Page 44 of The Story of Us
“Still. I could’ve helped Joanie. And if I’d called the arborist like I was supposed to …”
Nate’s other hand cupped her chin, tipping her face so they could see each other properly. “Joan’s okay. She got herself outside and called for help. She’s tough, which we all already knew. She was hitting on a fireman when I arrived and told me to tell him we weren’t dating.”
“I know we’re not dating, Nate.” Why did he choose this moment to remind her of that? God, men weren’t just confusing, they were stupid.
Heat flared in his eyes quickly before disappearing. “She wanted me to clarify to the fireman that she and I weren’t involved. I’m too old for her, apparently. It’s a good news day for Teddy.”
Oh.
“Come on, let’s go see if your folks are here yet.” Nate helped her up, slipped his hand into hers and didn’t let go.
“How’d you know what happened?” she asked.
“Raff was at the hospital for work when the ambulance got called out. He recognised the address and called me.”
Eloise stepped through the side gate, relieved the flashing lights had been turned off.
“Eloise! Thank goodness.” Mary enveloped her in a big hug, squeezing her tightly. As soon as she was released, Michael did the same thing.
“I’m alright. I wasn’t even here. What happens next?”
Eloise half listened as her father explained that he’d call the insurers, and hopefully, they’d send someone out in the morning to assess the damage. When he said something about packing a bag, her ears pricked up.
“… with all the damage, you won’t be able to stay here for a few weeks at least.”
Great. Just great.
“We’ll squeeze the blow-up into my office, and Mum can sleep in the guest room,” Mary said.
Once it had been apparent that Eloise was going to stay at Joanie’s indefinitely, Mary had converted her bedroom into a craft room that doubled as her office. It had actually been the inspiration for the art room at KPs. Although, Eloise hadn’t inherited her love of order and everything being in its place from Mary. The last time she’d been in her mother’s office, it had been very …crowded.Visions of art supplies toppling over and smothering her in the middle of the night filled her mind.
“I’ll tidy it up as soon as we get home and find a spot for the mattress.”
“Or you can bunk in with me?” Joanie offered.
Eloise blanched. She could camp on the couch instead, but it was too short to be comfortable. The idea of sleeping on an air mattress for a few weeks didn’t exactly thrill Eloise, but when her only other option was sharing with The Human Chainsaw, it would have to do.
“There’s a spare room at my place.”
She heard the words. Understood English too, funnily enough, but it still took her a second to realise what Nate was offering. Joanie, of course, beat her to reply.
“Why, Nate”—the older woman beamed at him—“I’d love to stay with you. Glad we’ve got this all sorted.”
“That offer wasn’t for you, Mum,” Mary sighed.
“A gal can dream.” Joanie flopped back against the gurney. Her face was brighter, eyes more alert.
Eloise tugged at the collar of her jumper, her skin suddenly warm. It would make her life easier. Charlie’s place was out, and Alice and Owen were so loved up. She’d have to walk around blindfolded just to be sure she didn’t see something she shouldn’t. “I don’t want to be in the way,” she said.
“It’s no problem; besides, this is what friends do, right? They help each other out,” Nate said. “Let me do this for you, Eloise. Please?”
“Yes, let him. Go on,” said Joanie, a devilish grin on her face. Clearly, the shock was wearing off. “Or do it for me. I’d feel terrible if you had to squeeze in with us when there’s a perfectly good bed at Nate’s place.”
Eloise turned back towards Nate. It was so unfair how delectable he could make a shapeless puffer jacket look. The moonlight hitting the wire frames of his glasses just added to his attractiveness.
But if they were only ever destined to be friends and now temporary housemates, shehadto stop thinking things like that.
“Okay,” she said. “I’ll stay with you.”
