I Love You to Pieces

by Lori Flynn

  Olivia dragged a trunk from under a shelf on the far side of the closet and opened the lid. She swiped at her tears with the backs of her hands as she stared at the variant collection of apparel items, each one unexplained and incriminating. Is this ever going to end? After adding the dress, she pushed the trunk back in place. She planned to deposit it inside a room in the attic, for lack of a better idea.

  Maria met her at the bottom of the staircase. “These came for you a few minutes ago.”

  Olivia smiled wide, peering at the large floral arrangement Maria held. Reaching for the card, she read, “I’m sorry. Hope you can forgive me, Ben.”

  With her mood greatly improved, she shopped, returning to Casa Nonna with barely enough time to change into her favorite jeans and cream silk blouse and to reapply her lipstick. Olivia rushed from the house and stood at the top of the extended driveway that wound through the tropical estate. She waited. It seemed like a lifetime since she’d left the protection of the apartment she and her friends had shared.

  When they arrived, the women hugged and laughed. At once, Olivia took note of the glances exchanged between Jill and Melody. Melody spoke first.

  “Your entranceway is breathtaking. I can’t wait for the tour. And you look beautiful, as usual; just so very thin. Don’t think you’re fooling anyone with that expert make-up job. I can see those dark circles under your eyes. What’s up, Olivia?”

  “Calm down, Melody,” Jill chimed in.

  Melody shook her head. “I know you agree, Jill.”

  “I agree with what you said but not with the ambush in the driveway. We have all weekend to ease into it. Sometimes you’re like an F5 tornado.”

  Olivia smiled; she took their sparring in stride. She’d deflected the same concerns more than once over the years and appreciated their origin. “I’m fine, just busy. And I’m glad you’re both here. There’s someone I want to introduce you to: my new daughter.”

  “You have been busy,” Melody said.

  “Did she say daughter?” Jill questioned eyes wide.

  They filed into the house where Olivia retrieved the yawning puppy and carried her to the foyer, placing her at their feet. “This is Lily. She had a pretty rough start, but she’s making up for it now.”

  “Oh my goodness, how precious,” Jill said. “She’s like us, except she hit the puppy lottery when she found you, Olivia.” When Jill caressed the scar over Lily’s eye, Lily rewarded her by licking her hand.

  Over drinks and a stroll by the water, Olivia relayed Lily’s story. They watched the setting sun and then meandered back through the kitchen. Melody’s eye’s narrowed, noticing the stockpile of Italian ingredients scattered along the counter.

  “Have you sharpened your culinary skills Olivia, or were you considering making us your guinea pigs?”

  “A few days back I tore a recipe from a magazine, and now I can’t find it for the life of me. I suppose we can go out instead.” Olivia dropped her eyes, completing the lie.

  “If you have chicken breasts, I could turn all this into my pollo spezzato e melanzane,” Melody said, paying close attention to the ingredients available. She smirked at the puzzled faces of her two friends. “Don’t be afraid, it means broken chicken and eggplants, and I’ve made it for you dozens of times. It’s an old family recipe.”

  “Don’t ask her whose old family; her answer’s even more frightening. I’m just kidding. Honestly, it’s delicious,” Jill laughed. “Would you mind if I open that fancy bottle of wine, Olivia? Great pick. Have you become a wine snob?”

  “No, it was just a fluke,” Olivia smiled, hoping she’d satisfied their questions.

  Conversation over dinner remained light. When the time came for dessert, they moved on to the veranda, taking great delight in the March breezes lifting from the water, as well as the seven-layer chocolate cake that Olivia brought from the kitchen. Keeping with tradition, they rejected the use of plates and utilized only forks, excavating their way to the center.

  The subject turned to their current love lives. Melody, fresh from an agonizing break-up, had said goodbye to a professional basketball player who’d planned on marrying her. Since the women all harbored similar deep-seated trust issues, commitment terrified them.

  With that in mind, when Melody’s overprotective father had suggested running a background check on her fiancé, she didn’t immediately turn him down and had allowed the probe to be set in motion. Catching wind of the intrusion, the handsome baller got his back up, saying he’d break off the engagement. Melody had groveled at his feet, a first for her. That was, of course, until her father’s investigator had presented the glossy color photos of his infidelity.

  “I imagine it took some time for my engagement ring to work its way through his system after my father’s men returned it to him.” Melody stabbed her fork through the cake. “It had substantial carat weight.”

  “Admit it, Melody, you laughed when ESPN reported he’d miss a game because of an intestinal flu.” Jill patted her arm.

  Olivia crossed the room, her arms circling Melody’s shoulders. “He still got off easier than letting you have a chance at him. You know you’re better off without him. Still, I’m sure it didn’t make it hurt any less. I wish I’d been there with you.”

  “I kept her at a low boil the whole time, so she didn’t go too far off the deep end,” Jill chimed in, her mouth gorged with cake.

  “It seems I remember it differently, Jill,” Melody smiled. “Didn’t I have to talk you off the ledge more than once during that time, over Pete, or Steve, or whatever that loser’s name was?”

  Jill grimaced. “When you’re right, you’re right. It seems the only men I’m attracted to either belong in rehab or have just gotten out. I can pick them. And they’re all needy basket-cases that are so emotionally draining, it nearly destroys me every time. I should probably swear off men and stick with cake.”

  They refilled their glasses, savoring the tropical breezes. Olivia sensed her friends’ anticipation as they watched her, waiting. They’d shared, now it was her turn.

  She promised herself to open up and tell them her secrets. The thought had her heart beating as fast as a humming bird’s. Her mouth went dry. She took a deep breath to ward off vomiting.

  “What’s wrong, sweetie?” Melody said.

  “There are a few things I need to tell you both.”

  Jill reached over and rubbed her arm. “You know you can tell us anything.”

  Olivia covered her mouth with her hand. Start with one thing, and try not to pass out, she thought. “I’m afraid that somehow I’ve developed a shoplifting problem. I don’t know how or why it began. I just know it’s been going on for a good while.” She exhaled, resting her head against the back of her chair.

  “See, I told you,” Jill said to Melody, slapping her hands against her knees.

  “You were right,” Melody conceded.

  Olivia’s mouth fell open. “The two of you knew; but how?”

  “One day I needed a pen and went searching through that big bag of yours. I found the pen right next to camel leather gloves still in the box with a security tag in place,” Jill said.

  “When Jill came to me with it,” Melody chimed in, “I told her about the day I went to hang up your dry cleaning and found a cashmere sweater rolled up on the floor of your closet. It had a tag, too.”

  Olivia’s stomach rolled. “Why didn’t either of you say something?” She spoke in a broken whisper.

  “All of us work through things,” Jill said. “You’ve both witnessed my OCD escalate until I couldn’t leave the apartment. We knew you’d come to us if you needed help. You’re like us, Olivia—imperfect, but worth it.”

  “You said a few things,” Melody interrupted. “What else is on your mind?”

  Olivia looked from Jill to Melody. Confessing a secret should’ve been cathartic. She swallowed back the vomit that pulsed in her throat. They thought she was like them. She wanted that to continue. If she told th
em about her lost time, bruises, and mornings waking hung over, smelling of smoke and strong perfume—it wouldn’t happen, couldn’t. It seemed shame held more power than courage. I just need more time.

  “I’m kind of seeing someone. Ben—his name’s Ben.”

  “We need to meet him,” Jill and Melody said in unison.

  “All right, but not tonight, it’s late.” Olivia rolled her eyes when they held firm. They meandered upstairs and settled in Olivia’s roomy bed. With Lily curled on her legitimate place on the pillow, four kindred spirits slept.

  *

  They woke early and gathered as the sun cleared the horizon from the water’s edge. The women pushed Olivia until she invited Ben to brunch. While her staff prepared, the pain in Olivia’s stomach burned stronger by the minute. Knowing how her friends protected her, it felt she was leading a man to slaughter.

  Ben arrived, casually dressed, looking every bit as impressive as in business attire. He brought three bouquets of freshly cut flowers, each wrapped in lace and tied with ribbons. To Lily, he presented a high-heeled dog toy. Two pairs of skeptical eyes met him for his effort.

  “Tough room,” he whispered inches from Olivia’s ear, his firm hands circling her waist. “I don’t think Lily took her new toy as a bribe, do you?”

  Olivia found his eyes before offering him a reassuring smile. “Relax and be your charming self. They’re my friends.” Together, they watched Lily struggle to bury the toy in the sand only to dig it up and then bury it again.

  “Olivia, I want to apologize, again, for my behavior the last time I was here, for storming off,” Ben offered in a husky tone.

  “I meant to call you. I was pre-occupied with Jill and Melody. Your flowers and note were lovely. Please, Ben, let’s put it behind us.”

  He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her gently. “Thank you.”

  She served brunch on the covered veranda overlooking the water. The inquisition commenced with his first bite. Olivia cringed as questions shot out about nearly every facet of his life. Jill and Melody left no stones to pulverize. His past, present, and hopes for the future were all orchestrated measures of the interrogation.

  “I’m going to the kitchen for more orange juice. Can I get you a refill, Ben?” Melody asked.

  “Thank you. Be sure you hold the glass from the bottom. You wouldn’t want my fingerprints smudged when you bring them to the crime lab,” Ben said.

  The comment, received as intended, backed Jill and Melody off. After some coaxing, Ben accepted Melody’s offer for a walk on the beach.

  “I can’t help but like you, Ben, but I’m worried about Olivia. She’s always thin, but she’s lost more weight since I’ve seen her last. Jill noticed it too. Do you know if she ever sleeps? The black circles under her eyes tell me no. We’re concerned for her health.”

  Ben rubbed at the back of his neck. “I don’t know Olivia as well as you, Melody, but it’s not from lack of trying. From what I witnessed today, the three of you are like a human force field. I can tell you she eats when we’re together. For all I know, maybe it’s the only time she does. As for if she sleeps or not, unfortunately, I wouldn’t know. I’m aware she has trust issues, and I’m trying to be patient.”

  Melody nodded. “Please take my number so you can give me a call should she ever need anything.” Melody’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. They walked back in silence.

  Ben extended a heartfelt invitation to dinner before saying goodbye and left them to enjoy the rest of their day. When the women agreed on shopping, Olivia made her friends promise they’d keep an eye on her, guaranteeing she pay for any merchandise she left with. Jill and Melody assured her it wouldn’t happen. Olivia wished it was that easy.

  While they shopped, taking turns driving the Ferrari in search of the perfect dinner outfits, Ben remained the topic of conversation.

  “It seems he has it all: looks, personality, and intelligence,” Melody said. “Sadly, he’s a lawyer, male, and it bears repeating—lawyer. He’ll have to face serious scrutiny before we admit him to our inner circle.”

  “I have to second that,” Jill said. “He’s handsome, though.”

  They piled the last of their purchases into the car, double checked Olivia’s receipts, and headed back to Casa Nonna. As they dressed, although offered their suites, Jill and Melody stayed with Olivia.

  When Ben returned, Lily nudged her way by Olivia at the door. She wore a new pink crystal collar, a gift from Aunt Jill and Aunt Melody. As Ben complimented her beauty, the puppy danced at his feet.

  Olivia joined her friends’ delight over the stretch limousine Ben had rented. She smiled when he surprised them, again, at the end of their meal by ordering the restaurant’s signature lemon torte cake for dessert. When their waiter served the delightful treat simply by setting it in the center of the table and presenting each of them a fork, it prompted three questioning glances in Ben’s direction.

  An easy smile played at the corners of his mouth. “How did I know about your strange eating habits? This morning at Casa Nonna, I noticed the carcass of that poor chocolate cake abandoned on the counter. I asked Mrs. Garcia if you have mice!”

  Olivia’s laughter floated. Jill and Melody joined in as patrons from neighboring tables looked over at the commotion. Olivia’s smile stilled when Ben’s eyes locked with hers, leaving her breathless. Her feelings for him had deepened, and her love for Jill and Melody, limitless. When the truth exposed her, she feared she’d lose them all.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Olivia

  Olivia waved goodbye to Jill and Melody and then settled in her home office and focused on her fundraiser. She envisioned what she called the Walk-for-Love-a-Thon, where she could utilize the spacious grounds of Paws-for-Love as the venue. The location allowed potential donors the opportunity to tour the facility and would serve as considerable savings in her budget.

  While fully engrossed in the excitement of her project, Olivia suddenly remembered Lily’s check-up appointment with Dr. Hunter. She glanced at her watch before lifting the puppy from where she slept and sprinted to the garage. “We need to hurry,” Olivia said, placing a kiss on Lily’s brown head as she secured her in her pet seat. In exam room three, Dr. Hunter took control of Lily’s leash from Olivia. The small dog pulled back, baying pitifully. Olivia scooped Lily from the floor. Holding her tight, she felt Lily’s heart beat wildly against her own.

  Dr. Hunter coaxed Lily to the table to examine her. Afterward, he dropped a treat into the beagle’s waiting mouth. “Lily’s doing fine, Olivia,” he said. “With any luck, I should be able to free her of that cast by the end of the month. Be glad you don’t have any neighbors within earshot, now that she knows she can howl.”

  “It’s all right, Lily,” Olivia said. “Go ahead and howl.”

  “Got a minute? I’d like to show you something,” Dr. Hunter said, leading the way down the corridor. He opened the door to a surgical recovery room. Olivia remembered visiting Lily there before.

  Her attention was drawn to a cot covered, for the most part, by one imposing dog. Its abdomen, as well as two of its spindly legs, was wrapped in bandages. Olivia noticed where areas of bone were visible on the back of his head. The animal slept as if sedated.

  “I wanted to thank you. This young pup is a rescue from a dog fighting ring. Before your endowment, I would’ve been ordered to euthanize him. Now, he’ll have a second chance.”

  “Not just me, Dr. Hunter,” Olivia said. “With your big heart and stubbornness about following orders, he already had hope. Won’t there be a problem with his adaptability when the time comes, because of his association with dog fighting?” She thought of Prince, deemed a poor prospect due to his violent past.

  “He’ll need plenty of help. But when he’s ready, I’ll make sure a good home will be waiting for him. I figure I’ve got time to tell my wife I’m bringing home another one,” he grinned.

  Olivia thanked Dr. Hunter, gathered Lily in her
arms, and headed to the other side of the building to her office. She pushed open the door and sighed looking at the condition of her normally neat workplace. It was organized clutter with folders piled high on her desk, colorful boards set up on easels and T-shirt samples displayed on hangers. Lowering Lily to the dog bed in the corner, she went to work.

  “I must say, Olivia, even in the middle of your methodical mess, you look more rested than I’ve seen you in some time. Whatever you did this weekend, you should do it more often.”

  Olivia’s hand flew to her chest as a hitch caught her breath. “Good morning, Gretchen. I spent the time with good friends, shopping and just catching up. I got a little something for you.” She pulled a small box from her desk drawer, enticing her employer further into the room.

  Gretchen clutched the box and settled in an inviting chair. Inside was a gold necklace. “There’s a little bell on the end,” she said as she placed it around her neck and laughed. “Classy yet functional, and somehow, it doesn’t make me feel like one of my cats. Thank you.”

  Olivia discussed ideas about the Walk-for-Love-a-Thon with Gretchen. She shared the map of the mile-long path where patrons and their dogs would walk. The area Olivia selected allowed shade by the more mature trees and granted the best view of the compound. She planned for complimentary refreshment stations to be set up along the way, for humans and their pets, as well as numerous waste bag dispensers and garbage bins.

  “I adore the T-shirts the walkers get with their admission fee. They’re all so sharp looking,” Gretchen said. “If I had to choose, I’d pick the one on the left.”

  Olivia nodded. “They also get a matching bandana for their pet.”

  “Your vendor list is substantial, and you have my blessing on the remainder of your advertising campaign,” Gretchen said from the door. “But as you know, all plans are contingent on a thumbs-up from legal. I’ll keep you posted.”