Page 32 of The Spring in My Heart

“I am.” Her tone is so firm, happiness vibrating off it. “Why were you just frowning like that?”

“I was thinking about how I won’t ever go through another Mateo.”

The smile slides off her face. “Where did that come from?”

“He could always worm his way back into my life.”

She points her index finger at my chest. “But you’re not going to let him anymore, right?”

I shake my head. “I said goodbye to him for good.”

“Back to Ollie. You need a plan.”

“For what? He’s not going to call, and even if he did, he probably would just want the money for the time I wasted. I told him to bill me.”

“He may not be as rich as your brothers, but he does very well in his business. He never lacks work. Trust me, he will call because he likes you, and knowing him, he’s pissed at himself for losing his shit yesterday.”

“I don’t believe it, but you know him better. Either way, I’m ready to put this behind me.”

Lauren taps her chin and smiles. “I’ll tell you what. If he doesn’t apologize, full spa day at Autumn Lush on me. If he does, you have to let me help you fix this.”

“Deal,” I say because I know he won’t call. His type can’t handle what they see as rejection.

We continue to walk, and Lauren begins humming. Less than a mile later, my phone pings, and this time, it’s a phone call, and Oliver’s name appears on my screen.

I flash the phone to Lauren, and she pushes it toward me. “Answer it.”

I hit the answer button.

“Hi, Lux. It’s Oliver.” His voice sounds so warm, his name perfectly enunciated, like there’s a bit of a smile in it.

It’s not fair that he’s so confident, and all of a sudden, I feel stupid, like the rich, spoiled girl who got reprimanded. Fuck that. He’s not going to make me feel like something I’m not.

“Yeah, I know.” My tone is dry as it would be with a telemarketer.

“Of course you do. I called your cell.” He laughs again, and this time, it’s a little off. “Uh. I was wondering if I could speak to you.”

“He wants to talk,” I whisper for Lauren’s sake.

She shakes her head. “Tell him later.”

“I’m out and about right now. This is not a good time.”

“I didn’t mean right this second. It can be later on today or whenever you’re available. Could you give me fifteen minutes?”

I don’t say anything. I don’t know if this is a good idea. When I give a guy an inch, they take enough miles to build a county. Boundaries need to be a thing.

“Look, I know our last conversation wasn’t very good, but I don’t want to leave things like this. I don’t have any expectations. I would just like you to hear me out and let me apologize.”

I blink a few times. “Okay. You can call me around four today.”

A couple of seconds pass. “Can you meet me for coffee instead?”

“Meet you for coffee?” I say for both Lauren’s sake.

Is this really a good idea?

“Yes, please. When I offend someone in person, I apologize in person. Please allow me to do that.”

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