Page 42 of Deception

“People think being a filmmaker is so glamorous, and I suppose if you make it big, then it is,” Olive started. “But I do my job because I love it. I choose causes that are close to my heart to pursue, even if there’s not a big paycheck that comes with them.”

Sabrina stared at Olive and shook her head. “I love hearing that. This job seems to fit you so well.”

“Earlier you said you halfway expected me to go to Hollywood.” Yes, Olive was feeling Sabrina out. Olive wanted to know what her old friend had meant when she said those words. They’d remained on her mind since then.

She didn’t usually care about other people’s opinions. This time, she did, for some reason.

“Oh, I don’t know why I said that.” Sabrina waved her hand as if brushing off her statement. “It’s really nothing. Your dad just seemed like someone who could be a Hollywood star, you know? He had that personality that was bigger than life. I can see parts of your dad in you.”

All the moisture left Olive’s throat. Most people were probably honored to be told they were like their parents.

Not Olive. If anything, she wanted to take what her dad had taught her and turn it on its head. She wanted to use those skills to help people, not to hurt them.

She tore off a piece of bread and dabbed it in the olive oil. She knew the questions that would come next and wanted to avoid them if at all possible. Questions about how her family was doing now.

Answering those inquires was always a downer.

She needed to change the subject before Sabrina went there.

“Earlier, you said something about Jason changing after I left,” Olive started. “What did you mean by that?”

Sabrina blew out a breath. “I don’t know. He was more withdrawn. He didn’t date anyone else. He actually told me once that he was going to find you.”

Surprise washed through her. “He said that?”

Sabrina nodded. “He did. I guess nothing ever came of it.”

“I guess not.”

“Young love . . . it’s filled with so much drama, right?”

Olive forced a smile. “Absolutely. So, I’m curious.” Olive held her bread, about to take a bite. “Do you know Rebecca Hansen?”

Sabrina’s eyes widened. “Of course.Everyonein the area knows Rebecca. She’s like a mini celebrity, which sounds weird considering the reason she’s famous is because she’s sick. It was just so heartbreaking when we heard the cancer came back.”

“I can imagine. It’s great how the whole town has pitched in to help her.”

A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips. “I know. Isn’t it? I try to help when I can. I’m even on the committee for the fundraiser this weekend.”

“Are you? Maybe I should interview you for the documentary.”

Sabrina laughed and waved her hand in the air. “I don’t really have a face for the camera. I’m just glad to do what I can. Sometimes, I even babysit Willow. Really, they’re such small things, all things considered.”

Olive tried not to show any excitement. “That’s kind of you.”

Sabrina shrugged. “It’s the least I can do. Plus, my daughter, Paisley, likes to play with Willow, so it all works out.”

“Does Rebecca’s daughter ever talk about what’s happening with her mom? I imagine it’s hard on her. Or maybe she’s not old enough to understand.”

“She doesn’t say much.” Sabrina shrugged. “She just said her mom goes shopping a lot. Maybe that’s what Rebecca tells Willow, so she doesn’t get freaked out about the hospital visits.”

It was a possibility.

Or what if Rebecca really was going shopping while she told people she was at medical appointments?

That was another possibility.

They continued talking. Olive learned that Ellis was now a traveling salesman. They had one daughter, who was four years old. Sabrina still hated being the center of attention, but she did head up the local Reading Council.

---