“Kay. I’ll talk to you later.”
When I put the phone down, I contemplate going back to sleep, but I’m kind of fully awake.
Sort of.
Instead of getting out of bed, I pick my phone back up and start looking at places to rent in Raleigh. And for a little while, I lose myself in finding potential places for Olivia to move to when the time comes.
I’ve already helped with the plot of her book, so maybe I can help with this too.
And keep my superhero status going.
19
OLIVIA
The drive back from the beach was a bit somber.
We were all in reflective moods—at least I was—and by the time we dropped Loren off, Vanessa and I perked up a bit.
As predicted, Zayne showed up with takeout for the three of us. We watched a movie, ate ice cream, and then I wished them both a good night so they could have some time to themselves.
And yes, he spent the night.
Quietly.
Ash and I talked like we always do, but I was more tired than I thought, and it was a brief conversation for the first time ever.
Sunday morning, Zayne ran out on a bagel run and we had a nice brunch with just the three of us again. He left around two so Vanessa and I could have some time to ourselves before Roxie and Loren showed up.
I got to use the shower first, and when I was done and back in the guest room, I saw I missed a text from Ash.
Ash: Have fun with the girls tonight!
Ash: Eat all the food!
Ash: And maybe have some cheesecake for me!
He’s adorable and I’m smiling as I text him back.
Liv: Hey! Thank you! We’re getting ready now.
Liv: I’m already thinking of all the things I want to order. Lol!
Liv: I have a feeling, there’s going to be more food than any of us can realistically eat.
Liv: But I am going to have zero regrets!
Liv: What’s your favorite kind of cheesecake?
Ash: There’s more than one? New York Cheesecake. What else is there?
Liv: Oh, you sweet, silly man. Have you never been to the Cheesecake Factory?
Ash: I’m afraid to answer that.
Liv: LOL! That means no.
Liv: And for the record, they have 36 flavors of cheesecake.
