“It’s Mom,” Evelyn said, sounding breathless and rushed. “I was supposed to pick her up after a doctor’s appointment, but I’ve got to run to the ER now with the kids.”
“Everything okay?” Olivia asked, alarmed.
“Yeah, yeah,” Evie said, chuckling a little. “I think it’s minor. Something about falling off the equipment at school. But I’ve got to go. You’ll take care of Mom?”
“Yes, yes, of course. Go ahead, Evie.”
As she hung up, the words echoed through her mind.You’ll take care of Mom?
Sure, I will.
Olivia sighed, not looking forward to telling Henry the date was over. She had been enjoying herself and certainly didn’t intend to end the date so abruptly. She wanted to make sure Henry understood that. As she turned, she jumped in surprise to see him right behind her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned.
“Oh, there’s been a minor disaster,” she said, smiling. “My sister has to run to the ER with one of her kids, and I’ve got to go pick up my mom. If you could just drop me off at home so I can get my car…”
“Nonsense,” Henry said, smiling. “I’ll drive.”
“What?” Olivia answered, not sure she understood.
“If your mother needs help, we have to go,” he said, taking her hand.
“Well, I guess we aren’t getting fried Oreos today,” she said with regret. Henry chuckled.
“Next time. There will always be Oreos.”
Olivia laughed, squeezing Henry’s hand as they walked. She was looking at him in a whole new light. His willingness to break their date for the sake of her mother was a massive mark in his favor.
Olivia looked up at him as they walked, her eyes lingering on his perfectly black hair and piercing green eyes. She was beginning to feel like he might be the whole package, and she’d be a fool to let him go.
Be cool. You don’t even really know him yet.
Olivia knew this was true. It didn’t seem to matter much as they jumped in his car and sped away. All she knew at that moment was that he was compassionate, kind, and selfless.
And hot.
Olivia grinned. It wasn’t like she was going to forget that.