Midnight Daffodil (Poisonous Petals #1)

Chapter 18Luke

eighteen

LUKE

I dragged myself out of bed, barely recognizing the mess in the mirror. The thought of the night ahead made my stomach churn, and I cursed under my breath. “Tonight is gonna be trash.”

An Olivia-shaped trench was carved out of my soul. The empty feeling left me pissed off at the world. I couldn’t get her off my mind. The memories warmed me, but the morning after tarnished everything.

I’d been a bitter asshole. Aidan noticed it. Work noticed it. Everyone around me noticed it. Olivia had been gone for four days without communication or a trace. I drove by her apartment, then Vera’s. Even followed Vera around, just to catch a glimpse of her.

No fucking trace.

I got dressed and ready for yet another bullshit shift with Aidan when a soft knock sounded at my door.

Who the hell would be coming over here? I wasn’t exactly friendly. People didn’t just drop by to say hi . There wasn’t a neighbor for at least five miles each way. I grabbed my Glock as I made my way to the door. I swung it open, ready for a shootout, hoping to God it was Matt here to start something with me for fucking his girl.

But it wasn’t.

Short red hair, catlike hazel eyes, and a wide smile surrounded by bright red lips met me at the door.

“I’m Vera, pleased to meet you, Officer.” She took my hand and shook it vigorously with more force than necessary.

The temptation to shut the door in her face was overwhelming.

“I see I caught you at the best time!” She pushed past me and shouldered her way into my house.

What was wrong with this woman?

She gave Rev some pets and talked to him in a high pitched baby voice before turning to me. She beamed with her hands on her hips as if we were old friends catching up.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” she cackled obnoxiously. Her laugh reminded me of a character from a sitcom. Ringing through my ears, sounding like half woman, half donkey. If I had all hardwood flooring, she would’ve blown my hearing.

I knew I was being an unfair ass, but the loudest woman this city ever saw was standing in my house. For what?

“I remember you. I don’t understand why you’re here,” I said.

“Nice southern drawl you got there, cowboy.” She chimed as she looked around my house, petting Rev as he curiously followed her.

“Don’t call me that.”

She tsked and shook her head, turning back to me and then looking down at Rev. “What’s with that guy? Is he always like this?”

“Vera, why are you here?” I asked impatiently. I envied that she could talk to Olivia whenever she wanted—a privilege I wasn't granted.

She sighed heavily. “I had some things I needed to say to you, Officer.”

God.

“It’s Sergeant. And what would that be?”

“Since I’m such a sweet gal,” she shrugged. “I wanted to tell you that Olivia wants to leave Matt for real this time, and even though she may have hurt you when she left, she’s worried that you hate her now.”

“I could never.” The words were spoken truthfully and painfully. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I went to move past her, motioning towards the door. “You can see yourself out.”

“Ah, and you’re a great host as well,” she said sarcastically. “No wonder Olivia is crazy about you.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” I muttered.

“Hey, don’t be like that. Olivia is—” she began but couldn’t find the words to finish.

My emotions were getting the better of me, the ache in my heart felt like a never ending storm. The only person who could calm it was a woman who wanted nothing to do with me.

I turned to walk away. A glance at my watch showed I was going to be late. I loved that Olivia had a friend like her, but I would’ve loved it even more if I was a part of her life.

“She misses you. I think once she figures this thing out with Matt, you’ll hear from her.” Vera’s voice softened. “I’m gonna go. I wanted to tell you to take it easy on her when she comes around.”

She didn't have to tell me that. I didn't blame Olivia for anything. I’d happily release the unadulterated fury on Matt, though. The things I’d do to him would easily get me twenty-five to life. Rage simmered, skin deep.

“I’ll wait for her as long as I have to.” I gestured towards the door once more. I needed to end this conversation before I broke in front of Vera.

She nodded in understanding. “Sorry if I overstepped. I just love her.” The door closed with a soft click behind her.

Her departure felt like a fist closing around something delicate.

Shattering every bit of me that remained.