Only if you know (Book 1)

Chapter 16

Olivia's week passed more quietly than she expected. Caleb had softened, becoming more approachable. Sia and Mason had slipped back into her life as though they’d never been gone. Drake was also relieved that Olivia's life was finally getting back on track.

      One morning, as they all sat at breakfast with the Knights, Caleb cleared his throat. “Olivia… can I ask you a favor?”

      She looked up cautiously. Caleb didn’t ask her for things. “Um… sure?”

      “Can I tag along with you today? My car’s gone in for servicing.”

      She blinked, startled. Of all the things she’d expected that morning, this wasn’t it. Caleb asking for her help.

      “Yeah,” she said softly. “No problem.”

A few minutes later, they were in her truck, headed toward school.

      “You’re not a bad driver,” Caleb said.

      Olivia smiled faintly. “Thank you.”

      He hesitated for a moment before continuing. “So… if you don’t mind, can I ask you something?”

      “Yes?”

      “Is something going on between you and Prof. Drake? And it’s okay if you don’t want to tell me. I mean—even if something is going on, I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

      Olivia burst out laughing. Actual, genuine laughter. It’s absurd to even think that she and Drake could ever be a couple.

      “Nothing is going on between us,” she assured him. “But I am not sure why you wouldn’t want to know if I have a relationship with Drake. Didn’t you want me out of your life?”

      “That’s something I’d never do,” Caleb said quickly, surprising even himself. “Yes, we may have started on the wrong foot, but… I’m okay with having you around. And I’m sorry, Olivia. I misjudged you.”

      “Apology accepted.” She gave him a friendly smile.

      “But that doesn’t mean we are best friends,” he added quickly, trying to put emotional distance back in place. 

      He simply wants to discover her truth, but he doesn't want to give her hope that she could ever have any form of relationship with him. Even if it’s just a friendly relationship, he still doesn’t fully trust her.

      “I wouldn’t dream of it,” she deadpanned, rolling her eyes.

      Before Caleb could say anything, Olivia’s phone began to ring.

      Caleb frowned. “Don’t answer while driving. Stop the car or put it on loudspeaker.”

      She rolled her eyes again but tapped the loudspeaker. If she had stopped the car, they would be late for school, so keeping it on the loudspeaker seemed like a better option. 

      “Where are you, Livy?” Drake’s tense voice filled the truck.

      “Driving to school.”

      “Look, I think something’s wrong with Jiggy. He’s acting strange and—Livy, I swear something’s off—”

      “Drake,” Olivia interrupted quickly, “Caleb is with me. You’re on speaker.” She said it fast because she didn’t want Drake to accidentally out himself.

      But Drake only snapped, “Olivia, I don’t give a damn. My relationship with Jiggy is at stake here, and you want me to worry about my identity? And besides, I trust that boy. Caleb, please don’t say anything.”