Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry you didn’t find what you were looking for, baby.”
“Thank you. It was a long shot anyway. Besides, I might just take the two weeks during the winter break and continue searching.” Shrugging my shoulders, I run that idea in my head and decide I like it.
“You mean we will.” I look at him with hope in my eyes. “Hey, this trip may be over right now, but we are not over, hazel eyes. I just found you. I am not going to lose you now.” I silently cry and nod my head. “Look, we have a few more days. Let’s just try to have some fun.”
We went to the Shedd Aquarium which is my favorite place and then he wanted to go to the History Museum. Now, we are at my parents’ house. “Are you sure about this?” I ask him, hoping he changes his mind about coming with me to see my dad.
“I am. I would like to meet the man who helped raise such a remarkable young woman.” Trying to smile, I take a deep breath and ring the bell. I have a key, but it feels wrong to just walk in when I have a guest.
I see my dad’s face through the door, and I know from this angle he can’t see Oliver. He smiles while opening it. “Sweetheart, why in the world did you…” I know the moment he sees Oliver. His smile falters and he stops talking.
“Hi dad. I didn’t want to use my key and I have someone with me,” I babble on.
“Yes, I can see that. Well, come in.” He steps back and opens the door. We step inside and once the door is closed turns towards us. It is not lost on me that Oliver’s hand has not left my side, anchoring me to him, giving me strength, but also in some weird way I think sending a message to my father.
“Dad, I would like for you to meet Oliver my…” Hell. I didn’t think this part through. I have no idea what to call him. We haven’t exactly put a label to what we are doing. I feel his fingers squeeze my side before he holds his hand out.
“I’m her future. Nice to meet you.” I suck in air, totally shocked and really turned on by his admission even though I don’t know that it is true. I chance a look at my dad and his face is as shocked as mine, but he recovers quicker.
“Hello, Oliver. I’m Bob. Welcome to our home.”
The rest of the time we spend telling him how we met and of our journey leading us back here. My father listens with no questions and very little commentary. I know he is not happy, but I appreciate his restraint. Suddenly, Oliver’s phone rings and he excuses himself to go answer it.
The minute he is out of the room my dad does his thing. “What is going on, January? What are you doing with this guy?”
“I’m not sure. I mean to be honest I don’t think I could have done any of this without him,” I admit out loud for the first time.
“I get that he has been a great support, but it is clear to me that more has happened, I just don’t know what you think will come of this? You have school starting up in a few weeks and I am sure he has a life to get back to. So again I ask, what are you doing with him?” His assessment of the situation stings because it is the very conversation Oliver and I have avoided, but one I knew we had to have. Listening to him summarize it in a few words makes my heart ache and my stomach turn sour. Isn’t this the very moment I have been replaying in my mind at night when Oliver is asleep, and I am in his arms not sleeping? One thing is for sure, I may not have all the answers right now, but the one answer I do have I am no longer hiding from.
“I am falling in love,” I tell him as honestly as I can. Wow. I just admitted it out loud. I thought I would feel scared or something, but instead I felt light and this twinge of euphoria. I should probably tell him, huh? The moment the thought hits my mind he walks into the room, but I can tell something is wrong. “Oliver?” I slide off the stool and go to him. He grabs my hands and looks in my eyes.
“I am sorry to do this, but I have to go. That was the camp calling. Seems Natalie was injured.” And just like that, the bubble pops.
CHAPTER
SIXTEEN
OLIVER
With one ear, I listened to her father tell her what a mistake this was until I realized it was the nurse at Natalie’s summer camp calling me, then all my attention was there.