“Thanks.”
“It’s going to be amazing,” said Lacey.“Nick will be traveling all over, helping homeowners deal with their renovation woes.He’s going to become a huge star.You watch.”
“Where will you be traveling?”asked Claire.
When Lacey explained that Nick would be going everywhere from the Yukon to Florida, Claire covered her open mouth.“Wow.That sounds like so much fun.”
It really would be.
New people, new challenges.
No more being a fifth wheel.He’d be driving his own car, so to speak.
Nick was practically speechless as he considered all the possibilities.
This was what he’d always wanted, a chance to stand apart and be recognized on his own merit.
Now that it was happening, he didn’t really know what to say, but happiness gurgled in his gut.
“Well,” said Claire, “I’m thrilled for you, Nick.You deserve this.You’ve all worked so hard this week.”
Michael clapped his hands once.“So.That celebration?You could all come to our place for a barbecue.”
“Michael.”Eli elbowed him.“Are you sure Em would be up to hosting a party right now?”
“You’re right.Maybe this isn’t the best time for us to host.”
“Is Emily okay?”asked Lacey.
“Uh, yeah.”Michael paused.“Just, uh, tired, you know.”
Nick almost chuckled.If Michael was planning on hiding Emily’s pregnancy news for much longer, he was going to have to work on his poker face.
“We could hit up a bar,” said Eli.“Paint the town red.”
“No bars,” said Nick, as a ball of tension appeared between his shoulders.He rolled them to ease it out.“You know I’m not really into the bar scene right now, Eli.I’d prefer something more lowkey.”
Eli nodded.“Of course.Sorry, I forgot.”
“No problem.”
“I could host something here for you.”The words rushed out of Claire’s mouth.
“That wouldn’t be right,” said Nick.“We’re already in your face all the time.”
“I’d like to,” she said.“As a thank you.Just something casual and fun.You know, chips and dip, potato salad, that kind of thing.We could hold it up at the farmhouse.There’s plenty of room.How about next Saturday?”
“Are you sure?”Nick was about to touch her elbow, but held back.He made it a point not to be touchy-feely with women he didn’t know well, even though something in him wanted very much to touch Claire.With her, though, he found himself holding back even more than usual.He kept telling himself it was because of what she’d been through.As a result, he had these weird little fantasies in which she’d brush up against him—anything to feel the soft press of her flesh.
“Yeah.It’s been a long time since we’ve celebrated anything around here.I’d like to do it.The whole crew is welcome, and whoever else you’d like to bring,” she was quick to add.“Spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, that sort of thing.”
Girlfriends.What a laugh.Nick bit back the comment.“That’s really nice of you, Claire.Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
“Claire,” said Lacey, “I don’t want you to take this on yourself.Let me help.”
“Awesome, thanks,” said Claire.“We can firm up the details later.”
