Hearts in the City Read online

While Olivia reeled from the shock of seeing Theo here with his new woman, a waiter appeared at Theo’s table. The woman turned her head sideways to talk to the waiter. Olivia finally got a clear look at who it was and was absolutely stunned to realize it was Edwina. Edwina Byers!

  She felt weak all over, the smell of cappuccino filling her nostrils. She’d been so caught up in the scene at the other end of the café that she hadn’t even noticed the waiter placing their orders on the table. Frozen in disbelief, she took a deep breath to collect herself, hearing Alicia and Megan’s voices blathering back and forth, but not listening. She was too busy trying to figure out how a woman she thought was her friend had stolen her man right from under her nose. Had she been so naïve in trying to help Edwina cope with the nasty divorce from Sam that she hadn’t realized that she herself was coming out on the other end, the loser?

  Olivia had questions and was damned sure going to get answers to them. Before she knew what she was doing she’d excused herself from the table and was on her way to the other side of the café. Arriving at the table, she stood with a look on her face that could have melted steel. Theo looked up and saw her first, looking more than a little jarred at the sight of her. Edwina glanced up seconds later, putting a hand across her chest, eyes nervously darting back and forth between Olivia and Theo. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. And that was plenty fine because Olivia had enough words for both of them.

  “Well, well, well...isn’t this a cozy little scene,” she said evenly, eyes boring holes into the both of them.

  Theo placed his menu on the table and looked up at her like a deer caught in headlights. “Look Liv, I know what you’re thinking...” He stopped in mid-sentence, nervously glancing around the restaurant as though afraid she’d make a scene embarrass his ass.

  Folding her arms across her chest, Olivia glared down at him. “Yes, tell me...just what am I thinking?” she raised her voice above the sound of music. She waited for him to respond but he didn’t. He only shrugged, shaking his head wordlessly as he looked down at the table. “Exactly. You couldn’t even begin to know what I’m thinking. But I do have to hand it to you. You had me fooled. I really believed you when you told me you were breaking up with me because you needed what I couldn’t give you. Not because you were cheating on me with a friend!”

  “Olivia...” Edwina said with a gasp, putting a hand over her mouth. “I know how bad this looks but...“

  Olivia ignored her comments. “So how long have the two of you have been making a fool out of me?”

  “Things didn’t happen the way you think,” Edwina said.

  “Winnie, you of all people were supposed to be my friend.” Olivia pointed at her. “I expect more from you than you to stab me in the back when I was trying to help you.”

  “Liv, I’m sorry...I so sorry, but things just sort of happened,” Edwina said, looking as though she were going to cry.

  Olivia shook her head in amazement. “And neither of you thought to tell me?”

  “Of course not,” Theo said, jumping in defensively. “How was I supposed to tell you something like this?”

  “By just telling me upfront. I’m a grown woman.”

  Theo raised his brow. “Yes, and considering the way you’re handling it now after the fact, you’d have handled it wonderfully, I’m sure.”

  Olivia sneered at him. “I expected you to be honest with me.” Very aware things could turn ugly very fast, she held her composure. She had her dignity to think of. The last thing she needed was to be plastered all over the late night news in handcuffs for assault.

  “That night at Simone and Jamal’s when you asked me to drive Winnie home, the two of us just started talking,” Theo said. He shrugged. “She was losing Sam, I already knew I was losing you,” Theo said. “Things just kind of grew from there. I can’t help it if that’s the way it is.”

  “Oh how romantic,” Olivia said, mocking him with a smile, her expression changing suddenly. “You weren’t losing me you decided you were giving up on me.”

  “Well I did come back and catch you talking to that...that guy or whatever the hell his name is,” Theo said disdainfully.

  “Alistair. His name is Alistair,” Olivia said evenly.

  “Well whatever it is,” Theo said dismissively. “You were playing it off like it was no big deal when I confronted you so what was I supposed to think?”

  “That’s because it wasn’t a big deal.” It was the truth. Aside from recommending Alistair’s services to Mark, Olivia had barely even thought about Alistair. He was just a friend. A mere acquaintance and nothing more.

  “How the hell was I supposed to know?” Theo asked.

  Olivia gave him an unflinching stare. “You weren’t supposed to know, but you could have cared enough to find out. That’s the difference. But you walked away without all the facts because you didn’t care.”

  Theo shook his head frustrated. “Look, I never meant to hurt you.”

  “Neither did I. I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true,” Edwina said.

  Olivia’s neck suddenly snapped in Edwina’s direction. “Winnie dear, when your opinion becomes relevant I’ll let you know, okay?” She glanced back and forth between them. “I don’t care what the hell either of you do with each other at this point. But I do have to wonder about the integrity of people who claim to care about you then stab you in the back.” She turned her attention to Theo. “You actually had me convinced I had done something wrong by focusing on my career and not paying enough attention to you when in fact you were running around on me the whole time—with someone who was supposed to be my friend no less.” She glanced at Edwina and shook her head.

  “We needed each other to lean on,” Edwina said, her eyes pleading for Olivia to believe her.

  “I gave you my shoulder to lean on after Sam left you and that’s what hurts me the most,” Olivia said, thumping herself in the chest with her finger.

  Theo spoke up. “I’d never do anything to hurt you. You know that, Liv. Just because you and me are over doesn’t mean I don’t care about your feelings. I know you don’t believe it, but it’s the truth.”

  Olivia thought he looked pathetic and sad at the same time. She knew him well enough to know by looking into his eyes he was telling the truth. But it didn’t matter anymore. “What more can I say? I hope the two of you are happy together.” She turned and walked away from the table, walking across to the other side of the café to Alicia and Megan at the table.

  Olivia took a swig from her cup, hot liquid stinging her throat. “Look guys, I hate to cut loose so soon, but I think I’m going to leave now.” Reaching for her coat, she began putting it on.

  “But the band hasn’t even started yet,” Alicia said.

  “Come on, at least stay for the first set,” Megan coaxed.

  “I would but I’m a little tired. I’m going to check in a little early tonight. We’ll do this again soon. I’ll see you both on Monday,” Olivia said, dropping enough money on the table to cover her bill.

  Olivia cradled a steaming cup of herbal tea between her hands and blew into it before taking a sip and setting it on the coffee table. She glanced at Jazlynn sprawled across the sofa and studied her for a moment. “So how are things going with Trey?”

  “I care about him a lot.”

  “Hmm...I kind of thought so.”

  “Oh yeah, now you do. ‘Cause you certainly didn’t before,” Jazlynn accused. “You were too busy thinking Marcus was the bees knees.”

  “I thought he was a really nice guy. So sue me.”

  “Humph,” Jazlynn said, rolling her eyes.

  Olivia picked up the remote control and changed the channel.

  Jazlynn sprang forward on the sofa. “No, don’t change that. My show’s coming on next.”

  Olivia shook her head in amazement that one could be so devoted to a TV show. “I’m probably going to regret this, but what show?” Olivia tossed the remote in Jazlynn’s direction.
>
  “Passionate Hearts.”

  Olivia turned her nose up in disgust. “Ugh.”

  “How can you judge something never seen before?”

  “Oh please. That fluff’s been on TV for years. Nothing’s changed.”

  “How would you know? You’re never home this time of day.” Jazlynn gave her an odd look. “And speaking of which, why are you home today anyway? It’s the middle of the week.”

  “Because I needed a day off.”

  Although she hadn’t mentioned it, Olivia had actually planned the day off a whole week ago. She’d made a point of telling her secretary not to book any new appointments for today. She was going out on the edge, testing the waters to see if a little bit of change would do her any good. She hadn’t had a day off during the week in ages. Truth be told, now that she was home she was bored out of her skull. Still, it felt good to just sit around and do nothing—and she’d earned it.

  Just then, the words Passionate Hearts flashed across the screen accompanied by swelling music in the background. “Oh God please...ugh.” Olivia rolled her eyes ready to get up off the sofa and make a dash from the room.

  “Watch it one time and you’ll be hooked,” Jazlynn said. “Trey’s mom and I always watch it together whenever I’m over there.”

  It suddenly struck Olivia that Jazlynn’s life was different now. She talked about Trey’s family as if she really felt a part of them. Where her relationship with Trey would end up only God knew, but spending time with a man’s mother was serious business. Olivia had never really developed a meaningful relationship with Theo’s family and maybe that had been part of the problem. Whether because of her busy career or because she’d never really taken the time to connect with them she didn’t know. Maybe it was latter she thought.

  “Is she nice?” she asked Jazlynn, suddenly finding herself full of questions about the Davenports.

  Jazlynn’s eyes were glued to the TV. “Nice? Hell no. She’s a nasty old thing.”

  Olivia laughed in spite of herself. “I was talking about Trey’s mother.”

  “Oh...” Jazlynn laughed when she realized the error. “I thought you meant Rachel Eastman, the main character. She’s a real bitch, buying Stephanopoulos’ company right out from under his nose.”

  Olivia raised her eyebrows, shaking her head with a grin. “So does Trey’s mother share your lack of affinity for this Rachel character?”

  “Loretta’s a sweetheart.”

  “Okay...so we’re talking about a soap character or Trey’s mother?”

  “Loretta. Trey’s mom. She’s incredibly nice.”

  “Well, getting in good with a man’s family—especially his mother—is important. And, yes, I’m also glad you and Trey seem to be getting along so well, even though I’m sure you don’t believe me.”

  Jazlynn looked at Olivia with a serious look in her eyes and opened her mouth to speak. She pressed her lips back together before her words could escape. She let out a sigh. “I was going to say something but nah. I mean, why bother if all I’m going to get from you is a lecture?”

  Olivia frowned. “What makes you think I’m going to lecture you?”

  Jazlynn turned her head back to the TV. “Because that’s what you do all the time. Especially when it comes to guys.”

  “No I don’t.”

  “Yes.” Jazlynn raised her brow. “You do.”

  “Oh for God sakes Jazlynn, say whatever it is you were going to say, please,” Olivia said impatiently.

  Jazlynn set her empty bowl on the coffee table then picked up the remote control and muted the TV. She bit her lip thoughtfully for a moment and sighed. “Okay don’t laugh at me, but I think I’m in really in love with him. Not infatuation but real, honest-to-God love.”

  Olivia let her words sink in. She barely knew how to respond. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced them back. The last time Jazlynn had opened up to her was after their mother’s death. She’d been a frightened little ten-year old girl wondering what would become of the two of them without their mother. Her rebellious teen years after that had made her more of a handful than Olivia had bargained for. Communication between them since had consisted mostly of verbal sparring back and forth.

  “Jazlynn, please...why would I lecture you about falling in love with someone?”

  Jazlynn looked at her. “I’m not dumb, Liv. You don’t think I’m mature enough to know about love.”

  “When did I ever say you weren’t mature enough to fall in love? I encouraged you to give Marcus a chance didn’t I?”

  “Only because Marcus was safe. I mean geez...he spends most of his time reading books.”

  “Oh give me a little credit here. Loving someone is the best thing in the world.” When you know how to hold onto it, she thought. “If you love Trey, then you love him.”

  “For real?” Jazlynn asked, disbelieving.

  “Um...yes.”

  Jazlynn nodded, turning her attention back to the TV. She watched the screen silently for a few moments before turning her attention back to Olivia. “So how’re you doing anyway?” she asked, furrowing her brow.

  It surprised Olivia that her self-centered sister even cared. “Surviving...why?”

  “Um...hello. You just went through a huge breakup.”

  “Yes, well, I’m getting over him and moving on with my life.” Olivia busied herself straightening the crease of her sweat pants.

  “It’s been hard seeing you so bummed out.”

  Olivia shrugged. “Well, as you can see, I’m not bummed out anymore.” Since when had their roles reversed? Since when had Jazlynn taken on the role of the concerned sibling?

  Jazlynn sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. “Ummm...like Mom used to say, tell it to a blind horse and he’ll kick your brains out.”

  Olivia laughed. “Yeah, she used to say that didn’t she?”

  “Never mind changing the subject.”

  “I’m not changing the subject. The timing just wasn’t right.”

  “And how so?”

  “My career issues got in the way and he wanted something I couldn’t give him right now.”

  “So he’s dating that Byers woman for real?”

  Olivia looked at her and nodded. “Um-hmm.”

  Jazlynn shook her head, rolling her eyes. “Wow...some friend. Did you confront them?”

  “You could say that, yes.”

  “So what’d you do?”

  “Caught them having dinner together at The Sympatico and went over to their table.”

  Jazlynn pressed her lips together and shook her head in disgust. “I know I would have tore up in there. Lord, Theo must have been some shocked.”

  “Pfft...don’t know that he was shocked. After all, he did take her to a spot we used to frequent together. He was probably hoping I’d run into them.”

  Jazlynn studied Olivia’s face, shaking her head. “Well you’re good, because if that had been me I’d have knocked the teeth out of both their heads.”

  “Oh I felt like it, all right. Then it hit me...why bother? Maybe the two of them are right for each other.”

  Jazlynn looked stunned. “Oh come on, Liv. You can’t seriously mean that.”

  “Yes, I do mean it. It just hit me when I saw them sitting there together.”

  “Hmmm...well whatever floats your boat,” Jazlynn said, looking confused suddenly. “I thought you were devastated about the breakup.”

  “I was devastated. I even thought we’d end up getting back together—until I saw them together.”

  “Well I would think it would turn you off. But I’d think it would hurt even more.”

  Olivia took a small sip of tea and set the cup back down, thinking for a moment. “Hmmm...suppose. But while I was standing there seething at both of them I realized maybe we weren’t meant to be together.”

  “And you’re ok with that?” Jazlynn asked, frowning.

  “Well I can’t have him if it’s not meant to be. Besides, why hold him back wh
en I can’t give him what he wants?”

  “I assumed you’re talking about marriage and children. You can’t not want those things forever. Eventually you’re going to want those things, too.”

  “Probably eventually, but not right now.”

  “Well I want it. Especially when I look at Simone’s cute little tummy.”

  If you only knew the secrets surrounding that little tummy, Olivia thought, looking worriedly at her. “Look Jazlynn, I know you say you’re in love with Trey but please don’t rush into anything. There’ll be lots of time for all that down the road.”

  “I know but why wait?”

  Olivia suddenly gave her a look of warning, their sisterly heart-to-heart long forgotten. “You’d better notdo anything stupid.” She had enough to worry about without Jazlynn going off and doing something stupid like getting knocked-up.

  Jazlynn folded her arms tautly across her chest with a look of disbelief. “See what I’m saying? So much for not lecturing me,” she said, sneering.

  “I’m not lecturing you. I know you’re old enough to make your own decisions. I’m just cautioning you to take your time. There’s no rush. And besides, you can’t go to school with a baby strapped to your side.”

  Jazlynn’s expression changed then. “Oh by the way I won’t be going to school out east like I’d originally thought. Especially since Aunt Vondrelle won’t be living there now.”

  Olivia rolled her eyes. “You know you had no intentions of go out there anyway. Doesn’t mean you can’t go to a school here instead, though.”

  “Or I could just keep doing what I’m doing right now—working my way up to assistant manager.”

  “Why the hell wouldn’t you want to do more with your life? You need your education.”

  “I graduated from high school with honors didn’t I? I would have thought that was more than enough.”

  “Well it isn’t enough. You need your post-secondary education, too.”

  “Says who? We’re not all academic freaks like you.”

  “Did I say we were?”

  “Well you act like everyone should be. That’s why you’re always on me about school.”

  “Look, Mom wanted you to get an education beyond high school,” Olivia said, suddenly growing impatient with Jazlynn’s nonsense. Hadn’t Olivia’s example this past year showed her anything?