The Other Side: Growing Pains

35. I love You More

Olivia's POV

"Jayda is certified loco," I laugh as I watch Darnell and his wife fuss about her smacking around that thirsty Peloton girl.

Spencer chuckles and I can tell he's thinking about something.

"You want to get out of here?"

I look at him curiously as he holds his hand out for me to grab.

"What about them?" I ask after looking over at our security who is currently trying to calm Jayda down.

I smirk after Spencer childishly places his pointer finger over my lips. "Give me your hand. Just trust me."

I take off my heals before grabbing his hand and allowing him to lead the way as we playfully duck between cars. Until we're in the clear to sprint down a dark LA street.

We're grown. married, and wealthy, so sneaking around a paparazzi-filled city gives me a rush I haven't felt in a while.

"C'mon," I say in between laughter as I find an alley way for us to catch our breath.

We stop and share a genuine laugh of adrenaline in between deep breaths, before realizing we're about four blocks away from the gala.

"Babe," Spencer says in between heavy breathing. "You should've been a track star."

I laugh loudly before patting his behind twice, as if I'm a teammate on the field. "That's because you're in retirement shape, baby."

"Are you calling me fat?"

"I didn't say that," I joke as we walk and he laughs before wrapping his right arm around my shoulder. "Where are you taking me?"

"It's a secret," he mumbles as he guides me down the street.

I follow as we walk about three more blocks before he points across the street to an old, raggedy sign.

"The Spo?" I read and he giggles as he holds my hand across the street.

"It's supposed to say 'The Spot', but the light is out on the 't'."

"What is this place?" I ask curiously.

"It's a poetry spot. Believe or not, my mom and dad used to come here when they were younger. Or at least that's what my mom told me." He whispers as we walk inside to see a full audience.

We sit in the back and I'm in awe of the beautiful words told by these amazing artist.

"This is actually my first poetry club visit," I whisper during an intermission.

"Fifteen plus years and we're still experiencing each other's first," he says and I smile before kissing him.

"Spencer James," an older man with a shiny grey beard and brown suspenders says excitedly before I watch my husband stand to hug him.

"Mr. Kirkland, it's great seeing you here."

"I haven't seen you since you were knee-high to a tadpole," the man says before a hearty laugh.

"Liv, this is my old neighbor. I used to throw the ball in his garden and ruin his tomatoes all of the time."

"Yeah, and I'd always make him work it off in the summer time," the man counters and they both laugh.

I smile seeing Spencer's happiness as they remember the good ol' days.

"Your mom and dad used to come here with me and my wife back in the day," he tells him.

"Pretty much full circle seeing you here with your wife," he tells Spencer. "But I bet you can't wow the crowd in here like you do on that field. Not like your Pops used too."