Page 46 of Time To Live Again

I shake my head. “No can do. I’ll be going to hear you or them. It’s not about me.” There’s a finality in my voice that not only shocks me but the others too. Olive must think I’m being a dick. I’m the funny guy, not the downer.

But everything I’ve been avoiding for years is closing in on me.

Maybe Mom was right.

Maybe it’s time to stop running.

18

OLIVE

Iturn around one more time in front of Tonya’s bedroom mirror. “Are you sure this outfit looks okay? Should I wear the dark green shirt instead?” It’s only the millionth time I’ve asked.

“No to the green one. The outfit you’re wearing now is perfect. If Leo isn’t in love with you already, he will be by the end of the night. His tongue will hang out like a little doggy’s,” she says, folding and stacking my new clothes on the bed.

An unattractive snort slips from my lips. “Whatever.”

I look over my shoulder into the mirror. My ass looks perky in these black pants that hug my curves. Tonya noticed when we were shopping how uncomfortable I am with my body, and she suggested I wear a bodysuit that smooths everything out. It’s a big hype right now. I thought it was silly till I tried it on. I ended up buying a black lace one with a nude underlay and two others.

All I can say is, wow! I feel a whole size smaller. My boobs look amazing in the low-cut burgundy shirt I’m wearing, and I can see my waistline again. To top it off, this thing is sexyandcomfortable. Whoever came up with this design deserves the amount of money I spent on it. And don’t get me started on the sexy black boots I bought for 50 percent off. It’ll be nice to have a little more height tonight when I’m standing next to Leo.

What was supposed to be a shopping day turned into an afternoon makeover session. I never made it back to the hotel. After brunch, we stopped at Tonya’s hairstylist to reschedule an appointment. Once she had a new one, the conversation veered off course, and I found myself sitting in the chair with wet hair, discussing hairstyles I liked.

I’m not a flashy person by nature. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, don’t dye my hair, and don’t wear nail polish. Bright lipstick is an absolute no. Other people can wear it all they want; I don’t like how it looks on me. But I let them do a makeover.

The stylist turned me away from the mirror so I couldn’t see what she was doing. Tonya stayed the entire time, and her approving animated facial expressions during the process decreased my reluctance. Not completely—I gripped the chair handles with sweaty hands the entire time.

All that gripping was for no reason. When the stylist turned me around, I froze in my seat. It wasn’t a drastic change, but a needed one. My hair is still dark, but there’s an extra shine to it, and the color transitions to a chestnut tone toward the ends. It’s subtle enough that it looks natural, like the sun kissed it.

She also trimmed my hair, added some long layers, and put loose curls in it. It’s a style I’ve tried to do myself at home, but the curls flopped seconds later. The only makeup I’m wearing is a soft pink blush and some reddish-pink shimmery lip gloss.

With this new outfit, shoes, hair, and makeup, my confidence level has gone through the roof. Hopefully, I’ll feel more comfortable singing in front of Leo and a bunch of strangers tonight. I’ve made a mental list of songs to choose from, and I’ll decide at the last minute based on the mood. I’m hoping Leo will be in a good one, considering he didn’t seem thrilled about going.

I turn toward Tonya and find it hard to speak. “Thank you for keeping me company today. I knew I needed a change, but never realized how much. I feel like a new woman.”

“Right back at you,” she says as she shuts her closet door. “It’s too bad you don’t live here. We’d do it all the time.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back. One day in Eastsound and a day of hiking have me hooked.” Leo and his siblings have already convinced me to come back. I’m not sure about Marla, though. The jury’s still out on that one.

I don’t want to think about going back home. My mom has sent me hundreds of texts and voice messages. Some were frantic because I didn’t respond fast enough. She doesn’t seem to understand what one text a day means and that I want to be left alone. I dread the talk I’m going to have with her when I get home.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my mom very much. She’s always showered us with love and comfort. But she’s changed a lot since Dad died. She’s lost and doesn’t know how to live without him. I want to be patient and understanding, but it’s getting harder every day.

Time’s flying by, and before I know it, I’ll be back in my car watching the island disappear into nothing. And Leo will be farther and farther away from me.

* * *

I flex my hands, trying to calm down. I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Tonya told everyone we’d meet them at Clover’s because she wants me to make a big entrance. Now I’m on edge because what if Leo doesn’t like how I look? Yes, I know I shouldn’t care, but I do. As for excited, I’m about to do something way out of my norm. In front of a crowd, no less.

Once we’re through the bar’s entrance, I remove my coat and drape it over my arm. This place is fuller than I expected for a Thursday, and it’s loud like a typical pub. I follow Tonya as she weaves through tables, saying quick hellos to several people. It was the same way when we were shopping. It’s obvious that Leo’s family is well known and respected on the island.

Leo and Sully are already here and are supposed to be holding a table near the stage. We’re both looking for them. Finally, Tonya nudges me and points to where they are. My stomach flutters. There’s no need for lights in here because Leo radiates his own. He’s standing next to a big, old burly guy.

As I get closer, the guy bumps fists with him, then moves away to greet customers at a table nearby. Leo turns and sees Tonya first. When he sees me, his mesmerizing smile takes my breath away. We stand there watching each other. His golden-brown locks are up again, revealing the long, smooth line of his neck and his chiseled jaw. The black Henley he’s sporting fits him like a glove, reminding me of what’s underneath. Dark blue jeans finish this perfect vision in front of me. I vaguely notice Tonya taking my coat.

His eyes take a slow, torturous tour of my body, and I swear I can feel the heat tracing my every curve. Instead of feeling uneasy, I stand up straight and let him get an eyeful. A sexy smirk graces his kissable lips. I’m on fire, and he hasn’t even touched me yet. He approaches and kisses my cheek, his soft lips lingering there longer than usual. One inhale of his alluring scent makes me want him even more.

“You look stunning,” he whispers. “I’m going to have to fight off all the men for you tonight.”

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