Complications(12)

Olivia was the more reserved of the two. Christie was anything but reserved. She currently worked as an assistant to the curator of the wackiest modern art gallery Olivia had ever seen. Not that she told Christie that. Nevertheless, they balanced one another nicely.

“Less talky…more pictures,” Christie demanded, holding out her hand like she thought Olivia had made printouts. Her numerous bangles jingled and chimed as she bobbed her arm excitedly.

Olivia collapsed into a chair at one of the three tables in her small shop. “I don’t have any pictures, Christie. And no, I didn’t Google him either.”

Christie actually pouted as she dropped into the chair opposite Olivia. “You’re no fun.” She instantly brightened though as another thought crossed her mind. “But you are going to sleep with him, right?”

“I don’t know,” Olivia said, wincing when it sounded like a whine. “I keep thinking that it’s…”

“Slutty? Oh please, Livy. If this hunk is anywhere near as hot as you tell me he is, then I say slut it up! You deserve to have some meaningless, hot sex with a smokin’ hot guy. God I can just imagine the look on Miles’ stupid face if he ever found out.” Christie mumbled the last part almost to herself.

The thought sobered Olivia. “That’s another thing, Christie. Do you think it’s too soon?”

Christie stared at her, her mouth slightly ajar. “Are you kidding me? No! That jerk cheated on you, Livy. For over a year.” Olivia flinched, the knowledge still searing her to the core, even as her face burned with embarrassment. “If it were me, I would have slept with someone the very next day just to get back at that loser.”

“But I’m not you,” she murmured. Christie instantly softened when she heard the tired voice of her friend. “I know what he did was terrible and that I didn’t deserve it. But Miles was my first…everything. I was in a relationship with him for six years and a few weeks doesn’t change that. And I hate to say this but, even though I want nothing more than to just move on, I have this feeling that there will always be a part of me that will love him.” She gave a frustrated sigh as her throat tightened. With the bad always came the good. Olivia couldn’t forget how wonderful the first few years of their relationship had been. And how the last two had been like a train wreck.

“Sweetie,” Christie said softly. “I’m not saying that you should completely forget about him. I liked Miles when you two first starting dating, remember? I thought he was great for you. But afterwards, after all those things he said to you…sometimes I just wanted to shake you to wake you up. I hate that you’re in pain right now over this, but I’m not going to pretend that I’m not happy you’re done with him. He became bad for you, Livy. I’m just glad you can finally see that now.”

Through watery eyes, Olivia tried to smile. “So I’m guessing I have your blessing.”

“Duh! I think a little fun would do you good,” Christie said, reaching over to link hands with her. She squeezed as she asked, “Did you tell Alex about Miles?”

Olivia let out a short laugh as she wiped her eyes, remembering Alex’s endless pushiness. “Yeah. He said he would be my rebound.” The memory still sent butterflies to her stomach.

“Then what the hell are you waiting for? The guy gave you the green light.”

Olivia hesitated, but finally confessed, “I have this feeling that Alex might be able to make me feel too much. I can see myself going in deep with him and it scares me.”

Christie smiled widely, “Perfect. You did say you wanted to move on, right?”

Olivia sighed, knowing Christie would be relentless. “Yes, I did.”

Christie left shortly after, saying something about a shipment coming in. She departed the shop with the impression that Olivia would call Alex later that day.

But later that evening, a half hour after she finished cleaning up the shop, Olivia still hadn’t dialed Alex’s number. She had her phone in the palm of her hand, nibbling on her fingernails in nervousness.

Just call him, her mind screamed. Flip open the phone and dial his number.

But then what? What would she even say? Oh hello, Alex. I’ve decided I want to have sex with you, seemed a little too brazen. But that’s essentially what she was agreeing to, right?

Olivia let out a sigh of frustration. This was ridiculous. She was a grown woman about to make an informed decision. She didn’t need to act like a schoolgirl making her first phone call to her grade school crush.

Her mind made up, she determinedly flipped open her phone with a feeling of hardened resolve. Don’t over think it. That’s what Alex had said last night when she asked him for time. Taking his advice, she scrolled to his contact number and pressed the faded green button on the keypad.