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I hummed my response and hung up, digging into my food with a host of new thoughts to work through. Hopefully the sheriff would have news on Harvey soon. Then I could finally move on from this.
And maybe, just maybe, I could see if something would form between Oliver and I.
Chapter 7
I looked at the clock for the fifth time in as many minutes, nerves all but crawling over my skin. It was finally time.
The sheriff had called me earlier and told me to stop by at the end of the day to hear what news he’d had on Harvey.I hadn’t been able to pull anything from the man’s tone, which drove me crazy. Was it good or bad news?
I’d been slightly less paranoid since I’d gotten my gun, which was now safely tucked away into its safe at home. The nightmares were still vicious, but I could at least breathe most nights. Baby steps were good as long as they were in the right direction.
The rush was dying down, and soon it’d be time for me to head to the police station. Even the thought of that set my nerves on fire, but I shoved them down.
It’d been months since I first moved here, and I wasbeyondready to have this finished. I wanted my freedom back, and this was the way to get it.
“Hey, Jen!” The familiar voice dragged me back to the present, and I turned to see Oliver at one of the tables, a wide smile curling his lips.
Over the past few months, we’d gotten together for quite a few more lessons and arcade outings. The more time I spent with him, the harder it was to remind myself that we were only friends.
He was everything I’d wanted as a teenager, daydreaming about my hypothetical future partner, but I had to be completely sure that what I was feeling was real.
He’d already been hurt once, I wouldn’t make it twice.
Walking up to his table, I smiled. “It’s good to see you. Do you want your usual?”
He bobbed his head, leaning forward on his elbows with a smile that melted me to my core. “Of course. Is your lunch soon? You can join me if it is.”
He did this occasionally, stopping by and having lunch with me.
Ignoring the flutter in my stomach, I looked at the clock and nodded. “Let me tell the others, and I can take it now.” It’d be a bit early, but it would be more fun to have with him. I could have a slightly early lunch.
Moving back to the kitchen, I called. “I’m taking lunch.” The other waitresses nodded and I walked back to Oliver, sliding into the booth across from him after taking off my uniform apron.
“I have half an hour,” I said, and he nodded.
“That’s fine, and thank you for eating with me. Food tastes better with good company.” Then he flagged down Emily, whose lips curled in distaste. I instinctively bristled at the look she shot him, but before I could say anything, she turned back to me with a pinched look of disapproval.
“I see that you ignored my advice.”
Oliver hesitated, catching the undercurrent flowing freely through the air and glancing between Emily and me warily. I grimaced, forcing my attention to stay on Emily as I responded icily.
“I did, though again, I said we’re not dating.”
Oliver tensed, confusion and alarm flashing over his features now. “What exactly are you two talking about?”
I hated that he’d have to learn about this in such a public display–Emily should have remained professional if nothing else!–but before I could tell him, Emily kept talking as if he hadn’t spoken at all.
“If you aren’t yet, you will be. I see the way you look at him and I’m telling you that you should leave while you can. Cheaters aren’t good for anything and my friend dealt with a lot from him.”
He hissed under his breath, frustration andhurtburning across his face, and without a doubt I knew there was more to this story. Oliver wouldn’t cheat and I’d stand by that.
Straightening, I glared down at Emily and spoke. “Has it ever occurred to you toaskhim for the truth? Or that your friend might have been lying?”
Emily sputtered, offense clear, and I turned pointedly to Oliver, who watched me now with wide-eyed surprise. Once I had his attention, I asked.
“Did you cheat on anyone?”
Immediately he shook his head, something close to desperation lighting his eyes as he waved frantically. “No! I’ve told dozens of people that, and none of them believe me.”
