Chapter 164 Not Reconciled
Olivia and Jason sat at the dining table and started eating breakfast.
"Why do you have so much time today? No work?" Olivia asked.
"Nothing much today, so I got off work early," Jason said, with a hint of testing in his eyes. "I heard Luca came to see you yesterday?"
Olivia paused, surprised he asked. She nodded. "Yeah, he did."
"Have you... reconciled?" Jason's voice sounded tense, his eyes locked on her.
Olivia shook her head. "No, we just talked about some stuff."
She didn't want Jason knowing too much. It was between her and Luca.
Jason watched her, not fully buying it, but he didn't push. "Good. I'm just worried about you. Luca's too scheming. Be careful around him."
He already knew about Luca and Olivia. After talking to Windy yesterday, he'd asked around. Luca had learned the truth from years ago and confessed to Olivia.
It bothered him a lot. He was jealous that Luca got her attention.
"I know. Thanks for caring." Olivia said. She sensed something off in his tone but brushed it off.
"By the way, I came for another thing," Jason said. "There's a new parent-child painting camp outside the city. It has drawing activities perfect for Leo. Want to check it out with him?"
Olivia paused, unsure. "Let me think. Luca might come today."
She worried that if she and Leo left, Luca would show up and not find them.
"Luca's got a lot on his plate. He won't come right away." Jason said. "Leo loves drawing. This camp's great for him. It'll help him hang out with other kids."
Olivia looked at Leo happily playing with his toys. She wavered.
She knew Leo loved drawing and rarely got to do it with other kids.
She also wanted to relax and clear her head.
"Okay, we'll go." Olivia agreed.
Jason smiled a little. "Great. Let's head out now?"
"Okay." Olivia nodded and got up to call Leo.
Leo jumped up excited when he heard about the painting camp. "Yay! Painting camp!"
He dropped his Transformers, ran to Olivia, and grabbed her hand. "Mom, let's go fast!"
Olivia smiled at her son's excitement. Her worries faded.
She just wanted to spend the day with Leo. Other things could wait till later.
The three went downstairs. Jason got Olivia and Leo into the car. A driver was there. He started the engine and drove toward the suburbs.
Leo was super excited, asking questions nonstop. Jason answered patiently, but his smile didn't reach his eyes.
Olivia suddenly remembered something. She turned to Jason. "Oh no, I forgot Leo's special drawing paper and colored pens. He said the camp has shared tools, but he wants his favorite colored pencils and that thick paper I saw last time. I rushed packing and forgot."
She reached for the door handle. "There's a stationery store at the next corner. Let's stop quick. Won't take long."
Jason turned to her calmly. "No need. The camp rules say no personal tools. Keeps competitions fair."
Olivia blinked, doubtful. "A rule like that? Never heard of it."
"You didn't read the registration rules closely." Jason said like it was fact, but he avoided her eyes. "Really, would I lie? Would I disappoint Leo?"
He looked at Leo and smiled. "Leo, the camp pens draw glowing colors. Way more fun than yours. Want to try?"
Leo's eyes lit up. "Really? As bright as Superman's heat vision?"
"Even brighter." Jason coaxed. "I'll draw with you. Okay?"
Leo nodded fast. "Really? Awesome! I'll draw the biggest picture for Mom and Uncle LO!"
Jason's face darkened a tiny bit at Luca's name, but he smiled warmly quick. "Sure. I'll help. Mom and Uncle LO will love it."
He kept talking to Leo, asking his favorite kindergarten classes, new friends, and camp fun stories.
Leo was already chatty. Jason got him going, and he talked nonstop, face full of excitement.
Olivia relaxed hearing their laughs.
She could tell Jason was good to Leo. No wonder Leo liked him so much.
But something felt off. She couldn't say what.
Near the city edge, Olivia pulled out her phone. She wanted to text Luca they were going to the suburban painting camp so he wouldn't come.
She typed: [Took Leo to the parent-child painting camp outside the city. Might not be back today. Don't worry.]
Her finger hovered over send. She hesitated.
Would texting first make him think she cared too much?
They weren't officially together. Was it too forward?
She stared at the screen, then deleted it.
Forget it. Luca was busy anyway. Might not even have time.
If he came, empty house—he'd figure they were out.
She put her phone away, feeling a bit down for no reason.
After more driving, Olivia noticed this wasn't Jason's usual car.
He usually drove a black sedan. This was a tough-looking SUV with a totally different interior.
"You changed cars?" Olivia asked.
Jason glanced. "Yeah, old one's in for service. Borrowed this one."
"Oh." Olivia nodded, no more questions.
But her doubts grew. Why service today of all days?