Arrowheart

Chapter 11

Stephanie and I dropped Hannah off with Moira and then met with Mary and Peyton at a very crowded Table Salt. Typical for a Grand Opening. Now we are sitting at our table laughing together over some stories.

Peyton: "You're kidding. Did she really do that?"

Elizabeth: "Yeah, I'm not kidding. I walked into the bathroom, and my lipstick was all over her face. I asked her if she had entered my purse, and she said no."

We giggle.

Peyton: "Hannah is too adorable. I'm so jealous. I want one too."

Stephanie: "So go have one. No one's stopping you."

Peyton: "I need a boyfriend for that first."

Mary: "You could always just fly solo like Lizzy."

Stephanie gives Mary a look.

Mary: "Sorry."

Elizabeth: "Guys, it's fine. Do I wish Oliver would've been a part of Hannah's life before? Of course. But I wouldn't change a thing. I love what I have with my daughter. Who knows what will happen in the future."

Peyton: "Maybe you'll end up with Oliver, maybe you won't. I'm sure you will be great either way."

I try my best to smile, knowing what they mean. Being a single mother while running a company is hard, but it's something I am willing and able to do. It's not like I need Oliver to be there with me.

Stephanie: "Hey, let's change the subject. We should go dance tonight."

Mary: "We totally should. Let's go now."

Elizabeth: "Why are you two hurrying to leave?"

I see them peeking at something behind me, and Stephanie tries to stop Mary subtly. I turn around to see Oliver enter the restaurant with Helena Bertinelli. Immediately I start feeling something like a pit in my stomach. I turn back to the girls who are giving me pity looks.

Elizabeth: "Let's just get out of here."

Luckily, I had already paid the bill. I quickly leave with them. As we pass Oliver with Helena, Tommy, and Laurel, I accidentally make eye contact with Oliver, who seems stunned to see me. Once outside, Stephanie puts a hand on my shoulder as I take a couple of deep breaths in the cold crisp air.

Elizabeth: "I'm alright. Really."

Peyton: "Hey, don't let him ruin our night."

Mary: "We are going to a club."

Stephanie: "Come on."

I smile as I look at all three of them.

Elizabeth: "Yeah, let's go have some fun."

We danced and drank all night, and I honestly don't remember how I got home afterward. I wake up to my phone ringing beside me and buzzing on my nightstand. Groaning as I reach for it, I pick it up to see Moira's name on the caller ID. 

E: Hello?
M: Good morning, Elizabeth. We were just wondering when you think you'll be coming over
E: Most likely in an hour or so, but I will let you know when I am on my way
M: Alright, take your time, and I will see you when you get here
E: Okay, see you then

I hang up and take some pain meds for my headache. Walking out of my room, I find Stephanie in my kitchen, cooking something. By the smell, I can tell she is making bacon and coffee, but other than that, I can't tell. I spot Mary on my couch and hear a flush from the bathroom before Peyton comes out.

Elizabeth: "What happened last night?"

Peyton: "I was drunk off my ass, don't ask me."

Mary: "Cute guys, too many drinks, couldn't drive."

Stephanie: "I didn't drink as much as you three. I could tell you truly needed it last night. To put it simply, you had a lot of fun. I made pancakes, bacon, and coffee. Hannah is with Moira."

Elizabeth: "I know. She called me. Thank you for the food."

Peyton: "You're the best, Stephanie."

Mary: "I'm just gonna chill in the bathroom for a bit."

We all nod, knowing how she is after a night of drinking, and try to ignore the sounds from the bathroom. But I can't do it and go in to hold her hair back and help her through it. Once she's done, we eat breakfast, and they go home while I leave to pick up Hannah.

As I reach for the door, it opens to reveal Oliver, who is surprised to see me.

Oliver: "Liz, I was hoping to talk to you about last night."

Elizabeth: "There's nothing to talk about. I don't need to know about your love life, Oliver."

I try to walk past him, but he quickly takes hold of my wrist.

Oliver: "It wasn't what it looked like, Liz."

Elizabeth: "So you weren't on a double date with Helena, Tommy, and Laurel?"

Oliver: "No. I ran into Tommy and Laurel unexpectedly, and Helena and I were trying to get through a business deal. We were not on a date."

Elizabeth: "Ollie, it's none of my business if you were."

Oliver: "It matters to me that you know this. I care about you and Hannah more than anything and want to spend more time with you. I am so sorry that I just can't right now. Hopefully, I will have more time soon, now that Tommy is my general manager."

I can tell from his eyes that he does mean what he is telling me. His eyes are solid yet gentle, and he looks nervous while waiting for my response. I give him a soft smile.

Elizabeth: "It's alright. I know you're not used to being around so many people after everything you've been through. I understand you need time to ease your way into it, and I'll never stop caring about you, Ollie. Let me know when you're ready, and we will figure something out."

Before entering, I kiss his cheek and slip my wrist out of his hold.