Page 191 of Finding Olivia (Trace + Olivia 1)

“It’s perfect,” I beamed at him.

He smiled in response and sat back to enjoy the show.

Our food was brought out and the band took a short break.

“This is really good,” I mumbled around a mouthful of sandwich.

“Yeah, this place is great,” Avery smiled, dipping her fry into ketchup. I really hoped Trace didn’t start up an argument with me about ketchup again. “My family comes here a lot.”

“And now, I feel like the odd man out,” I grumbled, chewing on a non-ketchup covered fry.

“That’s because,” Avery pointed at me, “up until Tracey-poo, over here,” she pointed a finger at Trace and he smirked in response, “came into your life, you rarely left the dorm, unless it was to do your homework or read a book outside.”

“I can’t help it that I have a really strong work ethic and you don’t,” I joked, pointing a finger at her.

Avery’s eyes zeroed in on a spot over my shoulder, just before I heard the words, “Well, well, wel

l,” from a voice I never wanted to hear from again.

The hairs on my neck stood on end as I cringed.

“Can I ever catch a fucking break?” Trace grumbled under his breath, turning around to face our visitor. “What do you want, Aubrey?”

I recoiled at the sound of her name coming off of Trace’s lips.

“I was hoping my date,” she emphasized the word, “and I could join you?”

“Hell to the mother-fucking no,” Trace seethed.

I turned to watch Aubrey’s reaction. Her blue eyes widened briefly. I was sure she had expected Trace to remain cordial since we were in public. “Trace,” she scoffed, “you shouldn’t use language like that, with small children nearby.”

“And maybe you shouldn’t walk up to people that obviously don’t like you. You’re not welcome here,” Trace waved his hand like he was shooing her away. “When things ended between us, they ended,” his words were harsh and Aubrey crossed her arms protectively over her chest. “Stop trying to revive something that died a long time ago.” Trace looked up at Aubrey’s date. “If you were smart, you’d drop this one, she’s nothing but trouble.”

Aubrey’s mouth opened and closed in shock. “Trace!”

“What? It’s true?” He shrugged. “You’re like a fucking plague, sucking the life out of everything you touch, just like you did with me. And yet, somehow, you wonder why no one likes you?”

My stomach clenched, not because I felt bad for Aubrey necessarily, but if, for some reason things between Trace and I ended, I didn’t think I could stand it if he spoke to me that way. Why? Because I was hopelessly in love with the man sitting beside me. I loved his cocky attitude and smiles. I loved that he could be arrogant. I loved that when he was with me, he was sweet and attentive. I loved that he was caring and passionate. Hell, I even loved those stupid plaid shirts he always wore. But most importantly, I loved him. Down to his very core, the good and the bad, I loved it all.

And despite being upset that Aubrey was once again, causing a scene, I decided in that moment that I was going to tell him that I loved him. Not now. But soon. It didn’t matter anymore that he hadn’t told me. I had to get these words off my chest.

Aubrey’s face turned an unhealthy shade of red, like those kids who held their breath when they got mad. It made her already light blonde hair appear even lighter.

“I am a very likable person,” she hissed, causing Luca to snort.

“Yeah, and a great white shark doesn’t have sharp teeth,” Luca said sarcastically.

Her dark blue eyes narrowed.

“Who are you, bitch?” Avery snapped, standing slowly.

Oh, God. Avery was about to lose it.

“I am Aubrey Montgomery, who are you?” Aubrey looked Avery up and down with a sneer marring her pale pink lips.

“I am Avery Callahan,” Avery mimicked Aubrey’s snarky tone, “and you Malibu Bimbo Barbie, have overstayed your welcome,” she scowled. “Stop harassing my best friend’s boyfriend. Understand?” Avery smiled but it was anything but friendly.

Aubrey’s eyes narrowed further as her gaze slid to me. “You are nothing but a piece of ass to him. You can’t love him the way I can,” she glared at me. “You watch and see, it won’t be long until he’s over you, and comes crawling back to me. Let’s go, Zach,” she tugged on the guy’s arm to leave.

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