Olive's P.O.V.
I watched Lucas leave, feeling embarrassed for the way I allowed him to kiss me in front of Leo. I think I need to talk to him about that. He can't kiss me in front of Leo like that. It just seems wrong, especially after I rejected him. I could still feel the heat of the blush against my cheek.
"Here you go," Leo said, handing me my large container of wonton soup.
"Thank you." I smiled up at him.
The container was nice and warm against my hands. I sniffed the soup, closing my eyes, and letting my mouth salivate. I sipped the broth first before eating the wontons. Leo ate beside me as we watched the scary movie I chose. I remembered Leo telling me he liked to watch scary movies. I jumped a couple times, but somehow managed not to spill the hot soup on myself. Leo tried not to laugh at me whenever I would squeak.
"I think my new favorite thing is watching scary movies with you," Leo laughed.
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Because you make it more entertaining with your jumps and squeals." He smirked at me as he leaned back against the foot of the couch. He'd been sitting on the floor while I sat on the couch. His long legs were spread out under the coffee table, and his back had been against the couch. He didn't sit far from me, but not too close either.
"Whatever, I didn't jump that much," I said with a blush.
I winced when the couch cushion poked my incision site. Leo sat up, looking at me concerned.
"Do you need your pain medicine?" He asked.
"Yes, please."
He quickly got up, fetching my medicine from the kitchen counter with a small glass of water. I took them, needing to feel the relief from this throbbing pain now. Leo held me carefully, picking me up as gently as he could, and carrying me up to my bed. He laid me down, sitting beside me. He rubbed my back and arms until I was fully relaxed. I wasn't sure if that was really okay. I don't want to make him think I changed my mind. Is it okay for him to comfort me like this? I have never really had a guy friend before. Hailey would do this for me, but is it okay for Leo to do the same? Are the rules different for girl friends than guy friends?
"What are you thinking about?" He asked me curiously.
"The rules of friendship," I muttered.
He let out a loud laugh. I felt the heat of my embarrassment cross my face, turning even my ears red.
"Sorry, that was just very random. Look, I understand that you don't want me romantically. I am not going to push you into changing your mind. I am only here as your friend now. Honestly, I've rubbed Lucas like this before. There's no romantic intentions behind it. So don't worry, okay?"
"Okay," I whispered, as I hid half my face beneath the sheets.
"I'm going to go. Text me if you need anything okay?" He got off the bed, heading towards the stairs.
"Thank you, Leo. I am sorry if I hurt you."
"Sleep, Liv, get some rest. Don't worry about me, I'm fine." He smiled at me, but it didn't hold the same twinkle as before.
I heard the front door close and knew I needed to go downstairs to lock the deadbolt. I sighed, too relaxed to want to move. I dragged my body off the warm bed, slumping my shoulder and dragging my feet down the stairs and towards the door. I felt like a real life zombie.
The medicine had only added to my fatigued state. After locking the door, I headed back up to my bed, remembering that Lucas was up here earlier messing with things. I need to look around when I wake in the morning. My eyes are too asleep and fuzzy to see right. I plopped on my bed as I tucked myself in under the blanket. I fell asleep almost instantly.
The peek of orange sky from my window let me know it was past 8 already. I was hoping to sleep in more, but I guess my body is ready to wake up now. I sat up on my bed, remembering to inspect my room for anything that Lucas may have touched, or left. As I scanned the room, everything seemed to be in the right spot. It wasn't until I reached for my phone that I noticed the small envelope on my nightstand. It had Rose, written in neat cursive on the front.
I grabbed it, wondering if he was the one that wrote the name like that. I would be highly impressed if it was. I opened the small envelope to find a little invitation and a gift card inside.
You're invited to Sarah Phillips' birthday lunch this Sunday afternoon at 1. Please wear cocktail attire as we will eat on the terrace.
Who the hell is Sarah Phillips? And what's with the gift card? I turned the gift card around to find the name of a very expensive catoire store. Was I meant to purchase cocktail attire from here? I sighed, already dreading the shopping trip. I know just who to take with me, but I still don't want to go.
Olive: Who is Sarah Phillips?
I shot Lucas a text as I headed to the kitchen for my much needed caffeine dosage. I need to eat something before I take my pain medication again. My incision is itchy and throbbing today.
Lucas: I was beginning to wonder if you would notice the invite or not. Sarah Phillips is my mother. Her birthday is this Sunday, and she wanted to meet you. Lisa apparently told her about you. I wanted to send you a dress to wear, but I was curious to see what you would pick out for yourself. Happy shopping }:‑)
His little devil face emoji was accurate. I dread shopping with a passion.
Olive: You up for some shopping?
Hailey: Always!
She immediately responded, making me laugh.
Hailey: I'm on my way!
It didn't take long for me to hear her rhythmic knock on the door. She sported a wide smile and casual clothes. Her shades were pushed up onto her head, pulling her hair out of her face. She rushed me the entire time I was getting ready, even more so when we walked out of my flat.
Hailey drove us, since I'm not meant to drive with my pain medication. She parked in front of a store with silver mannequins and fancy dresses. I honestly never go to stores like this except with Hailey. She's the only reason I've delved into this rich lifestyle. I haven't gotten the money from mom's life insurance, but even when I do, I'll be pretending I'm still a broke college kid. I don't want to squander the money my mother left me.
Hailey linked her arm with mine, sashaying us towards the large glass doors. The place was fancy enough to have its own doorman. Hailey's long wavy black hair blew back in the wind as the doors opened before us. She was beautiful in her own right. Her bronze skin had an almost golden undertone. She had a slender face with expressive dark brown eyes. Her eyebrows were not thin, but they were well kept. She used those things to make all kinds of faces. I loved the way Hailey's face showed her emotions so plainly.
We were greeted by an attendant who Hailey instantly employed the help of. She named styles of dresses and brands as well as listed shoes and colors that would best suit me. She knew clothes a lot better than I, so I just let her run with it. I was pulled towards the dressing room and told to strip. Dresses upon dresses were brought to me, with shoes to match.
"Well? Come out! I want to see," Hailey ordered from the other side of the fitting room curtain.
I sighed, pulling back the curtain and stepping out. There was a 3 panel mirrored at the end of the fitting room hall, so that you could see your clothes from all angels. Hailey had me step up and stare at myself. The pink dress was elegant, but a bit over the top for my taste. It was adorned with beadwork and lace appliques, the corset bodice sparkled to no end. It had an off-shoulder sweetheart neckline with mesh cap sleeves. The glittered flounce skirt created an A-line silhouette that ended with a mesh overlay. I wrinkled my nose, shaking my head with a no.
"Yeah, you look beautiful, but it's definitely not you," Hailey agreed, sending me back to the fitting room.
This continued for a little while, until I saw the perfect dress. I slid into it so well, it was like it was made for me, for this moment. As I stepped out I heard Hailey gasp. She seemed to agree with me. We walked over to the mirror to assess the dress better.
It was a nice hunter green that didn't wash out my complexion. It had ruched detailing at the waist and ornate cuffs that gave it an attractive finish. The asymmetrical neckline had a fold-over panel while the skirt had a high slit. It had a beautiful pleated design at the back as well.
I felt so beautiful in this dress. I almost didn't recognize myself in the mirror. The material was something else too, stretchy, yet still heavy and strong. It was soft and felt devine against my skin. I looked at Hailey in the mirror who was smiling so widely it was almost blinding.
"This is the one," she said.
"I think so too."
Hailey found me matching shoes to go along with the dress and we checked out. I had no idea how much was on the gift card, but I prayed it was just the right amount. I handed the card over to the register attendant and she swiped it. I waited to hear her tell me a new total with the gift card discounted from the original. Instead a receipt printed, telling me there was still money left on this damn thing. How much had Lucas put on it?
"That was fun! I cannot wait to see you in this dress! Please let me be there when Lucas comes and picks you up! He's going to die!" Hailey's excitement only grew more with every statement. Her voice rose with every sentence to the point she was almost screeching.
"Woah, calm down. I was actually going to ask you if you would do my hair make up for it. So, I figured you would be around when Lucas picked me up anyway."
Hailey squealed excitedly beside me. She clapped her hands like some sort of seal, making me laugh at her antics. Tomorrow is the day I give Lucas a chance at really dating me.
Please, let this go well.