I woke late the next morning. I wasn’t entirely sure what time it was, and it took me several minutes to realize where I was.
I opened my eyes slowly and inhaled deeply.
My stomach growled immediately, once I realized that I was in Olivia’s father’s apartment. I knew Olivia was cooking. The apartment smelled amazing, and my mouth was already watering. I briefly wondered if I’d managed to drool all over my pillow in my sleep.
I turned over and blinked tiredly.
I shoved myself into a sitting position, and raked my hand through my hair.
“Good morning… I’m sorry, did I wake you?” Olivia asked worriedly.
“No. I was awake. My stomach is growling.”
“Oh, good. I made you an omelet.” She offered.
I raised my eyebrow. “You made an omelet?” I asked in surprise. “You?”
She pursed her lips. “Yes. I didn’t know what you wanted to eat, and this was the only thing I could think of. I want to state that I am morally objecting to using an unfertilized baby chicken for the purposes of food, though.” She insisted.
“Duly noted.” I replied with a smile.
“I ran out and bought some coffee too.”
“Oh, awesome.” I mused, pushing myself up from the bed, and crossing into the kitchen, awkwardly straightening my pajama pants.
I poured myself a mug of coffee and drank deeply. Olivia laughed softly, watching me. I noticed finally that she was wearing the same pajama top from the night before, but she wasn’t wearing the bottoms. I wondered if she was wearing the same skimpy undergarments from the night before.
I lowered the cup slowly. “Liv… about last night…” I began.
She shook her head. “No, it’s fine. It’s totally okay.” She insisted. “I understand.” She smiled, standing on her toes and lightly kissing my cheek.
I sighed, setting my coffee mug down behind me on the kitchen counter. I wrapped my arms around Olivia and pulled her against me. She sighed comfortably and rested her head against my chest. Her head seemed to fit perfectly beneath my chin.
I drew in a deep breath, holding her gently. “Liv, I owe you and your dad my life pretty much. If it wasn’t for you guys, my ass would still be in that prison cell. And for who knows how long. If it weren’t for your dad I’d never get myself out of this mess. No one would ever believe a criminal accusing a cop of being crooked…” I mused. “About last night… don’t be upset with me for this… but I sort of promised your dad…. I mean, one of the stipulations for me to stay here…. Was that there wasn’t any funny business between us. I assume that means he doesn’t want to walk on me defiling his daughter…” I mused.
Olivia straightened up out of my arms. “Oh, no. He didn’t actually say that, did he?” She asked in disbelief.
I nodded. “He threatened to throw me back in jail.”
Olivia shook her head. “Oh, that is so embarrassing!” She gasped.
I chuckled. “Cant really say that I blame him, though.” I shrugged.
Olivia shook her head and sighed. “You’d better eat your omelet before it gets cold.” She insisted.
I lightly kissed her cheek and picked up my plate. I walked over to the dining table and plopped down. I scooped some of the omelet onto my fork and began shoveling food into my mouth.
“Your mom called this morning.” Olivia mused.
“Really? Huh.” I mused, feigning disinterest.
“She’s worried about you because she hasn’t heard from you.” She supplied, crossing the room and sitting next to me on a chair.
“Did you tell her that we’re going there today?” I worried.
“No. I didn’t think you would want me to.” She said.
“What did she say?” I asked.
“She just asked how you were doing, and I told her about what you and my dad had discussed and that he thinks you can beat this. She’s very excited.”
I nodded absently.
Olivia moved around the table and slid into my lap. She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m worried about you.” She said softly. “I know you told me not to, but it’s hard not to.” She moved her arm around my shoulders and lightly toyed with my hair.
I drew in a deep breath, and sighed heavily. “It’s just been a hard couple of weeks. It takes a bit to get back to normal after what I’ve been through the past few days.” I replied.
“I know.” She mused gently. “Promise that if there’s anything I can do, you’ll let me know?” She asked.
I nodded. “Of course, Liv.” I answered.
She smiled. “More coffee?”
“Sure.” I replied.
She slipped from my lap and picked up my coffee mug, bringing it into the kitchen. She poured more coffee into the mug and brought it back. “What do you want to do after we stop at your place? Is there anywhere you’d like to go or do?” She asked eagerly.
To be completely honest, I didn’t really want to do anything. I just wanted to hide in the apartment. I didn’t feel up to casual interaction with strangers, or even going out in public.
“We could go see a movie…” She paused. “Or we could rent a few movies and come back here…” She offered.
“Maybe we could come back here.” I began. “I kind of just want to relax.”
“Okay, that sounds good.” She smiled.
I picked up my fork and started shoveling food in my mouth. The omelet was delicious.
I finished the omelet and Olivia asked if I wanted a second.
“I’m good, thanks.” I smiled. “I’ll help you with the dishes.” I offered, standing. I took a long drink of my coffee.
“Thank you.” Olivia smiled.
I washed the dishes while she dried them carefully and put them back
“Do you mind if I shower?” I asked, when the dishes were finished.
“No, of course not.” She insisted. “I think I’ll shower later anyway. I’ll just get dressed now and we can get to your parent’s house.”
I glanced awkwardly toward the clock. My parents would have already been gone.
I nodded. “Sounds like a good idea.” I mused. I lightly leaned toward her and kissed her forehead, before moving into the bathroom to shower.
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