Olivia's mood was like a yoyo the next day. She'd arrived at the precient that morning smiling and obviously happy, but as the day wore on she was becoming increasingly tetchy and on short fuse. Her changes in mood were noticeable to everyone, but her friends suspected there was something else behind it- or rather, someone else. This had to be something to do with Peter.
After seeing Olivia look at her phone for the fourth time in a twenty minute period, Fin decided that enough was enough. Amanda and Sonny were out, so he decided a tea break was welcome for them both.
'Come on Olivia, we'll go and get a coffee'
'I'm not in the mood Fin'
'I wasn't asking. I can tell you aren't in the mood, now come on.'
Olivia looked glum as she followed Fin out and across to the lift. She pulled out her phone again, and stared at the screen. Fin watched her and frowned. What was going on with her today?
Simon sat in his office looking at Peter and shook his head. Peter was being unusually quiet today- even for him. He had been okay when he came in this morning, but ever since he'd come back from lunch Simon had watched his friend retreat further and further into himself, and he wanted to know why. He knew that Peter had been out with Olivia last night, and he was worried that everything was no longer okay between the two of them.
'Got a minute Peter?' Simon got up from the chair and met Peter halfway as he made his way across to him.
'What is it?'
'Not here.'
'What?'
'Coffee now, we need to talk'
'About what?'
'Don't give me that'
'I really have no idea what you mean'
'Well come with me and I will tell you what I mean.'
'Do I have a choice?'
'No, now move Stone'
Fin had managed to grab the table in the corner at the coffee shop. As he made his way over with their coffees, he spied Olivia glancing at her phone yet again.
'Okay, what's eating you Olivia? And don't say nothing, because I know you better than that'
'Fin…'
'Olivia, you were as high as a kite when you came in this morning. And as the day has gone on, you've been getting more and more wound up. What is it? You saw Peter last night didn't you?'
'Yes'
'So, how did it go?'
'I don't know'
'What do you mean you don't know?'
'We were having a brilliant time, but then I don't know... things got awkward. I held his hand and he seemed to close himself off from me. I scared him off I think'
'What did he say?' '
'That Sunday wasn't reality and we needed a raincheck. He said we were moving too fast and that he wanted us to take things slowly. But I can't help thinking it was an excuse. I text him earlier asking if he was okay, but he hasn't responded and I'm thinking he's blowing me out'
'Olivia, I think you are overthinking things. He might have left his phone at home, might not have heard it go off. He said he wanted you to take things slowly, that sounds sensible. You haven't known each other very long' '
'Why hasn't he text me back then? Have I done something wrong?'
'I don't know Olivia".
Olivia was about to reply when her pager went off, summoning her back to her office. She sighed and left without another word. She thought Fin was probably right, but something was niggling at her. She'd never liked anyone after barely a week and she didn't want to blow it before they got started. Fin watched as Olivia answered her pager and then left without so much as a goodbye. He didn't know what he could say to Olivia to reassure her. Then his eyes fell on the table and his mouth stretched into a grin.
'Alright Peter, you've been quiet all day. Spit it out'
'What?'
'Did things with Olivia not go well last night?'
'No... yes... well they went okay.'
'Peter... what's wrong?'
'She... um... she held my hand and I pulled away. I said we needed to slow down... and she's text me this morning asking if I'm okay. In honesty, I don't know if I am. The way I connect with her is scaring me half to death. I've only known her a week...' '
Precisely.'
'What?'
'You've known her a week. Peter, nobody is suggesting the two of you elope and get married or anything. She wants to know you're okay and after last night I can't say I blame her. Stop worrying over nothing and just see where things go. You like her yes?'
'Yes, but that's what scares me. I like her... a lot'
'Why does it scare you?'
'Simon, I shouldn't be like this after a week of knowing her. It's overwhelming. I said I wanted us to take things slowly and I meant it, but now I'm wondering whether to call it off'
'You don't mean that...?'
'Forgive me, but I think you are exactly what she needs. Olivia sounds like she's been through a lot and being with you makes her happy. You're happy as well, so what's the problem?'
'Me! I'm the problem!'
Peter left them room leaving Simon to think about what he could do.
Then the phone on the table rang... this would answer his question.
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