Olivia took her time in the shower. She could hear Noah giggling with Elliot so she knew there was no need to hurry. She let the hot water hit the spots still tender from her attack. The heat soothed the dull ache. She ran her fingers over her bare skin of her ribs. The bruising had discolored to an ugly yellow-green color. Liv lifted her head to allow the spray to saturate her hair. It felt nice to feel safe in her home again. With the threat of Oscar Papa behind her she could finally breathe. While Papa's arrest provided some peace, if she was honest with herself more peace came from the man in the living room playing games with her son.
She meant what she said last night. She wasn't ready, but waking up in the warmth of his arms weakened her resolve. Liv sighed as the shower steam began to fog her mirror. She knew she was already committed to Elliot. Heart and soul. But she wasn't going to start something with him until she was sure it was for forever. He wanted her now, but would he want her for always. While she wanted to believe he always would, part of her felt unsure. Years ago he promised they would be partners- for better or worse- but he left. And she still hurt.
She finally shut the water off and grabbed a fluffy white towel off the counter. With the towel wrapped around her she walked back into her bedroom. On the other side of the door she heard Noah trying to explain the buttons on the controller. From the sound of things Elliot was getting destroyed by her 11 year old. She let out a little chuckle and began digging through her drawers for something comfortable to wear. She pulled out some simple black leggings and an oversized cream colored sweater. Just as she clipped her hair back there was a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," she called while trying to wrangle the stray hair back into the clip.
The door opened and Elliot peeked in. "Hey," he smiled. She could feel his eyes moving up and down her body. "You look nice." He said.
"Thank you." She gave him a genuine smile. They sat in silence for a minute before she asked, "Was there something you need to ask?"
"Yeah yeah. Um Ayanna has been calling. She needs me in..." his voice trailed of and his eyes met hers.
"You can go in Elliot. I'll be okay."
He still hesitated, and kept his eyes on her trying to gauge if she was being honest. "Are you sure? I can keep putting her off I need to."
"No, no, go to work Elliot. We are just staying home and being lazy today."
Elliot nodded, but looked unsure. "Liv," her deep brown eyes met his. He looked at her with an all too familiar intensity. "Call me please. If ANYTHING comes up. Please call me." He paused again, his eyes pleading with hers, "Please Liv."
She nodded and dropped her gaze. "Okay. I'm sure we'll be fine, but I promise I'll call."
"Okay," he replied, seemingly accepting her answer. With that said, he shut the door behind him.