8
Olive
It was New Year’s Eve, and Olive finally felt strong enough to clamber out of bed and have a shower. With some fresh PJs and clean hair, she was sure could join the land of the living again.
The care she had received had blown her away, as she hadn’t expected anyone to care about her ever again. Zach Sullivan cared, but he was just doing his job, she was sure. Still, it was nice having help, even though she knew it wouldn’t last.
Olive struggled with her thoughts. It was supposed to be her last night at the hotel, and she had nowhere to go. She was still a little weak, slowly rebuilding from not eating for so long, but even if she was fit and healthy, she still couldn’t bring herself to face the people who could help her find a home, a job.
Tears mingled with the shower spray for a good while before she pulled herself together and got dressed.
Housekeeping had already freshened her bed with new bedding by the time she came out of the bathroom, and breakfast was sitting on the table.
Olive pondered over what to do first. Eat, pack her things, or curl up in the fresh sheets until she was evicted. She decided food would be the best choice.
The cleaner had left the door wide open, but Olive didn’t care. The small foyer outside was as deserted as her.
The peace around her was a touch unnerving for once, and she wasn’t quite sure why. She figured she should make the most of it, as it would be noisy on the street.
Her thoughts turned to Gio. She could just see him smiling his way into the new year. Normally she would be the same. Partying with her friends all night, then chilling by the pool somewhere hot the next morning.
I wonder where they are this year?
New York was for Christmas. Her old circle would have flown off to somewhere else by now.
She cleared her plate, then stared blankly at the freshly squeezed orange juice in a tall glass. No cocktails for her. Not even a curly-whirly straw, and she loved them. Her collection had no doubt been tossed in the dustbin when the bailiffs cleared her home.
Getting up, Olive moved a chair over to the balcony door and sat back down. She didn’t want to open the door and let the chill in. She just wanted to watch the clouds float by.
Her damp curls started to frizz a little, and the warmth from the shower was fading, but staring at the sky kept her seated, holding her almost in a trance.
A blanket was draped over her shoulders, stirring her.
‘Hey, why don’t you get back in bed,’ said Zach softly. ‘Or at least dry your hair properly. You need to stay warm.’
She glanced at him, taking a moment to realise he was there. ‘I can’t be bothered,’ she replied quietly.
‘Would you like me to help?’
Olive shook her head as she plodded back to bed. ‘It’s okay.’
‘It’s not. It’s wet. How about you just dry off the ends?’
Olive stopped in her tracks, staring only at the floor for a moment, then headed to the small dressing table where the hairdryer was and dried the bottom half of her curls. Then she went to bed, sat up, and stared across the room.
He smiled softly as he approached. ‘What do you need?’
My old life back .
She went to reply but another thought occurred. ‘What time do I have to leave here tomorrow?’
‘Eleven, but we can push that to midday to give you some extra time.’
Olive met his eyes. ‘Would I be allowed to stay a little longer until I regain my strength?’
‘The hotel is sympathetic towards guests who fall ill during their stay, but once they are feeling better, they are expected to make arrangements to leave or to pay for a longer stay.’
‘Can’t you change the rules? You’re the manager.’
‘No, unfortunately not. Besides, as of tomorrow, I’m no longer the manager here.’
Olive was taken aback. ‘They fired you?’
Zach breathed out a small laugh. ‘No. I’m leaving. I’m going home to start my own business.’
‘So you won’t be able to help me anymore.’ It wasn’t a question. She knew Zach Sullivan had now slipped away from her too.
‘You can use my phone to call your friend who paid for this suite if you like. Perhaps he’d be willing to pay for another week, due to the circumstances.’
‘He won’t, and I won’t be able to pay for more time here. I’m sure I’ll feel stronger tomorrow. I’ll pack in the morning.’
‘Do you have somewhere to go?’
She debated lying to him but was too exhausted to hide her shame. ‘No.’ Without warning, she burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably into her hands.
The bed dipped and a tissue entered her fingers. There were no words or comforting hugs, just her gasps and then sniffs.
Olive looked at the hotel manager through her damp lashes, not knowing what to say anymore.
‘You didn’t reach out to anyone, did you?’ he asked softly.
She slowly shook her head.
‘There are people who can help you.’
Olive wiped her nose. ‘I know, but every time I think about them, something happens to me, and I don’t know what to do.’
‘What happens to you?’
It was hard to explain, as it was something new and confusing in her life. She took a calming breath as best she could. ‘It’s like a wall.’ What more could she add that would make sense? There was no logic for her to find. ‘It blocks me. I don’t feel I can do anything.’ She slid further under the covers and turned her back on him.
‘You need some help, Olive,’ were his gentle words.
She closed her eyes, wishing she could disappear. ‘I’m so tired, Zach.’ Her broken voice rang in her ears, tormenting her for a moment. How had she fallen so far? ‘I hate my life.’
‘Please don’t say that. Things will improve.’ He made a mumbling noise, and she felt his weight shift on the edge of the bed. ‘Hmm, let’s see. How did you solve problems before?’
‘I’d fly away somewhere.’
‘Ah. Okay, well, I guess a change of scenery can help clear the head.’
Olive opened her eyes. She’d never thought about it that way. All she had done was run away, leaving her father to clear up any mess.
The mattress moved, and she listened to Zach’s movements, sure he was now over by the balcony door. Then there was silence, so she figured he was being quiet so she could sleep. After spending so many days in bed, she didn’t really want to be there, but she was still weak, and soon she wouldn’t have anywhere to sleep at all, so it was best to make the most of her comfort.
Olive closed her eyes and thought of Gio. Against the odds, he’d made a life for himself. He was easy to talk to, so perhaps she would go straight to him once she left the hotel. Sitting by the river was nice. Could that be the scenery change that helped clear her head? It was worth a shot. Then maybe she might be able to face that invisible wall messing with her mind.
‘I have an idea I’d like to run past you,’ said Zach, interrupting her plans.
She had to be honest. ‘I don’t feel strong enough for your optimism today.’
‘I think it might be helpful. You see, the thing is, well, I’m leaving tomorrow, and I wondered if, perhaps, you might like to come with me.’
Is he serious?
Olive slowly sat up, turning his way. She was pretty sure she should have questions, but no words left her gaping mouth.
Zach raised a finger. ‘Let me explain.’ He stepped closer, taking a chair with him, then sat by her side. ‘There’s a B&B near my home. The owners have stables, and I happen to know that they once let a woman live there in return for her help with the horses. So I was thinking, if I spoke to them, maybe you could stay there for a while and help. It would give you some more breathing room. And while we’re there, I could help you find work.’
‘Horses?’ was all she could think to say.
He raised a hand to the room. ‘It would be a change from all this, but one that might ease the load. I truly believe that once your head is clear, you’ll be able to bounce back and enjoy life again.’ He gave a small shrug. ‘You just need a break, Olive,’ he added softly.
She definitely needed something, but could she leave with the hotel manager? It wouldn’t be the first time she went away with a stranger. Now that she thought about it, she would often take off with people she hardly knew. She had always been carefree and reckless, so what difference would it make now?
‘It’s a lot to process,’ said Zach. ‘You can let me know in the morning.’
‘It’s just unexpected, that’s all.’ Judging by his slight awkward look, she gathered it wasn’t something he’d given much thought to. ‘Where is this place?’ she asked quietly.
‘Isle of Wight.’
‘The little island down the bottom of England,’ she said knowingly.
Zach smiled. ‘That’s right.’
‘I’ve never been there.’
‘It’s a beautiful place.’
Olive nodded. ‘And I would work with horses?’
‘Do you know anything about them?’
‘I know how to ride, even had my own horse once, but it wasn’t a hobby I stuck to.’ It made her realise she hadn’t stuck to much except shopping and jetting off somewhere with friends.
‘It’s worth considering.’
Olive almost laughed. ‘You make it sound as though I have options.’
‘You do.’
‘I don’t feel I do.’
Zach touched his temple. ‘It’s because you’re a little blocked right now. With some fresh air, new scenery, and something quiet and calm, you’ll start to heal.’ He offered a warm smile. ‘Your life has changed so dramatically. It would be hard for anyone to adjust.’
If only Emilio had the same thought. Perhaps she could use Zach’s phone and put that to her ex. He might be more sympathetic to her needs if she explained adjustment takes time.
Or I can go to the Isle of Wight .
She chewed on her lip, contemplating her next move.
Zach stood, gesturing towards the door. ‘I’ll leave you to think it over. I’ll pop by at lunch.’
Olive shuffled forward. ‘Erm, about that. Has the hotel been feeding me for free because I’ve been ill?’
‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘You’ve hardly eaten anything, so it’s not much of a bill.’
‘I’ve only just got my appetite back.’
Zach smiled. ‘That’s a good sign.’
She watched him leave, wondering why he couldn’t sit with her longer. Surely the hotel could run perfectly well without him. Plus it was his last day and New Year’s Eve.
‘New year, new me,’ she muttered, staring over at the window.
Island life. Was she really cut out for that? At least she would have a roof over her head, and perhaps the owners wouldn’t expect her to muck out the stables. She was sure she could talk her way out of chores.
Olive wrinkled her nose. Her choices were dismal. Mr Sullivan didn’t have great connections for a hotel manager in London. Surely he would know someone with a better place for her to live. She pushed back her curls and sighed.
Horses!
She’d never stayed in a B&B before. What if she didn’t like it there?
‘Oh, why is this happening to me?’ She flopped back to her plump pillow and groaned. ‘It’s so unfair.’