“Yeah, it’s an exciting time,” I replied, and changed the subject. “When do you think you’ll be able to move into the new house?”
“Oh, probably by the end of May, if everything goes according to plan,” Nix said.
While we ate, Nix and I continued to talk about what was left to do with the new house he was building, while Sage and Nellie whispered quietly across from us. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but I got the impression Sage was reassuring Nellie.
After we finished breakfast and paid our tabs, we headed out. “What’s the plan for this afternoon?”
“I’m not actually sure,” Nellie said, glancing at me. “I left my car at Noah’s, so I guess we’ll have to go back so I can get it.”
“We were going to pick up Daphne and then catch the Sunday matinee at the Hartwood Creek Theatre, if you wanted to tag along? They’re showing Pinocchio.”
“Maybe another time? I don’t think I’d stay awake through a movie today. I’m tired,” Nellie said, fighting a yawn.
Sage and Nellie hugged outside of the diner, then Nix and Sage started walking back toward Sage’s apartment over the hardware store.
I was secretly relieved that Nellie had turned down Sage’s invitation to join them, not because I didn’t like hanging out with Sage and Nix, but because I had plans for the afternoon.
We walked to my truck and climbed in, but before I started it, I turned to face her.
“Mind if we make a quick stop? I need to pick something up before we leave town.”
“Yeah, sure,” Nellie nodded, yawning again. She buckled up and we drove down Main Street. I parked in front of the art gallery, and Nellie looked at me expectantly. “Why are we here?”
“I got you something. Consider it a belated welcome to Hartwood Creek gift,” I told her. “Wait here.”
I disappeared into the art gallery long enough to buy the painting Nellie had been eyeing the first time I’d brought her in. “Thanks, Freyja!” I called over my shoulder as I left.
Nellie was watching the family across the road with a reflective look in her eyes, and didn’t see me approaching with the painting, but she turned when I opened the back door and slid the painting in, leaning it against the floor.
“What’s that?” Nellie asked after turning around to look at it, her eyes widening when she saw the painting.
“Your gift,” I told her, grinning.
“Noah, I can’t accept this! It’s way too much!” she exclaimed.
“Of course, you can accept it.” I chuckled, putting the truck in drive. I headed to Nellie’s place, intent on carrying it up and hanging the damn thing for her. “I saw how much you admired it. It’ll look great in your apartment. And when you’re ready to move in with me, it’ll look beautiful at my place, too.”
“Wow, cocky much?”
“I prefer the term ‘self-assured’,” I corrected. Nellie fought a smile and rolled her eyes.
“How can you be so sure I’m going to move in?” she asked as I pulled up to her apartment and parked the truck.
“I saw the look in your eye when you found out I had a hot tub. If that’s all it takes, I’ll order the parts to fix it tonight and have it up and running by next weekend.”
“Noah,” she frowned, giving me a serious look. “You can’t drop nearly a grand on me and call it a gift, that’s insane.”
“Better get used to it. I’ll spoil you all I want, and I want to spoil you a lot,” I warned her. “Besides, you’re worth more than a grand, easily. Maybe even more than five grand,” I added, reaching across the cab to take her hand.
Nellie laughed, shaking her head at my antics. “Ugh. You’re impossible.”
“I’ve been told that a time or two before,” I said agreeably. “Shall we hang this up now?”
Nellie glanced back at the painting, worrying her lip. “I don’t know. Why don’t we bring it back to your place, if you’re so sure I’ll be moving in?”
“Because I want you to be able to see it every day, and until you do move in with me, it’ll be at your place,” I told her. “I don’t mind hanging it twice.”
I’d purchased a hook and wire from Freyja to properly hang the painting and grabbed the necessary tools from the back of my truck, then I carried the painting up and instructed Nellie to pick a place for it.
