I expelled a breath.
“So, I need to write pretty shit?”
I tipped my head. “First things first, let’s not call itshit.”
He screwed his lips to the side. “Couldn’t write it for me, could you?”
“It’s got to come fromyourheart.”
“My heart’s not real poetic.”
“How about you try and write something out and show me what you come up with at dinner tonight? And then I’ll help you polish it.”
His smile grew wide. “Sounds good, Knickknack.”
“Uh, it’s Nikki.”
He patted my head. Actually, patted it. “When I like a person, I give them a nickname.”
“Okay . . . but Knickknack?”
“It’s an awesome sound.”
“It means useless bauble.”
“If they’re so useless, then why does everybody have them, huh? But if you really don’t like knickknack, I can call you paddywhack.”
“Definitely not.”
“Knickknack it is.” He grinned. “So, we good?”
I hefted an eyebrow. “Up until that awful nickname, we were.”
“I knew it!” He clicked his fingers, which made Storm startle awake. “Sorry, Little Destroyer.” He stroked Storm’s head, which lulled him right back to sleep.
“What did you know?” I asked, as Lucas wrapped a hand around the doorknob.
“I was worried you were no longer coming around because of me, but now I know it’s Liam you’ve been avoiding.”
I pressed my lips together.
“Still don’t want to talk about it?”
“Nope.”
He pulled the door open. “He’s had a tough year, Nikki.”
“He’s not the only one.”
His eyes dropped to my leg. “Right.”
I ended up sighing. “He and I are fine, Lucas.”
“I see that.” His tone smacked of sarcasm. “Anyway, catch you tonight. I’ll bring my heart; you bring your magical quill.”
I may not have liked Liam much anymore, but I had to admit his Beta was nice. Lacked filter, but it added to his easygoing charm. More importantly though, Lucas seemed like a good friend. One who, in spite of his own troubles, cared about others.
After he left, I went to get ready for our pack Thanksgiving. I’d heard a dozen or so Original Boulders would be in attendance this year, which would make for a massive feast. Even though larger families ate at home, the singles, couples without children, and elderly would be there tonight. I wondered if Lori would show.
