Page 88 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
Olive's P.O.V.
Lucas drove me to school and even walked me to my class, giving me one last kiss before I entered. I missed him already, which only made me feel like a love-sick teen again. I remember feeling this giddy when Julius and I first started dating, but it's different with Lucas. Like everything else, it's more intense with him.
The feelings he brings out of me are almost overwhelming. I've never had anyone do this to me before, except maybe Ian. Even then, it was different. Ian was the first person to be kind to me. He showed me what real friendship could look like. I haven't spoken to him in so long. Not since he moved away. We lost touch despite swearing we wouldn't. He never replied to me like he promised he would when I wrote. I never bothered to look him up. There's no reason to, he clearly didn't want to be my friend anymore.
Class went by fast thankfully, nothing too strenuous. I hurriedly made my way to the Campus Commons to meet up with Hailey. I spotted her beautiful wavy black hair in the distance. It was so black it reflected the sun brightly. I called out her name, having her turn with a bright smile on her face. She waved at me, showing off her beautiful golden skin. I ran up to her, letting her give me a big hug.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever," she said with an excited smile.
"I know, I'm sorry. I've been a bad friend."
"Ha, no way! You're living your life, Livie. Now, catch me up on everything with Lucas!" She wiggled her eyebrows at me, making me laugh.
"Oh, it's a lot, but you'll be proud." I smiled shyly, tucking my hair behind my ear. I told everything that had happened over the weekend, including all about dad. I told her about shopping with Lucas, and staying with him this week. I even told her about telling Lucas I was falling in love with him. She squealed in excitement, squeezing my arm with her hands.
"I'm so proud of you! Oh my gosh, Livie. I am so excited for you!" She seemed ready to burst with her enthusiasm.
"Thanks. I'm pretty excited myself," I admitted. "But I'm also kind of scared. Hailey, I don't understand it. I am so wrapped up in him. Like even now I want him beside me. It's overwhelming."
"It's love, Livie. It's perfectly natural. What's hard is making the feeling stay." She squeezed my hand, staring deeply into my eyes.
"But how do I know he feels the same way? What if we aren't on the same page?" I bit my cheek, fizzling with anxiety.
"Ask him, Livie. He's not a mind reader and neither are you. You need to be open to discuss these things together." She sounded so wise as she spoke, almost making me forget we were the same age.
"But what if I scare him away? What if I love him more than he loves me?"
"Then you let him catch up to you. There's nothing wrong with loving someone more. Not everything feels the same, let alone experienced the same. Those fiery locks of yours are a different red to me than to you. Don't be scared to tell him how you feel because you're afraid he won't feel the same. No one will ever feel the exact same."
Her words were heavy as bricks. I don't think I've ever noticed how wise Hailey is. She's always had a fun and positive attitude since I've known her. She's easy to talk to and easy to hang with. I have never spoken to her about these kinds of things before. I never spoke much about Julius and my relationship with her. Well, aside from when I thought I was ready to sleep with him. Hailey helped me with that, too. She's like this older sister I have never had. Like any other older sister, she was like a second mom.
"Thanks, Hails.
The rest of lunch was spent talking about lighter topics. Hailey told me her dad was going to come into town again and visit this weekend. He was hoping to see me as well so we made plans for lunch together Saturday. Mr. Medina was always kind and accepting of me as Hailey's best friend. His accent was thick, not having learned English until his late 20s. I liked it though. He's a sweet man. It's easy to see where Hailey learned to be kind from.
"Let me know how things go with Lucas," she said, hugging me goodbye.
"I will. I'll text you, so you don't have to wait so long to hear what happens."
"Perfect." She smiled. "Adios, chica." She kissed my cheek goodbye. I headed to my last class for the day, running into Leo on the way. He walked me towards class.
"How's Lisa?" I asked him.
"Could be better, but she's alright. Rachel is keeping her company until I get back. I am sorry we couldn't celebrate your good news last night. I am so happy it's not cancer, Liv." He grabbed my hand, squeezing it a moment while maintaining my gaze.
"It's okay, no worries. I know you guys are happy for me. We don't have to celebrate."
"With news that good? Of course we have to!"
"You and Lucas both." I shook my head.
"In life, there tends to be more bad news than good, so we need to celebrate anytime it comes around." I imagined the way he and Lucas probably got the news of the accident, and I realized this was probably their way of getting over that. They celebrate good news when they can because they know how bad news can be.
"Got it. Celebrate the good." I nodded, squeezing his hand back. He left me at the door of my class with a wave and a smile. I watched him leave, still feeling bad I had rejected him. He's a good guy. There's honestly nothing wrong with him, except he's not Lucas.
Class was quick, but there was a good amount of homework I needed to get done now. I'll need to try to focus tonight. Maybe Lucas can work while I work. I pictured us both sitting quietly as we poured over our work beside one another. I think even doing work with him by my side would be better. I went to text him after class, wondering where he was, but saw he had already texted me.
Lucas:Sorry, Rose, can't make it. I sent Leo in my stead. He'll take you to my place and let you in. I'll see you there.
