the room and sit next to her on the bed. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying, her skin pale but she still looks beautiful.

I take her hand in mine, the warmth seeping through me. I open my mouth to speak but she talks first.

“Josh, I am so, so sorry for last night.” Eyes welling with tears again, she takes a breath. “I didn’t mean what I said. It was horrible and that’s not me.”

“I know, baby. I know that’s not you. You don’t need to apologize. I’m the one who needs to apologize-“

“No, you don’t. You've done nothing wrong here. I let Ryan get in my head. He used to do it all the time and I let it happen again. I’m so sorry.” She lets out a strangled sigh. “I believe you. Everything you said last night. I believe you.”

Thank God. My heart lifts, relief washing over me.

“But, I think right now I just need some space.”

What?

“I need to sort my head out. I need to think for a few days.”

I run my hands through my hair. I don’t even know what to say to her. If I say anything, I’d be begging her to stay here with me.

“I’m not saying I need space for good. Just a few days. You’re leaving tonight for the weekend anyway, right?”

I nod.

“Call me when you get back. I should be ready then.” She smiles up at me, and I can’t help but take her in. Her bright blue eyes, her shiny, golden hair, the slight pink that has returned to her cheeks. She’s breathtaking.

Is it possible to love someone so soon? For them to consume your whole being so completely?

“I understand, baby. Come here.” Pulling her to me, we lie on the bed, her head resting on my shoulder, my arms wrapped around her body. We lay like this for a few minutes before a knock sounds at the door.

Lifting her head off mine, Olivia looks into my eyes. “That’s Sasha, she’s gonna take me home.”

“Okay.” If I could hold this girl to me forever, I would. But I know she needs distance right now.

She leans in and gives me a gentle kiss at the edge of my mouth before getting off the bed and heading to the door.

I need to pull myself together. I need to be strong here but the thought of not speaking to this girl for three days is making me itch.

With a shake of my head, I stand, making my way to the door.

Sasha is already in the kitchen when I get there, holding a bag out to Olivia.

“I brought some clothes. Didn’t think you’d wanna leave here in last night's clothes.”

“Thank you, Sash.”

“Of course.” She gives my girl a hug. “Oh, and there’s some face wipes in there too. I don’t know if you’ve looked in the mirror today, but you look like a raccoon .”