Page 26 of Before the Night Falls
“As you wish.”
If only food would solve her problems . . .
But if she could conquer her bad eating habits, maybe she could conquer her trauma also.
Thankfully, this meal was allowed.
* * *
A few minutes later, Tyson pulled up to a fast-food restaurant. Olivia couldn’t wait to get her meal.
Inside, he ordered a grilled chicken sandwich on a multi-grain bun, no mayo with a baked potato on the side and water to drink. Olivia ordered the Burger Blast, the biggest one on the menu, along with a large fry and soda.
Tyson didn’t say anything, but she would guess he didn’t approve.
They sat down across from each other at a corner booth. Olivia didn’t waste any time after they prayed over their food. She dug into her burger, savoring every bite as if it were her last. In reality, it would be her last—for a week.
As they ate, they made general conversation about the area, what there was to do, even the weather. She found out Tyson had moved to Charlotte four years ago. On a whim, he decided to write a book about the connection he’d found between the body, soul, and mind. He never thought it would take off like it did.
She listened, marveling at how down-to-earth he was.
When she finished her burger, she looked at Tyson and grinned.
“See, I feel fine,” she said. “A little overstuffed, but fine.”
“If you say so.” Tyson raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Ready to go? I should get you home before the effects of that meal kick in.”
“Sure.” Olivia finished every remaining drop of her soda before Tyson could grab the cup along with the other trash and toss it away.
As they stepped out the door and into the parking lot, a loud screech cut through the air.
Olivia looked up.
A beat-up blue sedan accelerated around the corner.
She froze as she realized the vehicle was headed straight toward her.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Before Olivia could react,Tyson grabbed her and pulled her against the rough brick wall of the building.
The car sped past and out of sight before the danger even registered with Olivia. Her heart raced as she processed what had just happened.
“Are you alright?” Tyson turned her to face him, his eyes scanning her for any sign of injury.
“I’m fine.” Olivia brushed herself off and ran a shaky hand through her hair. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think that driver was aiming for me.”
Tyson didn’t say anything, but his expression remained tight. “Is there anyone you know of that might want to hurt you?”
Olivia started to deny it but hesitated as she remembered the words in that email.
Remember me? And you thought it was all over.
She shivered but quickly shoved aside the thought and forced out a laugh, trying to break the tension. “I’m sure it was just coincidence.”
“Maybe, but I still don’t like this.” He put a protective arm around her as they walked to the truck.
Though the gesture was purely polite, Tyson’s attention warmed Olivia’s heart. She liked feeling protected and safe.
