Jessie's Pov
I sit on a stool in the kitchen, working on Lena's assignment. I don't like this particular unitâit feels too theoretical. My favorite units are crime scene and forensic studies.
I hope to work in forensics someday. Initially, I wanted to be a detective, but not anymore.
"Ugh!" I groan, realizing how tiring school can be.
I log into my email and check my drive. I had already taken these classes before but never completed my first year, second semester.
A smile spreads across my face when I find the assignments and notes I saved years ago still intact. I can edit them and submit them now.
For two days, Oliver hasn't noticed his missing watchesâor if he has, he hasn't said anything. Tonight, I plan to tell him. He cares about Gina, and this news will hurt him.
This morning, he told me he had something important to share tonight. He seemed serious, and I feel anxious about what it could be.
Iris crosses my mind. Is she still at Grey's place? We were never close. Our conversations often turned into arguments, and when they didn't, I struggled to understand half of what Iris was saying.
I don't have her contact information. The only way to reach her is through Grey. I regret texting him about meeting his mother. In the future, I'll avoid contacting him altogether.
"Jessie," Theo's voice interrupts my thoughts.
I turn and see him. "Hey, what are you doing here at this time?" I ask.
It's a lazy afternoon, the kind of time when unexpected guests are rare.
"I was bored and just driving around," he says with a shrug, stepping closer.
"What are you doing?" he asks.
"An assignment."
"Yikes. I hated school," he confesses, pulling up another stool to sit next to me.
"Where are your friends?" I ask.
"Gina's at work. Seb and I aren't really friends."
"Can I get you a drink?" I offer.
"How about you sit pretty, and I make you one?" he suggests.
"I like that idea."
He walks to the fridge, and I watch him move around. He looks so much like his father. He seems kind, though it's sad he's tangled up with Gina.
"What's your favorite juice?" he asks.
"Cranberry is fine."
"Ah, a berry girl."
"You could say that," I reply with a grin. I'm glad he showed up. Layla and I seem to be drifting apart, caught up in the changes in our lives. I miss having a friend around.
He blends the ice and pours juice into two glasses.
"My father used to make me slushies on hot afternoons," he says, handing me a glass.
I take a sip, and the refreshing taste washes over me.
"Mine used to ask me to taste his scotch for him," I say.
My father wanted a son, and I was the only one who acted anything like a boy.
"He scared me at your wedding," Theo says.
"He's like that. His presence demands acknowledgment," I reply.
Theo sits beside me. We drink in silence for a while until he speaks again, looking troubled.
"I did something, and it's eating me alive."
"So, it's not by chance you're here?" I ask.
"Oliver told me you were home," he admits, pausing. "Cara told us about his illness. It must be hard."
"It's not easy, but it's Oliver," I say.
He smiles and shakes his head. "He's stubborn and a fighter."
I nod in agreement. "What were you saying earlier?"
"It's Gina. I did something out of anger, and she might never forgive me."
"How do you like her?" I ask, speaking my mind.
"I just do."
"Apologize and give her time," I suggest, putting my bias aside.
"What I did can't be undone," he says.
"How bad is it?"
"It could ruin her."
I raise a brow. "That's tricky. I wish I could help."
"You can. This weekend, meet me at La Cooper, and I'll tell you how," he offers.
I eye him skeptically. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten closer to them. I don't want to be caught up in Theo and Gina's problems.
"Okay," I finally reply.
The workers set the table, moving around to ensure everything is in place. I help where I can. Gina sits idly, giving them no room to work.
"Gina, do you mind getting the cutlery from the counter?" I ask.
"Let the maids do it. It's their job," she snaps.
I shake my head and get them myself.
Just then, Oliver walks in, looking exhausted.
I place the cutlery on the table. "Can you arrange these?" I ask Gina.
She glances at Oliver and then at me. "Fine."
So, she only follows orders when Oliver is present.
"How have you been?" I wrap my arms around his neck and plant a quick kiss on his lips.
"Missed you," he says as I step back.
"Did Theo come over?" he asks, walking away.
"Yeah," I reply, but he's already disappeared to change for dinner.
"Theo came here?" Gina asks, confused.
I nod.
"He didn't tell me he was looking for me," she assumes.
"He wasn't. He came to see me," I say.
"Why would he want to see you?" she asks.
"Maybe because we're friends now," I say, just to aggravate her.
She frowns and sits back down.
Oliver returns and sits beside me. "Let's eat," he says, serving himself and then filling my plate.
Throughout dinner, Gina and Oliver talk, while I speak only when necessary. I'm still anxious about the news Oliver said he wanted to share.
"I have something to tell you both," he begins.
Gina and I fall silent as he continues.
"Next week, on Wednesday, I'll undergo surgery," he announces.
I gasp. "You already made the decision?"
"Yes. The sooner, the better," he says.
"Surgery for what?" Gina asks.
She didn't know.
"I have cancer," Oliver reveals.
Gina stammers, unable to form coherent words. "How...why...no."
"It's nothing to worry about," he assures her.
"No, it isn't!" she cries, nearly sobbing.
If she cares about him so much, why did she steal from him? Has she been doing it for long?
And now with this news, it is even harder to tell him about the watches and belt.
"I understand your concern, but it'll be fine," Oliver says.
Gina shakes her head vehemently, as though she can deny the truth by doing so.
"Excuse me," she says, standing abruptly and leaving the room.
"I'm glad you made the choice. Who's the doctor?" I ask.
"Dr. Will. He's the best. We'll meet him on Friday, and he'll explain everything," Oliver replies.
I reach for his hand on the table and intertwine my fingers with his. I love how perfectly they fit. He squeezes my hand, silently reassuring me.
As the reality of it all settles in, I feel both fear and hope.