Page 34 of When Forever Comes

Something’s still off, but I can’t place it. To an outsider looking in, she looks content, but I see the insecurity creeping in. And I’m not sure how to stop it from taking complete control.

I quickly finish my dessert and close up hers for later.

On the short drive back, she falls asleep on my shoulder. Not wanting to disturb her, I carry her from the car to the elevator. When we reach the top floor, I carry her out to my bedroom where she’s been staying. She’s still in her dress and shoes. I tug off both shoes, turn the bed down, and tuck her in.

Before leaving, I kiss her forehead and whisper, “Sleep well, my love.”

THIRTEEN

WEST

Pounding on my door wakes me from a restless sleep. When I open it, it’s my most high-strung manager telling me about the cluster of problems that hatched overnight. Apparently, several sinks have sprung leaks, a snake is in the pool, and several of our shorter palm trees were tp’ed. We haven’t had this many issues at once in years.

After grabbing a quick shower in my temporary apartment bathroom – that thankfully doesn’t leak – I get on the phone with the plumbing company and confirm that they have several plumbers on their way. I head over to the entrance and ask security to pull the tapes to figure out who is responsible for this juvenile prank involving the palm trees. Since they have the tp take-down under control, I head to the pool. The lifeguard is struggling to get the snake out and as much as I’d rather call animal control, I take the pole from him and do it myself. After disposing of the snake in the woods far enough away from the resort, I head back to my office to take a breath and check up on the other mundane issues that have popped up.

Someone knocks on my office door.

“Come in,” I say, not looking up from my computer.

“I thought you should know your penthouse is clean and ready for you.”

“What?” My head snaps up from the computer so fast I jar my neck. “Where’s Olivia and Dana? They had more time here.”

My assistant stares at me wide-eyed, clearly terrified to answer my question.

“They took the red eye to Emerald Springs.” She pauses and looks away. They were scheduled to return on my jet. But Olivia probably knew I wouldn’t approve of her abrupt departure. I pound my fist against my desk and rattle the figurines I’ve collected over the years. I texted Olivia last night that our time together would be delayed until after lunch. Despite having a great management team, I want to be a hands-on owner who gives his business the time and energy it requires.

Olivia took that opportunity to slip away.

“Why would she leave?” I ask rhetorically.

My assistant answers anyway. “She didn’t say. Dana is the one who checked them out. Olivia was in the taxi before I could ask her.”

“Thanks for letting me know.” I dismiss my assistant and struggle to gather whatever composure I have left.

I slide my glasses off my nose, bury my hands in my hair, and hang my head.

After taking some time to gather myself, I call her and she doesn’t answer, so I leave a voice message. I wait impatiently for an hour before sending her a text. No response.

Please call me, Livvy.

Tell me what’s going on.

We’ll work through whatever this is together.

…

Hope flares in my chest, then vanishes the moment the text bubble disappears.

Having Olivia back in my life was a literal dream come true. I spent every possible moment praising God for my answered prayer.

Each day we spent together cemented my belief that Olivia was made to be mine, and I was made to be hers.

No one else on God’s green earth is more perfect for me than Olivia Swann. I thought I proved that to her this week. I thought I showed her in my words and actions how much I want her, how deeply I love her.

But like I’ve always feared, she doesn’t want me. I’ll never be enough for her.

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