Page 31 of Cabin Fever

"It doesn't matter. Looks like your family was searching for you after all. That's good. You'll be home before you know it." I raised the menu again, hoping she'd be tempted enough to talk about her sister so as to never bring up what I said again.

The waitress came back over, handing an envelope to Olivia. "Here you go, darling. It must have been your sister. The letter is addressed to you. Have you two decided yet?"

"Yes, we will both have large cups of your highest quality hot chocolate. And, I'll have a large salad and a fruit cup. After almost two weeks of meat and potatoes, I need my vitamins." She handed back the menu.

"I'll have pancakes, sausage, and hash browns." Debbie grabbed the menu from my hand.

Olivia frowned at me, but I ignored it. She never seemed happy around me.

"Coming right up. Oh, and, darling, if you need any help with getting in touch with your sister, just ask. She was very worried last week." Debbie reached over and squeezed Olivia's shoulder.

They gave each other a knowing look. I had no idea what it meant, but they understood. It made Olivia tear up, which had me more confused. Perhaps if my father had brought me into town more often when I was young, I would be better versed in the silent speak.

I cleared my throat, which snapped the women out of their code talk.

"I'll put in your orders."

Olivia held up the envelope as if it had magical powers. She stared at it and traced her sister's handwriting with her finger.

"The only way you will know what's inside is by opening it."

"I'm nervous. What if Bea found out about Derrick? What he did? What he planned to do?"

"Who's Derrick?"

Just the way she said his name caused the hair on the back of my neck to rise. Pain was etched on her face and I had a bad feeling he put it there. Even though I didn't know who he was, I knew I didn't like Derrick.

"He's my fiancé. I guess he's my ex-fiancé now." She frowned as she slowly slipped the tip of her finger under the edge of the envelope flap.

"Derrick's the one who cheated on you?"

She stared at her finger and hadn't looked up at me since she mentioned his name. I may not be the friendliest to Olivia but if I was lucky enough to have a kind, hardworking, caring, beautiful woman like that in my life, cheating would be laughable. Only a crazy person would be unfaithful to her.

She nodded. "Yes . . . among other things."

I reached across the table and placed my hand on hers. "What other things?"

Her startled reaction wasn't what I wanted. I wished she wasn't surprised by my touch but given my history, is it any wonder she didn't expect it? Maybe Olivia was right. I was a Mr. Grumpington.

"It's not important."

"Did he hit you? You can tell me, Olivia. Kitty doesn't seem that scary of a dog, but she's helped me take down wolves that had gotten to the sheep."

She gasped and took back her hand. "Derrick never hit me. I know your heart is in the right place, Carter, but I don't want Derrick ripped apart by a dog. That's not normal."

She's right. I let my anger cloud my judgment. I wish I knew what to say right now. This man hurt Olivia, scared her. How do I help her with that?

"I'm just going to open the letter."

Olivia tore the flap and took out the letter. Her eyes clouded with moisture and she covered her stunning smile with her hand. After a minute, she dug into the envelope again and pulled out a card.

"Yes! Money. I'm rich once again." She sighed.

"You're rich? I hadn't noticed." I slid my eyes to the side.

She slapped my good arm and snorted. You would think someone snorting would be unappealing, but my chest warmed at the sound.

"Hardy har-har. So what if I'm a little spoiled?"

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