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Olivia hesitated for a minute and then typed back:
I’m good. I’ve been hanging out and seeing some sights. I’ll probably move on soon, because I don’t want anyone to be able to track me down. I have a burner phone and haven’t used any credit cards or debit cards, and of course, no social media, so it should make it harder to find me.
Besides having to deal with my drama, how are you? What have you been up to?
I miss you and my folks. Love to you all.
She turned off her wi-fi and blue tooth as soon as she sent the email, hoping that the minute or so she had been on wouldn’t make her vulnerable.
Olivia sat on the edge of her bed, conflicted. Her mind told her to pack up her clothes and the rest of her belongings, check out, and leave. The longer she stayed in Angel’s Creek, the more of a target she became. Even though she was certain she hadn’t left any kind of digital trail, there was always a way to find people, even if they didn’t want to be found. This was even more true for the amateurs, who were just learning how to hide.
On the other hand, her heart told her to stay. She had friends here. Jade and Sean were amazing. Benny, the manager of the hotel, was as sweet as he could be. Then, there was Zac. He had wiggled his way into her life and heart. She didn’t know exactly what she felt, but she knew that he meant something to her.
Closing her eyes, she could feel his touch as his hands toured her body. She could taste his kisses and smell his scent. Her heart screamed at the idea that she would never see him again if she left.
The problem was, she would die a thousand times over if any of these people were hurt because of Declan. He blamed her for causing him to be cursed, which was just stupid. The only reason his friend was shot in a fight was because his friend was a drunk and an idiot.
Groaning, Olivia felt torn in half. She knew what she should do, but her heart and soul begged her to stay.
“I’ll figure it out tomorrow,” she promised herself, heading for the shower.
She stared at the soapy water going down the drain, wishing that she could wash all her problems off the same way she did the smell of beer and chili cheese fries.
Olivia looked at her suitcase the next morning. Shaking her head, she drove toward the mountain and ran for as long as she could, trying not to think or feel anything. It didn’t work. After cooling off at the creek, she went back to her hotel room, showered, and then went to work.
It was another busy night, and the usual crowd was in. Tonight, there was a young couple with a couple of fussy toddlers, who disliked being held down in highchairs.
Olivia talked to them and played with them, managing to turn their cranky noises into smiles and laughter. Between running beer and food to different tables, she kept the toddlers happy so the parents could enjoy their meal. They left her a fifty percent tip.
“You were a natural with those kids,” Jade said. “You should have one or two or twenty of your own. Have you thought about it?”
“One or two and only vaguely,” Olivia said. “Even though I was betrothed to Declan, I never pictured what I would actually have to do in order to produce pups. Now that I think about it, I throw up a little in my mouth.”
Jade laughed and said, “At least that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about anymore.”
I can only hope, Olivia thought to herself.
She smiled at the thought of having kids. Olivia had always liked kids and been good with them. Of course, she had always been in the position that when they got hungry, cranky, or pooed their diapers, she could give them back to their parents and walk away.
Still, there was something inside of her that tugged at the thought. Zac would make some pretty pups. They would be strong and smart, just like Zac.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Jade touched her arm and said, “Your order’s up.”
Olivia thanked her and carried the beers over to the girls who were having a bachelorette party. The bride to be was starting to get a little tipsy. Olivia was pretty sure that the woman would have to be cut off soon, or she would have a miserable wedding day and an even worse wedding night.
She looked over at Zac’s usual table. He was having dinner with his family, since Conner was in town. Olivia missed him.
12
Zac
“How is Conner doing?” Sean asked as Zac walked into Howlers’. “I’m sorry that I didn’t get a chance to go to the rodeo or see him in here.”
“He’s doing great. He’s the same as always,” Zac said. “You do know that you have very competent people working here. You can take a night off once in a while, such as when the professional rodeo comes to town.”
“I know. Jade could handle all aspects of the business. I guess I’m just a control freak.”
“You know that is going to give you a heart attack before you’re forty, right?” Zac asked.
