“But your photography?”
“It sort of got pushed to the side.The sanctuary demands a lot of time.I had to make a choice.Arthur never pushed me to make that decision, though.I made it willingly.”
“And now?”
“Now…let’s just say there are moments when I feel like I’m in over my head.I didn’t go to school for business.I graduated from Ryerson University’s Images Arts program, with photography as my specialty.It didn’t exactly prepare me to run a cat sanctuary.I try to keep things going, and my volunteers help so much, but it would be fair to say I struggle here and there.”
“How did Arthur die?”
There was such tenderness in his voice that it almost softened the question.“He, um, had an aneurysm.He collapsed on the driveway on a sunny afternoon.”
Nick kept a careful eye on her, clearly expecting waterworks.
Little did he know she didn’t let those out too often.
“I’m really sorry, Claire.”
She dipped her head in acknowledgment.What more could she possibly say?That it was unfair of the universe to snatch away a healthy young man?That her life had never been the same?
He wouldn’t want to hear any of that.
“Anyway,” she said, “I cope.”
“I’m sure you do.”
Desperate to change the subject, she glanced at the clock on the wall.“Is that the time?”
He clenched his hand on the table, then relaxed it.“I should probably go.You’ve been staring at my mug all week long.I’m sure you’re tired of putting up with me.”
She had been staring, but in no way had it been a hardship.“I’m notputting upwith you at all.I enjoyed your company, and I really appreciate your help today.”Tell him he can hang out for a while.“But I understand if you’re tired and want to head home.”Somehow, the words she wanted to say wouldn’t reach her lips.
“I guess it has been a long week.”
“Yeah.”She stood and grabbed a couple of the plates.“Hey, there’s still a lot of poutine.Want to bring home some leftovers?”
“No, you enjoy it.It’ll make a great midnight snack.”Nick stood, but didn’t move right away.He opened his mouth, as if to say something else.There was a depth in his eyes that made her painfully aware of how close he was standing, and of how easy it would be to close that distance.
It looked as if he was thinking the same thing.
Don’t be silly.When she’d mentioned coming to one of his gigs, he’d totally clammed up.
Obviously, he wasn’t interested.Nor should she be.
She needed to sort out her head first.
God, was this what it was going to be like?She wasn’t sure she’d be able to handle all the emotions that came with dating, having to second-guess everything.With Arthur, it had always been so easy.He’d worn not only his heart on his sleeve, but his soul.He’d always spoken his mind and made it very clear he wanted her.His passion and lust for life had been intoxicating, and she’d been happy to bask in his glow.
Claire could swear she spied some longing in Nick’s eyes.
He was probably just tired and wanted to go home.
“I’ll walk you out.”
“Sure.”
They headed to the door.She was about to follow him back across the field to where his truck was parked at the sanctuary, but he stopped her.
“I’ll be fine, Claire.You stay and lock up the door.”
