Page 43 of Squatch Out!
Clive grows serious. “You know, thesasq’etsdon’t just reveal themselves to anyone.”
A smile tugs at the corners of her mouth, and she tilts her head to the side. “Yes, that’s what I hear. But what does that mean? There’s nothing special about me.”
I open my mouth to disagree with her, but Clive leans forward in his chair and levels her with a serious expression. “There are many legends of thesasq’ets, but a common theme is that they are known as protectors. They’ve always watched over the forest and those inhabiting it. So, when you got lost, I suspect you fell into the category of needing protection.”
Olivia leans back into the couch cushions with a smile. “That’s very sweet. I like that explanation.”
“Well,” Clive takes off his glasses to wipe at his eyes before settling them back on his nose, “I’ll spread the word to the others. Let them know what happened and to watch out for?—”
“Darren,” Olivia interjects.
“Right. Darren. By tomorrow, I’m sure everyone will know about it, and you know we’ll all corroborate your story. Help build you a nice little alibi should you need one. In the meantime…” Clive pushes himself out of his chair with a groan and then crosses the room and opens the door.
“Wait. That’s it?” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
“Well, yeah.” Clive looks us over for the moment. “What did you think, you were going to get a blessing for being a dumb shit or something?”
Olivia tries not to laugh, but her shaking shoulders give her away, and a smile spreads across Clive’s wide mouth. “Here’s some advice for you. Don’t fuck it up with that one. I like her.”
Owen starts laughing too, and I give them both my fiercest glare.
“And that goes for you too,” Clive adds, pointing a gnarled finger at Owen.
“Me?” His eyes grow wide when he points to himself.
“Yes, you. You need to do right by that little lady you’ve been stringing along. It’s long past time you settled down.” He sweeps his hand from Owen to the door. “Now, get out. I’ve got bingo tonight, and my ride will be here any time now.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
OLIVIA
We’re quiet when we leave Clive’s house, each of us thinking about what he said. In fact, I’m so far into my thoughts, I forget why we’re stopping when Owen pulls into an inconspicuous strip mall.
It’s not until Sean opens the door and I see the sign in swooping script.
Bella Italia.
My heart leaps in my chest, and my excitement returns. I’m really going to eat here!
I give up trying to hold back my grin as Sean helps me down from the truck. When my feet hit the ground, he leans down to whisper in my ear, “You’ll have to tell me everything you want, so I can keep that look on your face permanently.” Then he presses his lips to my temple, and my heart flutters.
We’re seated quickly in the back by a window that looks out over the quiet street. Sean and I sit together with Owen across from us as the hostess hands us menus and takes our drinkorders. I open the menu and do a cursory glance through it, but I already know what I’m going to order.
A few minutes later, the waitress arrives with our drinks, a Pino gris for me and beer for Sean. Owen opts to stick with water, since he’s driving.
“Are we ready to order?” the waitress asks, pulling out a handheld device.
Owen and Sean both turn to look at me.
“Oh. Um, yes. I’d like the—” I feel my cheeks grow hot, “—the mushroom ravioli please.”
Her head snaps up, and she looks at me for a moment before her red-painted lips spread into a knowing grin. “Excellent choice.” She glances over at Sean and then Owen. “And is this a Team Edward or Jacob situation?”
I turn to Sean, and before I can stop myself, I say, “I guess I’m Team Jacob.”
Sean, Owen and the waitress burst out laughing, while I want nothing more than to crawl under the table.
After she’s taken the guys’ orders, and we’re left alone, Owen leans across the table and asks, “What’s Team Jacob?”
