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Once a small town got something in their heads it was hell to change it. I’d seen that firsthand for myself. Looking back to Emily, who’d gone bright red in the face, I nodded.
“I believe him. Now, I’d like to actually spend my lunch eating if you wouldn’t mind.”
Emily numbly nodded, taking our orders and walking away. Once it was just us again, Oliver cleared his throat.
“Thanks for that.”
I shrugged. “I didn’t like it when Emily talked about you like that, so this was a long time coming.” Looking at him, I took in the old pain floating under the surface and bit my lip. Was now a good time to ask for the full story?
He didn’t give me a chance to. His lips curled into a small but pained smile, and he spoke. “Ask. I can see that you want to, and I’d prefer you hear it from me.”
Hesitating for one more second, just to be sure he meant it, I asked. “What actually happened with Emily’s friend?”
He sighed, running a hand over his face. “We were dating for a while, and then one of her friends tried to force themselves on me. I was at her work to pick her up, and she walked in on me trying to get away. She’d pinned me to the booth so I couldn’t see a way out without hurting her. I tried to tell Diana that I had no willing part in it, but she wouldn’t hear it. I broke things off after that.”
Diana…
The name rang a dull bell, and then it hit. The first shooting lesson he’d given me.
I sat up straighter, eyes wide. “Wait, that rude man that came during our first shooting lesson mentioned a Diana.”
Oliver grimaced. “Yeah, he was trying to rub in the fact that he has her now, but honestly?” He shook his head. “I’m relieved. Our relationship was far from steady, and I’d already been considering leaving before the whole debacle. That was just the metaphorical straw that broke the camel’s back. I’m happy they’re together, because it keeps her away fromme.”
Without thinking I took one of his hands, giving it a comforting squeeze. “I’m glad you told me this, and I’ll be sure to set anyone straight that tries to spread those lies again.”
He blinked, clearly taken aback, before a smile tugged the edge of his lips. “You don’t have to do that. I’ve tried since the day it happened, but none of them will listen. I don’t want you dealing with their scorn.”
My frown deepened, and I shook my head. “I don’t care if they huff and puff behind my back, let them. I like you, and I won’t have them spreading such lies. You deserve better than that.”
He paused, letting that sink in before finally he shook his head, a fond smile curving his lips. “Alright, I obviously can’t stop you, so…thank you. I appreciate it.”
And he did, I could all but see it glowing from his every pore. Warmth settled in my chest in response, and I looked away. “Of course, what are friends for?”
I caught the barest flash of disappointment on his face and my stomach rolled. I really needed to get this mess with Harvey figured out so I could decide what I was doing on the whole Oliver front. If it kept up like this, I’d be starting something I wasn’t sure if I could finish.
Before I could think of something to say, our plates were put in front of us–not by Emily, I noted–and I focused on that instead. Just a little longer, then I could start untangling the messy feelings surrounding Oliver.
I just had to hold it together for a few more days.
Chapter 8
The sheriff’s expression was steely as he sat across from me, his face a mask of grimness that did nothing good for my nerves.
“I’m going to be blunt with you: what was found at the property I sent my boys to was…disturbing. We got a warrant out on Harvey last week, and with any luck, he’ll be caught before the night is out.”
I let the air pent up in my lungs go in a massive wave, relief nipping at my heels that it was all going to be over soon.
“Thank you.” I said, not at all sure what else to say. He waved it off, expression not relaxing.
“Don’t thank me yet. We still have to catch him. If you plan on going back once he’s caught, I’d be wary. Just because he’s out of the picture doesn’t mean he won’t have partners. They won’t be happy with you for dragging this to the light.”
Yeah, I’d figured that, though this did bring up a good question.DidI plan on going back?
Aside from Harvey, I hadn’t had anything back home. I didn’t like my job; I only had a few friends…
Was there anything worth going back for?
Flashes of Oliver and Sara’s faces came to me, and a pang spiraled through my chest. If I left, I wouldn’t get to see them much, and that sat like a weight in my stomach.
