Chapter 10
TEN
TAJ
It was a challenge to head into work today. While I couldn’t deny I was eager to make headway on the next several stages of the old building plan, I had to be honest with myself. I hadn’t quite recovered from the time I’d spent with Olivia over the weekend.
We’d had a really great time with one another, and she’d opened up to me about what she’d been through.
It was progress—we were certainly heading in the right direction—but I still wanted more.
I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the things I’d wind up learning about her as time went on. Her likes and dislikes.
And the best part about it was that, if she stayed in town for a while, I’d probably learn what those things were right along with her.
To think there’d been so much she hadn’t been able to experience—not even as a kid—because she’d been forced to work or because there’d been concern of what those activities might lead to, whether injuries or otherwise, was heartbreaking.
For now, I wanted to get through my work as quickly and efficiently as I could, so I’d be able to put together a list of all the things I could show her here in Rising Sun.
It was such a strange feeling to me, because I’d never been anything other than determined and focused whenever I was here, and this woman had changed all of that for me in an instant.
All I could do at this point was hope that I’d be able to manage the thoughts I had about her and not run into any additional distractions. With needing to complete this project successfully over the next couple of months, there was little room for error.
But it seemed today would not be the day that I’d get my wish.
Because as I was doing my best to concentrate on what I needed to do, a knock came at my office door.
I barely looked up from the work on the desk in front of me when the door opened.
I hadn’t even said a word, and Archer, Kingston, and Savanna had filed into the room.
“What’s going on?” I asked, alarmed to see the three of them here first thing on a Monday morning.
Savanna and Archer sat in the chairs on the opposite side of my desk. Kingston sprawled out on the couch on the other side of the room, dropping his head back on the arm of it while kicking his feet up. It was as if he thought he owned the place.
“We were hoping you were going to answer that question for us,” Archer returned.
“Pardon?”
My sister audibly sighed. “Oh, Taj. Don’t pretend you have no idea of what we’re expecting from you. Be happy we didn’t demand answers and explanations on Saturday.”
Olivia.
This was about Olivia.
“What do you want me to say?”
The pair in front of me shot me dubious looks as Kingston responded, “For starters, how the fuck did you land Olivia Thomas?”
“I didn’t land Olivia Thomas.”
“It sure didn’t seem that way on Saturday,” Archer muttered. “She showed up, and we didn’t see you for the rest of the day.”
“Olivia’s never gone snowboarding before, so I offered to teach her,” I explained.
Savanna asked, “Are you trying to suggest that it was nothing more than a casual snowboarding lesson?”
I opened my mouth to respond, but Kingston beat me to it. “Hey, Savanna?”
“Yeah?”
He sat up on the couch, his lips twitching. “Isn’t that how your parents got together? Didn’t your dad teach your mom how to snowboard?”
“That’s exactly what happened, Kingston.” My sister grinned, turning her attention to me again. “How fitting that my brother is doing precisely the same with Olivia.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“So, what is it like?” Archer pressed. “Because Rising Sun doesn’t seem like the kind of place a woman like her would wind up.”
There was no question I loved and trusted the three people sitting in my office right now.
There wasn’t anything I’d worry about telling them for fear that information would wind up somewhere I didn’t want it to go.
But I didn’t want to reveal all of Olivia’s troubles when she’d only just started sharing with me.
I arched a brow. “You know, this is rich coming from the people who consistently give me a hard time for putting so much effort in here at work. Isn’t someone allowed to take a trip for some relaxation?”
“Is that what it is? Because it seems strange to me,” Savanna said.
“What does?”
She swept her hand out, palm up, and answered, “A world-class supermodel chose Rising Sun for some downtime? Seems an odd choice, don’t you think?”
“Is it?” I countered. “I mean, I would think all of you, especially Archer and Kingston, would understand what it’s like to want to avoid massive crowds of people who think they know you just because you do what you do for a living.
We’re lucky we live in this small town that’s grown accustomed to having professional, world-renowned snowboarders living here, but listen to you guys.
You’re acting like Olivia isn’t human because of her career. ”
A heavy silence fell over the room until Kingston said, “You’re right, Taj. Sorry about that.”
I couldn’t respond because Archer cut in.
“Okay. Fine. You don’t have to give us specifics, but you mentioned on Saturday that she was recently out of a relationship and not looking for something.
Are you telling us you aren’t interested in pursuing something with her?
Is this really you just being the friendly guy on the Rising Sun welcome wagon? ”
Dropping my gaze to my desk, I balled my hands into fists.
“Uh oh,” Savanna murmured. “I think we just got our answer.”
I returned my attention to them. “I never said I wasn’t interested in something more. I like her. A lot, in fact. But I’m trying to be understanding of what she’s been through.”
“That’s fair.” Kingston rested his head back on the arm of the couch, tucking his hands behind his head. It was like he had all the time in the world to just lounge around. “But it’d be cool if she decided to stick around and make you a little less uptight about work.”
Archer laughed, Savanna pressed her lips together to contain her laughter, and I simply shook my head.
“I think the three of you need to get back to your own work. I know Savanna has some designs to work on. But isn’t there a contest that you’re supposed to be prepping for?
” My eyes darted between Archer and Kingston.
“The Olympics are coming up next season, and you’ve got work to do if you want to be prepared to qualify for the team. ”
Kingston stood and placed his hand over his heart. “I’m wounded, man. It’s like you have no faith in us.”
“Do you think we won’t make the team?” Archer questioned me.
I chuckled. “It’s best if I keep you wondering. Maybe that’ll push you just a bit harder.”
He huffed. “Yeah, okay. I’m not worried. And you shouldn’t be, either. Good luck with your new girl, Taj. We’ll catch you later.”
Kingston scurried over to catch up with Archer at the door. “I’m giving it until Christmas before he introduces her to us.”
The pair of them were walking out as Archer declared, “Nah, he’s too tight-lipped and protective right now. I think he’ll wait until New Year’s Eve.”
When they were gone, my attention settled on my sister. Her whole face was lit up.
“You look entirely too happy.”
“I think I’m the appropriate level of happy for this news.” Savanna let out a laugh. “In all seriousness, Taj, I think this is great. I know you’re playing it cool right now, and that’s fine. But I want you to know that I genuinely hope you get what you want in this situation.”
Next to my parents, my sister was my biggest cheerleader.
Thinking about what Olivia had shared with me, the things her mom had said to her on that voicemail, I was even more grateful for the family I had.
“Thanks, Savanna. I’m just going to take it one day at a time and see where it leads.
Olivia’s been through a lot, and from the time I’ve spent with her, I can’t deny that she makes me feel so good inside.
Hopefully, she’ll give me the opportunity to make her just as happy. ”
She smiled. “If there’s anything I can do, let me know. She’s new in town, so while I’m glad she has you, she might want some girlfriends, too. You know all of us would be there for her.”
I nodded. “I know. And I appreciate that.”
“Alright. Like you said, I’ve got to get some work done, so I’m going to go do that. Try not to work too hard.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine.”
With that, Savanna left, and I got back to work. And while I did get some stuff accomplished, my mind certainly drifted one too many times to Olivia. I wondered if the feeling would ever subside.
OLIVIA
Things were looking up.
As I spun around and took in the space, thinking of all the possibilities, I felt a strong sense of peace settle over me.
I’d made the right choice to leave, to come here, and to build a life for myself where I was the only one in charge of everything.
My lips curved into a smile.
I stood in the living room of my brand-new apartment feeling so accomplished. I was doing this, and it felt so good.
Last week, I’d contacted a real estate agent, looked at three different units, and decided on this place. And two days ago, I moved in.
Today, I was going to have my first visitor. Taj was going to be here any minute, and I didn’t know if I was more excited about showing off my apartment or seeing him for the first time in just over a week.
We’d been in contact with one another over the last several days—mostly texting with each other—but with him working, and me searching for a place and doing what I could to get acclimated to this new town, we hadn’t had the chance to visit with one another.
I was merely glad he was still interested in spending any time together. As soon as I’d shared about finding an apartment, he told me he’d be happy to visit whenever I was ready.
So, I’d invited him over for dinner tonight, and he accepted.