Page 29 of Falling for Nicole
Chapter Seven
Nicole
I’m not sure if it’s something I did or said, but I haven’t seen Dec since he left with his family on Sunday morning. I knew he was about; I saw him from a distance down on the beach and I heard his voice booming through from the shop, but at no point did he come to see how things were going.
I fucking hate myself for thinking it, even more for admitting it to myself, but I miss him, damn it. I hadn’t realised how much I’d been keeping an eye out for him, or looking forward to him coming in, but it’s becoming clear and I’m not sure how to feel about it. The more we argue and bicker, the more I’m beginning to realise that I actually kind of enjoy it. I needed a little excitement in my life, and it seems that not knowing what’s going to come out of his mouth next is filling that need—possibly a little too well.
Today’s my first day off since I started at the shack. I wasn’t sure whether I was going to end up working it, but everyone else seems to be capable of holding the fort, so I decided to go for it. Plus, it’s date night. I’m hoping it’s going to be the perfect cure for my issue with Dec. I think I’m hoping too much that this guy is going to be perfect for me, but I can’t help it. I don’t want to be disappointed when he isn’t everything I’ve made him out to be, but I fear that’s what’s going to happen.
“Okay, I think I’ve got everything. You ready?” Lilly asks after I’ve spent the best part of an hour watching her get everything she’ll need for the twins together for our shopping trip. I told her I could go alone to save all this faff, but she was adamant.
“You sure you’ve got everything? The kitchen sink is still over there,” I point out with a laugh.
“I know, I know. Take the mick all you like, but one day I’ll get my own back.”
“There aren’t twins in my family, so I think I’ll stick to having the usual one when my time comes.”
“You still can’t go out without taking half the house. Especially when they’re weaning.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“Just think, tonight could be the start of all that. If you and Chris get along, he could be your baby daddy.”
“We’ll see,” I mutter, as I will away the image of Dec that pops into my mind.
“Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
“Yeah, I just haven’t eaten,” I admit in the hope it’ll pacify her and stop her digging further. She doesn’t need to know the kinds of images I’ve had in my head when it comes to her twin brother.
Lilly takes me into the city and shows me about. It’s the first time I’ve had a chance to get out of town, and it’s nice to be in the middle of all the hustle and bustle again. Our little sleepy seaside town is lovely, but it can be pretty quiet at times.
We wander in and out of as many shops as we can, looking for an outfit for tonight before the twins start getting hungry. We head to the closest coffee shop and begin the mission that turns out to be.
Thankfully, I find my perfect outfit just after we’ve eaten. If I hadn’t, I’d have been rummaging through my suitcases because the twins were having none of it. They were desperate to get out and move.
Lilly offers to pay for a taxi for me if I want to stay shopping longer, but I’m pleased with what I have so I’m more than happy to go back home with her.
* * *
I’m meeting Chris at a pub just outside of town at eight o’clock. Ten minutes before I need to leave, I stand in front of the full length mirror in Lilly’s guest room, thinking that this place is good for me. Since eating actual food once again, I’ve regained some of the shape I’d previously lost. My pale, sickly skin has been replaced by a sun kissed glow, which makes my freckles stand out that much more, and my dark and tired eyes look alive. I may have questioned it at the beginning, but I always knew coming here was the right thing to do.
My eyes drop to my new outfit. A pair of tailored navy shorts with a pinstriped blue and white off-the-shoulder blouse, finished with a pair of wedges and a couple of bangles. Lilly was pushing for a pretty dress, but I’m not really a dress kind of girl. This is much more me. I pull my hair over one shoulder and quickly plait it into a messy fishtail, and I’m done.
“Whoa, Chris isn’t going to know what’s hit him tonight,” Lucas says when I bump into him on the way out of my room.
“Thank you, and thanks for setting this up.” Although I can’t seem to get Dec out of my head, I’m looking forward to meeting someone new.
“I can’t take any of the credit. It was all Lilly. She’s was like a woman on a mission.”
“I can imagine.”
“Have a good night,” Lucas calls as I descend the stairs.
Lilly pays me the same compliments and sends me on my way after telling me to enjoy myself and that there’s no curfew if I decide to make the most of my night.
I’m all for going out and enjoying myself, but I don’t think I’ll be doing what Lilly’s blush was alluding to—not on a first date, anyway…maybe the second. It’s been a long time since I saw any of that kind of action.
“Nicole?” someone asks as I sip on my drink at the bar. Turning around, I find the most stereotypical surfer I think I’ve ever laid eyes on. His hair is long and blonde, tousled in a way most women would be envious of, his eyes are bright blue, and his body is tall and lean. As I stand looking at him, I can picture him out on the sea with a board beneath his feet.
