Page 37 of Hale Yes
“We’ll let you get back to your evening,” Lukas tells me, pushing to his feet and taking the goose so Stefan can stand. “Would you feel comfortable exchanging phone numbers? In case you ever need anything.”
“Of course,” I reply.
“Just don’t call too early unless it’s an emergency because Sir PooPoo is not a morning goose,” he advises.
We exchange numbers, and Stefan shoots me a sly grin as he hands back my phone. “I probably should have warned you ahead of time, but Lukas likes to send GIFs.” He quirks an eyebrow. “Incessantly.”
“GIFs are the greatest creation since fried pickles,” his partner retorts as I walk them toward the door.
Stefan wasn’t joking. By the time I get the dishwasher loaded with our coffee mugs, I have eight GIFs from Lukas’s number, the last one being one of a cartoon goose with wide eyes and the wordflabbergoostedemblazoned across it.
I laugh and reply with a breakdancing goose. Switching to my contacts list, I find Shay Martin’s number and give her a call.
“Nicolette, hi!” she answers.
“Hey, how’s your mom?” Her mother was hospitalized last week.
“So much better,” she gushes. “She was referred to an endocrinologist, and I really like her. She changed up some of Mama’s medicines, and her sugar is really coming under control.”
“Good, I’m so happy for her. And you.”
She lowers her voice. “I was getting concerned that I was going to have to cancel the cruise I’m surprising her with for her birthday, but Dr. Kumar said if Mama keeps progressing like this, it should be safe to go.”
“When is your cruise?”
“Mmm, let’s see. This is July, so…”
Disappointment courses through me when she lists the same weekend in September I have tickets to Stefan and Lukas’s show. “Aw, okay. I just met my neighbors, and they’re drag queens. They’re getting me two tickets to the grand reopening of their club, but it’s the same week you’ll be gone.”
“Crap, that sounds like a good time. Can we go another time? I know it won’t be the grand opening, but I’d still like to go.”
“Sure. That sounds good.”
“I hate for you to go by yourself. Do you want me to set you up with someone for a date?”
I huff out a laugh. “No, that’s okay. I don’t mind going solo.”
Once we hang up, I fill my floral Stanley cup with iced water and take a long drink, trying to think of someone else who could go with me. Grace from the microbiology lab might want to come.
And if not, I meant what I said to Shay. I don’t mind going by myself.
After all, I’ve been doing things alone most of my life.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
It’s just dinner…
Helix
Four days later, we’re meeting with Jordie McNamara to select the colors for her signature eyeshadow palette. She’s fresh-faced and wide-eyed as she looks over all the samples.
“Wow, I can’t believe I’m going to have my own eyeshadow line,” she breathes, looking up at Nicolette with a worried frown. “But are you sure you want me? I’m not a huge makeup girlie. I mean, I don’t mind wearing makeup. I wear it to weddings and stuff, but I don’t when I play football because I just sweat it all off.”
Nicolette’s responding smile is kind. “Of course, Jordie. You’re an excellent representative for the Hale brand.” She’s standing beside the football star’s chair and bends to get eye level with her. “I’ll tell you a little secret. When I was a teenager, I felt… unseen.”
Jordie’s lips turn down at the corners. “At school or with your family?”
Nicolette lifts one shoulder and then lets it fall. “Both, really.” Phoenix’s eyes catch mine in a silent question.What’s that all about?
