This Kiss

Chapter 41

After ice cream with Emma, Olivia dropped her at her friends for a play date and went to Company for coffee. Walking in, Buzz was standing by a huge box. "What is in there? A Ferrari?"

"Even better. An Oven. Courtesy of some anonymous benefactor Wouldn't be you would it?" Buzz asked dumbfounded.

"Oh, you know I love you, but this stove oven thing is not my specialty it's more Natalia's."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Fine. Why?"

"You look incredibly happy."

"Oh my gosh, call a doctor." She countered laughing.

Doris had walked in behind her and smiled. "People are beginning to see that twinkle in your eye. You're gonna have to think of an explanation."

"No, I'm not because Natalia and I, we are going to the Bauer barbecue together."

"Together. Together, together?"

"Uh-huh."

"Wow."

'Yup. She and I are gonna get on with spending our lives together and being happy." The two moved to the bar to have a drink. After a moment of comfortable silence, Olivia started to giggle. "I was just picturing the look on people's faces when we show up at the barbecue together, I mean I know Reva is gonna have a crack or two."

"And Alan."

"Well, you know, um, Phillip understands, he'll have our back."

"I wonder what Ashley's gonna say when she hears."

"Well, you know maybe she'll be the first one to congratulate us."

"Maybe."

"I am a little nervous thinking about it though."

"Well, that's the point."

"No. I want people to see how normal we are. How we're just like other couples, except, unlike half of them, we actually like being together."

Doris let out a burst of laughter. "You are absolutely giddy. I think I need another drink."

"You can have what I have you know."

"Yeah, sure I can, and I can also wear a size two."

"Natalia and I weren't looking for this, it just happened, and now I can't imagine my life without her. When we're together, it's like things are the way they're supposed to be. And I never felt this way with anyone else Doris. I'm gonna marry that woman."

"I know you are. Hence the proposal a few months ago. I'm glad you're happy Olivia. It gives me hope."

Olivia gently squeezed her hand. "It'll happen for you Doris."

Natalia had decided to go to the doctor alone that afternoon while Olivia was out with Emma instead of waiting for tomorrow. Her illness was beginning to worry her, but she just didn't want Olivia to stress out, so she chose to go alone. As Olivia had suspected, Dr. Rick confirmed that it was most likely due to stress and sleep deprivation. Under strict orders to lower her stress levels and get proper sleep, Dr. Rick released her. She sat on a bench in the waiting room for a few moments, trying to think of why she was so stressed that she was physically ill. As she thought only one thing came to mind, Rafe. Just as she was leaving her phone rang, looking at the display, she saw it was Olivia. "Olivia?"

"Hi, what's up?"

"I went to Cedars. I wanted to figure this out before tomorrow."

"Oh? Baby I thought I was gonna go with you."