Between Us: A Spelivia Love Story

Chapter Two: Squabble at Fox Hills

Olivia Baker

"You think Jordan would like these?" Simone asked Olivia, holding up the newest pair of Nike Air Max shoes. Olivia scrunched her face, taking a few steps toward her friend.

"You do know that you're dating Jordan, right?" Olivia chuckled, causing Simone to roll her eyes. She heaved a big sigh and then placed the shoes back on the shelf.

Simone had flown in from Atlanta earlier in the day, to surprise Jordan for his birthday. Olivia agreed to meet her at Fox Hills Mall to search for potential gifts.

"Simone, you know your presence is enough for Jordan. When he sees you tomorrow night, he's not going to care about gifts" Olivia placed her hand on Simone's shoulder, assuring her.

"You know what? You're right," Simone's mouth curved into a smile, feeling satisfied with Olivia's words. "I won't stress about this, I will come back in the morning. I'mma go ahead and head home, I'm beat" Simone concealed a yawn and stretched her arms above her head.

"As expected, you've been at the airport for most of the day. You go and get some rest, I will be here for another hour" Olivia said, pulling Simone in for a hug.

"Thank you, Liv. I'll let you know when I get home" Simone briefly clinched her arms around her friend and then left.

After Simone left, Olivia spent some time wandering around the shoe store. She softly hummed to the music as she searched for a pair of heels that would compliment the dress she planned to wear for Jordan's birthday party.

"These are perfect!" Olivia beamed at the black stilettos in front of her. The stilettos were the right size for her, so she grabbed them from the shelf.

"Olivia?" a familiar voice caught her off guard.

"Oh uh, hey! What are you doing here?" Olivia asked, raising her eyebrows at the young man in front of her. She didn't think she would see him again after their first encounter.

"Choppin' it up wit the homies." he answered, pointing in the direction of his friends. "I see you out here doin' yo thing" the young man glanced at the heels in Olivia's hands and back at her.

"Oh, these? Well, I needed a pair of heels to wear for tomorrow's party" Olivia explained, fiddling with the heels to ease her nerves.

"Party? What's the occasion?" He asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"That's not for you to know" Olivia said, glancing at the Cuban link on his neck.

"Aight, that's fair" He cracked a small smile and held his hands up in defense.

The sound of music filled their ears as silence fell into the atmosphere.

"I'm finna hit up Mrs. Fields, you comin?" He asked, breaking the silence between them.

"What is that?" Olivia asked curiously.

"You almost had me fooled for a minute, not gonna lie!" the young man chuckled, placing his hand on his chest. To his surprise, Olivia did not smile. "You serious?" He raised an eyebrow and Olivia nodded her head.

***

"You were right, these are the best cookies in LA!" Olivia said, nearly moaning as the cookie melted in her mouth.

The pair had just left Mrs. Fields Bakery and wandered around the mall.

"On hood, them cookies are the truth!" the young man said, tossing his napkin in the trash.

"I now have a reason to come back to this mall" Olivia softly nudged his right arm.

"Hell yeah! Moms and I would come through every other week for them things" He smiled, staring into space. He snapped out of his thoughts as Olivia tossed her napkin in the trash.