Page 82 of Open Net

My heart nearly burst. Honey? She hadn’t called me anything but Olli in months. We were getting back to what we had. I was running out of things to say but I didn’t want the call to end. Things were going too well.

“I was going to stop by after I shower. Do you want me to bring over anything for lunch? Your mom mentioned she’s been craving a pastrami sandwich yesterday. I can pick that up.”

She didn’t respond right away, and I swear I started sweating.

“That would be really great. Thank you.”

I pumped my fist. “Yeah, no problem. I’ll be over in a few.”

I hung up feeling like the champion of the world. I showered in record time and headed back downstairs, unsure of what I would walk into.

They were both still sitting on the ground laughing at something Elijah had done. Grant looked up and smiled. “Heading out already?”

“Yeah, I’m going to pick up lunch for Emma and Janice. Do you guys want to come?”

They locked eyes and seemed to be having a silent conversation.

Addison tuned back to me first. “No thanks. We’re good here.”

The way she was smiling made me want to make a sarcastic comment, but I resisted. “Well, you three have fun.”

They went back to Elijah, ignoring my existence. I watched for a second longer before walking to the front door. I wasn’t sure what was going on and I couldn’t wait for Emma to investigate.

They seemed friendly at the gala, but maybe I’d missed something. Apparently, there was an attraction I hadn’t noticed.

Emma opened the door before I’d even started up the steps. “Mom’s so excited, she asked me to track your phone to see how far you were.”

I shook my head and stepped inside. “I got here as fast as I could.”

“I know that, but she felt like you were taking your sweet time. The second I said pastrami she started pacing the living room.”

Sure enough, when we walked toward the kitchen Janice hurried in from the living room. “It’s about time.”

I laughed and handed her the bag with her order in it. “I asked for an extra pickle too.”

She held the paper back to her chest and rushed to kiss my cheek. “You’ve always been my favorite.”

Emma rolled her eyes and pulled her sandwich out before sliding the bag back to me. We sat at the kitchen island in a comfortable silence while we enjoyed our food. Emma finished and wiped her mouth before speaking.

“How was PT today?”

I nodded and swallowed. “Good. Madi said I should have full range of motion by New Year’s.”

Her eyebrows rose. “Really? That’s great news.”

Janice nodded in agreement as she took another bite.

“Yeah, then we’ll start working on building back my strength.”

“I’m really proud of you, Olli.”

Those words were exactly what I needed to hear. It was nice when Madi or Dr. Elliot gave praise, but it was nothing compared to seeing Emma smile at me like she was.

“Thanks.” I balled up the sandwich wrapper and tossed it in the trash before turning back to Emma. “Have you thought about plans for Thanksgiving?”

Emma’s eyes darted to her mom’s before turning back to me. “Not really.”

I acted like it was nothing. It shouldn’t bother me, but it felt like she was hiding something. Was she planning on going home with her mom? It made sense. Then her dad and sister could meet Jackson, but what about me?