Bloom [Completed]

Chapter Twenty

Oliver just looks at me expectantly waiting for me to go on.

I let out a long sigh. I guess this is one way to get to know someone. Definitely not the cookie cutter first date conversation material.

"So when I was about, 16" I start looking at my hands nervously. "I went to a party with some friends and I ended up getting in a car with my friend and her boyfriend who was driving." I pause and look up at him from under my lashes.

Why is this story still so hard to tell.
He seems to sense my hesitation on the subject and gives me an encouraging nod.

"We were just sitting in the driveway talking at first... but then they started talking about wanting to get more drinks and so he started driving. I knew he was drunk and it freaked me out so I started yelling at him to stop. I was so scared he wouldn't listen. He finally stopped the car and I got out and called my dad. But," I sighed.
"But the next day a police officer was at my door. He wanted information about a fatal crash that had happened. People had seen me get into the car with them. He wanted to know I was alive and okay. Because my friend... she, they ended up wrapping themselves around a power pole. And she didn't make it."

"Oh Billie," Oliver said placing his hand on top of my nervous ones. "You did the right thing."

"I know, I know. I just lost my best friend, you know." I look up at him now feeling more sure of myself. Maybe that story might bring Oliver some comfort. Maybe not. But at least he knows I can sympathise. That he can talk to me about what he's going through.

"I just don't want you to feel like your alone in this." I say to him seriously.

He gives me a tight lipped smile and looks back down at his mum.

"She can still make it." I say filling my voice with as much hope as possible.

"Thanks," Oliver sighs "And thanks for telling me that. I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say."

"You don't have to say anything. It was a long time ago. But it's not something I share with everyone. So you should feel special." I give him a small smile.

Come to think of it I don't even think I've told Mags that story.

He tries his best to return the smile and sits back down to continue eating.

"Okay, now that I know you've got food, and a book, I'm going to head out." I say sadly. I wish I didn't have to leave.

Oliver looks at me exhausted but relieved looking.

"Thank you, again. For everything." He stands and gives me a brief hug.

"Text me," I say. As I'm leaving the room I blow him a kiss and he mimes catching it and places it to his lips. My breathing hitched a little in my throat at such a sweet gesture.

I blush as I walk past the nurses station. Once I'm in the elevator alone I let out a shaky breath and look to the heavens. God I hope things get better from here.

The next morning at work I can hardly pay attention. All day my thoughts have been of Oliver. I haven't heard anything new yet and it's starting to worry me.

Just before lunch I get a call on my phone. I don't recognise the number.

"Hello this is Billie," I answer.

"Miss Dalton," a female voice says. "This is Simone, Mr Daley's assistant. Mr Daley wanted me to get into contact with you regarding a shareholders meeting."

"A what?" I'm so confused.

"As you are aware, he is out of the office until further notice. He has a meeting on the west side of town. He wanted me to see if you could attend on his behalf?" She asks sounding hopeful.