She understands the circumstances of the situation better, but wonders about the interaction. Inquisitively she asks, "What did she say when you talked to her?" He explains the interaction and Olivia too says, "She's nothing if not persistent. I will give her that."
He agrees with her, and in that moment. His conversation with Rob pops into his head. And he decides to tell her about it, as he says, "Yeah. She's quite persistent. But guess what. Today Rob told me he's interested in her."
Olivia finds that detail interesting as she replies, "Really? He actually said that to you?" He nods as he says, "Yeah. He's weighing his options on approaching her, and wanted to make sure her and I didn't have anything going on. Apparently he noticed she was bothered when I didn't show up at the beach."
Olivia restates what she's heard for clarification as she replies, "So he saw she was noticeably bothered by your absence. But, he's still interested in her?" He pauses for a moment in thought, then says, "Now that you say it outloud. It sounds kind of odd."
Olivia nods, advising of a hunch she has as she responds, "I agree. Which makes me wonder if his alleged new found affection for her is legit. Or if maybe she put him up to it to get a reaction out of you."
He considers her logic and asks, "Do you think that's something she'd do? And if so, for what reason?" Olivia's answer flows out of her mouth without hesitation, as she replies, "Given what you've described of her behavior. Yes. It's definitely something in her wheelhouse. She'd do it to see if she can get you to pay attention to her. And, find out why you're stalling on taking her advances. I know you told him you weren't interested in her, but did you tell him why?"
He thinks for a moment then says, "No. He didn't directly ask that question, I just told him I wasn't romantically interested in her. But, I thought she was possibly interested in me." She angles her head in thought, then replies, "Okay. In that case maybe he's operating on his own agenda. Not a wise one in my opinion. But still on his own. Did he say anything about keeping it quiet?"
He nods as he replies, "Actually he did. But, I trust you. So, you're the only one I told." She smiles at him as she says, "Thanks. With him not wanting you to tell anybody. And, him not asking for specifics where she's concerned. His concernment sounds legitimate. To be honest this could be your way out, so you don't have to address her. A true blessing in disguise."
He nods as he says, "I was thinking the same thing. But I'm not sure how responsible it would be for me to let it play out that way." Reassuringly she replies, "I see it both ways. If you don't say anything to her. His advances to her could work in your favor, deviating her focus from you, which is your goal. But, since it's not clear on when he's going to make a move. If nothing else, you telling her you're not interested. May just open the door wider for him to be her shoulder to cry on. Again, taking her focus off of you."
Her response settles in his mind, and he agrees with her. It really could go either way resulting in his ultimate goal being accomplished. However, he is now certain of the route he wants to take. And, he shares it with her as he says, "You're right. I could sit back and see how it goes. But, I should talk to her regardless of what he does. Because I think it's the right thing to do."
Adoringly she smiles as she hears his response, and supportively says, "Good. Then do what you feel is right. Your opinion is the one that matters most of all; because it's your situation and you have to live with the result more so than anyone else."
Agreeably he replies, "Thanks for talking this through with me. I guess I needed to think it through a little more before making a decision." She nods as she says, "Of course. What are friends for?" He grins and his lips blurt out something his mind wasn't ready to release. "You're so much more than a friend to me Liv. I want you to know you're incredibly special to me."
Instantly, he knows he's said too much. But yet. He doesn't try to take it back. He simply lets his spoken words rest on their own. And, he continues to look her in the eye, as she undoubtedly processes his words.
Despite their silence, the pause isn't awkward. It's soothing. Internally, she feels a warming sensation come over her as she sees his eyes deepen, after his statement. She then replies to him without thought as she says, "You're more than a friend to me too; and if I'm being honest. Our connection has always been very special. So, you're not alone in how you feel." With their admissions being so bold, and so unchallenged by one another. They happily rest in the moment.
It's then he thinks about Drew's admission to him. Until now, he didn't realize why it's always been so easy to talk to her. She's always been the person he could vent to, or laugh with, without judgment.
Deciding to take advantage of the moment he asks, "Can I ask you a question?" She nods as she replies, "Yeah. What's up?" He responds, "Did you have a crush on me in high-school?"
She smiles and then chuckles as she replies, "Who have you been talking to?" He grins as he says, "Don't answer my question with a question young lady. That's almost equal to an admission."
Knowing she's caught she says, "Yes. I did. Now tell me who told you that?" He smiles as he responds, "Drew told me the other night that back in high school, Monica Peters told him you were supposed to ask me to the Sadie Hawkins dance junior year. But you chickened out when my dad answered the door."
She pauses for a second and then says, "Wow. I can't believe she snitched. I swore her to secrecy." He shrugs his shoulders as he replies, "Well, to be fair it was ten years ago." She can't dispute his logic, but takes a moment to correct his version of the story. As she says, "You're right. That was forever ago. But, your dad didn't answer the door when I came over. Your Aunt Rose did. And you weren't home. Which was a good thing, because I'm pretty sure I would've threw up on your shoes or something, as nervous as I was."
He laughs as he replies, "Seriously, you were nervous?" She chuckles too as she admittedly says, "Oh God yes. I can remember being super anxious. Your Aunt Rose gave me ginger ale. Because she thought maybe I had the beginnings of a stomach ache."
He shakes his head as he says, "Man, that's wild. I wouldn't have ever thought you'd be nervous." She quickly asks, "Why not?" He responds, "You've always come across as being so calm and cool, like never rattled. I just couldn't imagine you being that anxious."
She smiles as she replies, "Well, I had allot on the line in that moment. If I asked you and you said no. I would've been embarrassed, and if you said yes. I'd be happy. But, what if something terrible happened and you didn't want to be my friend anymore? Thinking about it. I was a hot mess, all in my head with little to no reasoning or logic." She laughs at her younger self, understanding how far she's come since then.