I pull into her subdivision, my engine rumbling loudly on the quiet suburban streets. My heart pounds as I approach her house and park my bike in front of the mailbox. I take off my helmet and get off the bike, staring at her front door. I glance to the left, into the living room windows to see the lights on behind the curtains; it’s only a little past seven.
With a shaky breath, I walk up her driveway to the front door. To my surprise, running purely on adrenaline, I knock without hesitation, not pausing to fully collect or mentally prepare myself.
I shift my weight anxiously from foot to foot, waiting for her to answer the door. Shoving my cold hands into the pockets of my jeans, I stand off to the side so she can’t peek through any of the windows to see me and dodge me.
After a few very long moments, I hear the knob rattle and the front door opens. I sidestep in front of the door to find Mr. McCausland staring back at me. His face shows his surprise to find me on his doorstep unannounced, but nonetheless, he smiles, his eyes sparkling with fondness. “Hey, Bronx. What brings you here?”
He steps back from the door frame, his body language welcoming and clearly relaxed, which I’m thankful for. I guess Olivia hasn’t filled her parents in on recent events, because I have a feeling if she had, there wouldn’t be any pleasantries.
Mr. McCausland isn’t the type of man to threaten my life with a shotgun if I dare to hurt his daughter, but he wouldn’t be pleasant either. Rightfully so, there would be some sort of resentment or hostility.
I clear my throat. “Hi, sir. Is Olivia home?”
His lips turn down into a remorseful frown. “Sorry, son. You just missed her.”
My shoulders deflate. “Do you know where she went?” I ask, hoping I don’t sound too desperate.
“She’s going over to Cora’s for dinner tonight.”
I blink, racking my brain for what day it is. “But it’s Wednesday.”
Olivia’s weekly dinners with Cora are always on Tuesdays.
He gives me a small smile. “They switched up nights so you guys could study last night for your final.”
My heart squeezes at the realization that she did skip dinner with Cora last night—something she never misses—so we could study together for our lab final. But she did for me.
Fuck.
Sensing my guilt, Mr. McCausland continues. “It’s okay,” he assures me. “It’s actually an anniversary for Cora today. So it worked out that they did dinner tonight instead.”
I nod, some of my guilt subsiding. “Her and Olivia are pretty close, huh?”
He smiles fondly. “Yeah. Cora’s a good family friend. Olivia and her daughter were very close.”
I can sense a shift in his mood, the way his face turns solemn, smile timid.
“Oh. I didn’t know Cora had a daughter.”
Olivia never mentioned it. I just thought Cora was someone she met while shadowing at the hospital and that’s as far as their connection ran.
He nods, hesitant. “Yeah, that’s actually why Olivia is with her tonight. It’s, uh—it’s the anniversary of her daughter’s death.”
My face blanches, and my stomach knots.
He swipes his hand over his mouth uncomfortably, smoothing out his mustache afterward. “It’s been a number of years since she passed, and Olivia’s been helping Cora cope. It’s just Cora by herself since her daughter is gone, so Olivia spends time with her frequently to make sure she doesn’t get too lonely. I think she sees Olivia as a second daughter,” he informs me, voice thick with emotion. There’s a deep sadness in his eyes, but I also see the sparkle of adoration, how proud he is of his daughter for being that outlet for Cora.
Oh, Finch. Once again, proving why she’s too good for me. Too good for anyone.
“Wow,” I whisper, really not knowing what to say now.
Mr. McCausland nods and we stand in silence for a moment, him reminiscing and me absorbing this new information.
He shakes his head, seemingly clearing his thoughts before squaring his shoulders, his usual charismatic demeanor returning. “Yeah. I’m sorry you missed her, but I’ll let her know you stopped by.”
I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it, sir. I’ll just catch her tomorrow.”
“You sure? I mean, you’re more than welcome to come in if you want and wait for her. I’m not sure how long she’ll be, she’ll probably be out late, but there’s a game on that I’m going to watch if you want to stay,” he offers politely.
