And yet, he had hesitated a beat in calling the lawyer initially.
Was there a part of him that was worried about making this leap?
Come on.This is what you wanted, right?
When his mom had had a cancer scare last year, Nick and his brothers had been rattled.There had been times when he’d just wanted to run away.Luckily, that had been resolved and their mom was fine.But then that mess had happened with Kristy, and the temptation to run had hit him hard.
Was he still just trying to run away?
“We already have list of great properties to renovate,” said Lacey.“AlthoughHandymenhas been based out of Toronto, we’ve always gotten emails from homeowners who are farther afield.I’ve been able to reach out to some of them.Your first project will be a nice little home in Victoria.The owners tried to build their own pergola and deck, but something went wrong with the measurements.They can’t even use it because it’s a hazard.It’s a perfect project for you!”
“Hmm.Victoria, huh?”That was only a few thousand kilometers away.
“I know it’s a lot to take in, Nick.It’s going to be a big change to your routine, but you said you were up for it.Has that changed?Because now’s the time to tell me.”
“No, it’s fine.I’m up for it.Like you said, it’s just a lot to take in.”
“You won’t be on your own.Some of theHandymenteam members have signed on, like Louie and Rex and a few others.”
“That’s good.I just hope everyone else will be okay.”
“They will.Don’t worry.The network has made plans to redistribute most of our other personnel to other shows, and a couple have already told me they’re ready to retire.As for your new crew members, I have it on good authority they’re some of the best.”
“Great.And you’ll be there.”
Lacey hesitated before responding.“Right.”
“I’m glad.I’m not sure I could do this without you.”
“Ah, thanks, Nick.But I want you to know you’ve always had it in you, you and your brothers.I know I’ve pushed you here and there, but it’s only because I saw so much potential in you all.I’ll always think of you, Michael and Eli as myHandymen.”
“Hey, you’ll make us both misty-eyed if you keep that up.”
“Don’t mind me.I’ve been feeling a bit mushy lately.”She shifted her gaze, as if suddenly distracted.
Was there a problem?It wasn’t like Lacey not to just spit it out if she had an issue.
She had to have a lot on her mind too.After all, he wasn’t the only one starting this new project.Lacey would have to rearrange her life as well.
“So,” he said, changing the subject, “Claire’s been snooping around my mystery project.”
“Can’t say I blame her.”Lacey craned her neck to take in the structure.
“I might need to tell her what I’m doing back here sooner rather than later.I might not be able to push it off until the open house date.”
“Okay.Do whatever you need to do.”
What?
If there was one thing Lacey always insisted on during a shoot, it was keeping any special projects hidden until the big reveal.
It wasn’t like her to be so agreeable to an early reveal.
“Is everything okay, Lacey?”
“Sure.Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Just checking.”
