Olivia: It's not what you think but I'm not going to lie that I like it.

Me: Then don't be afraid to go for it if you have the chance.

Olivia: Yeah. He told me he had courted you.

Me: Yeah but hey it wasn't anything really serious so that shouldn't be a problem.

Olivia: Yeah, but hey that's on hold for now. Are we having a movie night? I'll make the popcorns.

Me: Okay.

*** Brice EKRA ***

Since this morning I have been harassed by Alex. She's just calling me for some reason and I don't even want to know. She was the one who threw me out on the street when Sara broke up with me and I was left homeless. She just laughed at me because supposedly I couldn't take care of her or give her the luxury she dreams of. I never understood her insistence on wanting a man's fortune even though she came from a wealthy family herself. His father is or at least was a powerful man long before his illness but despite that his fortunes are still intact so what's the problem with this Alex? She kicked me out because she said she wanted a rich man to take her for a wife. I didn't flinch and turned around as a family so I could start my life from scratch. I got a grip on myself, I changed my bad life to be a responsible man. I had a job with a salary that over the years has grown considerably. I'm not super rich but I'm on the right track. I also think that Alex knew that I was doing very well, which is why she wants us to get back together, but what she forgets is that I'm not the same motherfucker from other times. . I have changed and I want a woman worthy of the name and I think I have found that woman in Olivia. We've been spending our free time together for two weeks, either chatting by message or going out to eat. I think she will do the trick, but hey, I have to take it step by step so I don't screw e

She does as I say and I answer her smile. We pick up her son who was sitting in front of the school with his teacher. This one starts to gloat when he sees his gift.

Olivia: What do we say Emmanuel?

Emmanuel: Thank you Uncle Brice.

Me: You're welcome, champion.

Emmanuel: Are we going to go trampoline again?

Me (laughing): No you have class tomorrow but I promise to take you there on Saturday.

He starts hopping in his seat which makes us laugh out loud, his mother and me. This time, I have no more doubts. I want Olivia. We took a quick tour of Olivia's apartment where she and Emmanuel got changed before we hit the road for the restaurant. The others have already settled down drinking, for Maya fruit juice and for wine lovers. Emmanuel jumps on Maya's legs as soon as he sees her. The dinner takes place wonderfully between a chat, tastings of our dishes and amorous glances between Olivia and me.

Maya: Apparently I'm bothering since I'm the only single person here.

Olivia: I am too.

Maya: But you came with Brice. But it does not matter. I will console myself with my lover Emmanuel who has not yet grown up.

Cynthia: I hope your love is as exciting as mine and Ryan.

Cynthia turns to Ryan for her kisses and Maya looks down. It rings loud in my head. How could I not remember this earlier? Maya was madly in love with Ryan in high school and college and still is today. That's why she can't seem to relate to a man. But now, I don't think anyone can get between Ryan and Cynthia. We end the dinner in a good mood. Maya is riding with me and Olivia as Cynthia and Ryan go to his house. Emmanuel is already asleep in Maya's arms. When we arrive, Maya comes downstairs with the little one in her arms, telling Olivia to take her time because she was taking care of him. So we stay in the car.

Me: I loved our date.

Olivia: Come on, we weren't alone.

Me (staring at her): Yes, but I only had eyes for you.

She lowers her head in shame.

Me: I didn't like seeing you cry today you know. And I don't ever want to see you like this again unless it's tears of joy.

Olivia: It's hard not to cry when I find myself among sharks who want nothing more than to tear me apart.

Me: But I think you can beat these sharks if you're not alone anymore. I am now here for you Olivia.

Olivia (frowning): What do you really mean by that?

Me: That I want to be with you. I want to be with you, support you, help you overcome your trials and defeat these sharks.

Olivia: My life is not easy and I don't want to get involved in it.

Me: I want to. And then we got very close these two weeks don't you think?

Olivia (smiling): I know.

Me: So?

Olivia: I'm scared. I was about to get married to Stéphane but my little sister stole it from me. I don't want the story to ...

I captured his lips because I couldn't hold back anymore. She lets herself go and even responds to my kiss. I release her lips but still stay close and stare at her intently.

Me: We'll write our story, just the two of us. Both against sharks.

She smiled and I grabbed her lips again. It is with difficulty that we separate. I watch her walk into her apartment building and once out of my sight I start and go inside. I text Ryan to let him know that I am now with Olivia. He replies congratulations. I sincerely hope that our story ends in marriage because like I said, I want to settle down. I no longer want to do without woman to woman. This Brice no longer exists.