The letter was staring up at her from the nightside table as she rolled on to her right side. Olivia brushed her small hand through her light blonde hair wondering where he might have gone. The envelope was sitting there so she grabbed it, wondering what could be inside. Maybe Ben went to get her some coffee from the Starbucks right across the street. With a light smile on her face, she ripped open the envelope that said her name on it with Ben's handwriting.

Olivia,

I don't know how to say this but I know I have to. I'm sorry but I'm moving to Michigan. We can't be together anymore. I hope that you can continue on without me. Have a great life.

Ben

Olivia's eyes narrowed in fury. Her heart was broken in two over this. How could he? After three years? He was everything to her! What the hell is wrong with him? Quickly she grabbed her cellphone off the other nightstand by her bed, dialing his number from memory. It rang once then suddenly went straight to voicemail. Olivia held back her tears as she spoke to his machine. "Seriously? You leave a letter like that and do this to me? I loved you for three years! I hate you for doing this!"

After angrily jabbing at the red button to hang up, she tossed her phone on the queen sized bed. Olivia has never felt so hurt and angry like this before. Not even with her parents but then again they were always cold and distant. She had no idea what she was going to do now. All she wanted to do was cry herself to sleep but she could hear Nicole's voice in her head. Don't give in. Don't let him get to you so easily.

Olivia lifted her head up which looked into the floor length mirror across from her bed. Her blue-green eyes had a fierce glint in them as she focused on trying to calm herself down. This was not the time to get all hysterical just because Ben left her. She still had a life. Besides, Olivia didn't need a man to complete her.

With a nod to herself, she got herself off the bed and headed into the bathroom for a shower. Olivia still had to get herself to work. She also had to pay the rent today so she was glad that her paycheck was coming in. Every two weeks each Friday she got one. At least she had a decent job instead of having to sell herself. Olivia saw a lot of those girls around the city.

She actually really enjoyed her job as a manager of the hottest club Mystic Heights in downtown Miami. Olivia worked her way up the chain starting as a waitress, bartender next, assistant manager, then when the manager quit her job Olivia took over. She knew the place inside and out after working there for so long. Of course her parents disapproved of her job and workplace. They've told her constantly she should have been a doctor or a lawyer. But Olivia didn't really care what they thought anymore.

After cleaning herself up and throwing on her black jeans and black shirt with the Mystic Heights logo on it, Olivia picked up her zebra clutch from the kitchen counter that held all her necessities for the day. Normally she didn't feel the need for makeup. It was a waste of time since eventually it will all wash off. Then Olivia fled her apartment and took the elevator down to the lobby.

Once she made her escape, Olivia ran to the Starbucks that was literally right across from the apartment building. That was always her first stop before work especially when she knew they were going to have a busy night. Friday's were often a madhouse at the bar. It didn't take long to get her caramel macchiato so after she got it Olivia walked to the apartment garage to get her car. Downtown was a bit of a ways from where she lived.

Walking into the garage, she found her black Kia Soul parked nearby. Olivia wrestled her keys out of her pocket since she left them in there since yesterday. After getting in the car, she put her coffee in the cup holder before turning the car on and driving off. She even hit the steering wheel with her hand in frustration. Olivia was still upset that Ben left her but she had to be the better person. At least that's what Nicole always told her.

It took about fifteen minutes to get to Mystic Heights and find a good parking spot. Getting there early usually guarantees a spot but during the busy nights it's nearly impossible to park. Most people park all around the block, down the street, and all the way to the nearest house which is 3 miles away from the bar. Even getting in for a special occasion you have to call ahead of time just so the bar can reserve spots for parking.

Olivia went inside the bar with her coffee in one hand after unlocking the front door. No one was here yet since it was only nine in the morning. Usually the rest of the staff come in around noon to prep and get ready for the night. She normally comes in earlier to manage the books and make sure everything was clean. Olivia made her staff accountable with the bar and the kitchen. If it wasn't clean, she would have to lecture and give out consequences which she hated doing.

For a while, Olivia spent time in her office checking the books, making sure everything was in order like it should be. Not long after, she got up to check the bar and kitchen. It all looked fine, spic and span clean which was what she liked. Then Olivia heard the door open. She turned to see a black haired, green eyed, tall man come in and smiled. "Hey Declan. Glad to see you're on time. Hopefully everyone else will be here shortly."

Declan gave a warm smile back. "Yeah we'll really need everyone today. I'm sure it will be another busy night. I better make sure we have enough ice to last us a while. When we're slammed, the ice disappears quickly."

Olivia nodded and watched him walk behind the bar. Declan was one of their best bartenders here. He knew how to work the crowd and gave an awesome show. Maybe she'll give him a raise, he deserves it. The door opened again then and she turned back around. It was the rest of the staff coming in. Olivia noticed Jasmine and Caleb talking amongst themselves. They were both servers and lately she could tell that they've been hitting on each other. Olivia could only hope their relationship didn't interfere with their work. Mystic Heights gets busy enough and the staff had to be in tip top shape to keep up.

That day was incredibly busy but at least it took her mind off of what happened with Ben. The bar was open until three in the morning and by then she was exhausted. Turns out they had an event booked which she nearly forgot about. Olivia rubbed at her eyes ready to get home and sleep. She was about to lock up and leave when she heard something going on in the alley next to the bar.

Holding on to her clutch, Olivia turned the corner into the dark alley. Her eyes went wide when she saw Caleb with his pants around his ankles and Jasmine up against the wall with her skirt down as well. Quickly Olivia turned around trying to escape without them knowing she was even there.

She basically ran as fast as she could glad that the two of them didn't see her there. It would have been really awkward since they're employees. Olivia raced to her car and quickly jumped in. That's when she saw a piece of white paper on her windshield. Huh, it wasn't there before. She got out and grabbed it but it was too dark to read. Instead Olivia got back in her car before leaning over to turn on her car light.

Opening the paper carefully under the light, Olivia could see the black handwriting. She was slightly confused before starting to read.

Olivia,

I just wanted to thank you for the raise. I really appreciate it. I'm going through a rough time at the moment and it really helps. You're a lifesaver. To thank you, I would like to take you out to dinner sometime. My number is 954-676-9923. Call me and we can set something up.

Declan

She smiled slightly. At least Declan was a stand up guy, she always thought so. The only thing though was that Olivia wasn't interested in him that way. Sometimes she would catch him staring at her. He could be a good friend but Olivia didn't want to lead him on in any way. It might be best just not to do anything. Going out with him would send the wrong message. Of course, she'll tell him it wasn't a problem since he's a great employee. That was it though.

Olivia dropped the piece of paper on the passenger seat along with her clutch before starting to drive back home. She was exhausted and ready to drop. They had a huge birthday bash at the bar which used up a lot of their resources. Looks like she'll be going to the grocery store tomorrow so the bar was fully stocked again.

Not long after, Olivia got home and practically rolled herself into the apartment. She could barely keep her eyes open. Before she could get into the bedroom and drop into bed, there was a flashing light on the home phone. With a sigh, Olivia hit the button to play the message.

"Olivia? Why do you never answer this phone? Honestly what if there was an emergency? Which turns out there is. Your grandmother is not well and could possibly be dying. We're flying to Michigan immediately so we can attend to her. You better get yourself moving as soon as you get this. I'll be waiting for your call."

Olivia groaned after hearing her mother's voice. Today was the worst day of all days to tell her this news. Not that she was close to her grandmother. In fact, she barely knew her. Olivia's mother kept them apart so she didn't have to love anyone. It never made sense to her. When she told Nicole this, Nicole didn't quite understand why Teresa would do such a thing.

Looks like she'll have to go anyway. Teresa would disapprove if she didn't go. Not that she really cared what her mother thought. However, when her mother says something important like this, you do it or you bear her wrath. It's just easier to do as she says so her mother wouldn't be on her back constantly. Olivia would have to call Yesenia, the owner of the bar, so she could find a replacement for the time she was away. Most likely she'll be gone a while.

Before she could think any more of this, Olivia fell asleep on her bed with her uniform still on. She had a dreamless sleep and didn't even wake again until the next day. By the time she was up again, the first thing Olivia did was call Yesenia to replace her. She had bags to pack and a flight to catch later that afternoon. Olivia wished she didn't have to go but she could hear her mother's voice in her head telling her if she didn't go she would come after her. That was worse than anything else Olivia could possibly think of.

Later that afternoon, Olivia stared out the window of the airport. She had mixed feelings about going to Michigan. For several reasons, Olivia really didn't want to go. Ben would be there but it's possible he could be in another part of Michigan entirely and she had no idea who her grandmother even was. Just a few minutes later, her row was called to board. Olivia rose and made her way on to the plane. This was going to be a long trip.