Olivia's POV

Stretched out before us is the countryside, intricately knitted together like a quilt of green, brown, and golden patchwork that would leave even a professional artist in awe. The sun shines radiantly across the hills, bathing everything in a warm glow that never seems to fade, its rays bouncing off Tom's golden hair in beams of light.

It's only a couple of miles outside the city, you can even see it if you look far enough. Dark, bellowing clouds skim the peaks of the high-rise buildings in the distance. How different it is here. Tom decided we should visit the place that inspired one of my art pieces: the house on the hill and the spot where we went camping a few years ago.

Even though I don’t know what he’s planning, I’m excited. It’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been, and the crisp countryside air has a calming effect on me for reasons I can’t quite explain. Maybe that’s another reason why Tom brought me here.

“We’re here!” Tom announces as he reverses the car into the only patch of concrete big enough to fit it. The car grinds to a halt.

He gets out and walks over to me, his face glowing with the widest grin I’ve seen in a while. It’s a nice change from the frown he’s been wearing lately.

“You excited?” He asks.

“I don’t think anyone could be more excited than you right now, McKenzie,” I laugh. “You should smile more often, it suits you.”

“I know,” he says, his voice softening. “I’m sorry for being so miserable lately. I hope I can explain myself at some point tonight.”

I give him a friendly hug, waving away his apology. “I’m only teasing, and you can explain if you want, but no pressure. I’m here to have a good time with my best friend, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do!”

“That’s the problem...” I think I hear him mutter under his breath. I glance at him in confusion, just in time to see his face flush a deep red.

“I meant... I meant that I...” he stammers.

I interrupt him gently. “Don’t worry, Tom. I know it’s because you haven’t been yourself lately. Now, tell me what you’ve planned, I’m excited to hear it!”

His face instantly brightens. Without saying a word, he grabs my hand and leads me up a set of steps toward the house on the hill, stopping near the large tree beside it.

He sits down and pulls out a wicker basket from behind his back, one I hadn’t even noticed until now.

“I thought we’d keep it simple,” he says with a smile. “This reminds me of our camping trip here. Fancy a picnic?”

I nod enthusiastically. “That sounds so much better than going out. So tell me, how have you been? We haven’t had much time to talk lately.”

“I’m good!” Tom replies, taking a bite of food from the basket. “Actually, it’s nice to see you putting yourself out there and talking to new people, like the girl who was at your place last night. Gabby, is it?”

Remembering my promise to help my friend out, I nod and smile. “Yes, that’s her. She’s really nice, isn’t she?”

“She seems it, yeah.”

“I think you two would get along well,” I say, biting into a delicious cheese straw I found at the bottom of the basket.

Tom chuckles deeply, his voice echoing across the empty countryside. “Speaking of getting along well... I’m your best friend, but I still don’t know what you’re looking for in a girl. You’ve never shown interest in the thousands of girls chasing after you. For the captain of the rugby team, that’s unusually mysterious, McKenzie.”

His laugh grows louder, filling the still air. “I don’t look for anything specific. Someone with a lovable personality is good enough for me.” He pauses, his eyes dropping to the tartan picnic blanket beneath us. “In fact, I’ve been talking to someone recently whose personality, and everything else is perfect. I’m going to do my best to get her full attention.”

My eyes widen in excitement as I realize who he’s talking about. “Really? I don’t think you’d have to try so hard, Tom.”

“And why’s that?” he asks, his serious eyes locking onto mine.

“Because, Mr. Captain of the Rugby Team, it turns out she likes you too but she’s just a little scared to tell you directly.”

Tom’s expression transforms into one of pure joy, like a child opening an especially large present on Christmas morning. In all the years we’ve been friends, I’ve never seen him this happy.

Suddenly, he grabs my hand and looks at me intently. “What would I have to do to show her how much I—”

“Anything!” I interrupt, giddy with excitement. “But you need to make sure you really like her. I know you’re not that kind of person, but guys ‘like you’ have a reputation for... messing people about, being sly, and hurting them to get what they want. Be 100% sure, okay?”

He nods eagerly. “I’m so glad you understand, Liv. I’ve been so nervous about explaining myself.” He pulls me into a warm hug, the kind I’ve come to love over the years.

I’ve never had many close friends who were girls, but Tom has always had my back. I know he doesn’t exactly like Freddie, and to be honest, I’m confused about my feelings for him too. Still, I hope that when Tom tells his so-called ‘mystery girl’ how he really feels, he’ll be preoccupied with her instead of constantly giving Freddie and me the red light.

Maybe then he’ll finally be the kind of boyfriend I know he’s capable of being the kind of boyfriend so many girls dream about.

I can’t wait to tell Gabby the good news!

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Author’s Note: I’m back! Sorry for the lack of updates, I’ve been super busy lately, but I’ll be writing more from now on. Make sure to vote, comment, and follow for more updates!