Page 48 of Misfortune and Mr. Right

He smiles back at her. “I can’t help myself, Mom. Your cooking is irresistible.”

“If you think sweet-talking is going to make me overlook the pilfering … Well, you’re probably right.”

They both laugh.

At least they dropped the subject of Olivia and the reunion.

Jacob grabs for a roll, but Mom pulls the tray farther down the counter.

“Not the rolls. Even I have my limits,” she says with a smile.

“So, about Olivia,” Jacob says. “You’ve been chasing that girl since you were fifteen. What’s the plan this time? Going to trip over your words? Or just stare at her like a puppy?” He laughs like he’s joking.

“I haven’t been chasing her since I was fifteen,” I defend. “Where did you get that idea? We were never romantically interested in one another.”

“Not even now?” Jacob pushes. “She’s more beautiful than when you two left for college.”

I don’t dignify my brother with an answer.

Dad comes in and I escape the Olivia conversation by helping Mom carry the food into the dining room. We all sit to eat. Dad excuses himself from the table a few times during the meal to handle client concerns. He’s the head of his own financial planning firm, and things get crazy during tax season. We’re used to the interruptions during family suppers—and weekends and vacations.

After dinner, Dad heads out to degrease the grill.

I help my mom with the dishes.

Jacob conveniently disappeared upstairs when clean-up was mentioned.

My phone rings.

I dry my hands on a towel and grab it.

I miss the call.

A voicemail notification pings.

I push play and put the phone to my ear, stepping away from where Mom is drying the platter Dad used for the steaks.

“Logan. It’s me. Olivia. You left the props and sketches for the Untethered follow up at the office. Don’t you need to finalize everything before we send it to them tomorrow morning? Just, uh … well, you’re probably busy. I just wanted you to know where everything is. Okay. Bye.”

Did she seem annoyed?

“Mom, I’ve got to return a call. I’ll be right back.” I step into the foyer. My voice echoes off the marble floors and high ceilings.

“Hello?” Olivia answers on the first ring.

“Hi. Thanks for calling. I can’t believe I left all that at the office. I was distracted when I was leaving.”

She’s quiet, so I say, “Olivia?”

“Yeah. I’m here.”

“I’m at my parents’. Where are you?”

“I’m still at Barnes.”

“Still at work?”

“Don’t judge, Alexander. After that mess up today, I wanted to tighten my game.”

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