Everything I Dreamed (Everhope Road #2)

3. Hailey

3

HAILEY

I watch Sara scurry back behind the counter before my eyes land on Oliver.

The corner of his mouth always curves a little when he sees me. It’s the dimples that appear that cause me to wonder if I should call the fire department because the room suddenly feels too hot, but right now, I need to keep it together.

“Your coffee is on me. The least I can do for being my superhero the other week,” I offer. He’s a knight in shining armor, but that’s because the man in front of me has character and cares, wearing his heart on his sleeve. I envy whoever will be lucky to be his other half for life. Alas, I’m just the one to offer coffee while I’m melting on the inside.

Instantly, he whips his palm up in protest. “That will not be happening.”

My eyes roll to the side because I wouldn’t expect anything less. I’m lucky that I work at an elite private school, which means my salary is a little higher than many teachers. But it’s nothing compared to Oliver who makes bucketloads as a lawyer in the sports industry. It’s impossible to argue with him. It’s not the first time in Foxy Rox that he’s been adamant that I will pay no such thing, and he probably already gave a sign to Sara that he will pay for my coffee too.

I really don’t care about money. It’s just a shame that it makes the world go round.

“Never argue with a lawyer,” I reply and bite my bottom lip to try and suppress my wide smile that is dying to escape.

His sight drops down to my thumb. “It’s gone. The stitches and brace. They didn’t need to cut your thumb off.”

Holding up my thumb, I examine it and smile proudly. “Only a scar. It feels a little different, but I should survive.”

“Well, that’s good. Ava might lose her cool if she loses a bridesmaid.”

I shake my head and pick up the glass canister of sugar, even though I have no plans to pour some into my coffee later. “Trust me, she’ll still find something to lose her cool about.”

She’s good for my brother, but she’s a different kind of person when it involves wedding planning. A nervous wreck at best. It’s understandable. By no means do I have a mood board of my wedding dreams tucked away in my closet, but I’d be lying if I didn’t have an idea of what I might want for a wedding one day in the future.

“I haven’t seen you around. I know we live on opposite ends of the street but normally you go for a jog. Not that I’m a stalker, it’s just sometimes I notice routines from neighbors and friends of brothers.”

His tongue swipes to the corner of his mouth. Did I sound flustered? I didn’t mean to. He just always has an effect on me.

“It’s been raining a lot, and I wanted to tie up some work. The usual.”

I frown at him, unimpressed. “Your life sounds a little stale. You might want to liven it up a bit.”

He stifles a laugh. “I might follow your advice… one day.”

“You should. Oh!” I flap my hand, excited. “Apparently, the Dowes at number 21 had a wild party.” I flash my eyes at him, hoping he gets the hint, but he just stares blankly at me. “As in couples …”

His head perks up. “Oh yeah?” I nod. “Huh… they didn’t strike me as living the lifestyle. I guess I can see it now.”

“Our street always has drama or gossip and I only just moved there.” Thanks to Esme shacking up with Keats, her neighbor and Oliver’s colleague.

“You missed the days when Keats and Esme would argue on the front lawn,” he reminisces.

“Oh no, they still have a little quarrel here and there,” I assure him.

Our street gossip is interrupted when Sara returns with my coffee and sets it in front of me. “I hear you checked out the building down the street,” she comments to me.

The one that would be perfect for a preschool but is way out of my budget. I even asked the bank the other day.

“Let me guess, Molly mentioned when she came in?” Molly is the town’s only realtor.

She smiles brightly. “Yeah, and said you were thinking something for kids, right? That’s what you want to use it for?”

My head cocks to the side. “Yeah, a preschool. It’s silly,” I say, brushing off my idea.

Her shoulders sink. “Nah, what’s silly is the price the sellers are asking, and apparently, they have a whole list of stipulations for who they will sell to.”

I chuckle nervously. “Molly mentioned. Anyhow, it’s a great space, but it will be for someone else.”

“As long as it won’t be a new café,” she retorts.

I offer a weak smile as she leaves our table, and I turn my attention back to Oliver whose brows are furrowed, and he stares at me with a peculiar interest.

“What am I missing?”

Stirring my coffee, for some reason I’m near bashful. It’s probably because I don’t often share my wishful idea, but with Oliver, it comes easy. “It’s nothing.”

“Clearly not.” His tone is persistent and scorchingly hot.

So much so that I dissolve into compliance. “I kind of had a crazy idea to open a preschool. As much as I love teen drama, I would rather teach kids who learn through play and every little thing is new.”

“I never realized how serious you were about it. You mentioned a few times at Liam’s that you wanted to teach younger kids.” He sounds truly intrigued.

Now, I’m just playing with the spoon to avoid meeting his eyes that feel like they are drilling into me. “It’s a silly idea. Not sure why I went to the open house.”

He reaches across the table, and the moment his fingers touch my wrist, fireworks boom inside my chest.

“Probably because it could be a reality. Tell me about the place.”

Get your fingers off me and maybe I can think straight.

He must read my mind, and after one caress of my wrist, he abandons our touch.

No, keep your fingers on me.

My eyes shift up to find him staring at me intently. “The building that used to be a furniture store is on the market. There is space for a classroom and an office. Also, a side room that would be ideal for crafts. There is a courtyard in the back for outside play, too.”

He instantly has a warm, wide smile. “It sounds as though it could be something great.”

Picking up my cup, the warmth of the coffee hits my tongue, and it hits the spot every single time.

Swallowing, I set the mug down. “Well, tell that to the bank. I mean, I’m lucky that our small town means the building is affordable compared to the suburbs of Chicago, and I have a little bit for a downpayment. Maybe not all but enough, and on no planet would I ask Liam for a loan. Besides, the owners have some out-of-this-world demands.”

“Such as?”

“Apparently, they only will sell to a married couple. They mentioned businesses owned by couples always do better, so they think the building won’t need to be sold again in a year or two from something failed.”

His eyes squinch. “That’s sort of discrimination. Then again, it’s their private property as of now. They also may want to double check the statistics on married couples in business together.” He winces.

I wave him off the topic. “It doesn’t matter. I mean, there is also the aspect that I would need building safety checks, to register with the state, and so many admin details. Plus, it’s all an impractical thought. I’m happy at Lake Spark Academy, really.” Eeek , the enthusiasm could be worked on. I sound 75% positive, and I should be 100% happy with my job.

“You would be good at it. Handling little monsters, I mean.”

He traps my gaze, and my face softens from his compliment. “Thanks. I will just have to create my own brood of little monsters one day when I settle down with someone.”

Oliver’s face falls, or am I imagining it? Are his eyes darkening?

What the hell? What did I say?

“Right,” he states tightly, and he thrums his fingers on the table. “You need to find a Prince Charming.”

I snort out a laugh. “With the current look on your face, you are as bad as Liam. Will you be participating in his interrogation when the time comes? I bet you will cross-examine whomever it may be,” I joke. I find it funny, but apparently, he does not.

A chirp notification sound breaks the air, and I quickly scramble to grab my phone from my purse. The moment I see a new message on my screen, my mood deflates, and I’m joining Oliver on the not-impressed train.

“Shit. My flight is cancelled.” I unlock my phone then scroll the screen. I have a text message and an email all relaying the same information.

He straightens his posture, waiting for me to explain.

“Apparently, there is a computer problem affecting the plane.” Panic sets in, and I hit the link in the email to reschedule my flight.

“That’s not great. You have to be out there early for family stuff, right?”

I nod my head while my eyes skim the website. “My parents are already there. Esme and Keats, too, as they took a little vacation before his groomsman duties start.”

“You can reschedule for an earlier flight maybe.” He checks his watch. “You could make a mid-afternoon flight.”

Anxiousness now overtakes me. “They only have one flight a day unless I drive out to Chicago O’Hare. Oh, fuck.” I’m seeing only one thing on the website. “Tomorrow’s flight is full too.” I hold my phone up so Oliver can see.

“You should probably phone Liam and Bridezilla.” He recoils.

I drop my face into my hands with my elbows set on the table. This is just my luck. “I’m positive I’m cursed. Every time I fly, there is always a delay, or the flight has major turbulence.”

“Let me go find some sage to burn to cleanse your energy,” he jokes. Sometimes his dry sense of humor peeks out, and every time it causes me to smile wryly, even now.

Hitting Liam’s name on my phone, I set the cell on the table on speaker. I need both my hands to take a chug of my coffee

“Hey, what’s up?” he says as he answers after two rings.

“No flights. That’s what.”

“What do you mean?” His tone lifts an octave.

“My flight is canceled, and the one for tomorrow is already full.”

“ Nooo .” It trails from his mouth, and I can tell that he is shaking his head, too. “We need you at the wedding. Are you making this shit up? Is this your way of messing with me while I’m scrambling with last-minute wedding prep?”

I chortle a laugh. “Trust me, I’m not that cruel… today. Oliver is here, I ran into him at Foxy Rox. He is my witness that I’m not joking.”

“Hey, Liam,” Oliver speaks up.

My brother growls at the other end, frustrated while Oliver and I stare at one another with pained looks.

“Well, we need you on a plane, Hailey. I can’t have a wedding without my sister. You’re already going to miss family dinner, it seems.”

I rub my forehead, trying to shake away irritation that I now have to deal with airlines, tickets, and probably a gazillion layovers just to reach my brother’s wedding. But that’s my problem, he doesn’t need this issue on top of his to-do list.

“I’ll figure it out,” I promise.

“Hailey, I love you, and I wish I could solve this, but I’m going to need you to take this one over on the solution train.”

My entire body sinks into the chair, accepting this reality. I agree with Liam but that doesn’t mean it’s any less daunting. I’m already gearing up for a conversation with a disgruntled airline agent on the other end of a call.

“Oliver,” my brother snaps.

Oliver scoots closer to the table to listen. “Yeah, man.”

“You’re driving out. Take Hailey.” My brother’s demand is clipped.

In unison, Oliver and I zip our wide eyes to one another.

“What?” Oliver peeps out.

“Easy solution. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist. Hailey will ride with you.”

Oliver seems to be contemplating, but I can’t read his mind, and he is giving no indication of what he might be thinking.

“Uh, I, right… I can drive with Oliver.” I swallow my nerves.

But this isn’t a big thing. No, siree, just a normal day when you end up driving across the country, alone in the car with the guy you might have had too many dreams about.

“Totally. I can ride her.” My eyes turn into saucers from Oliver’s word choice, and he instantly realizes his error. “I mean, she can ride me.” He is fumbling with his words. “Uh, with me… in the car… yep, she can ride with me in the car. Problem solved.”

“See, guys? A little teamwork. Now, I have to run. Ava’s parents want to meet for breakfast. Let me know when you guys are safely on the road.”

“Sure thing.” I watch my pointer finger dab the end-call button then grab my coffee, avoiding the set of heavy eyes on me.

Silence surrounds us for a beat. Truthfully, my mind might be imagining the whole ride-him scenario, which is his fault for triggering the reminder of my fantasies.

“I’ll pick you up at six tomorrow morning.”

Blinking a few times, I whip my attention to see Oliver calmly sitting across from me. His stoic face isn’t helping matters because I’m just not sure if he is thrilled or pissed by this change of events.

“Oh, yeah, of course. Since we’re driving my brother’s car, it won’t look like we’re stealing it if we get pulled over, right? I mean, the registration is in his name, and I have the same last name.” I sound half serious and joking at the same time.

“Why would we get pulled over? We’re not conducting an armed robbery, are we?”

“No, we’re not. It’s going to be a long day. We can stop somewhere to stay overnight.” Worst idea ever, but there is no other way.

His lips roll in and maybe he is reflecting on the logistics of our road trip. “Makes sense.” An unreadable pause hits us again. “It will be too early to grab coffee to-go from here,” he mentions, since Foxy Rox only opens at 7.

I’m going to be stuck in a small space with him for two days. I’ll smell him, feel him close, maybe argue with him over music. Shit, is this going to be a quiet car ride? No. I will not allow that to happen.

“I’ll pick up snacks for the road tonight. Stock us all up. Buy a map too.”

His face turns perplexed. “Pretty sure modern technology will navigate us.”

My face beams. “Loosen up, a paper map is classic. Probably out of date, but you never know when technology will fail and we need a backup. Either way, we’ll probably get lost at some point.”

“Directions gone rogue are one of the top reasons that couples argue.”

“We can’t have that now, can we,” I tease. I’m relieved that our banter can reappear again.

“So what snacks are you planning?”

I bring a finger to my chin. “Definitely licorice laces, granola bars, fruit, water bottles, pretzels. Maybe I should just pack a cooler?” I’m getting lost in my thoughts because this whole unexpected plan is exciting.

But it’s the deep velvety chuckle of the man in front of me which is probably the real reason this feels exhilarating.

“Are we going to a deserted island? You’re really stocking us up there.”

I shrug. “We’ve gone from armed robberies to deserted islands? Seriously, though, we could get stuck in a cornfield. Speaking of which, do you think we can try and make our break stops kind of thrilling?”

Oliver inhales a sharp breath and shifts in his seat.

Right. Because he probably has a mind as dirty as mine sometimes.

But shocker, I actually wasn’t thinking about that . “You know, a quirky road stop or lunch spot.”

“Totally.”

“And music? I’ll set us up with a playlist.”

His smile hasn’t shifted an inch. “You’re going to play ‘Life is a Highway’ as soon as you set up the music in the car, aren’t you?”

My eyes blaze open with more excitement to give him his answer.

“Are you going to be this hyper on our road trip?” he adds.

Reaching across the table, I poke his arm. “You’ll love it. It was going to be a boring drive and now it won’t be.”

His eyes travel from my hand, following the path straight up to my face. I hope he doesn’t realize the dazzle in my eyes is for him.

“You’re right,” he rasps. “It won’t be anything like I planned.”

The air stills, and that flutter in my chest returns.

We’re going to be together on a road trip. And it doesn’t feel like anything average.

A sort of adventure that we’re going to embark on together.

His lips twitch, and it feels as though my thoughts just flew straight into his mind.

I think I’m already lost, and it’s not even because of an outdated map.

I throw my pajamas in my suitcase while I trap my cell phone between my ear and shoulder. Even though I already packed for the trip, I need to switch up my outfit choices since my trip itinerary has changed.

“Will you stop laughing?” I plead to Esme on the other end.

“Sorry.” I can hear that she is trying to calm her hysterics. “But this is the best news.”

“Why? Oliver and I are going to be in tight quarters. We could drive each other nuts.” I open my drawer to search for underwear.

“You two flirt like crazy. Just do it at a roadside stop. I’ll never tell anyone. You might find that it finally relieves that tension around one another.”

“We don’t have tension,” I protest with the lie of the century.

“True. You’re like friends, but it’s obvious that you both want to upgrade that label.”

I give up and lean against my dresser. “It won’t happen. Oliver is too loyal to Liam.”

“But you want to, you know you do,” she goads me.

“I’m not sure why I called you. You should just go back to your romance fest. Like what the hell? Two weeks ago, you went away for a night together and now you love birds have added a few extra days on your trip.”

“Someone is a little icy today.”

Sighing, I realize she’s right. Maybe a pang of jealousy is the cause. “Anyhow, I just finished my epic playlist creation and stocked up on snacks. Maybe I should take a first-aid kit just in case or a flashlight.”

“What the hell? Are you planning on a natural disaster or something?”

“I mean, we are going through tornado alley. You never know,” I justify.

“I’ll make it easy for you. Pack something lacy,” she deadpans.

I laugh her off but then eye my bra choices and consider if I need to spice it up a bit.

No, Hailey. No X-rated detours on this trip.

“You’re hilarious,” I counter.

Esme lets out an exhale. “Okay, well, you will figure it out. Just don’t always do what you think everyone expects.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I need to head out. Don’t forget to pack your phone charger. Everyone forgets those.”

“Thanks. See you in two days.”

Hanging up, I ponder her jabs and advice. She’s reminded me many times of the same thing, but it just hits differently this time. Don’t do what everyone expects, right?

But I’m just going to do what Oliver and I always do. Have fun around one another. Good old-fashioned platonic fun. Follow the traditional rule that your brother’s best friend is off-limits. I’ve been doing it for years, and the next few days will be no different.

My lips roll in and out while I stare at my underwear and bra options. Quickly, I snatch up a few extra lacy choices.

My subconscious, I’m sure.

And the next morning at 6am, with the sunrise just lighting up the sky, I’m waiting on the curb in front of my house and throw out my thumb as if I’m hitchhiking when Oliver drives up. He’s in my brother’s silver SUV.

He rolls down his window. “Need a ride?”

“Yeah. You wouldn’t happen to be a gentleman who won’t murder me and is willing to help a girl out?”

His natural suave grin has its own category when the early-morning sun lights his skin.

“Depends, did you pack enough snacks for a family of five?”

“Of course.” I smile.

He motions with his head. “Then let me pop the trunk, and welcome to your chariot.”

Oliver exits the car and rounds the back to help me load everything up. Our arms cross, bumping into one another as he attempts to lift my bag, then it’s a shuffle of feet.

We’re already tangled, and we aren’t even five minutes into our adventure.