You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 181

Riverdale looked gorgeous at night.

Since Pacific Capital was smack in the city’s CBD, the drive home meant passing right by the riverfront. By five thirty, sunlight was spilling over the water, making it shimmer gold—waves catching the light like scattered coins, rising and falling in a calm rhythm. It felt a lot like Patricia’s mood right then.

“Hurry up!” she called out to Oliver, a hint of impatience in her voice.

They finally broke free from the traffic and took Riverdale Avenue, winding their way up Cloud Peak Drive. The car rolled to a stop in the driveway at Cloud Peak Manor.

Oliver scooped Patricia up and settled into the passenger seat with her in his arms. She leaned her head against his shoulder, breathing softly, completely worn out.

He stroked her back, his voice gentle. “We’re home. Want to get out of the car?”

“Carry me,” she mumbled. She didn’t have the strength to move.

Oliver chuckled quietly. “Of course.”

As if he’d ever let her walk when she was this tired. That just wouldn’t be right.

Usually, Patricia would take off her makeup before a bath. Tonight, though, she did things backwards—she slipped into the tub first, letting the hot water bring her back to life, planning to clean up after.

Just then, Marian came in holding her phone. “Miss, your phone’s been ringing nonstop.”

Oliver had actually heard it first, but instead of barging in, he’d asked Marian to handle it.

Patricia took the phone and thanked her. “Miss, we found him. He’s in Queensland.”

“Keep an eye on him. If you can turn him, great. If not, let me know and I’ll come over myself.”

Patricia bent down, about to pet the kitten, but Oliver’s deep voice stopped her.

“Sara brought it? You don’t like cats?” she asked carefully.

Oliver shook his head. He didn’t mind Marian or Sara feeding stray cats outside, but he drew the line at bringing them indoors. Sara, of course, had pushed the boundaries and hidden the kitten in her room for nearly two weeks. If the cleaning lady hadn’t left the door open today, the secret would’ve lasted even longer. The only reason Oliver found out was because the kitten slipped out while he was home.

There was no way Sara had pulled this off alone. For her to keep it hidden, everyone from Johns to the cleaning staff must have been in on it.

Patricia glanced at Oliver, trying to read his mood, and said gently, “How about I take the kitten outside for now? We can deal with it when Sara gets home. Does that work?”

Oliver didn’t answer, but his silence was as good as a yes.

Patricia scooped up the kitten and headed out of the living room. She handed it to Johns, making sure he put it in a box so it wouldn’t run off again.