My tone of speech was incredibly familiar, making it sound as if I wasn’t treating Olivia as an outsider, but rather like a member of my own family.
A smile spread across Olivia’s face and she wrapped her hand around my arm, “Aaliyah, don’t worry! I know my limits. We’re all friends here, right?”
“Yes, and it’s because we’re friends that I’m warning you!”
“Don’t worry, my lips are sealed!” She boasted, somewhat smug.
I stifled a scoff, ‘sealed lips’ was not something I had observed from her!
“When is Nettie heading back?” I asked casually, hinting at my extensive knowledge about the Bradlee family. I needed to get a read on this Nettie. There was more to her than meets the eye.
Olivia took the bait and quickly replied, “Well, she decided not to leave, she wants to stay and work here!”
“Oh… did she graduate?” I asked, feigning surprise. “Well, your easy days are over then.”
Olivia shot a wary look at me. I immediately slapped my hand over my mouth, “I shouldn’t have said that!”
She nudged my arm, “No, it’s fine. We don’t have secrets between us. As for Nettie… well, she hasn’t spent much time here. We barely know each other. Her sudden decision to return was quite a surprise, and I was not prepared for it at all!”
“How does she get along with her father?” Catherine cut to the chase.
“They get along fine, I suppose. After all, he’s spent a ton of money on her!” Olivia’s voice betrayed her true feelings.
“She’s not home, what could he possibly spend money on!” Catherine retorted.
“You think studying abroad for several years is cheap?” Olivia shot back, clearly not pleased.
“It’s normal. She is Irving’s daughter after all. If he doesn’t spoil her, then who would do so?” Catherine had a ready answer.
“Does her decision to stay here have anything to do with her mother?” I asked, bombarding her with questions from both sides, leaving her no room to think.
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