Liar

“I know,” I shouted. “I know. It just—it doesn’t make it easier.” My voice cracked on the last few words, and tears finally spilled down my cheeks. “I wouldn’t want to lie to you either, but if I loved someone enough, I’d expect you to understand why I lied for so long. I’d expect you to understand.”

Oaklyn scooted over and wrapped me in her arms, letting me bury my head against her shoulder and cry. She brushed her hand over my hair doing her best to soothe me.

“I’m so sorry, Olivia. I wish it was different for you. You were happier than I’d seen you in a while, and you know how much I wanted that for you.”

“I wi-wish it was different t-too.”

I clung to her, breaking down for the first time. Sure, I’d shed some tears and been angry at times, but I hadn’t yet let it all come out, fearful of what would be left of me when it did.

Oddly enough, when the crying slowed, and my lungs could fully inhale again, I felt lighter and more full at once. It wasn’t much, but for the first time, maybe it would be okay.

The front door opened, and Callum walked through, holding his briefcase. His large body looked comical frozen in the entryway, taking in the two of us hugging on the couch. His eyes widened, and his mouth opened like a fish out of water.

“Umm…I’m interrupting. I’m sorry.”

He moved at lightning speed to shed his coat and place everything in the closet.

“It’s okay, Dr. Pierce. I was just being dramatic all over Oaklyn. I’m done now.”

His blue eyes flicked between us as I wiped the remnants of my breakdown from my face. “Okay,” he said slowly, back to being frozen like a deer in headlights.

He could be so serious sometimes, and I had to admit, the thought of messing with him put back a piece I’d lost in the last two weeks. “Actually,” I feigned more tears, “I could really use some more support. Do you think you could come hold me too?”

His eyes managed to widen even more. “Uhh, wh—” he cleared his throat when his voice cracked. “What?”

I pinched my lips together to hold back my laugh.

While I may have been able to hold it in, Oaklyn couldn’t.

“Cal, I wish I could take a picture of your face. Olivia is just screwing with you.”

He looked back at me and relaxed for the first time since stepping in when he found me shaking with laughter.

“Don’t worry, you can go. We’re almost done with our girl talk.”

“Good to know.”

And then he was gone so fast I was surprised he hadn’t left skid marks in his wake. But just as quick, his head popped around the corner. “You staying for dinner?”

“Sure. That’d be great.”

Dinner ended up being pasta delivered from a local restaurant. The food had been delicious, and Oaklyn had managed to make me laugh a time or two. By the end of the meal, I felt both better and the same. My body still ached, missing Kent with every move, but I also felt stronger like it was a load I could bear.

But when it came down to it, I didn’t want to bear it. I wanted what Oaklyn and Callum had. They were the perfect picture of domesticated bliss—of what could become of a forbidden relationship. He’d been her professor and older than her, and yet they made it work.

“Do you have any plans for break, Olivia?” Callum asked, pulling me out of my downward spiral.

I shrugged, clearing my throat from the ball of tears trying to break free. “Some internships I want to apply for. Working at the hotel made me realize a direction to go in.”

“Finally,” Oaklyn muttered.

I rolled my eyes, and she maturely stuck her tongue out at me. Callum shook his head at our antics, snatching the roll from Oaklyn’s raised hand and placing it on his plate before she could lob it at me.

“Let me know if I can help. I may have some contacts you might enjoy working with.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” I still had to turn in my application to Carina. I passed by it sitting on the counter every morning, and I ignored it. Not ready to face anything new. I’d been in full wallowing mode. Maybe I’d head home and fill it out tonight. I needed to take steps forward and stop standing still.

All conversation came to a halt when my phone dinged with an incoming message. It clearly said Kent, and Oaklyn’s eyes snapped to mine.

My phone dinged two more times, each one sending a flood of adrenaline through my veins. My heart pounded like a racehorse.

Kent: I’m flying in tonight.

Kent: Please let me see you.

Kent: Room 1469. 7pm.

“You shouldn’t go, Olivia. Nothing has changed, and you’re just hurting you both more,” Oaklyn said.