Page 57 of Ravenous

“You ordered food?” It sounded casual but Ollie could hear the layers in her tone, for good reason.

Guilt bloomed in Ollie’s chest again, sharp and aching. He’d only wanted to fix his problems but he’d caused far more, especially with his family. Taking a deep breath, Ollie swore to repair all the damage, take away their worries, and visit once he’d gained a few pounds and his body stopped overreacting.

“Yeah!” Ollie told her brightly. “I wanted some hash browns.”

It took Ollie over an hour but he managed to eat half of what he ordered, imagining that he was on a date with Finn. Wrapping up the leftovers, he vowed to work on them again later, after the makeover, and while he was proud of himself, he felt bloated and uneasy. This was going against everything he’d been working for and doubts plagued him, pecking at him like crows. He’d just gotten rid of his old self, reached a place where he was able to float away from everything, and he was giving in right as he reached the finish line.

A chirp echoed through the room and Ollie glanced down at his phone, a single sentence calming him.

Ready to play dress up with you today, Sunshine.

Quickly he typed back.Since you’re already a 10, today we’re making you an 11.

I’m actually a 15.

Ollie snorted and sent Finn a still image of a drag queen holding her hand up with STOP written on the palm.

Finn replied with three sideways laughing faces right as Ollie noticed the time. He needed to start his makeup and hairnow, or he was going to be late. Reluctantly leaving the comfort of his orange chair, he gathered a few things and opened his bedroom door, meaning to cross the hallway into the bathroom, but Mason’s voice echoed through the house, unusually loud and stopping Ollie right in his tracks.

“How did you get my number?” The words were soaked in anger and resentment, and they were accompanied by footsteps as Mason moved around the first floor. “Forget it, I don’t care. If you step foot in this place, I’ll call the police. I do not consider you my family. Gran was the only family I had and she left the house tome. Stop stalling, let me settle the estate, andleave me alone.”

Ollie stayed frozen where he was, listening to but not seeing Mason as he ended the call and slammed the basement door shut. It seemed like Mason’s family was holding strong; Ollie wished that he could help.

Finally making it to the bathroom, Ollie took a quick shower, rinsing away the dream. Washing out the hair mask, he used all his repair products to style his curls and let them air dry while he put on his face. It took far too much time to cover up the purple hollows under his eyes and alter his peaked complexion to a rosy glow, so he swiftly got dressed, checked his almost-dry hair, and declared himself ready. The caffeine seemed to be doing its job, or maybe it was the food, for he had slightly more energy.

Rushing had resulted in Ollie being early, so he waited on the porch with his tripod and two bags of essentials that he’d packed the night before. Finn had lightly suggested that they go to his place after shopping and Ollie was willing to take him up on that offer. They’d been a thing for months now, it was about time Ollie saw his boyfriend’s place.

Checking his phone, Ollie’s eyebrows rose. He’d missed a text from Rain. It was like Biz and her witchy goth ways had summoned him.

hellooo Ollinator, are there any jobs open at your wedding place? I can walk to it and I need money to move the fuck out.

Ollie frowned, not liking the sound of that. Rain must be having a tough time with his mom’s new boyfriend.

Yeah, they’re always looking for wait or kitchen staff. I’ll give Marci your number, she sorta runs that stuff.

Three celebration emojis prefaced aREALLY??? I owe you a blowjob.

Ollie laughed for the first time that day.Nope, I’m good. I have someone to do that for me.

I heard you got a DADDY.A kissy-face emoji broke up the sentence. Send me a picture of his dick.

Ollie cringed and fired off a flashing GIF of the wordNO.He hadn’t even seen Finn’s dick since the infamous couch incident and he wanted to see it again, hopefully tonight, but it wasn’t for sharing with Rain.

Send me a picture of your landlord’s dick.Rain’s tap was always turned on.

Why would I have that?Ollie grimaced at his phone.

If I lived there I’d have it.

Ollie sent Rain a dozen eye-roll emojis.

Guess what, I’m seeing Tommy today.

Guilt zapped Ollie again.Cool. Tell him I said hi.

You should prob text him. Btw? thankyouthankyouthankyou you’re saving my ass.

Rain was right; Ollie should text his brother. But Tommy would want to meet up and Ollie couldn’t see his family, not right now. Not while he was climbing out of the giant hole he’d dug for himself.

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