Better Off Alright

Never Again

As the afternoon comes to an end, I realize that I've completely lost track of time. It's so easy to just listen to Jack and Macey talk, both of them entirely enthused about the vision for Creal Arts. They are completely passionate about the work they have started in New York City and I could listen to them go on for ages about the various different components that make up this industry of art they have started, but alas, I told Liam I would meet him for a date.

I hurry through the process of getting ready: pulling on a cropped spaghetti strapped tank top and a periwinkle blue skirt that's high-waisted and has lines of detailing. I slip on a pair of gold strappy sandals before putting some sea-salt spray in my hair and then adding some neutral toned makeup. The overall look is simple, elegant but gives the air of summer bliss. 

I grab one of my small purses, an off white one that has a long chain strap. Suddenly a sharp beep of a car horn comes from outside and I recognize it to be Levi's car. I hurry out the door, giving a small shout of goodbye to my mom who's in the kitchen. Levi sits in the car, his thumbs drumming impatiently against the steering wheel.

"Hi, babe." I slide into the passenger seat and as I shut the door he begins to drive

He ignores the pleasantry. "You were almost late, Olive."

I feel guilt rush through me. "I'm so sorry - I got distracted at Macey's. Remember, her boyfriend and her are visiting."

"I remember." The words are said in a staccato manor - short and sharp.

The car falls silent and suddenly I'm wishing I could have spent the night with Macey and Jack. I chastise myself - after all, I am with Levi. I can change this night - I can make up for my mistake. 

"How was your day, babe?" I reach over and take hold of his hand. I see his brow ease from being creased and he becomes less tense. 

"It was okay. We're nearly finished with the house over on Madison and then we have some work at the elementary school for next week." 

Levi works for a painting company in town. He never went to college because, like me, it wasn't really for him. He graduated from high school three years ago, but it wasn't the same school that I went to with my friends. We didn't cross paths until one day, I met him in the bakery when he was buying cupcakes for his niece's seventh birthday. He flirted relentlessly with me and two days later, he came back but instead of wanting cupcakes, he asked for my number. Ever since, we've been together.

We arrive at the restaurant, a small local one called Jenna's. It isn't too fancy, but the food is to die for. Only the old-time locals know about it which makes the appeal even better. I climb out of the car and Levi takes my hand in his as we head for inside. We're seating relatively quickly and our waiter comes to get our drink orders.

I'm surprised to see someone from my graduating class as our waiter. His name is Wesley and he was friends with Clive but we weren't close in high school. That doesn't stop him from immediately greeting me like we're old friends. "Olive! How are you?"

I smile and answer hesitantly. "I'm good, Wesley. How are you? I didn't know you worked at Jenna's."

"Yeah, she's actually my cousin so she told me I could work here while I commute for school. How about you? Are you going to school?" 

I shake my head. "No, just helping out at the bakery."

He tilts his head. "Maybe I'll have to come by sometime to make sure they're treating you alright."

I blush, sorely aware of the glare Levi wears across his features. "Sure... How about we order, hm?"

Wesley laughs. "Oh, sorry!"

We order and he tells us he'll be back with our drinks soon. Once he's left Levi fixes his stare on me. "What was that about, Olive?"

I shrug. "I'm sorry. I barely knew him in high school." I chuckle before saying, "I don't know where his sudden friendliness came from."

Levi grunts, not finding the humor. "Then you shouldn't be flirting with him, Olive."

I stop smiling and look at him, perplexed. "Flirting? Levi, I was only being nice."

Levi huffs out a breath and crosses his arms. "Olive, you were practically batting your eyelashes at him and offering him yourself on a silver platter."

I feel shame at his words. Was I really acting that way? Was I oblivious to my own flirting? I frown and shake my head, reaching across the table and taking his hand as he uncrosses his arms. "I'm sorry, babe. It won't happen again."

Levi looks at me evenly. "It better not."

The rest of the evening is filled with me avoiding Wesley's eye contact and trying to make things up to Levi. I start praying that the night will end as soon as possible, but it drags on with Levi acting hostile towards Wesley at every opportunity. When the time does eventually come to leave, Levi gets up without tipping Wesley.

"Levi, you can't be rude. You have to tip him." I whisper, hoping to not make Levi any more upset than he's already been. 

Levi's jaw clenches, but he pulls his wallet out and throws a five down on the table. "His service was terrible." 

I let out a timid sigh and turn to leave. I wait in the car, angry at myself and angry at Levi. This night was terrible - absolutely terrible. Levi came out to the car and drove me home in silence. Any romantic mood had long since been killed  and as he pulled up to the curb, I wondered if he would even say another word to me before I left.

I opened my door and was about to leave when Levi latched onto my wrist and pulled me back. I was jarred by the sudden contact and I fell back into the seat, my eyes wide as he looked into my eyes, his face inches from my own. "Don't flirt with anyone again, Olive. I mean it. You're my girlfriend. Do you understand?"

I felt the sudden urge to cry. Was I really that bad of a girlfriend? I bit down on my lip and clenched my teeth before nodding yes. Levi pressed a kiss against my lips and in a daze I kissed back. The car was suddenly too hot for me and as soon as he let go of my wrist I mumbled a goodbye and got out of the car. I walked to my house in a quick, still-dazed state. 

What had just happened? The cool air snaked around my skin and I felt as if I could finally breathe. Never again did I want a repeat of this night. I couldn't risk losing Levi. He was all I had once Macey left again. I needed this. I needed him.

***

On the side is a pic of Liam Hemsworth as Levi.

Sorry for the long wait - I hope you enjoyed this. I hope to continue updating, but I'm not sure how often the updates will be.

Love always, Samantha XO