With your words the last time we were together, you gave me what you needed to give me.

With this painting, I’m returning the same thing.

It’s a poor demonstration of what it needs to say, but at least it’s something.

I hope one day you find the woman you couldn’t build in a dream. You deserve that.

But I want to thank you for what you gave to me. Including being the one who had the strength to stop what could amount to nothing.

Though, I will admit, when we were together it didn’t feel even a little like nothing.

When you find her, make sure she makes you happy. If she’s not beyond a dream, find the one who is. Don’t settle for anything less. If you did, the last hope I have in this world would be dashed, proving my pessimism for eternity.

Be well, Nick. And be happy.

Yours,

– Livvie

She had never, not once, called him Nick.

He had never, not once, called her Livvie.

But he had been her Nick.

And he had not made it safe for her to give him Livvie.

He stared at the note, reading it again.

And then again.

Including being the one who had the strength to stop what could amount to nothing.

Saliva filled his mouth.

Though, I will admit, when we were together it didn’t feel even a little like nothing.

He looked to the painting.

The last hope I have in this world would be dashed…

He pulled out his phone. He did it not thinking.

He kept not thinking when he pulled her name up on his texts.

He used his thumb to type out the words.

He hit send.

He ignored the return texts she sent.

Instead, he set about waiting.

Chapter Sixteen

Reduced to That

Olivia

I was nearly frantic, but definitely panicked as I drove to Nick’s.

So much so, I almost forgot to take the tracking device off my car before I set out.

I remembered. And I looked to see if anyone was watching.

Only then did I take off.

But I did it fast.

His text scared me.

Come over. Now.

He’d never been demanding. Not like that. Not in a text. Not even over the phone. In fact, although he could be somewhat bossy, he was normally laidback, and except for the argument we’d had at the club, he was always in a good mood.

Come over. Now. did not say good mood.

It was also not somewhat bossy.

It was imperative and demanding.

Especially when we hadn’t had any contact in weeks.

My return texts of Are you okay? and Sebring, answer me received no response.

So I took off to do as he said.

Worried.

He had a brother. His brother had a family. Nick also had employees.