Olivia pulls out of her parking spot, and he watches her as she drives off. She waves as she drives away and he waves in response. As he heads back inside, he's smiling like he just hit the lottery. Today is surely a good day, he thinks to himself. And its on pace to be an even better night.
As Olivia heads home she calls her mother's cell number. The pleasant voice answers, "Hello there Livy bear." She replies, "Hi mom. How are you?" She responds, "I'm well. That must have been some work out session this morning, since you're just calling us back." Laughing in her head, she's thinking; mama you have no idea. But she replies, "Yes. It was a rigorous work out; I'm beat. But I have to get home and get changed. The girls and I are inviting friends over tonight."
Olivia doesn't realize it till now, but her father has joined the discussion. "Well I for one am glad to hear you in such great spirits Buttercup." She grins as she replies, "Hi daddy! Thank you. I'm feeling great. You and mom don't have to worry about me."
He responds, "See Max, I told you she was fine. She's got this." Olivia smiles at her father's response, as she hears her mother say, Frank you said no such thing; you were just as concerned as I was before she called. Who are you fooling?" Olivia chuckles at their bickering as she says, "Okay. To your neutral corners you two. Neither one of you need to worry; I mean it. I'm doing very well. Loving and living life."
Her mother responds, "I told you love. Worrying about you comes with the territory. You'll understand better when you're a parent." She nods as she says, "Yes mam. I know. But I am fine; I promise. The meeting with Cy went great. I signed the document after the revisions. And, I got to preview the press release about our break up that ran today." Her father replies, "I'm sure Cy has you covered in regard to the particulars baby girl. But you know your mother and I just want to be sure you're taking this all in, and taking your time to process it all. With him moving forward with his campaign; he's going to be in the press allot. And the media will be swirling. Waiting to trip you up in some way."
She understands where he's coming from and is sure to let him know, she too thought about that very thing as she says, "Daddy, I understand your concern. But, I can handle the media. Cy saw to it to file a cease and desist letter with all of the media outlets before the press release ran." Her mother responds, "That was quite brilliant. Now they're not even allowed to speak to you about him." Frank replies, "Well damn, that was quick thinking indeed. Very smart baby girl. Did you offer that suggestion?"
She grins as she says, "Yes dad. I knew it was going to be the best way to go with our break up being so close to the gala." Max replies, "Our baby is so smart Frank. We're so proud of you Livy bear." She replies, "Thanks mom. In this world you've got to stay a step or two ahead of the game. Otherwise you'll regret it very quickly."
Frank says, "Yeah. That's another reason I am glad you're not on the political circuit any more my sweet. Those people have no soul." Max responds, "You can't condemn them all Frank."
Olivia chimes in, "He's not wrong mom. There's so much corruption and back stabbing going on. You really don't know who to trust. In some cases you're not even sure your own spouse can be trusted. He or she could be playing you and using you as a stepping stone for their next relationship." Frank says, "See, it's not me being paranoid Max. Livy knows firsthand how low down they can be. Which is why I thank God she's done with those folks."
Max concedes, "Yes. I agree. That's no world for her, or anybody with any level of integrity. Because it wouldn't be long before you found yourself cow towing to their way of doing things." Olivia says, "Exactly mom. I told you. I found myself accepting things I knew were fundamentally wrong; and knew I had to walk away before it was too late. I'm simply not built for that life. And I'm good with that." Frank supportively replies, "Well said Livy. Well said indeed. So other than hanging out with the girls today. What else is on the agenda?"
She takes a breath as she responds, "Just running some errands and cleaning up the house before company arrives. What about you two?" Max responds, "Your father and I are going to go bowling with the Thompsons." Olivia says, "That'll be nice. You haven't hung out with them in a while." Frank replies, "Yeah it will be good to hang out with them and catch up. Before we hit the road for our cross country trip."
Olivia agrees as she asks, "So everything still a go for the RV trip, seeing all of the stadiums?" Max replies, "Of course. Your aunt and uncle are ecstatic. I've been a shopping fool getting everything together." Olivia smiles as she replies, "Daddy you're actually on board with mom's shopping? That's a first." He grins as he says, "At my age, I know I don't want to do it. And I have to admit it's for good reason this time." Max chuckles as she replies, "Therein lies the real reason he's on board; he doesn't want to do it himself." They all laugh as he responds, "That, and the fact that whether I want you to or not you're going to do it." They all laugh in agreement, knowing he's speaking the truth.
She continues her conversation with her parents as she drives along; her mother asks, "How are you and the girls doing Liv? You all staying safe?" She responds, "Yes mam." Frank adds, "You just can't trust everybody Liv. These days folks will dupe you, and you end up injured or dead." She replies, "I know dad. That's why we are very careful. So try not to stress about us. We have a top of the line security system and a good buddy system too. We always let each other know where we are going to be. And who we're with." Max responds, "Sounds good baby girl. We only worry because we love you, you know that right?"
She nods as she says, "Yes mam. I do. And I love you both too. I appreciate your concern." Frank replies, "That will never stop you know that buttercup." She smiles as she responds, "Yes dad. I know." Their conversation is interrupted as her mother says, "Hey baby girl. It's your aunt Linda calling. So we will let you go okay." She nods as she replies, "Okay Love you both. Have fun tonight." They both say, "Love you. You too."
As their call ends she smiles, she loves her parents dearly. And unlike some people she actually enjoys talking to them. They truly make her day, she hopes she'll be lucky enough to have what they have when she marries. As she continues her trek home; her thoughts are halted by a series of text messages coming in as she's driving.
By the monitor in her car, all she knows is that the messages are from Abby. Luckily she's pulling into the condo development. As she makes it through the gate, and to the cul-de-sac she lives in. She sees Abby outside coming from the mailbox.