Page 15 of Time To Live Again

“You know I have the best view of the fireworks. And you know how I love my pjs.” She shimmies her hips.

I head for the door, then turn around again at the last second. “If you change your mind, we’d love to see you. This could be your year too.”

“Yeah, wouldn’t that be a hoot?” She stuffs her hands in her pockets, not looking convinced. “Now get out of here. Take that woman the key for her room. And enjoy the party tonight.”

My dad died when I was eighteen. He lived with severe diabetes most of his life. He had a kidney transplant and due to complications, he died shortly after.

Mom grieved, but kept on swimming. We’re kind of alike in that way. We let out all of our pent-up emotions once or twice to get it out of our systems, and then we move on, grieving in silence for no one else to see. We have to, because life goes on. But our systems, mainly our hearts, are changed forever.

Enough of this depressing shit.

Go get your damn coffee and the girl!

7

OLIVE

Ireapply my clear lip gloss, keeping a steady eye on the door. It’s been a good thirty minutes since Leo left. What should I do? He said I could go to the desk to check for myself. Most people would’ve done that by now.

Please let me see his gorgeous face one more time today.

I can only procrastinate for so long. My table’s been cleared, and they’ve asked me twice if I wanted anything else. A chocolate tart found its way over here, and I ate it. Don’t tell anyone.

Just as I admit Leo’s not coming back, he bursts through the entrance almost plowing over a customer who’s leaving. Relief floods my body. He scans the open space, gathering his unruly hair into a bun. Then his frantic eyes meet mine, and his face transforms, creating the most beautiful smile…and it’s aimed at me. Me, of all people. I glance over my shoulder nonchalantly to make sure.

“Yes, I’m looking at you,” he says, loud enough I can hear him. A warm, tingling sensation swims through my blood. I look around, but everyone else is absorbed in their own lives. How can you ignore someone as vibrant as Leo?

He reaches my table, and I look up as he towers over me. Before I can catch myself, I blurt, “You have an amazing smile. It’s contagious.” It’s true because my lips are about to split from stretching to my ears in response. “I’m sure you’ve heard that before.”

If a guy I hardly knew said that to me, I’d write him off because it’s a typical pickup line. Why stop embarrassing myself now? I’ll be gone in a week and quickly forgotten. It’s better than sulking in my room and dreaming about him.

Leo loosens his light blue tie, which looks a lot sexier than it should. “Oh, I’ve been told a time or two, but it’s nicer hearing it from you. Thanks. And don’t let it fool you. It causes mixed reactions.” He chuckles dismissively.

I lean away in disbelief. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, you know. Bitter humans can’t handle cheerful people. I’ve been around a bit, and let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of negativity thrown my way.”

“That’s horrible. What do you do when that happens?”

He shrugs. “I keep smiling. Gotta know when to bow out.”

“Screw those people. I mean, I might be a little envious of someone’s obvious happiness sometimes, but not enough to be mean to them. I’m miserable most of the time, and I’d much rather be around someone who’s more exciting.”

He grimaces, and I regret my words as soon as they come out of my mouth.Can I sound anymore depressing?Time to change the subject.

“So, you ran out of here pretty fast before. Everything okay?”

Leo leans forward, resting his hands on the back of the chair across from me. “Yes, the fires have been put out. I’m really sorry I’ve wasted your time.”

Oh, Leo. The time I’ve spent with you is above and beyond what I had planned for this trip.

“It wasn’t wasted. I got to drink caffeine and eat pastries to my heart’s content,” I mutter, gesturing with three fingers up.

He nods, then whispers back, “Told ya. They’re addictive.”

“They are. And I started a list of things to do around here. You’ll have to help me…or maybe someone at the front desk could,” I add quickly.

I suck at flirting. Time to addFlirting 101to my resolutions list. He did offer to give me some pointers. No, not on flirting. But I’m sure he has other plans.

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