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“That’s nice. How’s California? I heard you were a big shot with your new company out there.” She grins.
And there it is: the reason I avoid interacting with anyone from my hometown besides my family and the Christensens.
The interested gleam in Courtney’s eyes isn’t due to her likingme, but rather liking my newfound success. Countless beautiful women in LA pursue me because of my wealth, and I don’t mind one bit. I never view them as anything more than a casual fling, and casual flings don’t need to want me for my bubbly personality.
But when it comes to someone who barely acknowledged my existence growing up, shallow interest rubs me the wrong way.As does the way Courtney is eyeing me up like a piece of meat she wants to sink her acrylic nails into.
“California is nice, but it’s good to be home.” I begin to push my cart down the aisle, but she speaks before I take two steps.
“How long are you in town?” She maneuvers her body so her hip is in front of the cart.
“A month.”
“That’s great. We’ll have to hang out sometime.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, giving me a promising look. My distaste grows when I see the thin silver band on her left ring finger.
“I don’t think so,” I reply curtly. “Excuse me. I need to check out.” I pretend not to hear her offended gasp as I steer my cart around her and make my way to the checkout counter. As I make polite chitchat with the cashier, I pray Courtney has matured from the drama-loving teen she used to be. There’s very little I judge someone for, but infidelity, or a willingness to commit infidelity, is one of them. Cheating on someone you promised to be faithful to, even if you’re just dating, is a selfish act. One I would never engage in.
Thankfully, I manage to leave Robertson’s without Courtney causing a scene. However, I do sense her pointed glare on the back of my head from where she stands at the register next to mine. I’m putting the groceries in the back of Dad’s truck when a familiar blue Volkswagen Beetle pulls into the shopping center, parking in front of the gastropub located across the parking lot.
I watch Olivia get out of the vehicle. She wears a formfitting pencil skirt and billowing blouse. She must’ve just gotten off work. I debate if I should call out to her when I see a man step out of the luxury car next to hers. Based on Olivia’s smile, she knows him. When the pair walk towards the pub together, I realize she was expecting him, and a pit forms in my stomach.
I know Olivia’s dated. Hell, I witnessed her first one when Hector Cantu took her to prom. Through the years, I’ve overheard Mom and Aunt Chloe discuss her personal life. I try not to listen, but the teenager who still pines for what could have been can’t help but perk up when he hears any piece of information about Liv’s love life.
From what I know, she’s never had a serious relationship. But the way the man in the expensive black suit looked at my childhood best friend makes me question if that’s true. He gazed at Olivia like she’s a prize and he’s the lucky son of a bitch who won her.
I didn’t realize how much the thought of Olivia being in a relationship would hurt. We aren’t a couple. We’re not even really friends anymore.
But those truths don’t stop me from forgetting about the perishable items warming up in the back of the truck as I make my way to the gastropub.
I cross the parking lot, driven by the piece of my heart that still holds feelings for Olivia—the part of me I can’t destroy no matter how much I know I should.
CHAPTER 7
Olivia
I’m proud of myself.That’s the only way to describe how I feel as I follow Austin into Gary’s Attic, a top-of-the-line brewery with an extensive menu of delicious food located just ten minutes from the lab.
True to his word, the successful lawyer showed up at the lab on Monday with his paperwork in hand and insisted we set a time and place for the dinner I promised him. While it didn’t feel like a big deal at the time, as Friday drew closer, I started to doubt if I should go through with it. I’d picked up the phone to cancel our date multiple times, and I know the exact reason why.
Seeing Derek again really threw me for a loop. It was made even worse after hearing his parents discuss their concern for his well-being. The urge to reach out and see if he needed to talk after that dinner was strong, but I’d resisted. Things are complicated between us. I don’t need to look clingy by calling him. If he wants to hang out while he’s in town, he’ll call me. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
So after a week of oscillating feelings, here I am at dinner with Austin. And I’m glad I stuck it out. This is the first stepof moving on from my complicated history with Derek—a step that’s been years in the making.
“This way, Sir.” The buxom waitress bats her thick lashes at Austin before spinning on her heel to escort us to our table.
To Austin’s credit, he barely glances her way. His hand rests respectfully on my lower back as he guides me forward. Leaning down, he murmurs into my ear, “Have I told you how glad I am that you’re here?”
My answering smile is genuine. “Three times since we met in the parking lot.”
“Just making sure my appreciation doesn’t go unnoticed.” He grins. “Since I’m hoping there will be many more dinners in our future.”
I chuckle even as a blush creeps over my cheeks. “Let’s see how this one goes first, shall we?”
Austin shoots me a wink. “Fair enough.”
We sit at a tall, two-person table tucked along the exterior wall in the bar’s seating area. Through the clear glass, we can see the parking lot. I’m distractedly looking out at the sea of parked cars when I recognize a tall figure with a head of wavy brown hair.
My heartbeat quickens as I watch Derek Lawson walk across the parking lot, heading towards Gary’s Attic.
