Only if you know (Book 1)

Chapter 15

Olivia was walking down the road, lost in her thoughts, when a car pulled up beside her, making her shriek and stumble back. She turned sharply, and she saw Caleb in the driver’s seat, looking at her with an expression she had never seen from him before. 

      Soft. Careful.

      “Olivia, get in the car,” he said gently, though it still sounded like an order.

      “No, thank you. I am fine walking.” Her tone was clipped as she turned away.

      “Stop being stubborn and get in,” he insisted. “We’re going to the same place, so it's pointless to go separately.”

      She stopped, stared at him, and shook her head. “Caleb… what you’re trying to do is unnecessary. And I’m not going to your house.”

      He blinked, confused. “Wait—what do you mean? Where are you going?

      “For work,” she said simply.

      That one word froze him. She actually took his words seriously.

      “I will drop you off,” he said immediately.

      She stiffened. “I’m not going to get drugs, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

      “I didn't mean it like that,” Caleb said quickly, running a hand through his hair. “Come on, Livy. Get in the car. I’m just dropping you off. No hidden agenda.”

      “This is the first time you have called me Livy…” she murmured, barely audible.

      She quietly slid into the passenger seat and froze again. Mason was sitting in the front seat, and Sia in the back. Both staring at her with soft, hopeful eyes. Before she could react, Sia leaned forward and hugged her tightly. “We forgive you, best friend.”

      Olivia blinked, stunned. “I never apologized.” She had not expected them to forgive her so quickly.

      “No,” Sia said with a small smile, pulling back, “but we know you. You still care about us.”

      “Sia is right. We were just upset that you didn't reply to us. But we also know that you love us and still consider us as your best friends. So, Ms. Olivia Brown, you are stuck with us for the rest of your life.” 

      Something in Olivia’s chest loosened, something she didn’t know she’d been holding so tightly. A small, genuine smile lifted her lips.

      Caleb glanced in the rearview mirror, watching her carefully. “So… where am I dropping you?”

      “Grace's library,” 

      “You working there?” He asked, surprised.

      Olivia nodded. “Mom used to take us there when I was little. I grew up in that place. Grace let me take a part-time job when I visited her… the day your parents went out of town. The pay’s decent, and it gives me something to do.”

      Caleb’s brows knit together.

      Us?

      She’d said us. But he thought she was an only child. So why did she use us? Possibly her mother used to take Olivia, Mason, and Sia there. His confusion deepened, and then it clicked.

      'That was the day he lashed at her and forced her to leave his house.' Caleb sighed, feeling guilty. He had messed up badly. 

      When they reached the library, Olivia opened the door before he could say anything else.

      “From tomorrow,” she said softly, “you don’t need to pick me up or drop me anywhere. I got my old truck repaired.” She hesitated, then added, “Thank you for the ride.”

      And just like that, she closed the door and walked away.

      Caleb watched her retreating figure, a sinking feeling pooling in his chest.

      For once, he didn’t know what hurt more. Her refusal to his help or that he knew he deserved it?