Page 85 of Time To Live Again

“There’s plenty of space, Uncle Bruce. Leo’s sister is the event manager,” Olive says through gritted teeth. At least I’m not the only one noticing Evelyn’s negativity and rudeness.

“As Olive said, we do have the space. This year we want to focus on the hotel being more than a party venue. We hope to pull in more business for corporate meetings, training… Things like that. Let’s try to chat later.”

The timer for the chicken parm goes off, and I jump at the chance to help in the kitchen. I need a breather. Evelyn and Bruce make it over to the kitchen table and sit. Olive and I bring the feast over, interrupting the quiet bickering between Evelyn and Bruce. My mental eye-rolling is going to give me a migraine.

We open a bottle of wine and give Bruce a beer. I wouldn’t mind one of Tonya’s strong martinis right now. A pleasant peace fills the room while we enjoy the meal. Evelyn compliments Olive on her cooking.

“Leo helped. He made the sauce from scratch. It’s delicious. I’ll probably use his recipe from now on.” She holds my hand up and kisses the back of it.

“It’s delicious, Leo,” Evelyn says dryly, her eyes focusing on Olive’s hand entwined with mine.

“Thanks. My mom’s recipe. She’s a great cook,” I respond.

“Yeah, she makes a mean pot roast too.” Olive grins, then adds hastily, “Not as good as yours, though, Mom.”

“And what are your plans tomorrow?” Evelyn asks us, abruptly changing the subject again.

“I’m driving him to the airport. He has an early flight,” Olive says, then turns to me. “We need to make the most of our time tonight.”

“I don’t care what we do or how late we stay up. I can sleep on the flight.”

“Do you think you’ll stay in touch after this?” Evelyn asks. Bruce shakes his head, keeping his eyes down.

Evelyn’s poking the bear. But you know what? I’ve got this.

37

OLIVE

Damn! What the hell has gotten into Mom tonight? What happened to being more open and understanding?

I haven’t told her everything about my trip—she didn’t ask for many details—but I’m pretty sure I made my feelings for Leo clear. Either she ignored me or she’s in denial. This has to be about her fear of being left alone.

I’ve been trying to stay calm and ignore her little jabs here and there, but my patience is running thin. Leo’s taking everything in stride. I wish I could read his mind. Uncle Bruce is joking around more than usual to lighten the mood. I’m so glad he’s here. Leo’s mom wasn’t the warmest in the beginning, but she didn’t manipulate her words to cause problems. Mom wants to know if we’ll stay in contact? I open my mouth to respond with something that’ll probably piss her off, but Leo beats me to it.

“I think the answer is obvious, don’t you?” He looks at me with adoration. “Not a day will go by without us talking. It’ll be difficult being apart, but we have our weekend in San Francisco to look forward to. And it gives us a chance to get to know each other without other things getting in the way.”

Like you, Mom.

“Mmm hmm. And after that? You’ll see each other every couple of months? How would that work while you’re off having your fun?”

Oh, for all that is good and holy!I’m about to scream, but Leo keeps his calm and answers perfectly.

“What I failed to tell you is that this is my last assignment. I’ve been offered the manager position at the hotel. If I accept, and I most likely will, I’ll start April first. If all goes according to plan, Olive and I will be able to see each other more frequently, and then we’ll take it from there.”

“And how does your family feel about that? How you’re rushing into this?”

“Mom!” I snap, exasperated at this point. “Would you stop?”

Uncle Bruce huffs. “You mean like how you rushed into things with Pierce, Evelyn? Should I remind you of how you two talked about each other when you first met? Actually, this”—he points at us—“looks more than a little familiar.”

Mom’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. I want to thank Uncle Bruce, but I don’t get the chance.

“My mom and dad were supposedly like that too when they met on their blind date,” Leo continues smoothly with a sweet grin. “Oh, and my family loves Olive. She hit it off with my brother and sister. Not only did I help Olive, she’s helping me break through my own barriers. I’m a better person because of her, and my mom noticed right away. She wants me to be happy, the same way you want Olive to be.”

Take that, Mom.I swear I could ravage him right now. I love him so much.

“Yes, well, I don’t want to see her hurt a few months down the road.” Mom’s voice is oddly defensive.

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