Page 12 of Strictly Business

“You got it, boss.” I offer her a small salute before heading towards the front door.

At first, I don’t see her, but after a second, I hear her boots pacing the asphalt up and down the circle. She doesn’t say much to whoever is on the phone, but from the look on her face, the conversation is not going well. She pauses at the far end of the circle and ends the call, but she doesn’t turn to come back inside. She lets her shoulders fall and releases the breath she has been holding. I’m torn between interrupting her and leaving her alone. She needs a moment to decompress, but with how things have been going today… I don’t know if I want to come back empty-handed.

Nina straightens herself and prepares to walk back inside, to put up the mask once again, but freezes. Something catches her eye from the driveway I can’t see. And the first real smile I’ve seen all day tugs on her lips before a dark-haired blur rushes towards her — Nick. He lifts her off her feet and kisses her. I don’t know how they do it. Spend so much time apart. It used to kill me being away from David for a week, I can’t imagine going two, three, or more at a time.

“Uncle Nick! Uncle Nick!” Ophelia? When did she get here? She barges out the door towards them tackling Nick's legs.

He laughs and kneels to her level, “Oh my goodness, is that Ophelia Jade? I swear you’ve gotten ten inches taller since I saw you.”

“Nu-uh!”

“You sure? You’re almost as tall as me.” Nick moves his hand from the top of his to hers.

“Because you’re on the ground,” Ophelia giggles.

“Sorry, she slipped past me,” I say joining them.

“I’m always happy to see my OJ,” Nick says. He ruffles Ophelia’s hair much to her dismay. “C’mon, let’s go see everyone.”

Ophelia jumps at the opportunity, taking his hand and babbling the whole way leaving me and Nina alone. I think about saying something to her, apologizing for the last time we saw each other now that we’re not around everyone else, but Ophelia’s words stop me, “Uncle Nick, is Aunt Nina okay?”

Oh no.

The world stops. I told Nina that kid was listening that day in the park. There’s a questioning look on Nick’s face as he glances down at her and back at his wife. He bends down to her level again. “Of course she is, Leia. Why would you ask that?”

Ophelia looks at Nina before beckoning him closer. Using her hand, she cups her mouth to his ear and whispers something. His gaze narrows on Nina, but she doesn’t react. Damn, I wish I had as good a poker face as her. Then, his gaze meets mine, and I know we’re screwed.

“You’re too smart for your own good.” Nick kisses Ophelia’s forehead. “Go inside, Leia. I’m right behind you. Tell Grandpa Jim it’s time for cake, okay?”

“And then I can help with presents?”

“And then you can help with presents.”

Ophelia wastes no time running back inside. Before the door even closes, Nick turns to face both of us.

“Nick—”

“We’ll talk later, Michaela,” he stops me. “Go inside.”

I share a look with Nina, who nods, but I don’t want to leave her. “Michaela, go,” she insists. After a moment, I finally give in. “Nick, let me—”

“Doctor, Nina?” His voice a low hiss. “What in the hell is going on?”

“I’m okay,” she says as I reach the door. “I will explain everything at home, I promise. Can we please go enjoy the party? For your dad and Patrick, Nick… Please.”

Alex stands in the doorway. “Everything good?”

“Nick knows.”

Chapter Six

MICHAELA

NICK MOVED INTO NINA’S house on the outskirts of Winchester not long after their elopement, and from what I could tell, it had been an easy transition. He didn’t have much, but it didn’t matter because Nina already had everything. Much to my surprise she cleared out some of her closet for his clothes and gave him free rein to make changes in the house. “It’s his home, too,” Nina said with a small shrug. He didn’t change much, instead, he opted to take over one of the spare rooms on the lower level turning it into his office and man cave.

I’ve always loved Nina’s house, it’s warm and welcoming, but as I approach the entrance to the Villa-Davis home today, I feel anything but welcome. Through the paneled windows on either side of the door, the house is dark. Nick stands in the open door, arms crossed tightly over his chest. His jacket from earlier gone, sleeves rolled up to reveal a new tattoo on his forearm. It looks familiar — a mountain range. Haven. It’s the mountains surrounding their home in Haven. “Hey, Michaela.” His greeting is simple and nice enough, but his tone betrays him.

“Nin home?”

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