Page 44 of You've Always Been Mine

I groan.

The truck only has a single bench seat which means Holly will be next to me during the drive. I contemplate asking her to move so Olivia can sit in the middle, but I decide it’s not worth it.

I help Olivia into the truck and make sure she’s buckled in before rounding the front of the vehicle and climbing inside. I start the engine and pull out into the crowded street, taking the next available turn to drive away from the chaotic street.

Once I’m no longer worried about a drunk pedestrian stepping out in front of me, I ask Holly, “Where do you live?”

“Not far from Olivia’s apartment. Head that way and I’ll give you directions once we get close.”

I nod and follow her instructions, driving toward the highway leading to Liv’s place. When I turn right, Holly’s body presses against my arm from the momentum of the vehicle. And she doesn’t move away.

A glance confirms there’s plenty of space between her and Olivia who is leaning against the passenger window, asleep.I nudge Holly’s body with my arm, hoping she will get the message and get off me.

She doesn’t.

I’m a coil of tension, ready to spring for the duration of the drive. Either unaware or uncaring of my discomfort, Holly attempts to make conversation. It’s obvious she’s flirting with me. I keep my responses to her prying questions and complimentary remarks to a minimum, uncaring if I come off rude. I’m not surprised Holly is a shitty friend. I always had a bad feeling about her, but it takes some nerve to flirt with me right in front of Olivia. Even if she’s asleep.

The ten-minute drive feels like an eternity, but eventually, Holly gives me directions on how to get to her place. When we arrive, I hop out of the truck like it’s on fire to let her out.

She scoots across the worn leather seat and holds out a hand. “A little help, please?”

I grit my teeth but take her hand. She slides out of the truck, landing too close for comfort.

I take a step back and try to drop her hand, but Holly tightens her grip. “You know, you’ve grown up, Derek.”

“We’ve all grown up.”

“Yeah, but you’re different.” She bats her lashes. “You’re so handsome now. And so successful.” Her free hand lands on my other arm.

I shrug off her touch. “Look, Holly, I’m not interested.”

She frowns and dares to try to seem confused. “What do you mean?”

I don’t buy it.

“You’re supposed to be Olivia’s friend,” I say. Judgment covers the words. “And yet, you’re throwing yourself at her boyfriend. Not that I’m surprised. You did the same thing to Kayla George in high school.”

The debacle between Kayla and Holly had been the talk of our school for months in our senior year. Only, Holly succeeded in seducing her best friend’s long-term boyfriend back then. She won’t succeed tonight.

Holly gasps and rears back like I’ve hit her. “Wow, I didn’t know you were such an ass. I guess that’s what money does to a person, huh?”

“I’m only an ass when warranted,” I counter, refusing to be chastised by someone like her. I don’t care how intoxicated she may be.

She huffs angrily. “Whatever. Thanks for the ride, asshole.” She stomps away like a petulant child, looking back over her shoulder like she expects me to chase after her and apologize. I can’t imagine how many poor bastards gave in to her antics in the past.

When she sees I’m not moving, she spins around and plants her hands on her hips. “You know what? Your precious Olivia isn’t the same girl you remember from high school.”

When I don’t bother to respond, Holly sneers. “You don’t believe me? Fine. Figure it out for yourself. I’d start by snooping around Olivia’s apartment. You never know what you’ll find.”

Again, I don’t say a word. I just want her to go inside so I can fulfill my gentlemanly obligation of ensuring she made it home safely.

Seeing I’m still not going to take the bait, Holly releases another irritated huff, then turns her back to me. She fumbles with her keys but eventually makes it inside.

I climb back in the truck and lean against the headrest, closing my eyes with a relieved sigh. The late hour is finally hitting me, and I need a second to rest before driving.

“Holly says you’re going to break my heart,” Olivia mumbles.

My eyes crack open. I look over the cab and see Olivia still resting against the window. Her eyes remain closed, but Iassume she’s awake. I think she would’ve told me if she was prone to talking in her sleep.

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