Page 44 of Dreaming

Nia chuckled. “I know the two of you got off on the wrong foot but you’ll both be in my life a long time. I need you both to get over all that.” Hollow nodded. Stepping back to Dennis’ side, she smiled. “Have Harlow call me. I need to wrap the assignment. She hates empty boxes on her forms.”

Hollow rolled his eyes. “The princess can wait. Worry about you.” Pressing the elevator button, the three of them got on.

Dennis asked in surprise, “No blindfold?”

“You’re one of us now, Dennis. Part of the inner circle. No blindfold.” They shook firmly. “Thank you for helping my friend.”

“Thank you for letting me.”

Stepping out into clean, cold air of North Dakota was wonderful after spending the better part of a year underground.

Nia closed her eyes, soaked up the gentle winter sun on her face, and took several deep breaths.

Then she went home with the man she loved.

* * *

Nia checked her house and changed into comfortable clothes. Dennis pulled on track pants and a t-shirt.

True to Tildy’s word, the kitchen was stocked and the house spotless when they arrived.

He made them steaks while Nia made a salad and sliced fresh bread.

Sitting close together at her table, it felt like the excruciating months behind them hadn’t happened.

It was so normal, so them.

Before the fear, pain, and doubt.

He helped her clean up and they stretched out in her living room to watch a movie. She was about to hit play when her doorbell rang.

Checking the camera on her phone, she murmured, “It’s my mom.” She went to the door and Dennis stood. “Mom…” She hugged a smaller woman with skin almost as dark as his, judging by the arm he could see around Nia’s back. “I missed you so much!”

“We have to develop a better system of communication, honey. My poor heart can’t take this year off the grid shit. You know I’m too old for such things.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

“My sweet girl. Let me look at you.” Leaning back, she frowned. “Nia! Too much weight gone this time!” She cupped her cheeks. “Recitations didn’t bring you up? They had to feed you intravenously?”

“I was deep this time. D-Dennis was able to bring me up when he came to the Tank.” She pulled her into the house. “Come meet him, Mom.”

The woman’s eyes met his as she rounded the foyer wall. Hers widened as she crossed the room and looked up.

“You look like my brother. Darryl died when we were kids but…you remind me of him.” Shaking her head, she smiled. “Excuse my manners. I’m Nelinda Webber. Everyone calls me Nellie.

He took her hand between his. “It’s a pleasure to meet Nia’s mother at last. I’m Dennis Hancock.”

She pressed her lips together in a struggle not to laugh.

Nia said behind her, “Mom, don’t you dare. Don’t do it.” Sighing, she met Dennis’ eyes. “I’m really close to my mom. Um, the way people are with their best friends. We share…everything.”

Suddenly understanding, he laughed loudly. “I see.” Grinning, he squeezed Nellie’s hand gently. “Ah, it runs in the family. The name, of course.”

Nellie giggled and waved her hand. “Well, send a male relative my way because I could use the distraction…”

“Mom!”

“Nia, I loved your father like my own personal sun, but it has been a barren landscape since he passed.”

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