Trading Heartbeats

Chapter 15:

Olivia sat at her desk, unable to focus. It had been a long weekend and she wasn't sure how long she would be plagued with thoughts of Dean. It seemed outrageous that she would feel so strongly about someone she had only met three days ago. She stared blankly at the computer screen in front of her. She knew little to nothing about the man, which further made her want to learn everything about him. She willed the thoughts away, reminding herself that she would never see him again. She began entering in grades as there was a beep from her phone, signaling a new message. She grabbed her phone out of her drawer and deflated, only slightly, when she saw it was Alexis' name on the screen.
       
    Alexis: Hey, wanna get drinks after work?

She thought to herself for a moment. She could definitely use some girl time after her weekend with Dean. Maybe they could help her make sense of what she was feeling. Or...maybe they would think she's crazy. Biting her lip with a sigh, she responded.

    Liv: One drink. Is it just us?
    Alexis: Us and Jamie. We need some girl time.
    Liv: Okay, sounds good. I'll meet you guys at Mac's at 6:00?
    Alexis: See you then ;)

She rolled her eyes as she put her phone back into her desk drawer and turned her attention back to her computer screen. Her kids started filing in from recess with excited giggles and squeals. She hurried them to get to their seats and quiet down so she could start the movie she decided to play for them while they worked on an assignment. The kids settled down as she started the movie and returned to her desk. She looked up at the clock and sighed. Normally she loved her job and her kids but today she couldn't wait to leave. The rest of the day seemed to go by in a haze, which she was grateful for.

After what seemed like the longest day of work she could remember, the dismissal bell finally rang. She hugged and high-fived her kids as they exited the classroom. After they were all gone she slumped back to her desk and plopped down in her chair. She sighed softly leaning back and spinning herself around slowly. She shut her eyes tightly in an attempt to turn her mind off, even briefly. Glancing at her watch, she thought about texting Alexis back and bailing on meeting up with them, but she knew Alexis wouldn't let her. Admitting defeat to herself, she got up and started packing up her bag. There was a soft knock at her door as she was stuffing her laptop in her bag. She spun around to see Brian, her ex, leaning against the door frame. He happened to be the boy's Soccer coach/gym teacher at the conveniently connected high school.

"Hey, Liv." He smiled weekly at her. Her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Hi," She said shortly before turning her attention back to her bag searching for her keys. He cleared his throat. She looked back up at him sighing loudly, her irritation growing. "Did you need something?"

"No, no. I just wanted to see how you were doing," He said taking a step further into the classroom.

"I'm great," she said quickly with a flat face.

"Oh, uh, Max told me you were...uh...seeing someone," He said putting his hands in the pockets of his gym pants.

"Seriously?" She asked, arching an eyebrow. She could feel the heat rise to her face in anger. "Do you really think that's any of your business?" Her eyes narrowed challenging him. She slung her bag over her shoulder hoping he would take the hint.

"No, you're right. I'm sorry." He sighed "I just...miss you, ya know." she scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"No, I don't." She crossed her arms over her chest., "I'm not sure what you're wanting from me,  Brian."

"Nothing, I just wanted to see you." He shrugged.

"Yeah well, you should have thought of that before fucking someone else." She said calmly.