Contracts made things official.
“Nick?”
“Yeah, thanks, Lacey.Sounds good.I’ll look for the email when I get home.”
Of course, he’d known the contract was coming.He knew how these things worked, and yet it still managed to throw him for a loop.
He took a swig of lager, but the cold liquid didn’t seem to ease the burn in his throat.
Nick craned his neck.
“Let me guess,” said Lacey, one eyebrow raised.“You’re looking for Claire.”
“Well, it’s her house.I just wanted to say hi.”
“She’s in the kitchen.”Lacey leaned in.“Don’t worry, Nick.Your secret’s safe with me.Only I hate to break it to you.I don’t think it’s much of a secret.”
He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed.
“Hey.”She patted his arm.“Why the long face?”
“I thought I was being discreet.”
“Oh.You thought those long, wistful looks were discreet.I see.”She laughed.“You Zorns are a riot.You’re easier to read than picture books.”
“Shit.If you know, if everyone else knows, then—”
“Yup.Claire probably knows.”
“Shit, shit, shit.”
“Why’s that a problem?She’s really sweet and I bet you guys would be good together.”
Nick didn’t respond.He didn’t really knowhowto respond.
She lowered her voice.“It’s the Kristy thing, isn’t it?Look, Nick, I hate that it happened.I really do.I know you cared for Kristy and she messed up.She never did apologize to you directly, did she?”
He shook his head.“It doesn’t matter.I don’t want to talk to her.”
“It does matter.She should have taken responsibility.I know she said publicly that her drinking binge was a one-off, that she had been stressed about work, but she still should have reached out to you.”
“To be honest, she did try, but we didn’t connect.I tried too.I just don’t think either of us tried hard enough.”There had been a couple of short, awkward voicemails, but that was it.Nick had also texted her, feeling he needed to have some closure, but she’d never responded.He was fairly certain she’d blocked him after that.Annoying, considering he’d only been trying to make sure she was okay.
Now, he didn’t have anything to say to Kristy.
Sure, he could get mad, if he wanted.He could stomp and rage and demand answers, but what would it prove?
Besides, stomping and raging had never been his style.He didn’t need to be drawn into the drama all over again.It had been hard enough showing his face right after the video went live.
“I can see how you’d be hesitant to get into a new relationship,” said Lacey.“But, at some point, you’re going to have to take a leap.”
“I’m not looking for a relationship.I want to giveNickof Timemy all.”
Lacey grinned.“I’m glad to hear it.Launching a show is a lot of work, and you might have to make it your number one priority for a while.After all, you’ll be the only one out front, soaking up all the glory.”
“Or taking the heat?”
“Be positive.You can do this.”
