Begin Again (A Starting Over Romance)

2. Olivia -20

I'm almost done with my shift at the diner when one of our regular customers Dan, comes in. He is a handsome guy, probably a few years older than me. He always tips well so I decide I will go ahead and wait on him before I leave for the day.

"Well there is my favorite waitress." He says as I walk up to his table. "Aren't you glad I haven't clocked out yet?" I tell him and he smiles. The door opens and dings to let us know that someone is walking in. I look up and it's Logan and his uncle and some young girl that I've never seen before. I wave at them and give them a little smile before turning my attention back to my customer.

"So you are almost done with your shift then?" He ask and I nod "I am, ready to go soak these bad boys" I point to my feet and laugh. He laughs too and asks"Can I take you out, if you are almost done here?"

I open my mouth to politely decline but I can feel someone up against my back. I can smell his cologne so I know it's Logan before I even turn. He puts his hands on my hips and says "No, you can't take her out." Dan looks between the two of us and holds up his hands " Sorry bro, I didn't know she was taken."

"It's fine Dan. Logan, I'm working." I say as I move away from his hands. His jaw ticks. "Your shift ended ten minutes ago, or were you too busy flirting with Dan here to notice?" He spits out

"Logan, can we talk about this at home?" I ask him quietly.

He smirks at me but it's dark. " Yeah, we will do that. See you in a bit..babe." he says and he turns and walks out. His uncle and the girl follow him.

I turn to Dan. "I'm so sorry about that Dan." I apologize and he looks really concerned. " Dont apologize for him Olivia." He says and pauses like he isn't sure what he wants to say next. " Look, it's not really any of my business but I've noticed bruises covered by make up before and finger print bruises on your arms. Is he the one putting them there?" He asks and I shake my head. "No, you must be imagining things. I'm gonna go get Karen to take care of you today and I'm going to go ahead and go home." I tell him and move away fast before he can call me out on my bullshit.

I dread going home. I know what's going to happen. He will hit me and throw me around like a rag doll and then tell me its my fault that he has to hit me. Then later he will apologize and tell me that he won't do it again. And he won't, for about two days until I forget to wash a dish, or I forget to buy milk on my way home. Any little thing sets him off.

I walk into the apartment and he is standing at the back sliding doors looking out. I sit my stuff down and take off my shoes. I walk to the kitchen and walk over to him. Maybe if I go to him first, he won't be as mad. I put my arms around him from behind, he tenses up but doesn't move. "Logan" I say and he turns around and walks me back until my body hits the counter. His hands go on either side of me, resting on the counter, boxing me in. He looks me in the eye and the look he gives me is murderous. "You embarrassed me in front of my uncle tonight." He growls and I say "I didn't mean to embarrass you, Logan. I was working and you.." he cuts me off but putting his hand on my throat. He applies enough pressure that it's uncomfortable and scares me. "You didn't mean to embarrass me? You were flirting with that guy in front of me. What did you think I was going to do Olivia?" He spits out and squeezes harder. There will definitely be a hand print on my neck tomorrow.

"Logan, I was at work. I was just taking Dan's order, it was nothing more than that. You are the only man in my life." I say as a whisper. I grab his hand and try to pull it away. "Logan, you're hurting me, I can't breathe." I tell him and he smirks at me, then let's go. My hand goes to my neck and I look into his eyes. What happened to the man I fell in love with? Where did this version of him come from? "You won't be going back to that job. You will stay here and clean and cook for me every damn night. Not in your baggy clothes and messy hair either, you will be put together, make up and all. Every fucking day. You need to prove to me how much you appreciate everything I do for you." He says and then continues "Start by showing me now."