“It was one of those things where someone else was supposed to complete a presentation for a client and they didn’t get it done so Mike had to step in and save the day.”
“He’s a real trooper.”
Zaina smiled broadly, “He’s working really hard to make sure he gets a promotion soon. He has been talking about how this promotion would mean a serious increase in salary plus he’d have stock options. Once he has that financial security, you know what that means?”
“Time to settle down?” Nicole knew what Zaina wanted to hear. This was a call and response they went through every couple of months when Zaina started getting anxious about where things were headed with Mike.
“That’s it exactly,” Zaina said, picking up her fork and taking a big bite of cake. She chewed slowly. "This is really good. Did you make it?”
“It’s from work; Nancy brought it in. It’s delicious, isn’t it?”
“So good,” Zaina nodded and spoke with her mouth full.
“Back to Mike. I know you don’t like the tarot cards, but every time I do a reading focused on me and Mike, the cards tell me something big is happening in December. That’s when he is going to London for work. So obviously, I’m going with! And while we are there, I just know he is going to pop the question!”
Zaina hopped a little in excitement.
Nicole chose her words carefully. “I would love that for you!” and then she changed the subject.
“How’s everything looking for the fest today?”
“Everything's coming together nicely. I think my fortune teller booth will be a hit since we are in spooky season. Donnie from Books and Breads made a ton of pumpkin cookies and is supplying frosting and sprinkles so all the kids can decorate cookies. Jasper is providing everyone with a pumpkin and then we have a ton of other business association members that are running the costume contest for adults and kids. Plus, everyone donated prizes. I’m so glad we are going to be able to pull this off.”
“Don’t jinx it!”
“Good point," Zaina laughed. “We are a superstitious bunch. I don’t know what I was thinking!”
Zaina looked at the clock on the stove. "We better get going." Then she added, "Don’t think I didn’t notice how you got me talking and fed me food to distract me from giving you the third-degree about Sean.”
Nicole’s face drooped. She’d tried. “Busted,” she said, her face bright red.
On the way to the fest, Nicole began telling Zaina about Sean. They arrived at Hop’s Heaven and unloaded Zaina’s car, taking her supplies over to a canopy that had a table underneath. Nicole followed Zaina’s directions and soon her booth was set up.
“So, he didn’t call?"
“Nope.”
“Are you sure there wasn’t like a note?”
“I looked all over. I even moved the furniture in the living room, nothing.”
“And he didn’t text you?”
Nicole unlocked her phone and showed it to Zaina. “See? No texts.”
“Wow, based on what I saw of you two at the Town Council meeting, that makes no sense. Plus, when I did Sean’s cards, well this is not in his character. Could there be some sort of miscommunication?”
“I don’t see how, but anything is possible I suppose.” Nicole shrugged.
“Nicole, you know I am always on your side, Team Nicole forever.”
Nicole nodded vigorously.
“So whatever happens, I’ll follow your lead, but I have to say, I would not be surprised if there was a reason why he left and maybe some miscommunication is going on. Mercury is in retrograde right now.”
Nicole slumped down in her chair. “I feel so stupid. Either I totally misread the situation and he’s a jerk, or something happened, and I should have reached out to him by now. It’s a mess. I hate this kind of thing. I just want to go home and crawl back into bed.”
Zaina got up and stood in front of her friend. She held out her hands and Nicole took them. She pulled Nicole up to her feet. “What we are not going to do is wallow our lives away. Let’s go find Jasper and see where you are working today.”
