You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 704

“I haven’t been ignoring you.”

“You barely said a word to me all week. You don’t answer my texts, you hardly pick up when I call. The jewelry I brought you is just sitting in the closet. You didn’t even bother to open it.”

“I’ve been trying to make it up to you, but you won’t even look at me. I wanted to make you happy with gifts, but you don’t seem to care. Pattie, what am I supposed to do?”

“Can you please not be mad at me anymore?”

He leaned in and hugged her, resting his forehead in the curve of her neck, nuzzling her like a wounded little animal. His soft hair brushed against her skin, making her freeze up. She was still holding the bowl of soup with one hand, and didn’t know where to put it. Her other hand hesitated in the air, then slowly landed on his back as she started to gently stroke him, over and over.

“I’m not mad.”

“You’re impossible to please, and you won’t talk to me,” Oliver said, sounding hurt and frustrated.

“So you thought sending me jewelry would fix everything? Who tries to make up with someone by just sending stuff and never showing up?”

“I’ve just been so busy.” His voice was muffled against her skin. He really was busy. This schedule was set months ago, and it was a huge project. He couldn’t just bail. The last week felt endless, every day dragging by.

“I’d rather do anything than spend time with those business guys and politicians, but I can’t get out of it.”

“I know.” Patricia let out a sigh, glancing down at the soup she was holding. It was getting cold. She tried again, “Just drink the soup, okay? It’s getting cold.”

Oliver looked up at her, his eyes dark and deep. “Are you even listening to me?”

“I’m listening.”

“No, you’re not. All you care about is the soup getting cold. You’re just saying nice things so I’ll drink it.”

Patricia felt hopeless. He really was drunk. Otherwise, why would he be acting like this?

“I do not,” Patricia protested. She couldn’t remember ever doing that.

“Yes, you do,” Oliver insisted. “Most of the time.”

“When?” she shot back.

“When I’m too rough with you at night. The next morning, you won’t even say good morning.”

Patricia’s cheeks went pink. Was he really bringing that up so casually?

“So you admit you’re too rough.”

“But you still enjoy it.”