27. Olivia
Olivia
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Simon fake-gags, putting a hand over his lips. A slight green tint forms over his face, and he looks away from the students currently getting their blood drawn in front of us. “Oli, I think I’m going to lose that amazing breakfast I had.”
Right, the breakfast he ran off and got us from Jenni’s Cafe to occupy his brain from this fiasco he’s about to face.
“Breathe, Si,” I urge, bumping my shoulder against his with my brows raised.
“You’re on a mission, remember? Here to meet someone special.
” I nudge him again, trying to get him to move, but he’s frozen solid in the sea of students meandering around the large auditorium where they’ve set up the blood drive.
In fact, they’ve completely transformed the room into a makeshift hospital with beds, IVs, and nurses running around.
He reluctantly nods, blowing out a breath that doesn’t sound too convinced he should be here.
“Right. I’m on a mission! I swear, though.
” He looks slightly over his shoulder, and a shudder runs through his body as he eyes the door, no doubt wanting to make a break for it and leave my side.
I’m ten seconds away from grabbing his hand and forcing him to take a few steps.
“Maybe I should wait outside, and Daniel can find me there.” He cringes, turning his gaze toward the wall now and heaving a few breaths like he’s keeping his food down.
“You know, until the needles are put away.” He points over his shoulder at the students in chairs, happily chatting with one another as certified personnel draw their blood.
“I’m sure Daniel would be happy to see you inside,” I sing-song playfully, bumping his shoulder again.
“Yup. Yeah. I’m so sure he would be, but I’m…” His lips snap shut as approaching footsteps force him to turn around.
I swear, Simon gets body-snatched by aliens.
Instantly, at the sight of Daniel marching through the crowd, he lights up like a Christmas tree, no longer worried about the needles and blood.
Needles and blood, who? Simon doesn’t know them.
Simon focuses only on the man approaching us with a wide grin, equally thrilled to see him.
“Hey! So glad you both made it!” Daniel grins excitedly at the two of us, practically bouncing on his toes. His fingers turn white around the tablet he’s holding, and a faint blush blooms across his cheeks.
I hold back my grin as they continue to stare at each other. Lost in another world where only they exist. One day, I hope I’m invited to their wedding. I’d better be the best man, damn it.
“We did,” Simon says in a trance-like state, grinning when Daniel pecks his lips and pulls back, clinging to Simon.
“Good,” Daniel whispers. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” Simon murmurs, so unlike himself.
The deepest blush I’ve ever seen creeps across his cheeks and down his neck, even turning the tips of his ears beet red.
Suddenly, Simon clears his throat and gestures to me like he forgot I was there.
I guess I’m chopped liver. But that’s okay.
This is the happiest I’ve seen Simon since I met him.
Sure, he was a joy before, but he’s settled into this relationship with Daniel so easily, like they were made for each other.
Together, they take a step back from one another and turn to me, grinning.
“Don’t stop on my account,” I quip, holding up my hands playfully, causing them to chuckle in unison.
“Right! Sorry, Oli. It’s good to see you, too.
” He leans in and squeezes me into a bear hug and sets me down with a smile.
Right. He’s a hugger. I feel like that’s something we discussed last night.
“You, uh, feeling all right after last night? Sorry we took off. I swear we saw you leave.” Daniel’s eyes shine with deep concern, checking me over to make sure my heart is still beating and I’m alive. “And where are your glasses?”
Awesome. Another reminder of why I should never drink again. Ever. Not only do I apparently wander off and find the worst person on the planet, but I make a fool of myself in front of Simon’s newest boyfriend. Well, if I could only remember more than I do.
Now it’s my turn to blush. “I’m good. Last night was fun.” Liar. You can barely remember what happened. “And I think my glasses fell off between the party and the dorms.”
“Bummer,” Daniel says with a twinge of guilt. “We can help you find them after all this.” He gives me a reassuring smile.
“Yeah, thanks. That would be great.” The more the merrier. Maybe they can ask Malic, too.
“The party was a total blast. Sorry about your glasses, Oli. We’ll totally help you find them!
Maybe they’re back at Malic’s.” He wiggles his brows at me playfully.
“In fact, I say, we hit up their parties every time,” Simon adds with an excited clap, and Daniel quickly agrees.
They look at me with an expectant stare, hoping I’ll join them for more parties.
“Uh, yeah. Totally.” I wave a hand, trying to sound convincing.
They don’t have to know that I never want to set foot in that house again after last night.
I’ll observe them around campus. Wilder and I have a class together.
Plus, a project. Then I can get inside his head.
But ugh. Who the hell am I kidding? I might have to go back at some point if the case takes me there.
Eventually, I’ll have to get my glasses back.
Damn you, past Olivia, for falling into your old ways and drinking until you don’t feel feelings anymore. It might feel good in the moment, but you have to get your shit together. No more drinking. No more losing your shit and hiding.
Time to investigate what’s going on here. Time to focus on the blood drive in front of me.
Stop unraveling.
“So, are you both here to donate?” He looks between the two of us with a hopeful expression, stopping again when he observes Simon’s paling face and shuddering breath. Instantly, Daniel’s expression shifts into worry.
Poor, Si. He forgot where he was.
Simon blows out a nervous breath, darting his eyes all around the room. He shivers, wearily shaking his head. I swear he’s two seconds from bolting out of the blood drive and leaving us behind in his dust.
“Just me,” I say, raising a hand. “Simon came for moral support.” And you. But I don’t say that. I’m sure Daniel can already guess that by the flutter of Simon’s eyelashes. “Get a room,” I cough jokingly.
Simon snorts, narrowing his eyes at me. “We will. Later,” he quips, with that cool grin crossing his lips again. “Well, you have fun donating your life force. Daniel?”
“Of course. I can show you around?” Daniel says with a hint of vulnerability, gesturing to the room.
Simon tries not to show his discomfort and nods, taking Daniel’s hand.
“Please, lead the way.” He swallows hard, like he’s trying to keep himself together.
“Save me!” He mouths in my direction playfully behind Daniel’s back.
I give him a thumbs-up, laughing as Daniel motions toward a few students donating blood and pulls Simon closer.
“Oh, Oli, if you check in at the kiosk over there with Wade, he can help you. There are a few forms to fill out, and then he’ll get you set up,” Daniel says over his shoulder, never taking his eyes off Simon.
“Thanks.” I wave to Simon, who wearily cringes and follows Daniel across the space, avoiding looking at the students getting their blood drawn despite Daniel chatting his ear off and explaining everything around them.
Lovesick fool. But you know what? Good for him. One day, I’ll find that kind of love again. Maybe. Actually, I’m not too convinced. Maybe I’m meant to wander this planet alone with a sordid past hanging over my head like a thunderous cloud.
Yeah. No love for this girl. Just one-night stands with anonymous people. Yeah, that went well the last time you did that. My mind reminds me rudely, and I shake my thoughts away.
Okay, time to do this.
Taking my eyes off Simon, who relaxes a little more with every step, I make my way to the kiosk where Wade sits behind the counter, helping several students fill out forms on the tablets.
Sorry, Si. You’re on your own today. I’ve got business to attend to.
Grades to bring up. And possibly suspects to suss out while I’m here.
Who knows what secrets this blood drive holds? I guess I’m about to find out.
“Oli,” Wade says enthusiastically, lighting up at the sight of me.
“Glad you made it, man. Thought you might bail on me and—” His voice trails off as his eyes widen, locking on Simon as he shuffles around the room, practically glued to Daniel’s.
“You got Simon to show his face? How the hell did you convince him? I tried for three years to get him to show up.” His jaw drops open.
“He came on his own. No convincing from me. Of course, having a reason to stay helped.” I gesture to Daniel with a chuckle, and Wade nods slowly, his jaw still on the damn floor, eyeing Simon like a hawk.
“So, it seems like there’s a big turnout.
” Time to change the subject and get a little information from Wade.
He has his nose in everything Greenwood. So he has to know something, right?
“Yeah, you know, it’s a lot busier than last year.” Wade nods, looking around the room with pride shining in his eyes. “You think I can actually convince Simon to donate? We could use all the blood we can get.” There’s a sense of hope in his voice.
I snort, clearing my throat. “Not a chance in hell, dude. Simon is firmly in the no needles and blood category. You’d probably have to peel him off the ground. His words. Not mine.”