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“Is it okay, Uncle?” Monte yanks on the sleeve of my jacket. “Can I get some flowers for Skylar too?”
Skylar. His princess. He’s her knight in shining armor.
He protected her when kids bullied her and brought her flowers that Olivia helped him pick out.
That was weeks ago, but Skylar has become a constant in his life.
She’s sat through three of his practices and was next to him when we went for chicken burgers and salad at the place where he confided in Olivia.
I ached for her that day.
I ache for her every damn day.
“Sure, bud.” I wave my arm over the massive display of bouquets. “Choose whatever you want for Skylar, and something for your mom for her birthday too.”
“Maybe if you pick something for Olivia, we can hang out with her again.”
It’s an innocent assumption, but flowers won’t change a thing between Olivia and me.
“Olivia moved away,” I remind him.
I’ve told him twice this week.
His bottom lip trembles as he looks up at me. “Does that mean if Skylar moves away, I can’t be her friend anymore? I can’t talk to her on the phone or go see her and bring her flowers?”
I look away, afraid of what my expression will give away.
“I’m sure if Skylar moved away, you’d still see her.” I swallow. “What happened with Olivia is different.”
“How?”
I can’t explain it to him. I can’t fucking explain it to myself, because Olivia is far different than any woman I’ve ever known, yet I’ve let the memory of someone else ruin my future with her.
I broke her heart before she had a chance to break mine.
I’m an asshole.
“What can I help you two handsome gentlemen with?” A woman who works at the flower market approaches us.
“We need flowers for my mom and for Skylar,” Alvin answers with a grin. “I want something that will make their hearts smile.”
The reminder of Olivia’s words is too much. I turn my back to my nephew and close my eyes, wishing I could find a way to chase this constant pain away.
Chapter 46
Olivia
I glance down at the silver frame in my hands. It holds the last picture that was taken of me with both of my parents. I’m too young to realize how lucky I was. I’m old enough now to understand it.
I place it on the corner of my desk.
I move it slightly to adjust it so when I’m in my chair, I can see it.
Standing back, I take in the space. It’s freshly painted in a light gray tone. The marble floor gleams. The elegant chairs are the perfect complement to the white desk.
It suits me. It should. My name is on the door.
Olivia Hull. Regional Director of Operations.
