Why Don't You STAY

SPARKLING LIGHT'S , SPARKLING TENSION'S

CATHERINE:

Olivia plopped down in the front seat beside her mom, Victoria, while I settled into the backseat, right behind Olivia. As we embarked on the 30-minute drive to Castaway, Olivia's chatter filled the car.

"Hey, Mom, did you try the fudge brownies Catherine brought for you?" Olivia asked, turning to her mom. "She left them on the island for you."

I caught Victoria's gaze in the rearview mirror, and for a brief moment, our eyes locked. Olivia continued, oblivious to the silent exchange.

"Catherine also came looking for you to give them to you personally, but I guess you were busy in your room. Then, she came into my room, looking a bit embarrassed, and her face was really red."

As Olivia recounted the story, Victoria and I kept sneaking glances at each other in the rearview mirror. When Olivia mentioned my embarrassed expression, Victoria broke eye contact, focusing on the road ahead.

"Are you okay, Mom?" Olivia asked, noticing the sudden silence.

"I'm fine, sweetie," Victoria replied, her voice measured.

I jumped into the conversation, attempting to deflect attention. "I wasn't embarrassed, Olivia. I was just really red from all the walking I did to get to your room. It's on the other end of the house, you know."

Olivia chuckled. "My bad. I need my privacy, you know."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I get it."

The conversation flowed easily until my phone buzzed with an incoming text from Ace.

"Hey, Catherine. Is it okay if I sit in the restaurant, but not too close? I want to keep an eye on you, make sure you're safe. Your dad left me in charge, and I don't want to let him down."

I smiled, feeling a mix of amusement and gratitude. Ace was always looking out for me.

"It's fine, but only if you sit far away, where I can't spot you," I texted back.

A few minutes passed before Ace responded. "I'll think about it. When you get there, I'll already be seated. Stay safe, and text me if anything's off, okay?"

I nodded to myself, even though he couldn't see me. "Yesss, sir."

Olivia, who'd been quietly observing our exchange, pretended to cough. "Ahem, someone's boyfriend is texting her."

I laughed, feeling my face heat up. "No, no, it's not like that. Ace is just...looking out for me. He's going to be at the restaurant, sitting far away, just to make sure I'm safe."

Olivia teased, "Oh, her boyfriend doesn't want to leave her."

Victoria chimed in, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "Are you and Ace really dating? You two seem really close."

I hesitated for a moment before responding. "No, Ace and I aren't dating. He works for my dad, and he's like a brother to me. We've known each other for a long time, and Dad trusts him completely, so he appointed Ace as my personal bodyguard."

As I finished explaining, I caught Victoria glancing at me in the rearview mirror again. This time, I sensed a flicker of something else - perhaps curiosity or even a hint of jealousy?

The rest of the car ride was filled with Olivia's chatter and my occasional responses. Victoria remained quiet, but her eyes kept drifting toward me in the rearview mirror, as if she was trying to unravel a mystery.

As we pulled into the restaurant parking lot, Olivia exclaimed, "We're here! Finally, let's get some food."

I smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. Little did I know, the evening was only just beginning, and it would be filled with surprises, laughter, and maybe even a few unexpected revelations.