Ollie Vance - Book One: Secrets and Sparks

Chapter Two

I woke up early the next day with a massive headache.

I blamed it on half the bottle of red wine I nursed myself with after getting home. I had locked my doors and windows, drew close all the curtains, grabbed the liquor I’ve been saving for dinner guests from the cupboard and without a thought to dinner, slipped into my pajamas and drank straight from the bottle until I passed out on my bed.

I am not a drinker at all but it was the only thing I could think of that would knock me out.

I would never advise it on anyone. My head felt like splitting into two. Sure, I couldn’t remember any dream I may have possibly had, which was good, but I didn’t want a hangover for the entire day.

I took an Advil and hopped into the shower and took my time with it.

It was Sunday and we were going to be busy. I needed to get rid of the headache.

Wrapped in a towel, I looked at my reflection on the bathroom mirror as the fog on it started to clear up.

My wet hair was darker than its usual honey-brown color and it draped over my bare shoulder. My eyes were a little puffy and had dark circles under them. With a little make up, I think I could look like I usually do and no one would ask questions why I looked like death warmed over.

I dropped the towel to the floor and stared at my naked body.

I had a pretty light frame, full breasts, a small waist and slightly rounded hips. No one’s ever seen me naked and it fascinated me to remember every vivid detail of Tristan’s body that just seemed larger than life in every way possible.

My cheeks burned at my wicked thoughts. I quickly picked up the towel and tucked it around me.

I dried my hair, patted on some lotion and rummaged in the drawer for little pot of concealer I haven’t used in a while. 

I have always preferred dresses but it was a must for Sundays especially during the warmer months.

Today, it was a rose-colored cotton dress with a cut-out under the chest and thin straps. I wore it with a pair of white, flat sandals.

I put a white cardigan over as it was still chilly this late spring morning. By six thirty, I was making coffee downstairs and toasting a sliced bagel. I normally eat at the bakeshop for breakfast but my stomach was growling. My headache had dulled a bit but I think some greasy hash browns and bacon strips are necessary.

I downed what I could of my coffee before driving out to the bakeshop. I lived on the side of the lake opposite from the Mansion and I would usually drive south across Haystack River which is what opens up to the lake. I pass the public park and the beach and it’s usually about twenty minutes to half an hour at the most to get to the bakeshop.

Patrick looked at me when I came in and winced.

“Bad night?” he asked, pouring me a cup of coffee.

I took the cup gratefully. “Guess the concealer didn’t do it for me then. I’m just tired and I have a headache.”

Patrick was tall, about six feet, and just slightly chubby. He was also quite unconventional and was wearing jeans and a bright pink shirt today which really hurt my eyes.

“Do you want to go home?” he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Mary Anne will be here any minute and Hailey is also coming in today so we’ll have an extra person.”

I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. Just be a sweetheart and make me some bacon and hash browns and I’ll be good to go.”

Patrick flicked the stove on and turned to me, his eyes thoughtful. “Is there anything going on that we should know about?”