Page 115 of Deception

Her throat burned. “I’m . . . I’m fine.”

“You look a lot better. I’m glad to see that. Are you here alone?”

She was pretty sure she wasn’t allowed to tell other people when she was alone.

She opened her mouth, unsure how to answer.

Just then, her mom came up and put her arm around Olive. “Hi, there. Is everything okay?”

The clerk cracked a smile. “It’s fine. I was just telling your daughter—I’m assuming she’s your daughter—that I’m so glad she’s looking better.”

“Looking better?”

Olive’s cheeks heated.

“Since . . . you know . . . since she’s sick.”

Mom stared at the woman. “She has been under the weather.”

“Well, she’s such a precious girl. I’ve been praying for her. I just wanted to let you know.” Then the woman walked away, leaving Olive and her mom standing there.

Her mom looked down at her. “What was that about?”

Olive licked her lips. What did she say? Did she tell Mom what Dad had made her do?

He’d made Olive promise she wouldn’t. But . . .

“Dad and I saw her last week when we were out,” Olive finally said.

“Oh? How did she know you were sick? And you weren’t sick when you went out with Dad, were you?”

“I was sniffly,” Olive said.

Her mom squinted as if confused by the whole situation.

Then she snapped out of it and shook her head. “Okay then. How about those tomatoes?”

But something about her mom’s response made Olive wonder if she knew what had happened.

What if she was okay with what Dad had done?

Olive hated the idea that could be true.

CHAPTER 61

Olive was up bright and early.

Her thoughts were still on Jason.

About their almost kiss last night.

Yes, almost kiss.

It hadn’t happened—which she should be grateful for. After all, her life didn’t need any more complications.

Nova had called with a question, interrupting their moment.

Soon after, Jason had feigned an excuse to go back to his room. At least, that was what it felt like.