I was a little jealous of Olive in this regard. She had two siblings, who were both married to really cool people, and great parents. Growing up, I always wished I’d had a family like this, where everyone got together during the holidays and our kids would all be best friends. My parents tried to have another; they knew it would be great for our family. But God had other plans. They tried everything but nothing worked. By the time they gave up on having one I was graduating high school. At that point they figured they were too old to adopt, so they retired early to travel. Mom always said that I didn’t have a sibling because it wasn’t in their cards, but I always said it was because they made the perfect kid on the first try so there was no need for another. But looking at Olive’s family brought all those feelings back.

“Oh, um.” Olive looked down at the half-eaten sandwich in front of her and up to me. “Yeah, I can.” She seemed almost disappointed to go and a part of me took a lot of pride in that.

“Sorry to interrupt! I just didn’t want to leave you here without a ride.” Taylor smiled down at Olive lovingly.

“No, no it’s fine we were almost done anyway.”

When Olive stood, I did as well, intent on saying goodbye. Which was awkward because what was I supposed to do? With a friend, I’d settle for a little side hug or a bro-handshake, but this was Olive. To Taylor, I was her boyfriend and if she were mine, you best believe I’d snatch her tiny waist up in my hands and kiss the daylights out of her. But, this wasn’t real so what was I supposed to do?

I settle for a front hug, my hands affectionately tied around her hips right above her behind. She instinctively wrapped her own around my neck, and when I got a whiff of her perfume, it shot straight through me. She smelled of florals and spice, a combination that matched her perfectly. With her feisty attitude and sweet looks, it was one hundred percent Olive. Her chest pressed against mine, and I tried to ignore how perfect she fit in my arms.

“Text me, okay? I’ll let you know when I’m done with my shift.” She pulled her head from my shoulder, and I raised a hand to lightly brush my knuckles against her cheek. My favorite rosy blush tinted them, and I couldn’t help but grin.

“Okay. I’ll um…text you.” I could tell she wasn’t sure where to go here either. Taylor grabbed her hand and looked up at me. “Thanks again for the invite today! Everyone loved it. Well, except this little pansy.”