Chapter 13
Oliver's POV
As I turned the corner from Starling Industries building, I suddenly remembered that I had left my coat with Rachael and I fished around my trousers pockets to pull out my mobile phone. I pulled up a new text message and addressed it to Rachael.
You know it is actually quite cold out today. A nice warm jacket would be lovely. Oliver.
I walked for a few more minutes to stall for time and kept a tight hold of my phone as I waited for it to go off. The phone vibrated in my hand and I saw Rachael's name flash on my phone's screen when I pulled it out of my pocket.
Shit! I am so sorry. Do you want me to bring your jacket around to Verdant? Or I could drop it off the next time I see Thea. Rachael xx
I reread the text and focused on the kisses at the end of the message.
Or you could just give it to me when we go out again. But it's your choice. Oliver
I left the text open to whatever Rachael wanted to do and walked for another five minutes before I stood at the entrance to Verdant. With no reply from Rachael, I walked into the club and down to the Arrowcave to look for Diggle.
"I thought you would have been longer than that."
Diggle stated from behind me and he was cleaning some of the knives I owned. I turned to face him and I placed my phone on the desk still with no answer from Rachael.
"Well I would have been but I had to come here and do some work before tonight and I'm sure Rachael would want to get back to work before she missed the whole day."
I grabbed my bow, a few arrows and a couple of tennis balls.
"Can you help me with this?"
Diggle stood up and walked towards me as I chucked him the tennis balls. He asked where I wanted him and I told him what to do.
"Well what did you do on your date then? Did you take any of Thea's advice and try your luck with Rachael?"
Diggle asked with a smirk on his face.
"Very funny. We just went to lunch and talked. I told her a little bit about the island and I think that might have scared her little bit but I felt like I could trust her."
The last part of what he said hit me.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to try and piss of a man holding a lethal weapon? And of course I didn't listen to Thea because she's eighteen and I just want to be friends with Rachael. Anyway, when I say go, run and throw the balls up in the air with each successive one higher than the last. Got it?"
Diggle nodded at me and stood ready to run. I notched the first arrow and yelled "Now". Diggle ran as fast as he could and threw all the tennis balls in the air like I instructed. I hit the first and second ball no problem but as I went to hit the third and final tennis ball I heard my phone vibrate on the desk and took the shoot too low and too far to the right and barely missed Diggle where he stood watching my display.
"What the hell Oliver? What I said about Rachael was a joke, so there was no need for that."
Diggle shouted from where he stood and yanked the arrow from the wall. He looked up and noticed me looking at the desk. He ran full speed towards the desk and picked up my phone. My phone screen lit up and he must have seen Rachael's name because he smirked.
"Friend my ass, Oliver. I haven't seen you miss a shot since I've been helping you with this mission and this one girl was enough to make you miss. Admit that you want to be more than friends with this girl."
Diggle stood with one hand on the desk and the other holding my phone that still showed Rachael's name on the screen.
"Admit it or I'll be keeping this to ensure you are focused on the task at hand."
I let out a breath I didn't realise I had been holding and I stared at the bright phone screen.
"Alright I have a crush on Rachael and I have since we were teenagers. I really like her and I don't want to ruin this shot like I have in the past. Now can I please have my phone back so I can answer her text?"
I caught the phone as he tossed it to me and dropped the bow to the mat on the floor.
Was that your plan all along Oliver? Leave me your coat and I'd have choice but to see you again? Rachael xx
Of course not but it does happen to be a great excuse. What about tomorrow night for dinner? Oliver
I glanced back up at Diggle when he laughed at me. I flipped him off but he ignored me and inputted more information into the computer with more information about tonight's task.
You're on. Do you want me to make the plans? Rachael xx
Nope I'll be happy to make the plans. I'll text you about them tomorrow. Oliver
I took over the computer from Diggle and looked up good restaurants in Starling City where I could take Rachael to dinner when my phone buzzed again.
Great. I won't forget your jacket. Oh and Oliver you didn't need the excuse. Rachael xx
I laughed at the last text, which caused Diggle to spin around in his chair and look at me.
"You ready for tonight now?"
Diggle asked as the smile on my face grew.
"Of course I am and I want to leave here around eight to make sure we are at the warehouses on time."
OoOoOoO
A few hours later
I grabbed the largest quiver in my arsenal and I heard Diggle as talked ran through the plan again.
"Are you ready for this Diggle or do you want to sit this one out?"
I asked as I placed my arrows in the quiver.
"No I'm ready and you'll need my help with this one if the plan doesn't work out. Do you want to head out now or wait and see if Rachael texts again?"
Diggle smirked as he did his own inventory check. I ignored him and tested my bow before I pulled up my infamous hood. I took one final deep breath and walked as Diggle fell in line behind me.
"Oliver you mentioned earlier that you have liked Rachael since you were teenagers. Why you didn't act on it earlier? I mean you don't seem like the type of guy who wouldn't act on it."
Diggle asked quietly as he started the car and we drove towards the warehouses. I cleared my throat and I stared straight ahead. I knew without looking that Diggle was studying my facial expressions.
"Would you believe me if I told you I thought I had?"
I said into the quiet that had settled in the car.
"However that is a story for another time so let's just get tonight over with and I'll tell you."