Chapter 32 - Christmas Party Talk ♡︎

The next morning arrived clear and bright, the sun rising over the snow-capped hills that surrounded Silver Falls. It was one of those crisp winter mornings where you could see your breath in the air, and everyone at school seemed to be buzzing with energy — finals approaching, holiday break just around the corner. The Walter boys had all piled into the old truck that morning, laughter spilling out of the windows as they argued about music and who got shotgun. Olive had sat quietly in the middle seat beside Cole, bundled in her cream-colored sweater and scarf, while he drove with one hand on the wheel and, occasionally, one hand resting protectively on her knee.

Now, a few hours later, the lunch bell had rung and the group had gathered outside under the sprawling oak tree by the football field — their usual spot. The air was cool but comfortable, the kind of day where the winter sun made everything look a little golden. Olive sat beside Cole on the bench, her lunchbox neatly balanced on her lap, her hair catching the light like spun gold. Jackie, Alex, Skylar, and Grace sat nearby, chatting and laughing between bites of sandwiches and chips.

Cole had one arm draped lazily over Olive's shoulders, and although she tried to act casual, her cheeks were pink the entire time. He'd nudge her softly every now and then, stealing glances, and she'd shyly look away — only for him to grin and do it again. It was subtle but impossible to ignore, the quiet affection that seemed to glow between them.

Jackie noticed first, her lips twitching into a teasing smile as she looked over at them. "You two are cute, you know that?" she said, raising an eyebrow.

Olive blinked, her blush deepening as she fidgeted with her juice box. "W-what do you mean?" she stammered.

Alex chuckled lightly beside Jackie, leaning forward on his elbows. he said, his tone good-natured. "Cole hasn't stopped smiling since we sat down."

Cole smirked, unbothered. "Can you blame me?" he said smoothly, glancing down at Olive. "She's cute."

Olive's eyes widened and she playfully swatted his arm. "Cole!" she whispered, her voice barely above a squeak. But the laughter that followed from everyone softened the moment, and even she couldn't help but laugh too.

Grace, sitting cross-legged on the grass, grinned at them. "You guys are basically the new 'it' couple of the campus," she said, twirling her straw in her iced coffee. "Everyone's talking about you two."

Olive nearly choked on her water. "What?!" she gasped.

Cole just laughed, resting his chin on his hand. "Guess it's official, tiny. We're famous."

Jackie rolled her eyes, though there was fondness behind it. "Just don't let it go to your head, Cole. We don't need your ego taking up more space than it already does."

"Ha-ha," Cole said dryly, though his smirk didn't fade.

The teasing continued for a few minutes until Skylar suddenly spoke up, leaning back on his hands. "Speaking of big things," he said with a grin, "I've been meaning to tell you guys — I'm hosting a Christmas party at my place this year. Whole group is invited, and you guys better come too."

Grace perked up instantly. "Ooh, that sounds fun! Is it going to be one of those fancy parties, or more like a chaotic style one?"

Skylar laughed. "Definitely chaotic. My parents are out of town, so it's just me, Nathan, and a lot of decorations. We'll have music, food, maybe chill in the hot tub if it's not too cold. Everyone brings something — snacks, gifts, whatever."

Jackie smiled, looking intrigued. "That actually sounds nice," she said. "A little break before finals and all the family chaos."

Alex nodded in agreement, glancing at her. "Count us in then."

Cole leaned back on the bench, his hand still resting comfortably on Olive's shoulder. "We'll be there," he said confidently, then looked down at her. "Right, tiny?"

Olive blinked, her face lighting up as she smiled softly. "Y-yeah, that sounds really nice," she said. "I've never really been to a Christmas party with friends before."

Grace gasped dramatically. "Never? Oh, we have to fix that immediately!"

Jackie laughed, shaking her head. "Brace yourself, Ollie. These people don't do low-key."

Olive giggled quietly, her heart feeling warm. She'd never imagined herself fitting in like this — surrounded by laughter, friendship, and this strange, chaotic kind of love that the Walter family and their friends carried everywhere they went. And sitting beside Cole, feeling the gentle squeeze of his arm around her, she realized she didn't mind at all.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Cole stood and held out his hand to help her up. "C'mon," he said, smiling. "Let's get to class before Jackie starts lecturing me again."

Cole and Olive walked down the long hallway hand in hand, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. She walked close to him, her small hand nestled perfectly in his, their fingers intertwined as if they'd always belonged that way. The hallway buzzed faintly with the distant chatter of other students heading to class, but for a few quiet moments, it felt like the world had slowed down to just the two of them — Cole, calm and confident, and Olive, shy and thoughtful, trying to make sense of everything that had changed between them so quickly.

Cole looked down at her with that half-smirk he always wore — the one that was equal parts charm and mischief — and Olive couldn't help but feel her cheeks warm. It still felt surreal to her, being this close to him, holding his hand in front of everyone. The same Cole Walter who used to drive her crazy with teasing remarks and moody stares, now walking beside her like it was the most natural thing in the world.

After a few quiet steps, Olive bit her lip, glancing up at him through her lashes. "Um... Cole?" she said softly, her voice barely rising above the hum of the hallway.

He hummed in response, not looking down right away but tightening his hold on her hand slightly. "Yeah, tiny?"

Olive hesitated, her words fumbling in her throat before finally spilling out. "I was just thinking..." She looked down at their joined hands, her heart fluttering nervously. "Maybe I should, um... probably say that we're dating now."

Cole stopped walking and turned to face her, his smirk widening into a grin that was both teasing and affectionate. "Oh, you mean make it official?" he asked, stepping a little closer until she had to tilt her head back to look at him. "I thought we already were."

She smiled despite herself and shook her head. "No, not that." She bit her lip for a moment, searching for the right words. "I just... I think I should probably tell certain people."

Cole raised a brow, his grin slowly spreading. "Certain people?You mean you haven't told anyone yet?"

Olive's eyes widened. "Well, not exactly," she said quickly, her words tumbling out nervously. "I mean, I told Jackie, obviously, but not everyone. It's just—people have been asking about Dylan, and I don't want anyone thinking I'm—"

"Still into him?" Cole finished for her, his tone a mix of teasing and something else — something sharper, protective.

Olive nodded slowly. "Yeah... I just don't want him to get the wrong idea."

Cole stopped walking and turned to face her fully, still holding her hand but tugging her gently closer. His grin softened into something warmer, and his voice dropped lower, more serious but still with that trademark confidence that was just so him. "Tiny," he said quietly, brushing his thumb along her hand again, "trust me — he already knows."

Olive blinked, startled. "He does?"

Cole chuckled and nodded. "Oh yeah. Everyone does. We're basically the 'it' couple of Silver Falls College now, you heard what Grace said."

Olive's eyes went wide. "Don't remind me..." she whispered, her voice almost a squeak.

Cole smirked, clearly amused by her reaction. "People talk about us. You and me — the shy girl and the ex-quarterback. It's kind of a thing."

Olive's mouth opened in disbelief. "Cole, you're making it sound like we're in some kind of movie."

He tilted his head, pretending to think. "Yeah," he said with a grin, "a really good one."___

The final bell echoed faintly through the campus, and the once-quiet walkways were suddenly alive with movement—students spilling out of buildings, laughing, chatting, planning their evenings. The sun was dipping low on the horizon, painting the sky in soft shades of gold and lavender, and the warm light made everything seem touched by magic. Olive walked beside Jackie and Grace, her steps light, her face bright with excitement that she didn't even try to hide. Behind them, Cole and Alex trailed a few feet, their easy banter blending with the hum of the crowd.

When they finally reached the parking lot, Skylar leaned against his sleek car, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as they approached and gave them his usual easy grin. "Well," he said, pushing himself upright, "I'll see you guys at the party tonight." He winked toward Olive and Grace, then added with a smirk, "Try not to be fashionably late this time."

Grace rolled her eyes playfully. "No promises," she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

Jackie laughed softly and nudged Olive's shoulder. "You're actually excited, aren't you?"

Olive's cheeks flushed a little, but she nodded eagerly. "I am," she admitted. "I mean, it's been forever since I went to something like this. Skylar said he's going to have decorations and everything—it sounds like so much fun."

Cole, who was unlocking his truck, smirked as he glanced over at her. "So, this is what gets you all giddy? A Christmas party?"

Olive turned to him with a shy grin, hugging her backpack close to her chest. "It's not just a party, Cole," she said softly, "it's my first one where I actually get to go with you guys. And it's Christmas—so it's special."

Her tone, gentle but earnest, tugged at something in him. Cole's teasing expression faltered for a moment as he looked at her—really looked at her—standing there in the fading light with her eyes bright and hopeful. There was something about the way Olive saw the world, how even simple things like a party could make her heart light up, that made Cole's chest tighten in a way he couldn't explain.

"Then I guess we better make it a good one," he finally said, tossing his keys into the air and catching them before climbing into the driver's seat.

Jackie slid into the passenger seat while Olive climbed into the back beside Alex, who smiled at her encouragingly. "You'll love it," Alex said. "Skylar throws decent parties, and the whole campus usually shows up. Just... ignore Cole if he starts acting like your bodyguard again."

Olive giggled, her laughter soft and musical. "I'll try."

Jackie twisted around in her seat, her expression warm. "We'll make sure you have fun tonight, Liv. Promise."

Cole, starting the truck, shot Jackie a half-smile. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she does."

The drive home was filled with chatter and the faint hum of the radio. The windows were rolled down just enough for the cool winter air to slip in, carrying the scent of pine and distant snow. Olive pressed her hand against the glass, watching as the trees blurred past. Every now and then, she'd glance toward the front seat where Cole sat, one hand on the wheel, the other drumming lightly to the beat of the song. She couldn't help smiling to herself.

As they turned down the familiar dirt road toward the Walters' ranch, Olive sighed contentedly. The house came into view, lights glowing warmly through the windows, smoke curling from the chimney—it looked like something straight out of a holiday movie.

Jackie unbuckled her seatbelt as they pulled into the driveway. "Alright," she said, turning to Olive. "We've got a few hours before the party starts. We'll get ready, okay?"

Olive nodded eagerly. "Okay!"

Cole parked the truck and leaned his arm on the steering wheel, glancing back at her with that trademark grin of his. "Try not to steal all the attention tonight, tiny," he said, his tone playfully protective.

Olive blushed, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "I don't think I could even if I tried," she murmured shyly.

Cole chuckled lowly. "You underestimate yourself."

Jackie rolled her eyes as she opened her door. "Alright, Romeo, that's enough. Let's get inside before it gets dark."

The three of them climbed out of the truck, laughter mingling with the crunch of gravel under their shoes.