Page 73 of The Kissing Part
Finn brings my luggage in. “Hi, Olivia.” His voice sounds warm and inviting.
“Hi.” She turns to me. “At least Finn was with you. Did you call him?”
“No, I just ran into him on my way here.”
Finn waves bye and leaves.
I step farther into the room and sigh. “This room does look good. Brighter with the light yellow walls and white crown molding.”
“Shayla!” Olivia says. “Do you know how valuable you are? You can’t take chances like that.”
For a moment, it feels like Olivia is mothering me. I guess she really cares.
“You should’ve let me know you were alone,” Zander says. “That’s what I’m here for.”
“I know, I’m sorry. It was only a block, and I was upset.”
Olivia glances at the suitcases. “Sorry about Owen. I guess it’s good your film wraps in a week. We can get back to LA.”
I swallow over the lump of emotion lodged in my throat.
Footsteps thunder down the stairs. “I thought I heard your voice,” Harper says. She looks back toward the upstairs. “Mac, Shayla’s here.”
“Harp! Mac is a truck!”
Harper smiles. “I actually don’t mind Harp.”
Mackenzie appears at the top of the stairs, takes one look at me and my suitcases, and says, “This looks like a wine and chocolate situation.”
My lower lip quivers. I nod.
Harper and Mackenzie join me a moment later and fold me into a group hug.
“Olivia!” I call. “Get in here!”
Olivia joins the hug.
Zander clears his throat. “I’ll take these suitcases up to your room.”
“Thank you,” I say.
We pull away from the hug. Mackenzie gives me a sympathetic look.
“He kicked me out,” I say. “I love him with all my heart, and he kicked me out.” My face crumples, tears falling in earnest. “I screwed up, and I wanted so much for this to work out.”
Olivia produces a tissue and hands it to me. I wipe my tears. “Thanks.”
She gestures for me to follow her to the kitchen. We all file in behind her. Oh, they added a square light wood table and chairs in one corner. That looks like a cozy spot.
Mackenzie gestures to the table. “Sit. I’ll get the chocolate.”
“I’ll get the wine,” Harper says.
“I’ll get napkins and glasses,” Olivia says.
I take a seat, humbled by their support. I haven’t spent much time with them between Owen and work. Well, now they’re both ending. My throat tightens. “It’s so good to see you all again.”
“Back at ya.” Harper uncorks a bottle of white wine. “This is a Loire Valley sauvignon blanc. Please take the time to savor it during this difficult time.”
