LITMIR.BIZ

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faces that came looking for something. She still caught her breath at the possibility of once more sharing something good, fulfilling and satisfying.

      “Thanks for being the God of second chances,” Olivia whispered, her heart overflowing.

      She was certain now that Byways was where God wanted her. In truth, she’d known it the day she’d toured the place with Reese. But she’d waited; both for the rock-solid certainty that now nestled inside her heart and the latest report from her friend, Nancy, to be certain that no one was nosing around the last place she’d lived, asking for an interview, demanding to know how her tragic life had moved on.

      She picked up the phone on its first ring.

      “Did I wake you?” Nancy sounded out of breath.

      “No. I’ve been sitting here watching the sunrise.” Her fingers squeezed around the phone nervously. “Is anything wrong?”

      “No. But I have information I thought you should know. Olivia, two reporters have been digging into your past. One contacted me. Apparently, he’s doing an anniversary story on Anika and Trevor. You know the kind of thing—three years ago today…” She stopped, unwilling to repeat the horrible tragedy aloud.

      “Okay. Do they know where I am?”

      “No, I’m pretty sure not. I just wanted you to be aware.”

      “Thanks, Nancy. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I’m sorry this has put you out so much.”

      “I’m at my favorite coffee shop talking to my best friend. No problem.” Her voice softened. “How are you?”

      “I’m healing. I’ve found a job I love and it’s mostly perfect.”

      “Mostly?”

      “Well, there is this thorn in my side named Nelson. But I’m coping.” They chatted for several more minutes, catching up on each other’s lives. Then Nancy had to go. “Is there a number where I could reach you at Byways in case something else comes up?”

      Olivia hesitated, but finally recited the number.

      “Remember, I’m Olivia Hastings now.”

      “Take care of yourself, sweetie. Keep trusting God.”

      “I am. Thanks for calling.” Olivia hung up before she allowed the tears to fall.

      One splashed against the photo propped in her lap. Anika and Nancy’s daughter Cara had played together like sisters. Trevor and Nancy’s husband had been high school buddies. Everything had been so perfect.

      “I miss you, darlings,” she whispered, tracing one fingertip over the ruggedly handsome face of the only man she’d ever loved. “You were the best part of me, Trevor. You kept me focused on the important things. I know you’re glad I’m at Byways.”

      A little girl with a gap-toothed smile and hair the exact shade of Olivia’s snuggled on her daddy’s knee, beaming. Olivia couldn’t stop the tear that tumbled down her cheek, even though she knew these precious ones were beyond hurt and pain, in a place where love lived.

      “Be happy, baby. Look after Daddy, okay?” Olivia carried the photo inside, set it on her mantle. They were at peace now. And she was slowly finding serenity for herself. At last Olivia felt ready to move ahead with her life.

      But to truly move ahead, she needed to put down roots. The condo was nice, but it came furnished. There was nothing of Olivia in it. Maybe this weekend she’d contact a real estate agent to initiate her search for a place to begin again.

      Olivia dressed carefully, wondering what negative remark Nelson would find to object to her plans today. Not that he would be loud and obnoxious. He wasn’t. Nelson was more like a toothache. Annoying, painful and always there, pressing on your last nerve.

      Still, it wasn’t the first time Olivia had had to work with an unhappy coworker. It wouldn’t be the last. It was just that with Nelson, life was trying when it didn’t have to be. All Olivia wanted was for Byways to be the most effective youth center in the city. That meant doing away with some of the old ways and adopting a few new ones.

      Unfortunately therein lay Nelson’s biggest problem. He took affront with every suggestion she offered. Soon she’d be walking on pins and needles to avoid raising his hackles. And that would make her less effective—something that bothered Olivia. A lot.

      “Give me strength today, Lord,” she prayed as she drove. “Let me be a peacemaker. Most of all, help me meet the kids’ needs.”

      By the time she arrived at Byways, the bloated red sky had altered, now blooming a funny purplish shade. The air hung heavy with the cloying humidity that portended a storm. Hopefully the tempest would only be on the outside of Byways.

      “Good morning everyone,” she said brightly as she stepped into the office.

      Glowering silence greeted her. Not a good sign. Olivia sighed.

      “What’s wrong?”

      “I understand you’ve canceled today’s outing and substituted something else,” Nelson said.

      “Yes, I did.”

      “Perhaps you don’t understand how things work around here, Olivia.” Nelson’s icy tones brimmed with patronization. “As activities director, I make the arrangements for events inside and outside this building. You were hired to take care of counseling. You do not override my plans without a good reason.”

      Oh, brother.

      “I do when the chairman of the board asks me to, Nelson,” she said quietly. “Since some of the permission slips were not returned, Reese asked me to organize something else. Which I’ve done. Because you weren’t here.”

      “I was busy managing fifty kids on a field trip!”

      “Nor did you answer your cell phone, which is against the rules,” she reminded quietly, “or I would have apprised you of the situation ahead of time. As it was, all I could do was to leave you a note.”

      “Reese asked you?” His eyebrows arched. “You two are getting pretty tight. Something you want to tell us, Olivia?” His voice sneered her name.

      Olivia glanced at her secretary for a hint, but Casey only rolled her eyes. Time to face his antagonism head-on.

      “Innuendo doesn’t work with me, Nelson. If you have something to say, then say it. Otherwise let’s get busy.” She waited a moment, pinning him with her best “teacher” look. When he said nothing more, she marched past him to her office.

      Casey followed a few seconds later with the mail.

      “He’s a royal pain—”

      “Is everything arranged for the party this afternoon?” Olivia asked, cutting off the diatribe about to spill. The heavy weather outside seemed to seep in and swell the sense of unease filling the building. She didn’t want to add to it.

      “All taken care of, boss. The kids are gonna love it.” Casey prattled on about the events planned for the afternoon. When the phone rang, she grabbed it. “Byways. This is Casey. Oh, sure. Just a sec.”

      Casey held out the phone.

      “For me?”

      “Reese Woodward.” Casey winked before giving her the receiver. “I’ll get back to my desk and head off Nelson if he comes near.”

      “Thanks, Casey. Hello, Reese. Is everything okay?”

      “Hi, Olivia. I had a phone call from another board member. There’s been a bad accident a couple of miles from you. Apparently they’re going to cut power in your area while they do some extensive repairs. The electrical disruption is expected to last until near dinnertime, which makes this afternoon a no-go.”

      “That’s a shame.”

      “Yes. I suggest you put

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