I watch the two most important people in my life share a moment of understanding, until Olive looks at me, trying to catch her breath.
The ambulance pulls up before we get to finish discussing the argument, and I’m fine with it. At this point, I just want to make sure she’s all right. Penelope and I are instructed to meet Olive at the local hospital, and as hard as it is to leave her side, we run back to my car and head over to wait in the waiting room.
“Burnt coffee?” Penelope asks me after an hour of silence.
I’ve been stuck in my head with worry, praying Olive is okay. Hoping I can still navigate the waters, knowing now that Pen and Olive are friends. Is that a deal-breaker? Will Penelope tell me I have no business pursuing Olive. Or will she be happy? Should I ask?
Instead, I clear my throat. “Thanks.”
“So, you and Olive…”
The abrupt words hit me with coffee halfway down my pipe, and I cough hard, choking. She pats my back, but it takes a minute to catch my breath. When I do, I still don’t know the right things to say.
“Um.”
“She told me you went out on a date last night. I admit, I’m surprised.”
“I, um—”
“You don’t really date, Dad. Is this serious with her? Cause she’s not like other women.”
She turns to me, looking ten years older, and I feel the seriousness. This is Pen’s friend, and I can tell she’s protective of her. Unexpected warmth floods me, knowing my girl loves her already. The thought makes me think this would be easier, but it still feels like I’m going to say the wrong thing and lose them both.
“No, she’s not like anyone else I’ve ever met,” I say, taking a deep breath for courage. “Listen. I know I haven’t dated much, but that’s because I thought I was better off single. More available for you if you needed me, and honestly, I don’t know if I’ll be any good at a real grownup relationship,” I tell her honestly, hoping she can understand.
Her small hand runs up my back, comforting me. “You will be.”
“Does that mean you approve of me pursuing things with Olive?”
She looks off to the side and taps her chin, seemingly in contemplation. “That depends.”
“On what?”
“That you treat her with respect. She’s honestly my best friend, and if you hurt her because you’re unsure, I could lose her.”She stops my counter-argument with a hand in the air. “But if you guys do work it out, there is no one else I’d rather have as a third mom.”
We both chuckle, but she’s not done.
“Olive is hard around the edges from years of people taking advantage of her. Black Soul Books isn’t even hers, but she pours herself into making it the best experience for each and every customer. She’s hounded me to tell you and moms about my book since the first day I told her I wrote it. She might have helped motivate me to see my dream through, but it was me that lied to Mom Whitney to open a bank account for a part time job that doesn’t exist. It was me too scared to tell you and Mama Steph, and for that, I’m sorry, but I just—”
I scoot closer to her and wrap my arm around her, hoping to comfort her enough she’ll keep talking.
“I wanted to make sure the book was a success and not a failure. I didn’t want to go to my creative parents and tell you guys my book flopped.”
“Oh, Pen.” I shake my head. “We would have understood a failure much easier than a lie. Flops always happen in the art market. Whether it be your mom’s paintings or my songs, disappointment is part of the game. I’m damn proud of you, Penelope. No matter how many books you sell, you’ve accomplished a great feat already. Most people will never grow the balls to do that. You didn’t let your fear stop you from publishing, and for that, I’ll always be proud of you.”
My sweet and innocent daughter smiles up at me with tears running down her cheeks. She wipes them away with the sleeve of her black hoodie.
“But your moms are gonna be pissed.”
She laughs at my ice breaker.
The two middle-aged women won’t be mad. In fact, it actually surprises me more that she didn’t tell them either. Part of my outburst at Olive was because I thought I was the only one who didn’t know. My heart feels slightly better, knowing it wasn’t me being singled out, but it was my girl’s insecurity.
I hope I get the chance to help her feel more brave and continue to make bold moves in her life.
CHAPTERTEN
Olive