“What was that about?” Mia asked, turning to Nolan. “You were quite off to Calvin.”
“I don’t trust the guy,” Nolan admitted. “He’s... creepy.”
“I don’t know,” Mia said, turning to look back at where Calvin had gone. She frowned. He’d disappeared completely, like he’d never been there at all. She pursed her lips.Huh. Then she turned back to Nolan. “I thought he reminded me of Phil Collins.”
“Phil Collins isn’t creepy,” Nolan told her, his expression lightening. “I always thought Phil Collins reminded me of the cartoon character Stewie Griffin.”
That made Mia laugh, the image forming in her mind immediately. “You’re right.”
She glanced at her wristwatch and gasped. “Oh shoot. We’d better get back. I want to take Lila and Eve ice skating tonight.”
“Oh, nice,” Nolan said as they climbed into his car. “I’m sure they’ll enjoy that.”
As they buckled up and Nolan pulled out of the parking lot, Mia said impulsively, “Why don’t you come with us?”
Nolan glanced at her, surprise flickering across his face. “Oh no, I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be intruding,” Mia assured him, warmth spreading through her chest at the thought. “Besides, I think my aunt and daughter would love a chance to talk to you.”
“Well, if you’re sure,” Nolan said, his smile widening. “Then I accept.”
Two hours later, Mia walked into Lila’s room just as Eve walked in from the adjoining door.
They were all ready for a night of ice skating and pizza, bundled in warm clothes with scarves and gloves piled on the bed.
“I hope you know I’m only allowing you to eat all this pizza because we’re on holiday,” Mia warned Lila. “Tomorrow night it’s a wholesome meal.”
“Actually,” Eve said, “we’ve been invited to a barbecue.”
“Oh?” Mia said in surprise. “At William’s house?”
A cold sliver of dread slid up her spine at the thought of going to William’s house, and she couldn’t quite fathom why. She’d never been to his house. Didn’t even know where William lived.
She gave herself a mental shake.
“No,” Eve said.
“It’s at David’s house,” Lila blurted, grinning at Eve. “His friend Milly called this afternoon when we were in St. Augustine to invite us.”
“Oh, that’s nice of them,” Mia said, relief washing through her. “Well, make sure you have some fresh salad then.”
“You’re invited too,” Lila told her. “You can bring Nolan.”
“I’ll see,” Mia promised, though her gut clenched at the thought. Going to a stranger’s house for a barbecue wasn’t high on her list of favorite things to do. She hardly associated with strangers. Nolan was the first new person she’d felt comfortable with in... well, forever really.
“Okay,” Lila said with a knowing smile. Her beautiful daughter understood her so well.
“Are we ready?” Lila asked, her grin widening. “Let’s go spend some time with Nolan.”
“Now,” Mia held up her hands, her eyebrows rising in warning, “both of you, please don’t make things awkward. I enjoy Nolan’s company, and I’ve learned so much about photography.”
“You’re not thinking about making it a career, though?” Eve asked, worry creeping into her voice. “Because that would be such a waste of your other talents.”
“No.” Mia laughed. “Of course not. While I had a bit of a rough patch, I love what I do for a living. Saving lives is my calling. Capturing moments on film is my hobby.”
“Nice one, Mom,” Lila said, linking her arm through her mother’s. “Now let’s go meet this man who has been monopolizing your time.”
“Oh, honey,” Mia said, guilt washing over her as she suddenly realized she’d been neglecting both Lila and Eve. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been around...”
