Olive's P.O.V.
The knock on the door had me jumping off the couch. I opened it to find Lucas and Leo standing tall. They were each a good foot taller than me, but normally I didn't care. When they're together standing side by side with their arms crossed, I totally care.
"Come on in." I gestured for them to step in as I moved aside.
"I brought names of crematoriums and funeral homes." Leo held up a thin binder as he stepped in first.
"Thank you." I told him softly.
Lucas stepped in after him, kissing the top of my head as he did. Leo looked at him with narrowed eyes, to which Lucas just shrugged.
"This place is nice." Leo said as he spun around the center slowly, looking around.
"It's homey." Lucas added.
I closed the door, feeling a little scrutinized with these two here. They live in large houses, and are standing here in this quaint loft saying it's nice. I took a seat, grabbing the binder from Leo. We all called different places and got prices as well as asked about urns. All 4 of us made calls and wrote down information. Eventually we found a place that was nice, affordable, and held a wake before the cremation.
"I need to find out who all of mom's friends are to invite them." I bit at my lip as I thought of a way to go about that. I am not exactly sure how to find her friends since I don't know the name of a single one.
"I can help with that." Lucas offered.
"Yeah, he's great at finding people online and tracing friendships and stuff." Leo nodded in agreement.
"Awesome, thanks."
"Anything for you, Rose."
His statement had me blushing for a moment. I started wondering why he was here. Is he just being kind or is he wanting something later? I hope he isn't expecting anything, because I know I'm not ready for that right now.
Lucas hopped online, finding mom's social media and then finding all her closest friends for me to contact. We set the service for tomorrow at 2. I'll spread her ashes around sunset at the coordinates she wanted. It was closer to evening now as we finished with most everything. Just needed to contact a couple more of her friends.
"You guys want food? I can order something." I offered.
"That sounds great!" Hailey called out. "Get the Chinese food place we saw around the block."
"Okay, I'll just walk there, and grab it." I told them as I headed for the door.
"I'll come with you." Lucas and Leo spoke in unison. Hailey did a terrible job of suppressing her smile at their offer.
"No, it's fine. I want to be alone for a little while." I told them both, as I walked out of the loft.
The air had a chill to it with the sun starting to set. It woke me up and had me feeling something more than this numbness deep inside me. I held my arms as I walked, fighting the nip in the air. The sidewalks weren't as crowded here, making it a nice quiet walk. I chewed at my cheek as I thought about mom here. I thought about what she liked to do or where she liked to go. I started to wonder if she had been to this place before.
I opened the door hearing a chime over my head as I did. I was greeted in unison by the workers. I gave them a small smile and curt nod as I made my way to the counter and looked over their takeout menu. I was so lost in thought that I hadn't noticed a man approaching me.
"That looks good." Leo came up behind me, pointing to some noodle dish on the menu.
"Leo, I told you I wanted to come alone." I sighed.
"I know, but I also know that you don't need to be alone with your thoughts right now." He didn't look at me as he spoke, keeping his attention on the menu.
He was looking out for me, the same way Lucas must have looked out for him. I watched him from my peripheral, admiring his jawline and soft lips. He was a very handsome guy, and it killed me how attracted I still was to him. Our date hadn't exactly gone to plan, but he was a good guy. I think if there was to be a next time I would have to plan it out. I'm not sure Leo has ever been with someone that wasn't rich before.
"Thank you." I whispered to him.
"I'm here for you, Liv. I know what you're going through. I'm still going through it. Don't shy away from me, okay?"
Leo wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, placing his chin on my shoulder. I leaned into his chest, enjoying the comfort he was bringing me. The moment was cut short as the worker came to take our order at the counter. We placed our order, and of course Leo refused to let me pay.
"You wouldn't have had to spend so much if we hadn't come over, so let me pay, okay?" He squeezed me again as he spoke.
I just nodded my head, because it honestly wasn't that much. I am noticing that Leo likes to express his affection through gifts and monetary objects. I am not really one to enjoy such things, but I know he means it with good intentions, so I'm trying to get used to it. Julius never really gave me much of anything, even though he was pretty loaded.
The worker brought our food to us in two bags. Leo grabbed them both, as I thanked the man, leaving a tip. I chased after Leo down the sidewalk, grabbing one of the bags. He raised a brow like I shouldn't have taken one, but I just raised one back.
"You're too much, Liv." He smiled at me.
Leo had a very sweet smile, one that made you feel the same joy. I smiled back at him, batting my lashes, even though that's not a thing I normally do. The moon was half full tonight, with clouds constantly covering it, so most of the lighting came from the street lights. Leo held my hand as we walked, interlocking our fingers, and giving it a light squeeze.
"I'm sorry our date was horrible, Liv. I didn't think it through. I didn't have you in mind. Like I did, but I didn't. I wanted to give you new experiences, but I should have realized that wouldn't be the experience you wanted." Leo sighed, referring to the restaurant and trying to take me shopping.
"You're right, but I know that you meant well. Maybe next time, I'll plan it out and you can just pay for everything." I joked, making him chuckle.
"Next time huh? So I didn't totally fu.ck it up?"
"Yeah, you didn't totally fu.ck it up." I confirmed, trying to fight my blush off.
We reached the loft in no time. Leo held the door open for me like a gentleman.
"After you, my lady." He bowed his head the slightest, making me let out a laugh.
"Are you okay?" Lucas asked me, being the first to see me enter.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I got the food." I held up the large bag which was quickly taken by Leo.
"Correction, I have the food." He told me with a cheeky smile as he placed both bags on the table.
I wonder if going on another date with Leo is really a good idea or not?