“Louie, you have a lot to offer.You’re smart and funny and kind.”
“I’m just a camera guy.”
Nick patted him on the shoulder.“Well, camera guy, Adele is checking you out as we speak, so my guess is she thinks you have a lot to offer.You do, you know.Now, don’t look over your shoulder.”
Louie looked over his shoulder, of course.“She really is checking me out.”
“Something tells me you’ll be just fine.”
So, Louie and Adele had a date.
And Nick couldn’t even manage to talk to Claire without someone interrupting.Once more, he tried to make his way over to her.
However, Michael, Eli and Lacey gathered at the front of the room.Lacey clinked her wineglass with a spoon.
“Excuse me, everyone,” called Lacey.“I know there have already been some nice toasts tonight to our friend Nick, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t say something as well.”Lacey held up her drink.“Nick, on behalf of everyone at the Inspiration Network andHandymen, I’d like to congratulate you on your upcoming show,Nick of Time!You’ve worked so hard, sharing your artistry and grit with the world, and you deserve every success.”
Everyone raised their glasses.“Nick of Time!”
Eli spoke next.“Most of you know I’m not one for speeches, but I just want to say how good it’s been for Michael and I to be able to work with our kid brother.Nick, I know we drove you up the wall sometimes, although to be fair, that went both ways.”
Several laughs erupted in the crowd.
Eli continued.“Your show is going to be a huge success, and that’s because you’re the hardest worker I know.You’ve got real talent, and God only knows, you’ve always been better in front of the camera than we have.I want you to know how proud I am to be your big brother.”
As Eli hugged Nick, there were murmurs of “Aw,” and “How sweet.”
When Eli stepped back, Michael spoke.“Nick, do you remember what I said to you when we started our contracting business?”
“Uh,” said Nick.“That I was a big pain in the ass?”
“After that.”Michael rolled his eyes and laughed.“I said anyone who put themselves in your hands was putting themselves in good hands.And you’ve proven it.You’ve always given one hundred percent, if not more, and I know your viewers are going to love your new show.It’s going to be hard to say goodbye toHandymen, but we’re excited for you.I guarantee you already have a huge group of fans in this room.I know we won’t get to see your cocky mug very much over the next few months.”Michael paused, taking a breath.“And we’re going to miss you, little brother.”
Nick’s eyes stung.This was really happening.
He was going to have to leave all these people that he loved and admired.Granted, some of the crew were in the midst of signing on with the new show, but some had passed on the opportunity.
And his brothers.He wouldn’t be working with his brothers anymore.
He was really going to have to fly the coop.
Nick glanced at Claire.She gave him an encouraging smile and a little wave.
Flying the coop didn’t seem so great, all of a sudden.
Hold it together.
Michael said a couple of other words, then Nick hugged it out with his brothers and Lacey, thanking them.They made him get up there to make a speech as well, but Nick couldn’t even remember what he said.He just stammered a lot.Still, there was a round of applause and lots of good wishes.
Little by little, people started to leave.Nick hung around, wanting to help Claire with any cleanup, but also because he wanted to talk to her.Luckily, for the first time that evening, the others seemed willing enough to disperse.Fifty-odd people whittled themselves down to about twenty.Michael, Emily, Eli and Bernie all headed out together.Louie shyly traded cell numbers with Adele, then he left.
Pretty soon, it was just Nick, Claire, Lacey and Adele.The catering team was still there as well, boxing up the leftovers for Claire.
“Well,” said Lacey, “I’m going to head out, unless you need my help.I think the caterers are just about done.”
Claire nodded.“Thanks so much for arranging the food, Lacey.”
Lacey mussed Nick’s hair.“Anything for my big star here.I’ll see you guys Monday morning.”
