Page 24

He folded his hands and shrugged. “Sometimes, kiddo, you do something that you know will make the other one happy. And that, in turn, makes you happy too.”

“That’s sweet, Dad.”

We sat in silence for a while, which was oddly soothing. I thought of Stefano and his rescue chickens. In hindsight, I had to admit our relationship had been a joke. To him, anyway. All those months I spent trying to get him to like me as much as I liked him, only to be dumped for the lure of a chicken coop… I had been such a fool.

Why did I even torture myself by still following him online, or hoping he’d send me a message telling me how sorry he was for hurting me? I didn’t need him to get back together with me, but a simple acknowledgment of his wrongdoings would’ve been nice.

I got my phone out of my bag and deleted his contact information. Then I unfollowed him everywhere I could. I felt lighter, almost instantly.

“What did you mean when you said that Melissa girl is stealing your clients?” Dad asked, breaking the silence. “Do I have to talk to her? Teach her a lesson about respect and professionalism?”

I let out a chuckle. “That won’t be necessary, but thank you, Dad. She started a new business. A dog walking business.”

“So what? People love you, Olive. I don’t think someone like Melissa poses a threat.”

“That’s the thing, she does. She’s got two things I don’t have. Lots of money to get the word out, and the balls to go up to people and convince them to try out her services. I don’t know, maybe I should just give up.”

Dad frowned. “Give up? The Olive I know isn’t a quitter.”

“Maybe I’m changing.”

He cocked his head and looked me in the eye. “Remember when you were twelve and wanted nothing more than to get a horse? You were so determined, but we couldn’t afford one. You didn’t give up on that dream, did you now?”

I shook my head, smiling. “I washed cars, took babysitting jobs, and mowed lawns for a whole year.”

“Exactly. You worked hard for it, and even though things turned out a bit differently than you wanted, your dream came true. That money enabled you to take an entire year of riding lessons. Don’t quit your business, Olive. I know it may seem hard now, but I know you’ll make it.”

I got up and gave him a hug. “You’re right, I’ll find a way.”

He held me at arm’s length and smiled. “And you’ll find a way with love too. I promise you everything will work out fine.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m going to dash out again and see if anyone needs anything,” I said, pushing my chair back.

“Great, I’ll shove another pizza in the oven.”

I reached for the doorknob, but before I could grab it, the door swung open and hit me right on the nose.

“And this is our kitchen,” I heard Mom say.

I let out a cry of pain while reaching for my nose. When I looked at my shaking hands, I spotted blood. Blood!

“Olive?” Mom asked, looking genuinely confused. “What happened to you?”

“You shoved a door in my face, Mom!”

She furrowed her brows. “Why were you standing behind it then? Such a dumb move.”

“I was about to leave the room,” I said, stamping my foot on the floor. “What was I supposed to do? Have Scottie beam me up?”

“Who’s Scottie?” she asked.

“Ugh, never mind.”

That was when I spotted Lewis standing behind my mother. Of course. Just when I thought I’d been embarrassed more than enough for one evening, Lewis had to witness me turning into a bloody fox, arguing with my mother.

“Your mother was giving me a house tour,” he said, gently pushing her aside. “Let me look at your nose.”

I shook my head. “I’m fine.”