Page 17 of Until Now

“Well, it’s not your mom. And, it’s not any of your business.” I finish my wine. “Look, I am not paying you to be my shrink. So, stay out of it.” Without another word, I leave.

Chapter Eleven

“What has youso tired?” Eileen wiggles her eyebrows as we leave the yoga studio. We had gotten up early to enjoy a girls day — breakfast, shopping, and yoga.

“Not what you’re thinking.” I suppress another yawn walking down Park Avenue where we parked earlier this morning. I tossed and turned most of the night, finally giving up on sleep around three in the morning. I resorted to working on a sketch that has been stuck in my mind for months — my dream office in New York City. Before my alarm could go off, I turned it off and quietly got ready. I didn’t bother leaving a note for Nick, I told him the night before he would have to fend for himself for a few hours. I just hoped he wouldn’t slip up anymore.

Two days ago, he had managed to confuse everyone when he asked where I had gone on a Sunday morning. I left him a note…

Back @ 12:30… don’t get in trouble without me. - N

But, it wasn’t enough to keep him from asking questions. The first thing he did was ask Kai and Eileen where I had run off to. “She sneaks away to Church most Sunday mornings,” my brother told him skeptically. He should’ve known that. To be fair, I can’t remember if I actually told him or not. So, I guess it’s partially my fault, but that small slip was enough for Kai to question me.

“So, how is it?” Eileen pushes.

“Lina, we are not discussing this. My sex life—”

“Not that!” She laughs. “I mean seeing Lee.”

“A blast. Loving every minute of it.”

“How’s Nick feeling about all of it?”

I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it. Not that we need to. He has no reason to feel any type of way about Lee. But, Eileen doesn’t know that.

“It won’t cause problems, right?”

“Lee and I are done, likedonedone. Why would it cause problems?”

“Does your mom’s infatuation with Lee bother him?”

“He’s mentioned it, but I don’t think it bothers him. Personally, I don’t care who she likes.”

“She is your mom, Nin.”

“That means something?”

“Now, hear me out before you get mad. Maybe it’s not a bad idea to have Nick try and appeal to her. Who knows, maybe it could change your whole relationship!”

“I won’t hold my breath.” I roll my eyes and unlock the Wrangler. “Besides, who knows if it’s even gonna last.”

“Why would you say that?” Eileen asks, rightfully confused. “Are you guys having problems?”

“No, nothing like that. I don’t know, I just—”

“Usually, bringing someone home to the family is a good sign, right?”

“We just started dating, Lina. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m still trying to figure a few things out.”

“Eileen!” A shout echoes behind us. I see my brother waving us over from across the street on the patio of the Haven Tap Room and Brewery. I just want to go home and take a shower. I don’t want to deal with entertaining anyone else right now, but it’s hard to say no to the pleading look Eileen gives me.

“What are you boys doing here?” Eileen asks as we reach them.

“I had to pick up a few things in town for Mom, figured I’d bring Nick since you were having some girl time.”

As much as I want to stay annoyed, it’s hard when Nick winks at me. He pulls the chair out next to him and brushes his hand over the exposed skin of my shoulder. I fail to hide the smile forming on my lips.

“That’s cute, you’re having a little bro-date,” Eileen coos as she sits next to Kai.

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