Page 18 of Drawn to You (Chasing Olivia 1)

I go into the kitchen to get us a refill, and Brenda is just about done with breakfast. Omelets with lots of green leafy veggies inside, bacon, whole wheat toast, and fruit. “I’ll set the table,” I offer.

“Great, just about done here.”

I get the placemats and silverware and place them on the table. Grabbing the two champagne glasses I just refilled, I place them next to the flatware. “Do you need plates or are you plating in the kitchen?”

“I’ll plate here. There’s plenty more if anyone wants seconds.” She grabs some plates and starts to portion out the eggs.

I motion over to Chase to sit. I go back into the kitchen and make myself a Belgian Chocolate coffee from the Keurig. “Anyone want coffee?”

“No,” from both sides.

Okay, more for me. I can’t function without at least two cups of coffee in the morning.

“Chase, you don’t drink coffee?” I inquire.

“No, I do. I already had a cup before I worked out this morning.”

Oh, the image of him working out, all sweaty and glistening. I shake my head and grab the milk. I come back to the table, and Brenda has put down our plates. It looks delicious, even the green eggs. “What Bren, no ham?” I tease.

“Oh, c’mon,” she rolls her eyes at me. “The eggs aren’t that green. You need to eat healthier.”

“I’m just teasing,” I laugh. Chase is staring at both of us like we’re bat shit crazy. “Didn’t you ever read Dr. Seuss?” I ask him. He tilts his head, a confused look on his face. “Green Eggs and Ham?” I ask. I can see the light bulb pop over his head as a lazy grin spreads over his face, his eyes twinkling.

“Yes, I have. You’re quite funny,” he teases back. He turns to Brenda. “The omelet, by the way, is delicious. What did you put in it?”

“If I tell you, Liv won’t eat it,” she teases.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I glower at her.

She laughs. “Nothing too bad. Tomatoes, spinach, yellow peppers, spinach, onions, garlic, spinach . . .” she trails off. I guess it’s the spinach that makes it so green.

“I can live with that. I had spinach last night too. I can eat healthy,” I say with a smile, knowing I’m about to be railroaded.

“Chicken Francaise and creamed spinach aren’t healthy, Liv,” she admonishes. “They are the opposite of healthy.”

“At least I’m eating.” As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I regret them.

Chase turns to Brenda with a look of bewilderment. “Evan,” she mouths. His smile fades.

“But I’m better now, see? Fork in mouth.” I give Chase a forced smile, but I know he can see right through me. Brenda changes the subject.

“How long do you plan on staying in Davis, Chase?” she asks.

“Till next Thursday. We rented the house for two weeks.”

“Who’s we?” I ask. I haven’t been introduced to his friends.

“Just my friends from school and their girls.” He sounds irked. His mood changes in a split second. What the hell. “Anyway, my friends will be back later this afternoon, so if you want I’ll meet you at the Casino around seven.” He finishes his breakfast and gets up to take his plate into the kitchen. I finish my eggs and get up to follow. He heads toward the door and turns to me. “Thank you for breakfast,” he whispers.

“Any time,” I reply a bit confused. He strokes the side of my face, turns, and walks out the front door. Holy crap. What the hell just happened? I look at Brenda, but she has no idea either. I shake it off and help clean up the mess that is the kitchen.

After Brenda heads down to the beach, I take a deep breath. Today is the day I am going to listen to my phone messages. All of them, and there are quite a few. I plop myself on the couch with my cell phone. I take another deep breath and dial my voicemail.

The first five messages are from my mom. “Olivia, it’s Mom. Wanted to see what you were doing before you head off to the beach. Maybe we can have lunch. Call me.”

“Olivia, I haven’t heard from you in a few days. Call me.”

“Olivia, it’s your mother. Why haven’t you called me? I miss you.”

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