Page 18 of Before the Night Falls
Even though she was out here alone, it didn’t scare her.
Only small, enclosed spaces did.
Being out here was a breath of fresh air.
She opened her Bible to Proverbs and read a new chapter, absorbing the words.
She’d only become a Christian a little more than a year ago, and she already found Christianity to be a solitary place in life.
There was no place for it in Hollywood or the entertainment industry. When she told people in the business that she was a Christ-follower, the news was always met with ridicule.
In many ways, she’d never felt so alone. Plus, after her ordeal she’d felt like there was no one who understood what she’d been through and how terrible it had been.
It was generally just Olivia and her Bible. Every day she tried to find meaning in what she read. Every day she wished she were close to someone who shared her faith. And sure enough, every day there was no one. Even though she went to church, her schedule didn’t allow her to make very many connections.
Just then, a footstep sounded behind her, and she froze.
Someone else was out here with her, she realized.
Immediately, her mind went into panic mode.
What if The Admirer had a minion finishing what he’d started?
As the question echoed in her head, she waited to smell the fragrance of roses.
She waited for her terror to begin again.
* * *
Body still in fight or flight mode, Olivia looked over her shoulder.
Tyson stepped out the back door, holding his cell phone to his ear.
Relief swept through her.
It was just Tyson.
Ofcourse.
Who had she expected? Brian Elliot to return from the dead and follow her here?
The thought was ridiculous.
She let out another breath and glanced at Tyson again. He hadn’t seen her yet.
She smiled at the confident air with which he walked. His presence seemed to command attention, and his large frame made it hard for anyone not to notice him.
Breezing past her shadowed chair, he strode to the other side of the patio and continued his conversation.
Olivia squirmed, feeling like she was intruding. She’d assumed he would see her.
But he clearly hadn’t anticipated anyone being out here.
“Why don’t you move out here with me?” His hand went to his hip. “I know I keep asking, but it makes sense. I have plenty of room at the house.” He paused. “You wouldn’t be imposing.” He paused again. “At least promise me you’ll come visit.”
Did Tyson have a secret girlfriend? Olivia’s interest perked.
The man was supposedly single. However, there were rumors linking him with a reality show actress. They’d been spotted together at a restaurant and a football game.
