Page 91 of Cabin Fever

"That anyone would discover that."

I reached out to her, but she shrugged my hand away.

"You saw the will, Olivia. All that money. That's why the intruder broke in. Once everyone finds out I'm still alive, that won't be a rare occurrence, it will be all the time. It was people like him that my father warned me about. I saw the look in the gunman's eyes. It was the same look in the man who broke in—desperate, cold, and broken. If I come with you, I won't be safe, but most importantly,youwon't be safe."

She turned her head; her tears dry and eyes narrowed. "But you gave up that money. It will be reported that all the money went to your grandmother. Even if people find out about you, they'll learn you're now a poor farmer. You'll be a fascinating story for about a month and then the next big thing will distract them. Trust me, I've been around enough people that made the news. It never lasts. You can go back to being a poor farmer."

Olivia pushed open the truck door, got out, and slammed it behind her. I ran after her. Once we were inside and took off our coats, she ran into the bathroom and stayed.

Eventually, I knocked on the door.

"Olivia?"

I hear sniffling and a garbled, "What?"

"Do you need me to help you pack?"

"No. I don't think I need you for anything," she said and I as I turned, I thought I heard her say, "anymore."

I got undressed and went to bed, waiting for her. Olivia said she loved me, and I never responded. That was the worst part of this night. Did she notice? I wanted to tell her I loved her, too. That she meant everything to me.

But maybe it wasn't my words she wanted, but my actions. That was where I failed. She deserved better than me. That realization ripped me in two. It was about time I stopped being selfish and let her go.

TWENTY-NINE

Olivia

"IT'S SO NICE TO HAVEmy baby home. A quaint family breakfast in the kitchen like old times." My mother smiled, as much as her face would allow.

Her hair was loose, cascading down her back. She was wearing her black lounging cashmere dress complete with her comfy stilettos.

"Are those new extensions, Mom?" I said before lifting the fork of strawberries and crepes to my mouth.

"Yes. I got them the day after your father went into the hospital. Franklin called them golden sun. I don't care what color they are as long as they make me look gorgeous. I had to do something to lift my spirits. But then you returned, and I felt at ease once again." She reached over and powder-scented French perfume hit me like a wave.

"Is Dad coming out soon?" I turned to Bea who was sipping her green smoothie.

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