Oliver Loves Carson | ✔️

chapter sixteen

Oliver itched to slam the door, like a want pulling at his skin, but he couldn't do it in front of Ellie. He flashed the little girl a smile, opening the door a little wider. She happily skipped in, but when the man took a step, Oliver quickly jerked the door shut, narrowing the gap.

The man held out his hand in order to stop the door from closing completely. "Really, Dominic? Come on, let me in."

"I'm good," Oliver answered, sneering.

The man's mood soured, his expression turning unimpressed. "Ellie's not this much of a brat, and she's six."

Oliver looked over his shoulder at Eleanor, who grinned toothily. A little smile of his own crossed his face.

"Oh look! Emotion!" The man said, "A rare sight from Dominic Oliver Laurent indeed."

"Shut up, Kale," Oliver retorted, biting his tongue so he wouldn't swear in front of the child.

Kale opened his mouth, but then snapped it closed when his eyes drifted to Carson. Carson himself was watching the interaction intently, albeit the crease in his forehead revealed that he was confused. "You have friends?" Kale asked.

Oliver pressed his lips together into a thin line. "Yeah, I do. Why don't you go hang out with some of your friends now--if you have any, that is," Oliver said, once again trying to close the door but was stopped by Kale's hand.

Kale's smirk disappeared. His voice lowered to a murmur. "Either I come in or Ellie comes out. Let's not drag this out any longer than it has to be."

Oliver swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. Hesitantly, he opened the door a little wider and Kale pushed his way in. Oliver turned around, avoiding Carson's inquisitive gaze, and landing on the little girl who was on her tippy toes trying to reach a jar of cookies.

"Ellie!" Oliver chastised. His voice was softer. "Could you be careful? If that falls on you, I could be sued, and I'm way too broke for that."

Ellie landed back on the soles of her feet and looked up at Oliver, blinking, puzzled. "What?" Her wide gaze was childlike and unwavering.

The edge of Oliver's mouth tilted up. "Nevermind." The smile still remained on his lips when he continued. "You know, you still haven't given me a hug. But, I mean that's okay. If you don't care about me anymore I understa-" He cut off when Ellie ran and launched herself into Oliver's arms, causing him to let out a grunt of surprise.

"Sorry Dommy, I forgot! I still love you though," she murmured into Oliver's shirt.

Oliver wound his arms around her and pulled her to him tightly. He closed his eyes and let out a breath. "It's okay. You know, it's been awhile since I've seen you. Where have you been, kiddo?"

"She's been with me," Kale interrupted. "And I'm sorry to interrupt your reunion with my little sister, but we need to talk. Is Marissa home?" He looked around the house hastily.

Oliver scowled at the reminder. Eleanor wasn't actually his sister, but it felt like she was. She was a better sibling then the ones he had, anyway. He hesitantly let go of Ellie and stood up, wrinkling his nose. "What do you want with my mom?"

Kale opened his mouth to answer but stopped when his eyes landed on Carson. "Can we take this somewhere private?"

Carson, looking more curious and confused than ever, tentatively spoke up. "Yeah sure--you know what? I can go."

"No!" Oliver shouted, before flushing and lowering his voice back to normal. "Stay. Whatever Kale wants to say, he can say it in front of you."

Oliver had just gotten Carson, and he wasn't about to let him go so easily.