Chapter twenty-five: Caught . . .

O L I V I A

Carter had called last night. He'd just wanted to check up on me. I told him I was fine and he came online so we chatted a bit. Even Josh had left a text asking me how I was doing. I wanted to resume our conversation at the airport, but I decided I'd rather talk to Sam about that so I just typed out a polite reply instead. 

Griffin had told me George would be over the next day. It wasn't his moving-out party, but we planned to get drunk anyway. He was moving out Friday evening.

Another office day had flown by and I was on my way to Kai's place. He had texted me that morning, saying that he had something planned. I had wanted to refuse, but before I could've replied his follow-up text had popped up, saying he knew I didn't want to but he really wanted me to.

Of course, I had given in. I hated myself for not being able to say no to him, but somehow I hated myself more when I did. I wanted it to work and hence I was giving him a chance. He said Chelsea was his friend. I believed him. But that did not mean that I was happy about it.

I pulled up in his building's parking lot and once again he was waiting for me there. I joined him there and he wordlessly moved in to hug me. I sighed against the shoulder of his hoodie.

"Are you still mad at me?" He muttered into my hair.

He knew me too well.

"Maybe," I answered truthfully.

"I'm sorry, mon amour. But she's my-"

"-friend, I know," I said, pulling back. "I'm sorry for reacting the way I did. I probably shouldn't have been so brutal."

He smiled at me. "I probably should've told you the minute she showed up so you wouldn't have felt the way you did."

Won't argue with that.

"Umhmm."

"Hungry?" He asked.

I shrugged. "Not really."

"I made you fried rice," he told me.

"Perhaps I can fit something," I mused.

He chuckled, dropping a kiss on the top of my head. "Let's go."

The rice was amazing and I had a scrumptious meal. I ate so much, I was sure I would skip dinner. I couldn't help but notice it; his house was squeaky clean. I didn't know how he found the time, but it was damn impressive.

When we finished washing the dishes, he handed me a pair of his sweats so I had something comfortable to change into. I accepted the change and made a quick job of swapping the clothes. I remembered to tell Griffin I was at Kai's this time. He responded with a quick thumbs up and then I was free. I put my hair in a bun and joined Kai in the living room. My period had ended so I was feeling pretty good.

He sat there with a book with him, ready to read. I laughed as he impatiently kept it down beside the two cups of steaming hot coffee and told me to hurry up with his hands.

I quickened my pace and he wrapped his arms around my waist as soon as I was within reach, pulling me to sit between his legs on the couch. My back melted into his front as he leaned against the handrest and picked the book back up from the table where he had placed it. He handed it to me while he threw the blanket over the both of us.

"Start," he told me when he was satisfied. I rested my head against his shoulder and his chin rested against my hair. His arms were around my middle under the blanket. Man, was I toasty.

I opened the book, flushed with serotonin. "My pleasure."

That's how we ended up reading together till way after the sun bowed to the moon. 

I should let him plan things more often.

* * * * *

We read till too late. It slipped my mind that I was supposed to be home to celebrate with my favorite boys. When I remembered, I panicked, and the first thing I did was video call them to apologize. They laughed it off. Griffin already expected it and George just seemed to be content. I was just happy it wasn't ugly.

Kai and I were hungry and none of us wanted to cook. Yes, I got hungry despite stuffing myself so much a few hours ago. No wonder I was gaining so much weight. After a short debate, we decided to go out to eat.

And no I wasn't pregnant. You need to have sex to accomplish that.

"Where are we going?" I asked him as we stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor.

"Wherever you want." He shrugged. "There are a lot of food outlets nearby."

"Yes!" I cheered. "Are we going on foot or should we take your car?"

"Car," he said. "Just in case we have to hide or make a hasty exit."

"Let's take mine, then," I said, taking the stairs to the garage instead of going into the elevator again. "They won't suspect it."

"Yeah," he agreed.

I drove, and he sat in the passenger's seat as we made our way down the streets packed with restaurants left and right. When we found that appealed to us both, we parked at the curb inside the yellow lines and then got takeouts.

"I'm hungry." I sighed as the rich aroma of food filled the car quickly. My mouth was literally watering.

"Me too." Kai looked at the boxes longingly. "Let's eat first."

"What if someone sees you?"

"I'm sure we'll be fine." He glanced around. "Nothing looks suspicious."

"If you're sure," I said uncertainly. My resolve was breaking.

"I am sure." He laughed, opening the parcels. "Ah, lemon chicken balls."

"They- wow." I breathed in. It was intoxicating.

"I know!" He fished out the forks and spoons from the bottom of the packets. "Dig in!"

"Yeah." I swallowed, opening the other box. "Spring rolls, damn."

"Dude, they smell heavenly." Kai sniffed the air like a hound dog, making me laugh.

"They do," I agreed, popping one in my mouth. It was just the right temperature. "Ahhhh."

Kai chuckled as he watched me eat. "This is like us eating at Ms. Suzie's all over again." 

"Oh, the good old days," I reminisced. "We used to go to that cafe every weekend."

"Yeah," he said nostalgically. "I miss her pastries."

"Why don't you go back, then?" I questioned.

"It won't be the same." He sighed. "Too much has changed. I just want one piece of our childhood intact with only good memories"

"I feel you," I exhaled.

"This chicken is amazing." He changed the topic. "You have to try it, Livvy."

"Umhmm." I smiled. "I bet it isn't as good as my spring rolls."

"I bet it is," he challenged.

"Okay." I stole a bit from his food. "Holy shit," I exclaimed as the flavors burst on my tongue one after the other, cascading and melting into each other most deliciously.

He smirked. "Told you"

"Your turn." I held up a roll for him. He took the entire thing in his mouth at one go and chewed, nodding appreciatively. "How's it?"

"Damn good." He licked his lips.

"I knew it!" I laughed, popping one more in my mouth.

"We have to come here more often," he remarked, gazing out the window at the shop as if memorizing it.

"No arguments there," I settled joyously.

We talked randomly as we ate. About his day, about mine. About his physiotherapy and about my project.

He said that it was going well. He told me that he had started gym too. He just had to avoid jerking his hand and for that reason, he was still benched for a few more weeks. That was the time his doctor had predicted he would need to heal completely based on his recovery rate. He was very happy with that knowledge. It was a long time, but it could've been much worse.

We talked and we ate. Even when the food was gone, we sat there, laughing. At around nine-thirty, I took a deep breath and drank some water.

"I need to go back home," I muttered.

"Stay over," he suggested.

I looked at him. "I would, but my clothes are not at your place."

"Wear mine," he said simply. My lips curved up in a smile.

"You would love that, wouldn't you?" I asked teasingly.

"Of course." He replied seriously. 

"Of course," I echoed with a laugh. "But no, seriously, babe. I gotta get home. I've got work tomorrow and I can't repeat my outfit two days in a row because apparently, my coworkers do notice that."

He laughed. "You can't be serious!"

"I am dead serious," I spoke. "You remember I stayed over on Monday? Jane wouldn't shut up about it for two days. She wanted to know what I'd been up to."

"Fuck." He grimaced.

"I know."

"Alright then." He sighed. "I'll just walk home."

"I can drop you off," I told him. "It's not that late."

"It's okay. I will walk," he returned. "I need to digest all we ate, too."

"Umhmm." I chuckled. I had planned to do nothing of the sort myself. I never did.

"Call me when you get home," he said as he gathered all his packages and stuffed them into bags we got them in.

"Yup."

"Can you take these home and dispose them off, please?" He requested.

"I would've done it even if you hadn't said that." I rolled my eyes. 

He nodded, smiling. "Good night, mon amour."

"'Night, Kai."

He leaned over the console and planted a soft kiss on my lips before he opened the door and stepped out. He closed the door and I waved at him once before driving off.

When I reached home, I saw that both Griffin and George were passed out on the couch, three large bottles of alcohol empty. They'd really gone all out. I texted Kai that I was home and then got to work.

Then I disposed off our empty containers. I cleaned after George and Griffin, throwing away the empty bottles and pizza containers before I did their dishes. I threw a blanket over them and then switched off the living room lights.

I went into my room and prepared for tomorrow. I cleaned up, switched off the lights, and then I collapsed into my bed. I fell asleep very quickly.

* * * * * 

I woke up to my alarm. It wasn't pleasant, but I had slept pretty well so I wasn't feeling crabby. I pushed myself out of bed and walked into the bathroom. I brushed my teeth, took a shower, and then got dressed. Mostly everything was ready because I had done it before crashing last night. I walked out of the bathroom ready to leave for work. I just had to make a pitstop in the kitchen to make myself some breakfast.

I opened my door and stepped out, walking into the living room. Griffin and George looked like they had been up for a while. They also looked . . . distressed. They did not even notice me enter as they talked in hushed tones on the sofa.

"Good morning, guys," I shouted at them as I went to the kitchen which was in the opposite direction. They jumped and turned to face me, their eyes wide. I laughed, amused. "I know hangover is a bitch, but how much coffee did you guys have to counter it?"

"Morning," Griffin managed. "And to answer your question, two cups."

"What's up?" I asked, using the remaining coffee left in the machine to fix myself a nice cup. "You guys look like you saw a ghost."

"Nothing," George said. "We're just tired from the hangover."

"Hmm." I hummed.

"Did you see your phone this morning?" Griffin asked me.

"Umm, no. Why?"

"No matter." He pursed his lips.

"Just tell me." I chuckled, adding sugar to the cup of coffee and walking over to them. I perched myself on the handle of the sofa and sipped my drink. They just watched. Griffin's phone rang but he declined the call.

I frowned at him. "Why would you do that?"

"Spam call," he answered. "Hey Olive, why don't you take a day off today?"

"No thanks," I replied. "No one wants an angry Jessica to be loose on their tails."

"Well, then you're safe because you're tailless." He shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. Trying. "Please?"

I scowled at his pathetic joke. "That was lame, and my answer is still no. She would kill me if I didn't know up without notice."

"Why not?" He protested. "It's been a while since the three of us had fun!"

"Something is wrong," I observed. "You are probably going through a killer hangover but you're offering yourself up for slaughter." I narrowed my eyes at them. "What did you guys do?"

"Nothing," he scoffed. My phone rang inside and I got up to answer it but George stopped me.

"Wait!" He exclaimed. "Just hear us out, okay?"

"What the hell?" I mumbled.

"A few minutes. That's all we need."

"You guys are nuts." I shook my head. "Have some water and get down from whatever high you guys climbed last night without me. It's morning now."

"Olive, you don't understan-"

The doorbell interrupted him.

"I'll be back in a minute, and I expect you guys to have gained your senses by then." I wagged a finger at them reproachfully before I stood up, placing my cup on the table. They exchanged a look but didn't say anything.

I strut to the door and pulled it open, surprised to see who it was on the other side.

"Kai?" I blinked. "What are you doing here?"

He rushed in to embrace me. "Mon amour, I'm so sorry I got here as fast as I could."

It took me a second to process it and hug him back.

Did someone die?

"I'm alright," I said. I didn't know what was happening but that seemed to be his concern. He suddenly pulled back.

"You don't know?" He asked.

"Know what?" I questioned.

"Oh, no. How's that eve-"

"Oh good, it's you." Griffin came to stand by my shoulder. "She doesn't know. Tell her and fix it. You better not mess this up or I'm having your head."

Kai gulped. "Yeah."

"C'mon George, let's go," Griffin called. George waddled over and plucked his keys from the hook. He shot Kai a glare, gave me a hug, and then walked out. Griffin looked at Kai meaningfully. Something passed between them before Kai nodded. Griffin looked satisfied.

"See you this evening, Olive." He kissed the top of my head and then followed George.

"Bye," I mumbled, confused. When the boys were out of sight and Kai was still standing uncertainly at the door, I told him to get in. He did and I closed the door behind him.

"Can I get you something?" I asked him. "Water? Coffee? Toast?"

"I'm good," he replied. "I need to talk to you, Liv."

I frowned. He called me Liv, not Livvy or mon amour. And in that tone too.

"Sure." I sat down on the couch. "What is it?"

"Did you check your phone today?" He asked me.

"No," I replied. "Even Griffin asked me that. What is going on?" I chuckled. "Did someone die?" I joked lightly.

"No," he answered. Then he pursed his lips. My stomach churned with premonition.

"What the fuck is going on?" I asked him. I felt my anxiety build up. "Just spit it out."

He took out his phone and sighed. He looked tired. "I'm sorry," he said as he handed it to me. I took it in my hands and I froze.

"No." Was the first thing that came out of my mouth when I saw it.

He buried his face in his hands with a self-loathing groan. "I'm so sorry I let this happen."

"The fuck."

"Livvy-"

"Homewrecker? That's what they're calling me?" I whispered.

"I should've been more careful," he whispered. "I can't believe I let this happen."

Benched Quarterback Seen Locking Lips With A Stranger

Star Quarterback Kaison Jennings, recently benched due to an injury to the shoulder was seen locking lips with a complete stranger in the dark of the night, here in NYC. Kaison and the mystery brunette were spotted near Central Park, sitting inside a car and enjoying a meal together. What's more, she even appeared to be dressed in his clothes! Before the pair parted ways, they were seen kissing.

Some reliable sources stated that they saw the pair around the city this weekend, too. The girl is also allegedly the same person who made headlines for throwing trash at the quarterback a few years ago. Is Jennings cheating on his long-term girlfriend Chelsea? Did this new girl break them apart? Is it possible that she is a homewrecker? What is going on? Who is this mystery girl? Will Jennings finally come forward and say something?Whatever it is, you'll hear it here first.

I tore of eyes away from the photo where one could clearly see me smiling in the low light of the car. Below the picture was the caption, 'Homewrecker?'

I looked at him incredulously. "This is a joke, right?"

"I'm afraid not," he muttered. "I am so sorry, mon amour. I-"

"I am sick of your sorrys!" I snapped. He flinched. I didn't fucking care. My vision blurred when I looked at the read counter at the top of the blog. At least half the New York had read it even though it was none of their fucking business. "What good is your sorry now?!"

"Liv-"

"All I've heard since we've got back together is our apologies," I screamed at him. My breaths were coming out in short pants and my vision seemed permanently blurred. My cheeks were unmistakably wet. "I'm fucking tired of this nonsense!"

He recoiled at the wrath but still edged closer as if to hold me. He didn't say anything. 

"I hate this! This--whatever the fuck this is!" I sobbed this time. I looked away from him. "Homewrecker. The next thing you know, I'll be a whore and a slut banging you for your money."

"Livvy," he began fiercely. "Listen to me. You are not any of that."

"Yeah?" I scoffed. My voice broke. "Tell them that."

"Livvy, I really don't know what to do," he began desperately. I hadn't even noticed that he was kneeling before me till he grabbed my face and made me look at him. His thumb wiped across my cheeks. "Please don't cry."

"Don't you see that?!" I cried desperately, hyperventilating. "It's all over the place, Kai!"

What will Jane and Brian say? And Jessica? And the rest?

"I know!" He fretted in frustration.

"I can't deal with this, Kaison," I told him. I wanted to die right then, or just sleep through this fresh nightmare that my life had invoked on me. "I just can't. I want a peaceful life. This is too much."

"I'm so sorry," he whispered.

"Fix this," I told him brokenly. "Please."

He swallowed thickly. "I'll do my best, Livvy. But you should know--"

"I don't want to know anything," I cut him off. "I need to know this will be okay, Kai."

He looked pained. "Mon amou-"

"Lie to me if you have to," I begged, my eyes leaking more. "Please."

He broke his gaze away from mine, chagrined. He looked at the floor for what felt like an eternity before he looked up at me again. This time, his eyes held resolve. A resolve that eased my ache and my anxiety. They held promise and reassurance. I felt my worries melt away.

"It will be okay," he told me with conviction, putting our foreheads together. "We will get through this."

I nodded weakly. I believed him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A/N:-

Don't you just love me? You should. I deliver so much drama to you!

QOTD: What's your happy place?

Take care, stay safe! See ya tom!

All my love,
xoxo.