Page 67 of Clued in to Love
Malik caught Hugo’s eye in the mirror, too. A strange look that Olivia couldn’t quite decipher passed between them. “You like ska?” He turned in Olivia’s direction, sounding interested for the first time.
She sucked in a breath as his dark eyes lingered on her. “Yeah, you?”
“Hate it.” He glared at Hugo in the mirror, winked, and broke out in a laugh. “Nah, that’s how Hugo and I met.”
“Really?” Hugo had never mentioned it. Olivia had assumed they met in class.
“Yep. We were at the same show, right up front in the mosh pit.” Malik rolled up the sleeve of his graphic sweatshirt to show Olivia a tattoo of his favorite band in black ink on his forearm.
The truth was that Olivia wasn’t a ska fan, other than by default from spending so much time with Hugo.
“Okay, we need a plan,” Cass said, turning around to include them in the conversation.
A wave of disappointment washed over Olivia. This was the most she and Malik had spoken. She was just starting to be able to form a complete sentence.
“I’m not sure how long I’m going to be able to hang around,” Malik said, shifting his feet so that his leg no longer touched Olivia’s.
“But we’re all riding together.” Cass scrunched her forehead. “You should have driven separately.”
“It’s fine. I’ll get a ride on my own,” Malik said confidently. “I’ll get an Uber.”
Olivia frowned. She wished she could read his mind. She had no idea what he was thinking and why he kept showing up only to half-ass each challenge. Had he agreed to join their team for the money? Because if so, he would be in for a big shock. His roller coaster-like behavior was also making Olivia question her interest. Yes, he was gorgeous and made her feel like a twelve-year-old girl whenever he was around, but she didn’t have time for Malik’s games. Maybe it was time to forget about her crush and concentrate on winning Passport to the Holidays.
THIRTY-NINE
HILARY
Hilary didn’t chase after Ben. She watched him leave the hotel, wondering for the first time if their marriage was about to end.
She took her things back to her office, ignoring messages from the mayor and her staff. She poured herself a cup of stale coffee and locked her office door. The saddest holiday mix of Joni Mitchell covers played on the overhead speakers. Hilary didn’t bother to change the station. The music matched her mood.
How had they gotten to this point so quickly?
Or was it quickly?
She’d neglected Ben and their relationship long before the twins left for college. At some level, she’d been aware. Aware enough to change it, and yet she opted not to.
She thought about her conversation with Darby earlier. Darby’s perspective resonated.
Is this normal?
Could perimenopause and her changing hormones be bringing on this bizarre range of emotions?
Or am I just a mess?
Hilary had been pre-grieving since the twins’ first year of high school, anticipating how much it would hurt to have herchildren out in the world without her, but once it actually happened it was like she had been run over by a bus. They were living lives that she wasn’t part of. They didn’t need her now. Not in the same way.
Ben needed her.
Her husband needed her, and the only thing she’d done was push him away.
Why?
That was what she was struggling with. She gulped lukewarm coffee and replayed the image of Ben’s pained face after bumping into her at the hotel. He’d been nothing but clear about his needs. He communicated his wants. He tried to reconnect while she continued forward, focusing all her energy on work and remaining apathetic about her marriage at best. How had it come to this?
Her desk phone rang, shaking her from her swirling thoughts.
“Hilary? It’s Samesh. Are we still on for our meeting?”
