HIS

Chapter 33

Olivia's POV

I slept in this morning—it's the weekend, and I really needed the rest. I woke up around 10:00, grabbed some breakfast, and then got started on the salads I promised to prepare for the barbecue we're having later today at Taylor's place.

I whipped up some garlic potatoes and a three-bean salad—quick, easy, and perfect alongside the sausage, chicken, and steak the guys will be grilling. Everyone else is bringing a mix of dishes, snacks, and drinks. And with this crew, you can bet the alcohol won't be far behind.

A sudden pain gripped my chest, and a heavy weight settled over my soul as my thoughts drifted back to that night—when I saw Domenico with her. Not a single day has passed without the memory of his betrayal haunting me. Some days, I find myself wondering: Is he happier now that I'm no longer in his life? Does he regret being unfaithful? Does he feel remorse for leading me on?

These questions swirl endlessly in my mind, consuming me. And then, there's the anger—raw and fierce. I feel used, and I'm furious with myself for letting him treat me that way. It's as if I'm reliving the seven stages of grief every single day, and the pain is relentless.

I released the weight before it could overwhelm me. I refuse to let Domenico's choices steal my joy or limit the future I'm capable of creating.

The weather was starting to turn colder, which is why we all agreed to hang out at Taylor's place. His home was cozy, and the covered porch with a built-in barbeque made it perfect in case it rained. Once I finished prepping the salads, I decided to take a long bath—I knew it was going to be a marathon of a day. These people and their endless drinking and partying. I've never quite understood their need to gather every single weekend. Maybe it's because, for most of them, this group is the only family they've got.

They all came from fractured homes or grew up in orphanages. It's strange how life brought us together—each of us a little broken, trying to make sense of the world in our own way.

I left my apartment at 1 PM and headed to Taylor's place, which was just a street away. As I arrived, I spotted Kelly and Russel already lounging on the front porch, sipping on their usual alcoholic drinks.

I greeted them with a cheerful smile, "Hey, you two!"

Kelly smiled at me and asked, "Hey girl, how's your head feeling?"

"I was a bit parched when I woke up, but other than that I'm feeling fine," I say. The others greet me with warm hugs as I set the neatly packed salads—tucked into a cotton bag—down on the table.

"Where are the others?" I asked, glancing at Taylor as I took the nearest open seat.

"They should be here any minute. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Tequila with some juice, please," I say with a grin. He just shook his head, already bracing himself for the kind of day it was shaping up to be. If they were planning to party, I figured I might as well lean into it—no point in letting the past keep weighing me down.

The rest of the group showed up about twenty minutes later, bringing more food and drinks along with them. Conversation started flowing easily while Dustin manned the grill. We laughed, raised our glasses, and honestly, the day turned out far better than I expected. At one point, I found myself just sitting back, watching them all, taking in how lucky I was to have met everyone through Dustin. They're just trying to find happiness after difficult pasts—just like me.

"Looks like you're actually enjoying yourself for once," Kyle said as he settled into the seat beside me.

"I always have a good time, Kyle. I just don't feel like going all out with the partying every single weekend," I replied honestly, turning to face him.