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Chapter 36| What Next?

Chapter thirty-six: What next?

O L I V I A

His eyes went wide with unexplainable panic. His next words seemed to tumble out of his mouth. "Are you breaking up with me?"

"What?" I frowned. "No."

"Oh, thank Christ," he muttered.

"Kaison," I said. "I'm serious."

He shook his head slightly. "Sorry. What is it?"

I folded my arms across my chest. "I think you know."

"The paparazzi?" He guessed. "I'm sorry about that. We're working on it."

"We?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Angeline and I," he explained. "Don't worry, your safety will not be compromised in any way."

My frown deepened.

"I wasn't even worried about that till now," I told him.

He smiled faintly. "What were you gonna say, then?"

"Kaison, you posted my picture on your public Instagram," I hinted slowly.

He nodded slowly. "I did."

Okay, changing tactics. Bye-bye, subtlety.

"Why wouldn't you run something as major as that by me?" I asked him.

"Um, you said you didn't want to be a part of this," he said with a frown. "I didn't want to bother you."

"I still don't want to be a part of it," I clarified. "But I would've appreciated a heads up. Better yet, my consent. Have you looked at your follower count recently? That was a big move."

"I . . . I'm sorry. I didn't think of it that way," he apologized. His eyebrows stayed puckered together. "Is that why you're home early?"

"Indirectly." I sighed, walking into the living room and sitting down on the sofa.

"Care to elaborate?" He asked, taking a seat next to me.

"I quit my job today," I told him.

" . . . what?"

"I quit my job, Kaison," I repeated. "Well, technically I got fired." I corrected. "Hun."

Never done, or been through this before.

"How?" He asked, evidently puzzled.

"An investor pulled out." I shrugged. "The company, being the small business it is, couldn't afford that. What's one employee next to a few million bucks?"

"Hold on a sec," he held his hand up, "What has that got to do with anything?"

"I'm getting to that," I told him almost scoldingly. "He withdrew because he didn't like how I was interfering with the Giants' star quarterback's life. Such a control freak. Did you read the latest articles? Apparently, they're all about how I have you around my little finger and manipulating you every step of the way, thereby leading the team to its impending doom."

"Idiots," he muttered.

I rolled my eyes in thorough agreement. "Tell me about it."

"If it helps, the team doesn't feel that way about you at all." He smiled.

I blinked in surprise. "Umhmm?"

"Yeah. We were thinking of meeting up this Wednesday. You can come if you're up for it."

Meet the team? It seemed a lot, especially knowing that they were basically his family at this point. With the media mangling my image in their eyes, did I want to really go and risk solidifying beliefs, even if they were false?

I bit my lip uncertainly. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why not?" He asked. "They're all bringing their wives and girlfriends."

"Alright," I acquiesced. "If you're sure."

"Of course I am!" He laughed. "Milo has been dying to meet you again."

That was a surprise.

"Oh," I said intelligently.

My phone buzzed and gestured Kai to wait as I accepted the call.

"Hey, Liv," Gabriel greeted cheerfully.

"Gabe!" I welcomed. I hadn't checked the caller ID. "Wassup?"

"Nothing much, really. You free tonight?" He asked.

I looked at Kai beside me as I thought about it.

"Sorry Gabe, but no," I decided. "I have plans with my boyfriend."

"Oh," he paused. "How about tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow works!" I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "What did you have in mind?"

"Unless you object, I know a great restaurant near Times Square," he offered.

"As long as the food is good," I said.

"It's amazing," he assured.

"Okay, I'm there," I replied, feeling excited at the prospect of good food.

What? I had just got fired from my job. I was allowed to be happy about food.

"I'll make reservations, then." He sounded pleased. "Pick you up at eight?"

"Actually, can you make that seven?" I asked, grimacing guiltily. "My roommate is not keeping well and I want to be home on time in case she needs something."

"Sure, I can do that."

"Awesome," I exhaled in relief. "See you tomorrow."

"See ya." He hung up.

"So." Kai looked at me.

"So?"

"You're going out on dinner?" I could see the effort he was putting in trying to not sound bitter.

"Yeah." I eyed him carefully. "We have reservations tomorrow at seven."

"That's great." He nodded. "Will he pick you up?"

"Most likely." I leaned back, winding my arms around his bicep. His posture relaxed a little and his body went slack and melted back too.

"Can I pick you up after the dinner? We can hang out at my place and you can sleep over," he suggested.

"I asked for reservations at seven so I could be back home to Sam by nine. I meant it, Kai."

"I'm sure Josh can take care of her," he said.

"He's had some extra work put on him," I replied. "He was knocked out this morning and Sam wasn't feeling too well. I had to make her breakfast. I want to be here in case she needs me again."

"I understand." He sighed. "Can I stay over?"

"Of course." I kissed his shoulder, resting my head against it. "But no funny business."

"Really?" I could hear the smile in his voice. "Why's that?"

"Because the walls here are really thin," I told him with a chuckle. "I'm not risking it."

"I'm sure they won't mind." He was definitely smirking. "Sam is expecting, after all."

A laugh bubbled up my throat. Kai rolled his head against the back of the sofa back with a wide smile.

"She has morning sickness," I argued when it died down. "I don't want her barfing all over the place prematurely."

He dramatized. "Your rejection makes my heart bleed, mon amour."

"Shut the fuck up." I laughed. "You know I love you."

He kissed the top of my head. "I know."

I closed my eyes as we sat in silence. Even though he was still beside me, I could hear his brain whizzing.

"What is it?" I asked with a chuckle when it didn't stop.

He answered immediately as if he was waiting for me to ask. "Can I ask you why you guys broke up?"

I opened my eyes to peer up at him. "Gabe and I? It didn't work out."

"Well, duh." He rolled his eyes. "But why? What happened?"

"Many reasons, actually," I mused. "Although we had decent chemistry, I don't think I was emotionally ready for a relationship. It had taken him ages to convince me to go out with him. He had really out in the effort. So, despite everything, I gave him a chance." I paused.

"Then?" Kai prompted. I smiled, kissing his jaw.

"Then he graduated and became more active with his family's company. His father pulled him in and trained him right under himself, mentoring his successor. We hadn't had much time to get close and the distance just tore us apart even more. Work was always his priority and I needed someone who could give me time and make me feel important, even if just for a change, you know?" I sighed and he nodded.

I continued, "The physical attraction wore off and I found that we were in different places in our lives. We wanted different things. He felt more, and I was . . . how do I put it? Emotionally unavailable." I shrugged slightly. "He was ready to wait. But I didn't think it would be fair on him. I was in a weird place. I felt stuck. I didn't know when, if ever, I would move on. We talked it out and decided to part ways romantically. And yeah, that's it."

"Oh."

"You okay, babe?" I asked him.

He hummed. "Yeah. Thanks for telling me."

I chuckled. "Shut up. There is nothing I feel like I have to hide from you," I informed him. "You can ask me anything, anytime you want. I'll tell you."

He smiled, bringing our joined hands up to his mouth and missing the back of mine. His eyes were guarded. I wanted to ask, but a yawn crept up my throat out of nowhere.

"Nap?" Kai suggested.

"Cuddles," I countered.

"Bed?"

"Spooning," I added.

"Let's go, then!" He pulled me up.

We trudged to my room and quickly settled under the covers, getting cozy. I reached over to my bedside table and switched off the lamp, leaving us in the dark. My eventful day was catching up with me. I remembered Kai's face from a few minutes ago and I felt the need to reassure him.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" I said to him sleepily.

He kissed the nape of my neck, lingering there in wordless answer. I sighed, feeling exhausted. I'd talk to him later.

Call me crazy, but as I was drifting off, I heard him speak. "One day, I'll tell you everything too, Livvy. I promise."

I was out like a light before I could break it down.

* * * * *

"Let's cook something today, for God's sake!" Sam groaned. "I'm tired of all the pizzas we eat in this house."

"Alright, what do you have in mind?" I humored her.

"Something simple? Like spaghetti and meatballs?" She suggested. "And then you can make your famous hot chocolate."

I thought it over in my head. I decided could survive that.

"Alright," I settled. "We can do that."

"The guys can watch TV. The Giants have a game tonight."

"Cool with us," Josh said encouragingly. "You guys go ahead. And Sam? Don't exert yourself too much."

"Don't worry babe. I'm sure I can manage without fainting," she replied airily, rolling her eyes discreetly.

He looked like he wanted to object, but he ultimately decided against it. Sam and I got up and made our way to the kitchen as they settled in front of the TV.

"Are we sure we can leave those two alone in a room without a buffer?" I asked her, peeling my eyes off of them.

She looked at me inquisitively, as if trying to gauge something.

"Why?" She questioned after a moment of scrutiny. "Did Kaison say something?"

"No," I frowned, "It's just, I feel an air of tension around them for some reason. Like they have some unfinished business. Skeletons in the closet, perhaps."

"Perhaps," Sam echoed. "I'm sure it's nothing."

"No." I shook my head as we got to work. "They've been acting really weird. In fact, you know what? Back in LA, at the airport, after you left, Josh was mad about something Kai had told me and Kai was ignoring Josh as much as he could. He even refused to take help from him. It was strange to watch that interaction."

She gave me a tight smile. "It's probably just in your head."

"Possibly," I mused.

"Anyhow," she sang. "How was your day?"

"Eventful," I exhaled. "How about you?"

"Uneventful. Which means you have to elaborate on yours." She grinned.

"Ah," I nodded, "I see what you did here. But I don't have a problem so I'll let it go."

"I'm waiting!" She said impatiently when I didn't continue immediately.

I chuckled. "Right. I got fired today."

"What?" She stopped what she was doing. "For real?"

"For real." I bobbed my head without looking up. "It was a nice experience."

"Getting fired?" She asked incredulously.

"No!" I laughed. "Working there. That reminds me, I still haven't told Brian and Jane. In hindsight, though, a clean table must've been a clear indication . . . "

"Do it later," she waved it off impatiently. "Tell me how you got fired."

"Did you open any socials today?" I asked her.

"Nah, it was a busy day."

"That explains why you don't know," I thought out loud. "Did you see the paps downstairs?"

"Yeah, but they ignored us. I was going to ask you about them but then you were sleeping-- looking damn cute, too--" she winked. "And then I forgot."

"Hmm." I hummed, smiling. "So what happened was that Kai posted a picture of him and me on his public Instagram account. That somehow went a little viral on Twitter and now here we are."

"Really?" She smirked. "And you said he wouldn't go public. That's as public as it gets, babe. That's why those people are waiting downstairs to get a glimpse of you."

"I know." I laughed. "The problem is, I didn't know he was going to do it until hours after he had actually done it."

"What the fuck?" She raised her eyebrows. "That bitch. He just has to ruin everything good he does by adding his stupidity to it, doesn't he? It's like adding salt to a dish for him. A dash of stupidity to enhance the flavor!"

"It's alright," I calmed her down, "We talked before we slept. We've sorted that out."

"I'm sure, but I'll deal with him later," she said. "Still. That doesn't explain why you were fired."

"Ah, that. You remember the lovely lady Charlotte I told you about?" I asked her with a grin.

"Oh, the one that I wanted to kill?" She asked.

"Close enough, but yeah. Her. She cornered me again today. We had a chat."

"Bloody bitch," she cursed. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I stated. "Those mantras and motivation talks did wonders. I think I did more damage than I sustained."

Sam's face morphed into a devilish smile. "How?"

"A huge investor pulled out because of me. Said I was making the company and him look bad and he didn't want to be associated with us. Something along those lines." I shrugged. "Anyways, I quit. The toxic environment just wasn't worth it."

"I'm proud of you!" She clapped her hands together in a proud motherlike glee. "It's about time you stood up for yourself."

"Me too," I replied, ignoring the sting that came with the latter part of her praise.

"So, what next?" She asked, oblivious to that. "You need to plan for the future. Unless you plan on depending on Kai . . . ."

"No." I shook my head determinately. "I have a friend. Do you remember Mia, my old boss? I ran into her earlier this month at the grocer's and she offered me a job. I think I'll take her up on that offer."

"Good for you." Sam nodded.

"I think so, too. Might take time, but I have a good feeling about this change."

She grinned. "I'm so happy to see you getting your groove back."

"About time, right?" I rolled my eyes. "Now it's your turn. How's the baby? Did you schedule a doctor's appointment yet?"

"No." She bit her lip.

"Samantha," I said disapprovingly.

"Well, to be fair we've barely known this for a week," she smiled sheepishly. "We'll get around to it."

"Do it soon. How long have you had morning sickness?"

"A while. Ever since I moved here, actually," she said thoughtfully. "I haven't really puked as such, though. It happened just once. I had thought it was just the jetlag but then I missed my period too so I took the test."

I squealed lowly as the excitement spread through me. "I can't wait to be an aunt!"

"I know, right? I can't wait to be a mother!" Sam matched. We giggled.

Never grow up completely. The child in you is what keeps you lively. And I meant that figuratively, just in case you were wondering.

"Did you tell your parents?" I asked her as it died down.

"Not yet." She shook her head, her blonde hair bouncing around. "I'm thinking of enjoying this newfound joy for a few more weeks before I do that. I don't want them bringing business into this and telling me how stupid I've been and spoiling it all. This, right now, is special and I want to preserve this for as long as I can."

"I feel you," I sighed. "Things can sometimes feel so good and then go south so quickly, right?"

"Tell me about it!"

We continued chatting and catching up, keeping a conversation flowing as we cooked. When we were done, we served and ate with the boys. It was almost halftime when we joined them and our team was falling back a little. Kai was very tense and barely ate anything because of it.

Just like the last match, The Giants barely scraped through, quite in contrast with their usual landslide wins. I could feel Kai's frustration beside me and I knew words wouldn't help so I just held his hand throughout as he cursed.

"At least we didn't lose," he muttered when it ended.

"Count your blessings," Sam agreed.

"Hot chocolate?" I suggested to lighten up the mood.

"Please!" Sam begged comically. Kai's lips twitched with momentary humor before they fell into a flat line again.

It wasn't much, but for then that would have to do.

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

A/N:-

Sorry about the delay, I was out😅

QOTD: How old are you?

See ya!

All my love,
xoxo.

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