19. Leo
19
LEO
I sit here in awe. I’m going to marry this woman. Yep, you heard me. Call me crazy, but I don’t fucking care.
I knew from the moment I laid eyes on Olive—I’ve never felt such intense attraction before, and the constant desire to be with her bewilders me. Watching her perform on stage, singing “Kiss” directly to me—yes, I could sense her eyes penetrating me, inviting me to kiss her. There’s no doubt it’ll happen tonight if I have anything to say about it.
Mom described it as love at first sight when she met Dad on a blind date. She almost canceled because she had little faith in relationships after what her best friend did to her. While she was walking to the restaurant where they were supposed to meet, she spotted a man standing next to his car. She knew right away he was the one. They soon discovered they were each other’s blind date.
So why couldn’t it happen to me? Would life be so cruel as to dangle Olive in front of me, only to take her away?
Olive has become my muse without either of us realizing it. First she got me dancing, and now I’m ready to do something else I haven’t done in years either.
She trots off the stage and hurries toward me. A blinding smile spreads across her face and I open my arms wide for her. She hops into them like she belongs here—which she does—and I lift her off the ground.
“You nailed it. I’m damn proud of you,” I say into the crook of her neck. Her light, floral scent assaults my senses. I want to kiss her now, but I refrain, squeezing her affectionately instead. It’s not because of the crowd—I don’t care about that. It’s because I have a plan.
We have fun with Tonya and Sully, our bodies constantly connected in some way. She’s not the same person who checked into the hotel days ago. For Olive’s sake, I hope she stays like this. Seeing her confront her problems this way has made me realize I need to do the same. I’ve been a coward for far too long.
When the coast is clear, I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. Once I’m out of sight, I search for Thorsten, the owner, and find him near the bar. He nods with a sly grin after I tell him what I want to do. This is going to be good. Or really bad.
When I return, we order another round of drinks and listen to a few more singers. I’m so fucking charged I could detonate any second now, and I’ve only had one beer. A war of emotions rages within me, and I have only three ways to release this energy. Sex, but that’s not happening here. Neither is dancing. As for the third, you’ll have to wait and see.
Then I hear it. “Next up, Leo Forrest. It’s been a while since he’s sung for us.”
Three heads whip in my direction, their mouths wide open. I try not to laugh at the comical sight, but it sneaks out anyway. Tonya’s eyes already shimmer with emotion. I see Sully’s teeth because he’s smiling, not scowling, and Olive looks like a deer in headlights.
Before they can say anything, I rush to the stage, determined not to chicken out. I’m going to sing Queen’s “I Was Born to Love You.” I used to cover Queen’s songs all the time, but I don’t know how my voice will sound now.
I psych myself up and pray to Corey to help me out. We learned to dance and sing together as kids, and we planned how to use our talents. It all went to shit when he fell sick and died. I haven’t sung since. Not even in the shower or the car. The music starts.
Here goes nothing .
I belt out the lyrics, and it’s as if no one else is here except Olive and me. Every word belongs to her. Tonya probably thought coming here would inspire me, but the lively atmosphere isn’t what’s done it. It’s that beautiful woman in the crowd with the soft brown eyes and glowing smile who touches my soul. She’s gazing at me the way I look at her. Like I’m her future and she’s mine. It’s time to make significant changes to become worthy of her love. If she’ll have me.
Am I really using the word love ? Yes. All the pain and suffering I’ve been through has led me to this moment. I’ve been traveling around the world to avoid my home. Too many memories haunt me when I’m here. But things are changing within me, and for once, I’m excited about it and don’t want to leave.
The song ends, and I ignore the people standing and clapping. My sole focus is on kissing Olive’s fucking sexy mouth. When I finally stand in front of her, I claim her mouth with mine. She wraps her arms around me, parting her lips, teasing me with the tip of her tongue. And then I taste her. Pure elation pulses through me. I pour all my energy, love, fear, and desire into this kiss. She’ll never have to wonder about my feelings for her.
Loud whistling surrounds us as someone pulls on my arm, separating us. “I enjoy a hot kiss as much as anyone,” Tonya says playfully, “but you’re getting a little out of control. You should continue this elsewhere.”
Olive cuddles up to my side and rests her head on my chest, clutching the front of my shirt.
“Want to get out of here?” I ask, rubbing my nose gently behind her ear.
She nods and whispers, “Yes.”
I turn to Tonya and Sully and mention leaving. We all came separately, but they’re ready to go too. Together, we weave through the tables toward the exit, and that’s when I see her.
Mom’s standing at the end of the bar with Thorsten’s arm around her, and her eyes are fixed on me. She came. Will Thorsten finally make a move on her? He’s been in love with her for years. Of course, that’s a whole other story.
I release Olive’s hand, then stride to Mom and embrace her. We don’t need words. I’ve finally achieved what she hoped I would—I’ve found my voice again. She was my greatest supporter when I sang and danced. It broke her heart when I stopped. Tonight, Mom caught a glimpse of the old me. I’m not that person anymore, though. I’m more, I think.
Hell, I’ll be honest. I have no clue who I am right now, but this is the best I’ve felt in a long, long time. I feel alive again.
As we part, her watery eyes shimmer with happiness. “I love you, Leo. Welcome back.”
I kiss her cheek. “Love you too, Ma. Thanks for being patient.”
She smiles at Olive, who’s waiting several feet away from us. Then she looks back at me and grins. “Take the rest of the week off,” she says.
I lean back, ready to say no, but she lifts her finger, then shakes her head. I salute her and acknowledge Thorsten. She giggles because it’s been a habit of mine to salute her when she wins a dispute. Tonight, she’s won in more ways than one.
I give Mom a last, quick hug and stride over to Olive. She looks confused. I can understand why. “I bet you’re wondering what’s going on, huh?”
“Ya think?”
I peck her lips. “Let’s go home. I’ll answer any questions you have.”
I’m ready to tell my story.