[Chapter 36: Normal]

Chapter 36

Olivia woke up around 11am the next morning and smile to herself that she had made it through the night without waking up from a nightmare. She knew that soon enough she might be able to string enough nights without nightmares together that she could once again get into a normal sleeping pattern. She jumped out of bed with a sneaky smile on her face. Brian was in the next room and he had done so much for her and she wanted to start to repay him. She jumped through the shower and got dressed as quickly as she could.

Brian awoke up in a strange room. It took him a few moments before he realized where he was. As soon as he realized where he was, his nose alerted him to something else. He quickly got dressed and left the room.

'Well, well, well. Look who is the sleepyhead this morning? Olivia smiled.

'Well, someone convinced me to stay up till 2:30 this morning.'

'MMM. Well, you are just about to be richly awarded for your efforts, Mr Cassidy.'

'No, you did not!?'

'Yes, I did. Sit.'

Brian sat down at the table as Olivia brought two stacks of flapjacks to the table.

'With bacon and banana?!'

'With bacon and banana?!' she replied

After putting everything they needed on the table, Olivia joined Brian at the table.

'What did I do to get my favourite breakfast?' Brian said as he reached for her hand.

'You have been the most amazing boyfriend to me for the last few months and I don't think I've said thank you to you enough.'

'Liv, the only thanks I need is being here with you and to see you smile again.'

'I don't know how many guys would have been so patient, understanding and determined not to let me go.' She chuckled as she took a bite of her breakfast.

'I knew you were worth the wait.' Olivia blushed.

'I'm so happy you sent me that card and chocolate when I was working the case.'

'I'm glad you phoned me and said we could go to dinner.'

'Brian, I'm sorry I pushed you away there for awhile.'

'Liv, you were trying to find your feet, dealing with a lot. I understood.'

'Yeah but I am sorry.'

'Apology accepted. Wow, babe this is awesome. Can I come for breakfast more often?'

'I think we can organize that.'

'Bri, I do have a favour to ask?'

'Well, now would be a good time to ask.'

'Everyone has been so good to me these last few weeks that I think I want to show them how much I appreciate them.'

'Sounds good Liv. What you have in mind?'

'I thought I could invite them around for dinner next weekend. A bit of a housewarming and a thank you.'

'I think it is a great idea Liv.'

'I talk to the guys on Monday and phone Casey and Alex as well.'

'Why don't I organize the drinks?'

'I think I'll just do a roast in the oven. That way I can do most of the work before they arrive and not spend all night in the kitchen.'

'I think we have the evening sorted.'

Oliva and Brian spent much of the weekend sorting out her apartment and unpacking some of the stuff from her old place. The rest of the time Olivia spent in bed, catching up on some of the sleep she missed out during the case.