Page 44 of Ancient Obsession

“It’s a note.” Oliver looked at him. “From Samira.”

“Is she part of Dr. Brennan’s team?”

“She is. If I remember correctly, she specializes in translating hieroglyphics.”

“What’s the note say?”

“It says she needs to talk with me, tonight, and to meet her outside the library.”

“How’d she know which car was yours?” Dave asked.

Oliver shrugged. “No idea.”

Dave rounded the back of the car and held out his hand. “All right, what are we waiting for? Let’s go talk to her.”

Relief swept through Oliver. “You sure?”

“I know you,” Dave said with a smile. “If we don’t go meet up with her, you’re going to be awake all night thinking about it.”

“Not all night…” Oliver said.

“And I’m sure as hell not letting you go alone. So, come on. Let’s find out what she’s got to tell you.”

Bishop Point University’s campus stretched for several blocks a short distance from Glenmont’s downtown district. Three quads connected by sidewalks formed the heart of the campus, with extension buildings in other parts of the city. Oliver had mostly kept to the quad shared by the Communications and Earth Sciences buildings, so he wasn’t as familiar with the rest of campus. He did know the library was located on the opposite end of the campus, so he and Dave struck out along the sidewalk. The sun was very low behind the buildings now, shadows stretching away, as if trying to escape its pull. Birds called out goodnights as they returned to roosts and nests. A gentle breeze moved through trees.

A quiet sense of peace settled over him. It didn’t fill him, not by a long shot, but the grip of Dave’s hand and the serenity of the evening helped him settle a bit more.

As they walked, Dave talked about the wedding. His family members would arrive the day before and, thankfully, stay in a large Airbnb. The only family Oliver had to consider was his grandmother, Eileen, who lived in a condo in Parson’s Hollow.

His thoughts turned to his father, gone for so many years now, and a pang of grief and loneliness rang through him. On the heels of that, he wondered where his mother might be, if she was still alive at all.

“Hey.” Dave gently bumped his shoulder. “Did you hear me?”

“Sorry. My mind wandered. What were you saying?”

“It wasn’t important.” Dave stopped and tugged on Oliver’s hand to bring him to a halt. “Are you sure you want to do this tonight? We can just go back home, and you can connect with her tomorrow. You’ve been through a lot today.”

“No, I want to hear what she has to say.” He hesitated. Then, all of a sudden, Oliver was shocked to discover he was on the verge of tears. It felt so ridiculous he laughed, but it sounded strained and humorless.

“Babe.” Dave pulled him into a hug. “Oh, babe. Come on. It’s too much tonight. Let’s go home.”

“It’s not that,” Oliver managed to say. He took a step back. Dave kept a hand on his upper arm, and his fingers felt good, grounding. Oliver wiped his eyes, blew out a breath, and tipped his head back, staring at the sky deepening from indigo to navy. The glow of campus lights lessened the impact of the stars just starting to appear.

Oliver lowered his gaze and managed a small smile. “I’m glad your family is making the effort to attend our wedding. I really, truly am. I like them, even Cody…sometimes.” They both grinned before Oliver continued. “I just got up in my own head about my parents and…” He trailed off as his vision blurred. Words stuck in his throat, and all he could do was lift one shoulder in a half-shrug.

Dave laid a hand along his cheek, gently stroking it with his thumb. He ducked his head to catch Oliver’s eyes and smiled. Oliver was surprised to see tears in Dave’s eyes as well. He couldn’t remember dating anyone else who had ever hurt simply because he was hurting.

“I’m okay,” Oliver said. He cleared his throat and nodded, as if assuring himself it was true. “I am. I think I just…I just miss my dad.”

Dave pulled him into another hug, and he sobbed. He dropped his bag at his feet and wrapped his arms around Dave, holding tight as he cried. His throat felt raw from his hitching breaths, his chest scraped out and hollow. He clung to Dave. He didn’t care what anyone walking past or peering out a window might think.

When his emotions settled, Oliver released his hold and took a step back. The wet spot on Dave’s shirt made him snort a laugh.

“It’ll wash out,” Dave assured him as he wiped his own face.

Oliver gave him a shaky smile and placed a hand on Dave’s chest, right over the wet spot. The steady beat of his heart pumped beneath his palm.

“Thank you,” Oliver said. “I guess I needed that.”