028. dirty girl

( the twenty eighth chapter )

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The Camerons were gathered around the dining table, the conversation light and punctuated with the occasional clang of silverware on plates. Rafe leaned back in his chair, looking every bit relaxed as he absentmindedly twirled his fork in his hand. The aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere—on tomorrow's recital, on Olivine, on how he was going to pull this off.

"So," Rafe started, breaking into the easy chatter. He picked up his glass of water, trying to sound nonchalant. "What are we doing with the extra ticket for tomorrow?"

Ward looked up from his plate, eyebrows raised. "Extra ticket?"

"For the recital," Rafe clarified, leaning forward. "There's six of them, right?"

"Oh, right," Ward said, nodding as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I figured we'd just leave it open. Unless you've got someone in mind?"

Rafe hesitated for a fraction of a second, then shrugged. "Yeah, actually. Thought maybe I'd invite the girl I've been seeing."

The table went still.

Ward paused mid-sip of his iced tea, Rose froze with her fork halfway to her mouth, and Sarah's jaw dropped. The only sound was the faint clink of Wheezie's bracelet as she adjusted her napkin on her lap.

"Wait," Sarah said, breaking the silence. Her eyes darted to Wheezie, then back to Rafe. "You're seeing someone?"

Rafe rolled his eyes. "Is that such a shock?"

"Yes," Sarah said bluntly, her tone dripping with disbelief.

"Things must've gone really well," Ward chimed in, his tone warm, a pleased smile spreading across his face.

Wheezie snorted, smirking as she leaned slightly closer to Sarah. "Things went more than well," she muttered under her breath.

Rafe shot her a warning glare and casually stretched his leg out under the table, stepping on her toes.

"Ow!" Wheezie yelped, flinching.

Sarah's eyes widened, her attention snapping to Wheezie. "Wait—hold on. You've met her?"

Wheezie smirked through the pain, her gaze darting back to Rafe with mischief dancing in her eyes.

Rose set her fork down gently, her expression neutral but her gaze sharp as she folded her hands in front of her. "Well, this is certainly news," she said. "Do we know her? Is she from the Outer Banks or...elsewhere?"

Rafe deadpanned, picking up a slice of pizza as if the entire conversation wasn't swirling around him. "She's from the Cut," he said, taking a deliberate bite. "But Dad'll like her. She's hella smart—just stores all this random intellectual shit like it's nothing."

The room fell silent again, though the air was considerably heavier this time. Ward's expression flickered briefly, but he nodded, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful smile.

"Well," Ward said, breaking the tension. "I'd be glad to meet the girl who's got you head over heels."

Rafe's lips quirked upward, but he kept his expression neutral. Inside, though, he felt a strange mix of pride and anxiety. Tomorrow would be a test—not just for Olivine, but for him.

Sarah, on the other hand, was still staring at him like he'd grown a second head. "From the Cut?" she repeated, her tone equal parts incredulous and judgmental. "Are you serious, Rafe?"

"She's different," he snapped, his tone sharper than he intended. "Not that it's any of your business."

Wheezie bit her lip to suppress a laugh, clearly enjoying the chaos.

Rose hummed softly, picking up her glass of wine. "Well, I suppose tomorrow will be interesting."

Rafe didn't respond. Instead, he took another bite of his pizza, his mind already spinning with thoughts of how to prepare Olivine—and himself—for what was coming.

Rafe's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but he couldn't suppress the hint of a smirk as Sarah teased him. He rolled his eyes dramatically, but there was no malice in his expression. It was the usual banter, and somehow, it felt lighter than the usual tense exchanges at the table.

"Are you going to invite her as your plus-one to Midsummer's?" Sarah asked, leaning forward, a playful glint in her eye. "Or are you keeping her hidden away like some secret?"

Rafe shifted in his seat, his lips curling upward. "I'm not hiding her," he said, though a small part of him felt the pressure of her words. He didn't want to just bring her into his world—he wanted to show her off. But that would mean all eyes on her, on them. He wasn't sure if he was ready for that.

Ward caught the tail end of their exchange and smirked, his voice casual. "You should definitely invite her, Rafe. It'd be good for the family to meet her. And maybe, we could invite her parents too. Have a little dinner at the Tannyhill to lighten things up a bit."

Rafe didn't miss the underlying message in his father's words. Ward was all too aware of how heavy things had been around the house recently, especially after Sarah's relationship drama and the tension in the family. A dinner with Olivine's parents would probably be just what the place needed. It'd give the family something new to focus on.

"Yeah, sure," Rafe replied, still playing it cool. But in truth, his mind was already spinning. Dinner at the Tannyhill. With her.

"You'd be surprised, Rafe," Wheezie chimed in, a wicked grin pulling at the corners of her lips. "She might be the one to get you to finally stop being so...well, you."

Rafe shot her a look, half-amused, half-exasperated. He had no intention of changing. Not for anyone.

But then, his thoughts turned back to Olivine. Her smile, the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn't paying attention, the way her hand fit so perfectly in his. He wasn't sure what was happening, but he knew it was different. And for the first time in a long time, it felt good to think about a future where she was by his side.

"Alright, alright," he said, trying to shift the conversation before his thoughts ran away with him. "I'll invite her. But don't expect her to act like some little trophy for you all to admire. She's not here for that."

"Of course not," Ward agreed, a small chuckle escaping him. "We're just excited to meet her. If she's the one you're serious about, we'll welcome her into the family."

Rafe didn't respond, though a tiny knot of unease tightened in his chest. He wasn't sure if he was ready to let her fully into this world. His world. But there was no turning back now. Tomorrow would be the start of something new, and whether he liked it or not, he had to bring her into his life completely.

"Let's see how it goes," he said finally, taking another sip of his drink. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. "We'll see if she can handle Midsummer's first."

Wheezie snickered quietly. "That's a test in itself. You sure you're ready for that, Rafe?"

He didn't reply right away, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Olivine. She was strong, smart, and more than capable of handling whatever came her way. He had no doubt she could stand her ground with his family.

"Yeah," Rafe finally said, his voice low. "She's ready."

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The morning sunlight filtered through the windows of Olivine's bedroom, casting soft shadows across the room. She stood in front of her mirror, her mind racing with thoughts of what to wear to the ballet recital. She had gone through a dozen outfits already, pulling dresses from her closet, only to toss them aside in frustration. Nothing seemed quite right.

Her phone buzzed, and she picked it up to see a FaceTime notification from Daniela, already teasing her.

"You're seriously overthinking this, aren't you? Just wear the pink dress."

Olivine rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. Daniela had a knack for cutting straight to the point, even when it came to her wardrobe dilemmas.

"Dany, I don't know... I feel like it's too much," Olivine muttered, examining her reflection once more.

"Oh, please. You're stressing for no reason," Daniela teased on the other end of the line. "You're gonna look perfect. Pick the pink dress. Trust me."

Olivine sighed, running a hand through her hair, still tangled from her late-night prep. She reached for the pink dress Daniela had recommended, the fabric shimmering softly under the light. The dress was a stunning shade of soft pink that seemed to glow when she moved, catching the light in a delicate sheen. The lace detailing along the neckline and sleeves added an elegant touch, sophisticated yet playful.

The fitted bodice hugged her waist, and the skirt flared out gently, giving the dress a romantic, whimsical feel. She grabbed the matching pink pumps, knowing she'd have to brace herself for Rafe's inevitable teasing about her height. With a final glance in the mirror, Olivine decided the dress was exactly what she needed.

"Okay, okay, you were right," Olivine said, slipping into the dress and giving herself one last twirl in the mirror. "It does look nice."

"You'll look like a dream," Daniela said, her voice light with amusement. "Don't stress. And by the way, your braids are cute, but why not let them down tonight? You'll be a knockout."

Olivine hesitated, but then decided to let her braids fall, the long waves cascading down her back. She applied a bit of perfume, the sweet scent wrapping around her like a soft embrace, and as she was about to step away from the mirror, another message pinged on her phone. This one from Rafe.

"On my way. I bet you look gorgeous as always."

A warm flush spread across Olivine's cheeks as she read his words, and she couldn't help but smile. A part of her still couldn't believe how everything had changed between them—how they had gone from awkward encounters to this sweet, growing bond.

As she slipped on her shoes and adjusted the straps of her dress, she texted back, her heart fluttering. "I'll be waiting."

When the doorbell rang a little later, Olivine's pulse quickened, but she managed to steady herself before answering. The moment she opened the door, Rafe's eyes swept over her, taking in the sight of her in the dress. His lips parted slightly, and his gaze lingered, hungry and admiring.

"Wow," he breathed out, stepping forward. "I wasn't expecting this."

Olivine felt a rush of warmth at the way he looked at her—like she was everything he wanted. "What? Is it too much?"

He shook his head, his smirk forming. "No, definitely not. You look... perfect."

She smiled shyly, unsure how to handle the sudden confidence he seemed to give her. "Thanks. You look... good too."

Rafe gave her a small, playful bow. "For you, always."

They shared a quiet moment before he held out his arm, and Olivine took it without hesitation, stepping outside into the night. The weight of the dress felt light, and for once, Olivine felt like she was ready to face whatever was coming—together with him.

As they drove toward Rafe's house after buying gifts, the streets outside seemed to blur past them, and Olivine's thoughts raced. She hadn't expected this. Sure, she'd known that the recital was an event for his family, but meeting all of them, especially for something as formal as this, was a bit daunting.

Her fingers drummed nervously against her thigh as she stole glances at Rafe, who was focused on the road, his jaw set in that familiar, confident way. She couldn't help but smile faintly, a little nervous excitement buzzing inside her.

"I mean, I guess they're just... waiting for us to get there," Olivine said, trying to play it cool. "I'm sure it'll be fine, right?"

Rafe looked at her briefly, then back at the road, his lips twitching into a small smile. "They really want to meet you, you know? My dad, especially."

Olivine chuckled nervously, her fingers tugging at the hem of her dress. "I guess, what if he says something-i mean working for him is one thing but dating his son is a whole other thing."

He nodded understandingly, but his hand slid over to her thigh, and he gently rubbed the fabric of her dress. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she looked up at him, startled by the sudden, intimate gesture.

"Hey, it's okay," he said, his voice soft and steady, almost like he was reassuring himself too. "My dad already says good things about you. He thinks you're, uh... nothing less than a beauty with a beautiful brain."

Olivine's heart fluttered at the compliment, but before she could respond, Rafe gave a small, teasing smirk. "Honestly, he'd be a fucking idiot to not like you."

The teasing tone of his voice broke some of the tension in her chest, and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I guess I should hope your dad's opinion doesn't matter too much," she joked lightly, trying to make light of her nerves.

"Nah," Rafe said, still rubbing her thigh in a way that made her skin tingle. "It matters. But I'm pretty sure if he doesn't like you, he's just gonna have to deal with it."

Olivine chuckled softly, feeling her nerves ease just a little bit, but they were still there—tingling in her stomach like butterflies.

He stopped the car suddenly, right in the middle of the quiet street, and turned to face her fully. His eyes softened, the teasing glint replaced with something more sincere.

"You really don't have to be nervous, okay?" Rafe said, his voice low. "You've got nothing to worry about. You're incredible, and they're gonna see that." His thumb brushed over her skin, and she looked down, noticing how he made the simple gesture seem so intimate.

She gave him a small, thankful smile, her stomach fluttering from the soft assurance in his voice. "Thanks, Rafe. I... I appreciate that."

Rafe leaned in, his lips just brushing her forehead. "You're gonna knock 'em dead," he said with a teasing grin before pulling the car into gear and continuing the drive toward his house.

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Despite her nerves, Olivine couldn't help but feel a little more confident now, his support and easy confidence in her starting to rub off. As they pulled up to his house, she realized that maybe it wasn't so bad after all. With Rafe by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.

As Rafe pulled into the driveway, Olivine's heart rate picked up again. The house was big, imposing in a way, with sprawling lawns and a grandeur that made her feel out of place for a moment. She had grown up with a more humble lifestyle, the rustic beauty of the Cut offering a completely different atmosphere compared to the polished, pristine vibe of Rafe's family home.

Rafe parked the car and shifted to face her. "You ready for this?" he asked, his voice softer now, like he could sense the way she was feeling.

Olivine took a deep breath, her chest tightening with nerves again. She adjusted the soft pink dress she was wearing, smoothing down the fabric to give herself something to do. The dress shimmered slightly under the sunlight, its soft lace detailing adding a touch of elegance. Her shoes clicked softly as she slid them into place, and she realized how exposed she felt in the extravagant setting. "I don't know, Rafe. Your family... they're kind of a big deal."

She picked up her gifts for Rose from the back seat, before Rafe reached over, gently placing a hand on her shoulder and squeezing it reassuringly.

"Trust me," he said with a smirk. "My family can be intimidating, but they're not nearly as bad as you're imagining. They'll love you, especially my dad. He's a sucker for smart girls."

She chuckled at that, the tension easing just a little. "And you think I'm smart?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, trying to stay playful.

He grinned, a glint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "I'm pretty sure. You're brilliant." He leaned in closer for a quick kiss, the intimacy grounding her once again. "Now, let's go. You've got this."

The way he looked at her with such earnestness made her feel a little braver, like she didn't have to hide anything. With a nod, she opened the car door and stepped out, her feet meeting the paved driveway. She glanced at Rafe as he followed her, the steady presence of him a reminder that no matter what happened, she wouldn't have to face it alone.

As they walked toward the house, she noticed Rafe's hand hovering near her back, and she leaned into him, letting the warmth of his presence settle her nerves. She could hear voices from inside the house—laughter, the clinking of glassware—but nothing sounded overwhelmingly intimidating.

Rafe pushed open the door, and they were immediately greeted by warmth, and loud music.

Rafe led her further into the room, his arm subtly wrapped around her waist as they approached the group. He wasn't showing it, but she could feel the possessiveness that always seemed to linger just beneath the surface whenever they were together. He was proud of her, and he wanted everyone else to know it too.

Olivine felt a twinge of nerves still, but being with Rafe, having him by her side, made her feel safe. He wasn't pressuring her, wasn't pushing her into anything. He just wanted her to be herself—and that made the whole situation feel a little less daunting.

The plush bed and sleek furniture stood in contrast to the slight disarray, like it was a space that didn't quite reflect the careful image he presented to the world.

As they stepped inside, Rafe immediately moved to the mini-fridge, his usual confident demeanor in full force. "Anything you want?" he asked, eyes already scanning for a drink for her.

Olivine hesitated, her gaze drifting across the room, still feeling the nervous energy swirling inside her. "Water would be great," she answered softly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she saw the warmth in his eyes, watching her intently.

Without missing a beat, Rafe leaned down and planted a soft peck on her forehead, his hand lingering on her for a second longer than necessary. "You got it," he replied with a half-smile before heading toward the fridge.

Olivine sat on his bed, carefully cradling the box of chocolates and roses she had bought for Rose, feeling the weight of her mother's voice in her head. "Never enter a house empty-handed." Her mind replayed the advice, and she took a deep breath to calm the nerves creeping up on her.

As she scanned the room, trying to distract herself, something caught her eye. Beneath the soft glow of the study lamp, a crumpled dollar bill lay discarded, and next to it, a small plastic bag filled with white powder—cocaine.

Her breath caught in her throat, and her pulse quickened. Her stomach dropped, and for a moment, everything felt surreal. She glanced at the door, her mind racing. Had Rafe been lying to her about not using again? She thought of all the times he'd promised, all the little moments where he'd seemed so different, so caring, and now this. She felt betrayed, but she remained calm. She couldn't let her emotions get the better of her—not now.

Olivine stood up slowly, walking over to the small bag under the lamp, her fingers hovering near it for a moment. She knew exactly what it was, and she didn't need to see more. She wasn't sure what to do next, her heart pounding in her chest.

When Rafe returned, a cold bottle of water in hand, she greeted him with a tired smile, trying to mask the sting she felt inside. She took the bottle from him, twisting the cap off and taking a few careful sips, making sure not to smudge her lipstick. She didn't meet his eyes immediately, but when she did, she could see the glimmer of excitement in them, the same glimmer he always had when he was around her.

But it wasn't the same as before. The room felt different now. There was a quiet tension between them, unspoken but heavy.

Rafe sat down next to her, his voice picking up with his usual enthusiasm. "You sure you're okay? I mean, I know we didn't have much time to settle in, but—" His words trailed off as he noticed where her attention was.

Her gaze had shifted back to the bag under the lamp, and she could feel him tense beside her. His usual carefree attitude dropped, and she watched as his expression shifted from hopeful to guarded. His eyes flicked between her face and the bag, his throat tightening. "Olivine... it's not what you think. I swear—"

She shook her head, cutting him off before he could say more. Her voice was quiet, controlled. "We'll talk about this when we get back," she said, placing a hand on his thigh, though the gesture didn't feel as warm as it had before. The weight of her disappointment was evident in her eyes, but she gave him a small, tired smile, trying to reassure him, even though she was struggling herself.

Picking up the gifts for Rose, she stood and turned toward the door. "Come on, Rafe. We're going to be late," she added, trying to mask the frustration that had bubbled up inside her.

Rafe followed closely behind, his voice still trying to explain. "I didn't mean for you to find out this way. Please, just let me—" His words trailed off as she stepped into the hallway, leaving him with nothing more than the sound of his own desperate explanations echoing behind her. She wasn't listening now. She was too focused on what she had seen, on the feeling of betrayal knotting in her stomach.

As she exited the room, Rafe's footsteps grew quieter, but she knew he was still following her. Still trying to make her understand. The guilt and anger inside her were raw, but she didn't know how to process it—not yet. Not in this moment.

She had always thought Rafe could change, but seeing the drugs in his room—proof of his relapse—made her wonder if she had been wrong. Would he ever change? Or had she been kidding herself this whole time?

The door clicked shut behind her as she walked down the hallway, and Rafe was still there, just a step behind.

Ward and Rose's laughter echoed down the corridor as they emerged, Rose's fingers deftly fixing Ward's tie. "Focus next time," she teased, her voice warm and amused. Their smiles faltered slightly when they noticed Rafe standing close to Olivine, his hands firmly gripping her arms, holding her close in what looked like a protective—or possessive—embrace. Olivine shifted uncomfortably, her expression caught somewhere between flustered and distant.

Rose cleared her throat, her sharp eyes taking in Olivine's dress, the tension between them, and the storm lingering in Olivine's expression. With practiced grace, she approached, a smile tugging at her lips. "Well, this is a surprise," Rose said, her voice warm but probing. She opened her arms and hugged Olivine lightly.

Olivine returned the hug with polite warmth, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's nice to meet you officially, Mrs. Cameron," she said softly.

Rose stepped back, her gaze falling on the bouquet of roses and box of chocolates Olivine held. "And what are these?"

"They're for you," Olivine replied, her voice steady despite the slight tightness in her tone.

Rose blinked, clearly touched, and let out a soft laugh. "For me? Aren't you just the most thoughtful young woman," she said, taking the gifts with genuine gratitude. "These are gorgeous—and my favorite chocolates. Well, now I feel spoiled." She shot a look at Rafe, arching an eyebrow. "No wonder you're always lurking around the house during Wheezie's tutoring. You've been holding out on us."

Ward chuckled behind her, his tone warm as he nodded toward Olivine. "This passed me by, but I have to say—you've got great taste, son. Beautiful, intelligent, talented," he said, looking at Olivine with approval. "I'm glad you're here."

Rafe, standing stiffly beside Olivine, glanced down at her, hoping for a smile. But her lips barely curved, the lingering disappointment evident in her slightly downcast gaze. He tensed, knowing she was still upset.

Before he could say anything, Wheezie and Sarah bounded down the stairs. Wheezie wore a soft white dress, while Sarah was dressed in navy blue. Sarah's mouth dropped open when she spotted Olivine.

"Oh my God," Sarah exclaimed, hurrying over to Olivine. "What are you doing here? Are you okay? Do you need help getting out of this thing with Rafe? Blink twice if you do." Her voice was teasing, but there was an undertone of genuine curiosity.

"Sarah," Rafe groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Cut it out."

Sarah turned toward him with a smirk. "I'm just saying. You're not exactly Mr. Dependable." She looked back at Olivine with a softer expression. "But seriously, if you ever need to vent about him, you know where to find me."

Olivine forced a small laugh, though her eyes flicked briefly to Rafe's. "I'll keep that in mind," she said quietly, her polite mask firmly in place.

Rose, watching the interaction, interjected smoothly. "Sarah, enough. Let's not scare her away already." She turned to Olivine with an easy smile. "Ignore them. We're happy to have you here. And if Rafe's been a handful, you're welcome to tell us."

Rafe clenched his jaw at the subtle dig but didn't say anything, glancing down at Olivine. He hated the way her mood seemed to dim the longer they stood here.

Ward clapped his hands together. "Well, now that we're all here, let's get moving before we're late."

Rafe leaned down as the others started to head toward the car, his hand brushing Olivine's waist. "See? They like you already," he murmured softly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Olivine looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. Her earlier disappointment was still there, tempered by the way he always managed to make her feel wanted—but it wasn't enough to chase away her hurt. "I wish you trusted me more, Rafe," she whispered, her words barely audible before she turned and started walking toward the others.

Rafe's stomach twisted uncomfortably as he followed her, his usual cocky confidence slipping under the weight of her words. He'd do anything to make her happy—but he couldn't seem to stop himself from ruining it.

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KIKI SPEAKS ;
not edited !!

SHE GOT HIM

word count : 4.5k

ENJOY !!
xoxo kiki 💋💋