Michael’s finger drumming picked up in rhythm.“Lacey, I’ve given you my answer.”
“And I appreciate your frankness.I just want you all to sleep on it.”She stood.“And, Nick, I’m really happy to hear the idea excites you.Talk to your brothers, would you?These chances don’t come along every day.”
Nick nodded, although he already knew it was futile.
Lacey picked up her latte and left.
The three of them sat around the table, closemouthed.
Eli finally broke the silence and faced Nick.“You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“What happened with Kristy…you can’t base your decisions on that.”
“Eli, I really don’t want to talk about Kristy.”
“Okay.We’re here for you, if you change your mind.”
“I know.”Nick picked at his extra sugar packet, rolling up the edge.“Thanks.”
How could Nick explain it without hurting their feelings?He knew his brothers wanted to be there for him, and they had been the past few months.So had Emily and Bernie.Lacey, too.Lacey had been awesome, actually.Because of her prowess with social media and publicity, she had encouraged him to keep a low profile.It had helped.
Of course, he’d never forget the circus of those first few weeks.
Now, he just wanted to forget it had ever happened and move on.This was his opportunity to do just that.
He knew it would be hard for him and his brothers to part ways with the show.They’d always been so close.Of course, like any siblings, they argued from time to time, but they were tighter than most, as far as Nick could tell.He really enjoyed hanging out with his big brothers, even though they sometimes drove each other around the bend.Despite any flare-ups of ego or annoyance, they were still two of his biggest role models, and always would be.
But things had changed when Em and Bernie came into the picture.Nick loved his sisters-in-law, and he was thrilled to see his brothers so happy.
That didn’t alter the fact that he was often the fifth wheel.It sucked.
Nick wasn’t sad about the impending changes.He’d always known this day would come, and he also knew it was time to do his own thing.Michael and Eli both had their own side projects, thanks to the work they did with their wives.
Nick wanted a side project too, a new passion.Hell, he wanted some new experiences, period.
As far as he could see, this new venture was the perfect chance to start fresh and make something his own at the same time.
“Are you sure you don’t want to try this new idea out?”Nick asked.“Like Lacey said, this is a great opportunity.”
Michael rested his elbows on the table.“Listen, I didn’t say no just because I’m stuck in my ways.There’s more to it.Em and I didn’t want to say anything right away because it’s early days.”He broke into a smile.“But she’s pregnant.”
“Dude!”Nick clapped him on the shoulder.“That’s awesome.”
“Yeah,” said Eli.“Congratulations, Michael.I’m really happy for you guys.”
“Thanks.We’re excited, and I’ve never been so damn nervous in my life.If I bring Em one more pillow to cushion her, she’ll probably smother me with it.”
“Is she okay?”asked Eli.
“Oh, yeah.Completely fine.Me?Not so much.”
“You’ll be okay, Pops,” kidded Nick.“Hang in there.”
“Pops.Imagine that,” Michael mused.“Anyway, if the producers had wanted us to travel a year or two ago, I would have found a way to make it work.But now?I’m not going anywhere.Em needs me.I want to be with her.”
“I feel the same way,” said Eli.“Bernie and I just got married.I can’t take off for months at a time.Sorry, Nick.”
