Page 89 of Adrift

She called me Friday night to thank me for the flowers and the note, and just hearing the smile in her voice had me rock-solid inside my pants. Then, at the end of the conversation, I heard her breathe out a soft bye. I could tell she was feeling unsure about how to end the conversation, and I wanted to eliminate her doubts as fast as I possibly could, so I said the words to set her at ease–words I never thought were possible for me to say or feel again. “I love you, my Rani.”

My phone buzzes again, and I realize I’ve been lost in thought for the past five minutes.

Garrett: Wait, why isn’t he denying it? Holy shit! Is there something going on with you and Rani, @Darian?

Dean: Dude, were you not present during dinner at Dad and Karine’s house where these two looked like they couldn’t decide if they wanted to kill or fuck each other?

Dean: Btw, @Darian, I’m assuming by the fact that both of you are still alive, you chose the latter.

Garrett: Mind blown. I must have been on another planet.

Dean: Or back on your last flight, initiating another flight attendant into the mile-high club.

Garrett: It’s quite possible. But seriously, @Darian, congratu-fucking-lations! Rani is a total sweetheart and hella-cute. Do Karine and Dad know?

Me: Thanks. Not yet. I plan to talk to Mom today, so keep your piehole shut. Now can you guys stop blowing up my phone so I can get work done?

Dean: Yeah, congratulations, bro. I mean, you could have fathered her but hey, we don’t need to bring that up.

I don’t respond because it’s exactly what my asshole brother wants me to do.

Dean: What? Did that one cross the line?

Garrett: Shit. You probably made him cry, bro. Remember the time when he was eight, and he cried because we tickled him too much?

Dean: God, he was such a pussy. So glad he grew out of that.

I turn off my screen and flip my phone over. They’ll continue going back and forth like this for the next hour, but some of us have shit to do and beautiful nymphs to pleasure.

A half hour later, I’m scrolling back and forth, comparing some statements and setting some financial targets for the next month when Olivia knocks on my open door. It’s been a little tense between us over the past two weeks–ever since I found out she was rude to Rani and told her to cut it the fuck out.

At first, she denied saying anything, but then she straightened her shoulders, as if she was taking the high road, and left my office. Since then, we’ve kept things professional and ice-cold.

“Come in.” I close my laptop.

Olivia twists her hands, walking toward my desk. “Hey. Actually, I wanted to clear the air between us.”

I sit back in my chair. “Olivia, you and Greg are like family to me. Honestly, I couldn’t run this place without you, but I feel like the whole thing with your sister–”

Olivia juts out her hands, silently telling me to not say anything more. “I actually had a longer conversation with Violet, and she’s extremely embarrassed about her behavior at Greg’s party. She said she sent you a text message saying so.”

“She did.” I just never responded.

Olivia sighs. “After speaking more to her, it was clear to me that she’s not in the right headspace to have a man in her life right now. I don’t know if she told you, but she went through a pretty nasty divorce a few years ago after she caught her husband cheating on her. She’s never been the same since.”

“I wasn’t aware of that, but I can only imagine how that kind of betrayal could mess with a person’s head.”

We stare at each other for a minute before she speaks again. “Anyway, I’m about to head home. Felix and Greg will be here. I just wanted to apologize for being rude to your sister-in-law. I felt a little threatened on behalf of Violet, even though I had no right and you and my sister have nothing going on. I’ve just always thought you were an amazing guy, and I wanted someone like you for Violet.”

“I appreciate your words, Olivia, but I’m not interested in Violet.”

She winces. “I hear you loud and clear, and I think Violet did, too.” She turns around to leave but seems to hesitate at the door. She’s always been on the wordier side. Turning over her shoulder, she looks at me again. “I really did mean what I said about you, Darian. Any woman would be lucky to have you. And, not that it’s any of my business, but if that lucky woman is your sister-in-law, then I’m happy for the both of you.”

I stop her before she walks out the door. “Hey, Olivia?”

“Yeah?”

“How did you know?”

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