Page 95 of Falling for Nicole
“Thanks for this. I’ll be out back if you need me.”
“Arsehole,” I mutter as he disappears through the door, but I have a wide smile on my face.
“Things good with the boss, I take it?” Freya says as she walks past, carrying an armful of plates.
“You could say that.”
“I’m happy for you, really, but do you think you could help? That table over there is waiting for their order to be taken.”
“Oh…yeah, sure. I’m on it.”
* * *
I’m buzzing with excitement when I unlock the front door later that evening. Seeing the set of spare keys Liv was using hanging on the hook in the hallway dampens my mood slightly. She reluctantly went back home yesterday morning once she was confident I was okay after my slight meltdown. I’m gutted she’s gone, and sad that she’s going back to a life that makes her so miserable, but other than offer her a place to stay, there’s not a lot more I can do. She’s got to face her fears, and I know all too well how hard that can be. I’m positive she’ll do what she needs to do, it’s just a matter of when. According to BJ, Liam’s moping around since he learnt about her leaving. Liv was still adamant nothing was going on between them, but hearing how miserable he is, I can’t help but question that.
Opening my bedroom door, I let out a laugh when I see a dress hanging from my wardrobe. I run my eyes over the soft pink fabric and smile. He did quite a good job finding a less flashy replica of my bridesmaid dress.
He’s tried to convince me to get it out of the box it’s currently in waiting to go to the dry cleaners and try it on again for him, but I’ve stood my ground. Apparently this is his answer.
I let the smooth fabric run through my fingers. The top is almost exactly the same with the off the shoulder straps; the only real difference is the length. Instead of hitting the floor, this dress should hang somewhere around my knees.
I’m still smiling as I get out the shower and wrap my body and hair in towels. When I get back to my bedroom, I find a text on my phone from Susan reassuring me that she’s fine and not having much in the way of side effects yet. I’ve actually found talking to her about everything kind of therapeutic. I think my frank approach to the whole cancer thing has also helped her. I can give her the information everyone is afraid to even consider, but in reality she needs to know. I’ve talked about Mum more than I have since she died, and I’m finding it really comforting.
I’ve found white feathers everywhere this week, and each time I see one, a wide smile breaks across my face. I know she’d be proud of how things have worked out for me, and I know she’d absolutely love Dec. I’m gutted she’ll never see us together, or experience whatever our future may hold, but I know she’s with me every single day, and right now, that gives me more comfort than it ever has.
A photograph and piece of paper sitting on my dressing table catches my eye as I sit down to start on my hair and make up. It’s a photo of me on Molly and Ryan’s wedding day. I’m facing away from the camera. It’s actually a great shot of my hair.Wear it like this. I love seeing your beautiful neckis written on the paper. Looking up to the mirror, I wonder how the fuck I’m going to pull it off, but I’ll give it a good go.
My arms are killing by the time I think I’ve managed to achieve something slightly resembling the do I had in the photograph. Who am I kidding? It’s up in a messy bun with a couple of bits hanging around my face; it’s nothing fucking like it, but the clock’s ticking and it’ll have to do.
The dress fits me like a glove, much better than my bridesmaid’s dress. I feel like I’ll still be able to breathe when I sit down.
“Hey,” Dec shouts up the stairs. “You ready?”
“Yeah, hang on,” I shout back as I slide my shoes onto my feet. I take one last look in the mirror to check the state of my hair before I grab my bag and head downstairs.
“Fuck me,” he says as I take the last couple of steps towards him. His eyes frantically run over every inch of me. “I’ve changed my mind. We’re staying in.”
“After I’ve gone to this much effort? I don’t think so.”
“No one else deserves to see this.” My cheeks flush at his words as desire floods my body. I wouldn’t be against having a night in; I’m not all that fussed on sharing him, either, but now he’s mentioned singing, I’m kind of desperate to get up on stage again.
“Come on, caveman. You promised me a night out.”
“Fine, but we can’t go until you’ve redone your lipstick.”
“But it’s fi—” His lips crash down on mine and cut off my argument. His tongue sweeps into my mouth as his arms wrap around my waist and pull me up against his hard body.
I let out a sigh as I eagerly kiss him back, wondering if staying in would be such a bad idea.
When he pulls back, his mouth is covered in my red lipstick and I can’t help but laugh at him. “Suits you.”
“It would look better on my dick,” he calls as I make my way back upstairs to sort myself out.
Shaking my head, I rub the mess off and reapply before going back downstairs and attacking him with a face wipe.
“Finished?” he asks after I’ve been scrubbing at his face for a minute or two.
* * *
