Текст книги "Unlawful Justice"
Автор книги: K. Langston
Соавторы: K. C. Lynn
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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 19 страниц)
CHAPTER 8
Olivia
I stare out of my hospital room window, watching the sunset as the incessant beeping noise from the machines fill the silent room. It’s the first time I’ve been alone since waking up two days ago. Between Pap fussing over me every five seconds and Tania being a mother hen, I haven’t had much time to think about things—things I don’t remember.
I glance down at my hand, staring at my raw, battered wrist and swallow past the constant ache I’ve had in my throat since finding out what happened to me. I was beaten and violated, resulting in two broken ribs, a major concussion and a ruptured ovary that had to be removed, drastically lowering the chance for me to ever have children. The reality of it all is devastating and soul crushing.
And I don’t remember any of it but a few flashes of rough hands and a malicious voice that says words I will never forget.
This is for Jamal, bitch. Consider it justice served.
I close my eyes as the voice replays in my head. Other than that, I remember nothing. Everything else is blank. Something I’m mostly thankful for, other than the fact I don’t know who did this to me, so I can’t help the police find them.
A knock on the door pulls me from my depressing thoughts and opens a second later. I expect it to be Pap coming back with supper, so I’m surprised when I see Grayson walk in, holding a vase of lilies. My favorite flowers.
“Grayson,” I whisper, my shock evident. I haven’t seen him yet, and if I’m honest, I didn’t know if I would.
“Hey, Liv.” He greets me with his usual charming smile, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Is it okay to come in?”
I hesitate for only a second, hating for him to see me like this, but I don’t want to be rude, and honestly, I could use the company while I wait for Pap. “Yes, of course.”
He walks in and sets the vase of flowers down beside my bed. “Walter told me they’re your favorite.”
I smile softly. “They are. Thank you.”
He nods then pulls the chair up next to my bed and sits down. My breath hitches when he takes my hand, holding it between his own. Bracing his elbows on his knees he brings it to his mouth and presses a soft kiss to my cold fingers. The kind and gentle gesture has warmth flowing inside of me, something I haven’t felt since I woke up.
“How are you doing?” he asks, his voice gruff. Before I can answer he shakes his head. “Never mind, that’s a stupid question.”
It’s obvious he’s nervous and doesn’t know what to say. He’s not the first person to feel that way when they see me. “I’m doing okay, mostly tired. The pain medication they have me on makes me sleep a lot.”
“That’s not a bad thing, the more you rest the faster you’ll heal.”
“You sound like Pap.”
“I’ve been called worse,” he says, amusement lacing his words, bringing a smile to touch my lips.
Silence settles over us as his gaze roams over my face. I don’t miss the tick of his jaw and the fury flashing in his eyes.
“It looks worse than it feels.” I lie, hating to see the same pain in his eyes that I’ve seen in everyone else’s.
He releases a heavy breath and drops his forehead on our clasped hands. I swallow thickly, trying to find words to make it better. Seeing everyone hurt so much for me is almost as painful as the wounds I bear.
“I’ve been told that you were the one who found me.”
His eyes snap to mine, and I draw in a sharp breath when I see them glassy with unshed tears. It causes my own to cloud over. “Yeah. I was just leaving work when we got the call.”
Ah, the famous mystery caller, the one that may have saved my life, along with Grayson of course.
Shame darkens my soul, knowing he saw me that way. I hate for anyone to have seen me like that, but especially him. Yet, I’m also incredibly thankful he found me. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick with tears. “I know it must have been horrible to see me like that.”
“Jesus, Liv.” He breathes. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m just sorry I didn’t make it sooner.” My eyes fall shut at the sound of his tortured voice, and I try my hardest to hold back the sob threatening to escape. Grayson stands and sits next to me on the bed. He frames my face gently between his large hands then presses a soft kiss on my forehead before bringing his mouth to my ear. “I swear, Liv, I’m going to find out who did this to you, and when I do they will fucking pay.”
I can hear it in his voice—the determination and conviction. I just hope the police find out who did this sooner rather than later, because the thought of those men still out there, possibly waiting to strike again, brings on a fear I don’t want to think about.
CHAPTER 9
Grayson
Exhaustion weighs heavily on me as I scrub a hand down my face, trying to clear my mind. I haven’t slept worth a shit, because every time I close my eyes all I see is Liv, tied to a tree, her body violated and broken. Guilt tightens my chest and mixes with rage every time the image surfaces. I try not to think about what would have happened if I had made it sooner, because I know it’s pointless. All I can do now is find the bastards who did this and deliver justice for her.
No matter the fucking cost.
I’ve been working around the clock, analyzing every piece of evidence, and interviewing everyone and anyone who saw Liv that day. The last people to speak to her, before the attack, were the school faculty. When I found out she was let go before she left that day, it only served to feed the fury that’s been simmering in my gut since finding her. It’s complete bullshit, all of it¸ and I didn’t hold back voicing it to the principal. You could tell she felt guilty, especially after what happened to Liv, and rightfully so. What they did was wrong. They didn’t let her go for her safety like they claim, and we all fucking know it.
The injustice of everything that’s been done to Liv has me working harder to make it right for her, but after all of my searching I’m still no closer to catching who did this than I was a few days ago.
Our immediate suspicion was someone in Jamal’s family or a close friend, considering it was an attack on his behalf. I hated to think any of his brothers could have done this, especially since I went to school with Darius and know he’s a decent guy, but we had to check out everyone. Turns out they all have fucking alibis, including Reggie West, the cousin.
No DNA evidence was found from the rape kit done on Liv, meaning whoever did it was careful, but maybe not careful enough. A gold chain was recovered at the crime scene. We’re praying it will have the DNA evidence and answers we’re looking for, or at least point us in the right fucking direction. If only I could figure out who the hell that caller was, then we would have all the answers we need. After checking the phone records we discovered the call had come from a prepaid cell phone. No surprise there. Whoever made that call clearly doesn’t want to be found.
“You’re still here. I thought your shift ended an hour ago,” Terrell says, pulling me from my morbid thoughts as he walks into my office and takes the chair across from me.
“I’m not doing any good just sitting at home, so thought I’d go over all the witness statements, hoping something will stick out to me.”
“You’ve been over them a thousand times, man, we all have. You need a break to clear your head.”
A break is not possible, not until I find out who did this.
Instead of arguing with him about it, I change the subject. “Have you been to see her since she’s been home?” Ever since I left Liv at the hospital a week ago, I’ve wanted to check on her, to see her again, but I didn’t want to intrude. She’s been through a lot, and I want to give her and Walter time to deal with it. But, Jesus, I’m not sure how much longer I can stay away. I have this uncontrollable urge to be around her constantly to make sure nothing like this ever happens to her again.
Terrell cocks back in the chair, his elbow propped up on the armrest. “Yeah, I’ve been to see her a few times, and Tania has been keeping me updated.”
I nod.
I’m glad to know she’s surrounded by people who care about her. With a heavy breath my shoulders sag, as I try to sort through all the conflicted emotions storming inside of me.
“It’s eating at you, isn’t it?”
My eyes meet his dark brown ones. “What?”
“Seeing her like that, finding her the way you did. It’s fucking with your head.” He takes my silence as confirmation. “Listen, I understand. Just seeing her in the hospital fucked with me, I can’t imagine what it would have done to me if I found her like that. But she’s tough, Taylor. Always has been. She might not look like much but she can be fierce. I’ve known that girl most of her life, she’ll come out of this stronger. Ain’t no doubt about it.” He shifts in his seat. “You should go see her. She’s looking better every day.”
“I want to, but I was waiting for her to get settled first.”
He opens his mouth to reply but gets cut off by Dixon. “Johnson,” he barks, entering the room. “I need you to head on over to the north side of town. Bunch of kids jumped a black boy at the high school today. Dispatch has the info. The entire neighborhood is on a rampage, screaming hate crime.” He pulls a cigarette from the pocket of his shirt, shaking his head. “Bullshit,” he mutters to himself, patting his pockets for a lighter even though he can’t smoke in here.
“Considering what’s been going on since Olivia it’s a good possibility,” Terrell replies.
He’s right.
Ever since word got out about Liv there has been an increased hostility among people around here, more than there already was. Accusations are being thrown around, fingers pointed, vandalism. Hell, some motherfucker even spray-painted the town hall with, ‘black lives matter’. That stunt made my goddamn blood boil.
Yeah, they matter.
Every fucking life matters, regardless of skin color. Right when I thought shit couldn’t get any worse we got a call last night about a cross being burned on Mayor Clarence Rodgers’s lawn.
A fucking cross.
I couldn’t believe it, I still can’t. All of this shit is being made about race when it should be about right and wrong, and it only seems to be escalating since Liv.
Sheriff points his finger, giving Terrell a stern look. “Now don’t you go fuelin’ the fire. The reason I’m sendin’ you in the first place is to smooth this shit out. The whole goddamn town is on edge as it is. We don’t need anything else to add to it, ya hear?”
With a silent nod, Terrell stands and walks out of the room, tossing a wave over his shoulder.
“Later, Johnson,” I say, as Dixon motions for me to follow him out back so he can light up.
“You should quit that shit,” I tell him.
He grunts. “Cheryl tells me that all the time. But hell, I’ve been doin’ it for so long now I’m pretty sure the damage is already done.” He takes a long pull and exhales loudly before turning his attention to me. “How’ve you been doin’, boy, you okay? You’ve been pullin’ some crazy hours—crazier than usual,” he adds.
“Yeah, I’m good.” He watches me; aware I’m full of shit. He’s known me way too long. He’s always been like a second father to me and he really stepped up that role when my dad died a few years ago. “I’m trying to do everything I can to find out who did this.” I rub the back of my neck. “I…I can’t stop, Willie. Not until I nail the bastard.”
Silence stretches between us before he gives me a nod. “You remind me so much of your ol’ man, he had the same fire in his belly. Truth and justice. He lived by those words. I sure do miss his stubborn ass.”
“Me, too,” I admit quietly, a familiar ache in my chest surfacing whenever I think about him. He was my hero. All I ever wanted was to be just like him. He lived his life to protect and serve. My mother worried and agonized every day when he left for work, but in the end it was a car wreck that claimed his life.
“Look, I wanna catch whoever did this just as bad as you do, and we will. But you need a break. I want you to take the weekend off.” I shake my head, but he holds up his hand to ward off my protest. “You need rest, Grayson, so you can have a clear head. You’ve done all you can for right now. Not much we can do until we get the results back on the chain, which should be back any day now. I promise if anything comes up I’ll call ya, otherwise, I don’t wanna see your ass back here until Monday. Got it?”
“Yeah, got it.” I concede with a grumble, knowing I don’t have a choice.
He claps me on the shoulder. “We’ll catch the bastards who did this to Miss Olivia. One way or another justice will prevail, son. I promise you that.”
Before I can think too much about that comment he walks inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I slump back against the building behind me.
What the hell am I going to do all fucking weekend?
As soon as the thought emerges only one thing comes to mind, or rather, someone.
*
After grabbing a bite to eat and stopping at the local bookstore, Beneath The Covers, I head out to the farm well after the sun has set. I wanted to bring her something, and after our conversation on the way to the cemetery, I thought this would be the perfect gift. I just hope like hell she likes it.
When I pull in the driveway, I spot Liv curled up on the porch swing, swaying gently with a mug in her hand. I grab the bag from the passenger seat before opening the door of my pickup.
Liv sits up a little straighter as I approach. “Grayson, hi.” She greets me with a small smile.
Her soft voice washes over me, easing all of the turmoil storming inside of me from this past week. A thin sweater hangs off her slender shoulder revealing the strap of her nightgown. The glow of the porch light shines down on her, making her look like the angel she is. Even with the faded bruises marking her face she’s still beautiful.
“Hey, Liv. I hope it’s not too late. Wanted to stop by on my way home from work to see how you’re doing.”
“It’s not too late.”
“Where’s Walt?”
“He just went to bed. He has to be up early in the morning. That’s why I came out here to have my tea, I didn’t want to disturb him.”
I nod. I’m glad to know it’s just her and me. “You settling back in okay?”
She shrugs. “For the most part. I’ve been resting a lot, and when I’m not Tania has been keeping me company.”
“Terrell said he came out to see you.”
She smiles. “Yeah, I’ve had a few visitors.”
Guilt instantly plagues me. I should have come out here sooner like I wanted to. “I would’ve come earlier, but I wanted to give you time to get settled.”
“It’s all right. I’m glad you’re here now.” Her words have something shifting inside of me.
“You’re looking good,” I say, leaning against the porch railing.
Her eyes fall to her lap and she shakes her head. “Not really, but thank you for saying so. The doctor said it’ll be a while before the bruising is completely gone, but they’re fading more and more every day so that’s good.”
“You’re wrong.” Her big brown eyes snap back to mine. “I don’t think there’s anything in the world that could make you not beautiful.”
She gives me a shy smile, the same one that always hits me like a punch to the gut.
Jesus, what is it about this girl?
Glancing down, she points at the bag in my hand. “Is that for me?”
“Actually, it’s for Walt.”
Her brows raise and she bites her lip to stop from laughing, not buying my bullshit. “You bought Pap a present in a pink gift bag with butterflies on it?”
“Yeah, think he’ll like it?”
Shaking her head, she gives me one of her sweet giggles I was hoping for.
“Okay, I’m lying. It’s for you.” I smirk, handing her the bag.
She takes it with a smile, but it dies on her lips once she opens it. “You bought me books?” she asks softly, her face void of any emotion.
I clear my throat and shift uncomfortably. “Yeah, Margie at the bookstore assured me you’d like these. I thought it would give you something to do while you’re healing.”
I remember her telling me how much she loved to get lost in a book, to live another life for a little while. I thought it would be a good distraction, but as she stares down at the books in silence, I begin to wonder if maybe I was wrong.
“I can’t believe you did something like this for me.”
I shrug. “It’s not a big deal, Liv, it’s just books.”
Her big doe eyes find mine. “It’s a very big deal. No one has ever given me something so thoughtful, besides Pap.”
Her admission surprises me.
She deserves things like this every day.
Putting the books back in the bag, she stands up and slowly makes her way toward me, being mindful of her injuries. Before I can anticipate what she’s about to do, she wraps her arms around my waist, laying her head against my chest. “Thank you, Grayson. This is exactly what I need. I can’t wait to start them.”
I envelop her small frame in my arms, loving how perfect she feels against me. “You’re welcome.”
My throat burns like a motherfucker when I feel her silent tears soak my shirt. I’m not sure if she’s clinging to me or the other way around, but for the rest of my time with her we simply hold each other—not moving, not speaking, just seeking comfort in one another.
And I think it’s exactly what we both need.
CHAPTER 10
Olivia
Putting down my makeup brush, I brace my hands on the counter in front of me and lean closer to the mirror, studying my reflection. A disappointed sigh escapes me when I realize I’m not going to be able to conceal any of it.
Today is the first day I did something with my hair after showering, even though it’s just a simple braid over my shoulder. Then I figured I would take it one step further and try to cover the faded bruises, hoping to look in the mirror and see the old me, but it’s hopeless. I know the doctor said it would take time before they were completely gone, but how much longer? It’s been two weeks. I’m tired of the painful reminder every time I see my reflection.
A reminder of something I don’t remember, yet something I’ll never forget.
The makeup may not be able to take away the proof of my attack, but it did mask some of my exhaustion. Because I am. I’m so tired. I haven’t slept a full night since waking up in the hospital. Every noise I hear as I lie in the dark has terror robbing me of sleep, wondering if the men who did this to me will come back to finish what they started. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever feel safe again.
The memory of how it felt to be in Grayson’s arms the other night comes to mind.
I felt safe with him.
That night was the best I’ve had since coming home. I love Pap and Tania more than anything in the world but something about Grayson’s presence calms me. His thoughtful gift was everything I needed. An escape to live another life just for a short time means more to me right now than anyone could ever understand.
I’ve been hoping to be graced with his presence every night since but he hasn’t returned. Terrell said he’s been spending a lot of his free time at the station. He didn’t say it was on my case, but I have no doubt that it is. His promise to me, that he would not rest until he finds out who did it, makes that abundantly clear. I appreciate his dedication more than I can say, but I don’t want this to consume his life. It’s consumed and ruined so many already.
The sound of mumbled voices penetrate through my tortured thoughts. Pushing away from the sink, I leave the bathroom and follow the quiet conversation. At the sight of the open screen door, I realize it’s coming from the front yard. I grab my thin pink sweater off the banister, wanting to cover the marks on my arms from whoever is here and wince subtly at the sharp pain of my taped ribs. After a few small breaths I reach for the door handle, but freeze when their words reach my ears.
“We want to help, Walt. Can you tell us anything at all? Does she remember anything about who jumped out of that truck?” I recognize the voice as Eddie Willard. He’s younger than Pap, closer to what my father’s age would be, and from one of the seven original families of Harmony Falls.
“Not really, no, and I don’t want her to. I don’t want her rememberin’ anything about what those sons a bitches did.” The fury in Pap’s voice hurts my heart. He tries to hide his turmoil from me, but I’ve sensed the rage he has coiling inside of him. It’s not who he is. Pap is a stubborn old man who’s set in his ways, but he’s not angry. He’s not hateful.
The next voice that speaks I recognize as Lane Valentine, he is also one of the original seven and good friends with Eddie. “I don’t blame ya. I wouldn’t want my baby girl remembering somethin’ like that either.”
Humiliation burns inside of me. I know I shouldn’t feel that way, but I do. I hate that everyone knows what happened. It’s one of the reasons I haven’t gone into town yet, and have only seen the select few people who have stopped by.
“I appreciate you boys comin’ out to offer your help. Just… Do whatever you need to. I want justice for my granddaughter.” I hear Pap say.
“Don’t worry, Walt, we’re on this, not only for you and your granddaughter but for Harmony Falls. We’ll catch the niggers who did this.”
I suck in a sharp breath at the awful word, waiting for Pap to give them a piece of his mind, but it doesn’t come. Without waiting another second, I open the screen door and walk down the porch steps to find all three men off to the left of the house. All talk ceases when they spot me. Both Eddie and Lane quickly remove their hats.
“Howdy, Miss Olivia.” Eddie greets me first.
“Eddie. Lane.” I nod at them both. I might be pissed off, but I was not raised to be rude. “What are y’all doing out here?”
Pap puts an arm around me and pulls me in close to his side. “They just came out to check on ya, darlin’.”
“We’re real sorry about what happened, Miss Olivia.”
I swallow thickly and keep my composure. “Thank you, Lane. I appreciate that. I’m getting better every day. I know the police are doing everything they can to find out who did this.”
I feel Pap tense next to me, sensing I’m upset.
Before anyone can say another word the sound of an approaching vehicle calls our attention. My heart kicks up in excitement when I see whose truck it is. The blue pickup comes to a halt not far from us and out steps Grayson Taylor.
Not Deputy Taylor, just Grayson.
He’s in worn, blue jeans and a red plaid button-down left open over top of a white T-shirt that stretches across his hard, lean body. Wearing a baseball hat that covers his brown rumpled hair he looks like the country boy I remember from high school. The town’s football star and golden boy.
The man who saved my life.
“Hey, Liv,” he greets, his magnetic smile locked firmly in place.
“Hi, Grayson,” I reply, not bothering to hide how happy I am to see him.
His long legs eat up the distance as he makes his way toward us. “Walter.” He extends his hand to Pap as he comes to stand next to me then does the same to both Eddie and Lane.
“Hey, Grayson, no work today?” Eddie asks.
“Actually, I’m on duty tonight.” He looks around, taking in the awkward tension surrounding us. “What about you two? What are you doing out here?”
Lane clears his throat before answering. “We just came to check on Miss Olivia and have a chat with Walt.” I grind my teeth, remembering their chat and the horrible comment he made. “But we were just leavin’.” He reaches out and shakes Pap’s hand. “We’ll be in touch.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again for stoppin’ by, boys.”
“No problem.” After a goodbye to Grayson and me they leave together in the same pickup they came in.
“Good to see you, Grayson,” Pap says, breaking the silence. “What brings you by?”
Grayson looks down at me. “I thought I would see if Liv wanted to grab some lunch in town.”
I stiffen, both in surprise and apprehension. The thought of going into town has anxiety robbing me of speech.
“What do you say? Wanna grab something to eat?” he asks.
“I’ll bet she’d love that. Wouldn’t ya, Livy?” Pap says, responding for me.
I finally snap out of myself and find my voice. “Or I could make us lunch here instead?” I suggest hopefully. “I need to fix Pap something anyway and—”
“Nonsense.” Pap interrupts, waving his hand through the air. “You go on now, darlin’, I can fix myself something. I’m not hungry yet anyway.”
Before I can argue more he leans down and kisses my cheek then walks away, leaving us alone.
I glance up hesitantly at Grayson to see him staring down at me, sensing my unease. “Have you left the house since you’ve been home, Liv?” he asks quietly. I shake my head, having a hard time finding words at the moment. “What are you afraid of?”
“I’m not really sure,” I answer honestly. “I hate that the entire town knows what happened to me. I guess I worry for their initial reaction and how they’ll see me now.”
“You’re still the same girl, Liv. What happened doesn’t change that.”
I’m glad he knows that, but will everyone else?
“Listen, if you’re that uncomfortable we can stay here and eat. I just thought you might want to get out, but if you’re not ready that’s fine. Just as long as I eat with you I don’t give a shit where we go.”
Warmth spreads throughout my entire body. I think about the date we missed out on and realize it will likely never happen now. But it’s clear he still wants a friendship, and I’ve been yearning for his company since last time I saw him. I refuse to let my anxiety ruin a chance to spend time with him. I will have to face everyone sooner or later, and I’d much rather do it with Grayson by my side. In such a short amount of time he has become someone I trust and feel safe with.
“Let’s go out,” I say, catching him off guard.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Just let me grab some shoes.” I glance down at my bare feet, remembering I stormed out of the house after hearing Pap’s conversation with Eddie and Lane. I lift my eyes back to his. “I’ll meet you at the truck?”
I catch his nod just as I bound up the stairs and into the house. Slipping on my flats, I ignore the mirror hanging on the wall, beckoning me to look. I refuse, knowing if I do I will probably back out of going.
Grayson is waiting for me by the truck with the passenger door open. He takes my hand and helps me up before getting in on his side. “Is the diner okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
We make small talk on the way into town, not about anything in particular, just everyday stuff and it feels nice. It feels…normal. I start feeling good about my decision to get out and do this.
As we drive down Main Street I take in the long row of shops owned by so many locals I’ve grown to love, and get a feeling of nostalgia. Remembering how many times I skipped along behind Pap and Grams down these streets as a little girl has warmth flowing inside of me. Whether it was to stop at the hardware store with Pap where Mr. Myers would always give me a lollipop. Or the craft store with Grams where Mrs. Dillard gave me shiny new beads for my jewelry. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe that with every fiber of my being. This town and its people helped shaped me to be who I am today.
However, my easiness evaporates and my anxiety sparks again as we pull up to the local diner to find the parking lot packed.
A strong, warm hand wraps around my clammy fingers and my head snaps to Grayson. “We can go somewhere else. Maybe we can just grab fast food and go park?” he suggests.
My heart warms at his patience and willingness to let me have an out if I want it. But instead of taking him up on it I decide to tamp down my nerves and gather my confidence. I refuse to let this fear rule me. I am no coward. Pap raised me to be strong, and strong I will be.
Feeling a little better at my internal pep talk, I smile at Grayson and shake my head. “No, here is as good a place as any.”
He returns my smile, looking proud of my decision, and it sends another dose of confidence through me. “Good, because I love their chicken fried steak.”
“No one can cook chicken fried steak like Jack,” I agree. “And let’s not forget Gwen’s corn bread. It’s out of this world.”
“That’s true, but don’t ever tell my mom I said that.”
I giggle. “Your secret is safe with me.”
His smile softens into a sexy smirk. “Come on, baby, let’s eat,” he says before climbing out of the truck.
Baby?
My heart stalls in my chest at the endearment. I’ve never had anyone refer to me as that before, and I really like it.
A moment later my truck door is opened for me. Taking Grayson’s offered hand, I use it as a crutch to carefully step down. “Your ribs?” he asks.
At my nod his jaw flexes in anger. “They’re getting better every day,” I add, not wanting to see him upset.
I watch him blow out a breath, as if trying to compose himself, then instead of letting go of my hand he links our fingers together, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
It has a big silly smile spreading across my face.
As we enter the diner, that’s full of busy chatter, it quickly begins to quiet when people look up to see who entered. Within seconds it falls to dead silence as everyone stares at us.
No, me. They’re all staring at me.
The smile that was gracing my face moments ago vanishes and my heart thumps nervously in my chest. “Everyone is staring,” I whisper to Grayson under my breath, my eyes reluctantly taking in everyone’s sympathetic gaze.
“Of course they are. You’re beautiful.”
My eyes meet his, and I see him watching me, his expression genuine. Those words mean everything to me, especially coming from him, but I also wonder how he could think that after seeing me the way he did.
He leans down, bringing his mouth close to my ear. “It’s okay. I’ve got you, Liv.”
My heart rate slows and confidence resides at his kind words.
I can do this. I have nothing to be ashamed of.
“Olivia!” The gasp comes from Gwen, the owner of the diner, as she walks out of the kitchen with her hands full. She puts two plates of food down on the counter and rushes over to me, embracing me in her arms. “It’s so good to see you, sweetheart.”
My throat grows tight at the sincerity of her voice. “Thank you. It’s good to see you, too.”
She steps back and cradles my face in her hands, her eyes turning glassy from unshed tears. “I’m so sorry, honey.” Her tone drops to a whisper, trying to be discreet.
