“In theory, I guess…”
“We don’t want to push you,” said Adele.“And, honestly, if you’re still questioning it, maybe you’re not ready.”
“You think so?”asked Claire.No one else had said those words before.Pretty much everyone she knew had been urging her to get out there again.Adele’s opinion meant more to her than others’, though.
“I’m not trying to persuade you either way,” said Adele.“I guess what I’m trying to say is that this has to be on your terms.”
Her terms.
If only she knew what they were.
Chapter Nine
As Nick approached Claire’s house on Saturday evening, there were already several cars parked in her winding driveway.Good.It was probably best he wasn’t the first to arrive.
Since Friday, he’d been awkward around her, and he’d sensed an awkwardness in her as well.When they’d finally left Haven at the end of the work day, it had been a relief.
He just had to go and mention the whole‘I’m keeping a low profile’thing.
Could he have sounded like more of a prick?
Since the momentHandymenhad started to get attention, he’d always tried to be friendly and approachable.Hell, his brothers might say he was too approachable at times, but he’d never been comfortable with giving off a prickly vibe.It wasn’t his personality.
And yet he’d managed to sound prickly with Claire.
Great job, Nick.
All she’d wanted to do was use his photo for a newsletter.Somehow, he doubted the Haven newsletter had millions of subscribers.There was really no need for him to have gotten nervous.The woman ran a cat sanctuary, for God’s sake, not a rag magazine.If anything, his photo might actually have created a bit of positive buzz for a good cause.After all, he doubted many folks in the cat community kept up withHashtagNicksDick.
Then again…
Nick parked at the end of the line of cars and grabbed the twelve-pack of beer from the passenger side of his truck.Swallowing past the itch at the back of his throat, he walked up to Claire’s door.He took a deep breath and rang the bell.
Their cameraman Louie opened the door, beer in hand.
Nick hid his disappointment at not seeing Claire at the door.“Hey, Louie.You the bouncer?”
“Nick, buddy.”He turned to the assembled crowd behind him.“The man of the hour’s here!”
A happy shout went up among the crowd.It looked as if the entire crew had shown up.Michael was there with Emily, Eli and Bernie stood near the kitchen door and Lacey was mingling with some of the crew members at the far end of the room.
Nick walked in, set down his twelve-pack and kicked off his shoes.He began to shake hands with his friends and colleagues.Everyone wanted to congratulate him onNickof Time, which was really nice.
He just couldn’t see Claire anywhere.
Lacey came over and handed him a cold beer.“Here you go, star of the show.”
“I don’t know about that, Lacey.”
“I know you Zorns are uber-modest about your success, but this is not the time.Tonight’s all about you, Nick.You deserve to bask in the glow.”
“Let’s see how the show does before I start basking.”
“Heads up, by the way.The contract department has emailed you.You can take some time to get your lawyer to review it, but I’ve been assured you should be very happy with the terms.All you need to do is sign it and return it.”
A contract.
Nick’s hackles went up.
