The next day brought about a certain amount of trepidation for both Olivia and Peter but for very different reasons. Olivia was anxious to discuss Brian with Peter and see what he made of the whole thing- as well as trying to shake off the connection she was beginning to feel between them.
Peter however was battling his own demons as to whether tell Olivia she liked her. Despite his insistent to Simon, he had realised that he was attracted to Olivia and there was little he could do to prevent it. But he had reservations- the fact that he knew hardly anything about Olivia. It was all moving a bit too fast, but what should he do? He could tell Olivia, and ruin the friendship that was already developing between the two of them, or he could say nothing. Neither option sounded very promising- Peter found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The fact that Olivia had been quite distant on text messages last night hadn't helped matters, but Peter supposed that she had better things to do and was conflicted over Brian. But this morning, Olivia had text him before he was even awake and they'd exchanged quite a few messages. So whatever was going on, she was much like her usual self this morning. But Peter was still torn and in two minds over what to do next.
At lunchtime, Olivia arrived at the restaurant to see Peter there already, occupying the table in the corner. Waving at him from the doorway, Olivia sensed a slight hesitation flash between Peter's eyes before he waved her over. Slightly perplexed, Olivia went over, a grin on her face masking the nerves she suddenly felt rise up in her.
'Hey' Peter got up and wrapped his arms around Olivia loosely.
'Hey yourself' Olivia returned Peter's embrace for a moment, before pulling away and sitting in the seat opposite him
'You look handsome' Olivia blushed at the compliment. She had tried to make herself look as nice as possible without attracting attention. Why she had made an effort was a mystery to her, but she was glad she had and even more glad that Peter had noticed. The silky grey on her top matched the embroidery on her black jeans. Topping the outfit off with silver sandals, Olivia was pleased she had made an impression.
'Thank you, so do you' Peter was wearing blue jeans and a checked shirt with the collar open. He was very handsome and Olivia smiled as she looked at him.
'What?' Peter watched Olivia's grin stretch even wider and couldn't help returning it- her grin was infectious
'Nothing, nothing. Have you ordered?'
'No, not yet. I thought we'd get a bottle to share but as for food I thought I would wait until you got here'
'Good call. Well, shall we have a look and order because I'm ravenous?'
'There's this whole situation with Brian. I don't know what to do'
'How did it go last night? What's he like?'
'He's alright can not tell any good jokes, and he used these old chat up lines that made my skin crawl, but then he apologised and we started again. It went better than I expected but I'm still not sure about him. I told him I would see him again, but only to pacify my time".
'Are you happy to keep seeing him?'
'I don't know'
'Yes you do. Are you happy having to be with someone you do not want to be with".
'No'
'Well then there is your answer. Olivia, just be honest with him and yourself. Do you want to see Brian again?'
'I don't know, he's quite sweet really, but there is still something about him that I can't put my finger on. I don't think I do really, no'
'Well then don't go.'
'You've got a wise head upon your shoulders'
'It has been said. Something I inherited from my Mum'
'You and you're mum not get on?'
'No, it's not that. Me and my mum like you were really close, but then she met Paul. He raised me since 11, but he always made it plain I was intruding in their family. I haven't spoken to my mum for a while, only because every time she rings me, she asks me if I have met anyone yet'
'But she hasn't set you up with anyone has she, I would take that with a pinch of salt'
Peter laughed, Olivia stopped dead- she could hear that laugh forever and she would never grow tired of it. Suddenly she saw Peter in a different light.
'Olivia?'
'Sorry.'
'Are you okay?'
'Yeah I'm fine. You have an extraordinary laugh.'
'Not one of my finer qualities I'm afraid- I hate it'
'Hate it? Peter, that is one of the best sounds I've ever heard'
'Really?'
'Really. Look, I have to go to the loo, I'll be right back'
A few minutes later, Olivia emerged from the toilets and stopped dead. The table was empty. Peter had disappeared. She went over to the lady behind the till.
'Excuse me, my friend the one I was with, did you see where he went?'
'Ah yes, he paid your bill and left.'
'Left? Why?'
'I have no idea I'm sorry Miss, but he told me to give you this.'
The lady passed Olivia over a folded piece of paper. For a moment, she had no idea what was going on and why Peter had left so suddenly without saying goodbye. Maybe there was an emergency- the paper would explain more. Nodding her head decisively, she unfolded the paper and stared dumfounded at the paper.
For there was no letter, but etched upon it were three simple words.
I Like You x
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