Exposed King (Boys of Brisley 2)

Chapter Thirty-One:

The Nicest Ass in California

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Mia

Ollie: I miss you.

It was funny how a short text from someone you love could make you smile. Just three words that took him about two seconds, and it was enough to have me walking on air. I felt better as I walked into Sunday’s than I had in days, and when I peeked at my phone again and saw another two, I couldn’t stop grinning.

Ollie: I want to kiss your face.

Ollie: Have I told you lately that I miss you?

Being upset with Ollie took so much out of me every day, it felt like I was never resting. But now that we were back to normal and he wasn’t trying to save me by breaking up with me, things were good. Work went smoother too, and to make things even better, we had a visitor. I hadn’t seen Phyllis since the day she retired, but seeing her made me picture that drunken mess of a man who first walked into Sunday’s and ultimately walked out with my heart.

“How’s retired life?” I asked, letting her sweep me into a hug that took me by surprise.

“Great. I get to rest my feet as often as I want.” She took a seat and checked over the menu. “Some things never change, huh?”

I chuckled. “Apparently not, though we do get requests for Happy Huevos sometimes.” Phyllis laughed with me and I took that as an opening. “Do you remember Oliver Bishop? He came in asking about you one day, and he was very upset you retired and that we got new management.”

“Oh, Ollie. Of course I remember him. Handsome as all hell, right?” I nodded, knowing damn well how handsome he was. “How was he looking? Last time I saw him, he was pretty down. Glad to know he was asking about me. Maybe an old lady’s got a chance?”

I shook my head without realizing, knowing she was joking and yet still feeling that familiar sting of jealousy ... but for once, it was short lived. I knew Ollie was mine. “He was pretty down when he came in. Drunk, too.” Phyllis laughed like she’d seen that plenty of times. “I had the cooks put together a plate of sad huevos just for him and got him to smile.”

She must have seen something on my face, because she stared at me like I was transparent. “And how is he doing now, Camilla?”

I was used to everyone at the diner calling me by my middle name thanks to my nametag, and I peeked at my phone again before I responded, struggling not to laugh at him.

Ollie: I’m eating spinach right now and it’s your fault. You turned me into a rabbit, Devil Woman

He wasn’t wrong. Thanks to me, his fridge finally had some vegetables. “He’s doing amazing. He would say he wasn’t; he’d say he’s a mess, but I see him almost every day and he’s amazing.”

I blushed a little as Phyllis grinned. “So me retiring actually brought you two together.” It wasn’t a question, because even she knew she was right. “You’re in love.”

I nodded, feeling smaller than normal and bare. I did love him, with all of me. “We’ve been dating a while now and yes, I love him. So does Rio.”

She asked about my son and caught me up on all the things in her life, and before she left the diner, I made sure to take a photo of her and I together for Ollie then finally sent him a text back.

Me: I miss you too. Guess who just came in the diner? You get three guesses and no clues.

I pocketed my phone and went back to work, smiling when I barely had enough time to take one table’s order before my apron was vibrating.

Ollie: Ryan Reynolds, Dame Helen Mirren, and Beyoncé.

Me: No, no and triple no.

Instead of telling him or making him wait any longer, I sent him the photo of us and then bit my lip as I waited for him to respond.

Ollie: Phyllis!! That's better than any of them. How is she? Is she still there? Can I come?

Me: Sorry, Papí. She had to go but she said she’d come back next Tuesday for lunch. Just make sure you’re here.

Ollie: Absolutely. You look gorgeous, by the way. Come kiss me.

I sent him back a kissing emoji and went back to work, but when I felt my phone vibrate again I couldn’t stop myself from peeking — but goddamnit, I wished I had.