Page 97 of Keep My Heart
Her face lights up. ‘Certainly! Any requests?’
‘Surprise me.’ Nick smiles at her as he walks over to me. ‘I’ll see you later, Mrs. Davis.’
‘You two have fun!’ she says as we leave.
We go outside and get in the truck.
‘That’s nice of you to do that,’ I say as Nick backs out of the driveway.
‘I don’t mind helping her out, especially since she’s letting me borrow her daughter for the day.’
‘The day?’ I ask, surprised.
‘Unless you have plans.’ He glances at me as he drives down the street. ‘Do you?’
‘I was thinking of going to Diane’s house and hanging out with her and the kids,’ I say, not wanting him thinking I reserved the whole day for him, because I didn’t. He only asked me to go out with him this morning.
‘Then I guess I just get you for breakfast.’
I’d like to spend the day with him, but he didn’t say why he wants more time with me and what it means. Until I know that, I don’t think I should agree to it. It’ll just make me want him more, and why would I put myself through that if I can’t have him?
He takes me to Maury’s Chicken Roost, knowing it’s my favorite breakfast place. We order our food, then I ask Nick about his job and his promotion. I’m enjoying listening to him and learning more about what he does, but what I really want to talk about is us. I’m just not sure this is the right time to ask. The restaurant is crowded and loud. I’d rather talk somewhere that’s quiet and have it just be the two of us.
As we’re waiting for the check, Diane calls.
‘Hey, Diane,’ I answer. ‘I just finished breakfast. What time should I come over?’
‘Leah’s sick, so I think we’ll have to cancel today.’
‘Oh, no. What’s she sick with?’
‘I think it’s just a cold, but I’m going to take her to the clinic just to make sure.’
‘So you aren’t going to the reunion tonight?’
‘We’ll probably still go. My mom will take care of Leah. She’s coming over in a few minutes to stay with Adam while I take Leah to the doctor. Sorry about this. I wanted us to have one last day together before you have to leave.’
‘It’s okay. I understand. Give Leah a kiss for me and tell her I hope she feels better.’
‘I will. I’ll let you know later about tonight.’
‘Okay, bye.’ I look over at Nick. ‘Leah, Diane’s little girl, is sick so I won’t be going over there.’
‘Is it serious?’ Nick asks, setting money on the table for the check.
‘She thinks it’s just a cold, but she’s taking her to the doctor this morning.’
‘Does that mean you’re free today?’
‘Maybe. What do you have in mind?’
His phone rings and he checks it. ‘It’s my dad. I’ll call him later.’
‘Go ahead and answer it.’
‘Hey, Dad, what do you need?’ Nick listens, nodding. ‘Does it have to be done today?’ He listens again. ‘Yeah, I’m with Lyndsay. Give me a minute and I’ll call you back.’ He pauses, then smiles. ‘I don’t think she’d be up for that. Bye, Dad.’
‘Up for what?’ I ask. ‘Were you talking about me?’
