Page 53 of Until Bax

CHAPTER15

Olivia

“Hey, Holly. Can you get Alisha on my schedule next week for a checkup?” I ask, stopping at the front desk with the woman who was in for a consultation yesterday and came back today for a lip filler appointment.

“Sure.” Holly smiles brightly at Alisha.

“I’ll be right back.” I rub my client’s arm. “I’m just going to get you an ice pack.”

When I get her nod, I leave her and Holly and head down the hall to the storage room, catching a glimpse of the back of Julie’s head before she disappears into her office. Somehow, I’ve been able to avoid her all day, which is good since I haven’t figured out how I’m going to deal with her.

Returning to the front desk, I see Alisha sitting with an unopened bottle of water, and as soon as she sees me, she gets to her feet.

“She’s booked for next Tuesday,” Holly tells me as I hand Alisha the ice pack that is in the shape of a heart.

“Good, and if there are any issues at all, or if you have any questions, just send me a text at the number I gave you, no matter the time.”

“Thank you.” The words come out a little funny due to her lips being numb from the injection that has an anesthetizing agent in it that is similar to what dentists use.

“You’re welcome, and I’ll see you next week.” I hold open the door for her and listen to her mumble a goodbye as she leaves.

Letting the door close, I turn back to Holly. “I’m going to take off unless I have someone else on my schedule today.”

“Nope, you’re free for the rest of the day. Are you doing something fun?” she asks.

“I’m going to stop by my parents', and then I need to run some errands.”

“Your friend is coming to visit, right?”

“Yes, but she doesn’t get in until tomorrow evening around six,” I tell her as the door to the spa opens. I turn to look over my shoulder and watch a man carrying a huge bouquet of white peonies walk inside.

“Wow! Who are those for?” Holly asks in awe.

“Olivia Gannon,” the guy says, placing the bouquet on the front desk, and my heart starts to beat wildly. I haven't gotten flowers since I was in high school, and those were always from my parents.

“Thank you,” I tell him.

“Enjoy.” He smiles before turning and walking right back out.

“Who sent you flowers?” Holly asks, leaning in to smell one of the huge white blooms.

“I don’t know.” I pull the card from the holder and instantly feel my throat get tight when I open it.

Last night, when I watched Bax walk away after I so obviously hurt him, I realized that not only had I messed up, but I had also underestimated just how deeply he had burrowed under my skin. It was a wake-up call—one I didn’t know I needed.

Thinking about you.

XO Bax

“Who are they from?” Holly asks again, and I bite my lip. “Stop,” she whispers. “They’re from Bax, aren’t they?” I nod, and she presses her hands against her chest. “Oh my God, I need to take a picture for my grandma.”

“You’re not sending a picture to your grandma.” I laugh, putting the card back in its holder.

“Come on! I have to give the old ladies what they want. I’m their inside scoop.” She pouts.

“I’m going to get my stuff together. Can I trust you with these for a few minutes?”

“Of course,” she lies, pulling out her phone and I shake my head but leave the flowers where they are. After I clean up from Alisha’s appointment, I shut down my computer and gather all my stuff together before I put on my coat and grab my bag.

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