He nodded, unable to find the right words for the situation. The sooner I left, the sooner they could get to work.
I headed out the door as Nick stared down at his phone. Pulling out mine, I sent him a quick text.
Me: It’s okay, sweetheart. This is how business works. Come when you’re finished.
Nick: I will. I’m so sorry.
Me: It’s fine. See you soon.
Nick: Okay. I have to work at four.
Me: I figured. Love you.
Nick: I love you, too.
An hour and a half later, I sat at the bar of my closed restaurant, sipping a Club Soda with lime, when my phone sounded with a text.
Nick: Michael’s appointment got cancelled. We’re going to work for a while. Raincheck on lunch? He’s a freaking genius, babe.
I stared at the message as a knot formed in my gut. I could be an asshole or a supportive partner. He was working on my project, after all.
Me: Learn all you can. You’re going to be a huge success.
Nick: Okay, I’ll see you later?
Me: Of course
When there were no more dots, I placed my phone on the bar as I downed the rest of my club soda. With a heavy heart, I blew out the candles, and took the steaks from the warming drawer and put them in a to-go container for later.
CHAPTER23
NICK
“You’ve been smilingall night. Got a hot date after work?” Ben asked as he pulled another draft beer for a guy at the end of the bar.
“Yep! With my AutoCAD and schematics.”
Ben grimaced. “No offense, but that sounds boring. You should call up a certain hot chef.”
I really wanted to go to Preston’s, especially after missing our lunch. But I hadn’t heard from him since I’d come in, and knew he’d be exhausted after the lack of sleep last night. I didn’t want to wake him again.
“What are you getting Preston for Christmas?”
I stopped restocking the glasses. “Fuck. I have no idea. Christmas hasn’t even registered with me. I’ve been so consumed with the pre-design proposal that I haven’t thought about it. What do you give someone who has everything?”
Ben sighed. “How about you?”
“He has me.”
He shook his head. “No, I mean like a few days of a staycation. Or go somewhere. Seattle or Cannon Beach. Maybe Napa since he’s a wine guy.”
I smiled as one of his ideas grew on me.
“Those are great ideas, man. You’re really good at this. You should write a blog.”
Ben laughed. “Thanks. I like personal things. For me, gifts from the heart are better than anything you can buy. Things that they’ll always remember, even if you can’t be with them.”
I looked at him as his words trailed off. Ben was always happy and upbeat, and this was new. It made me wonder if he was referring to someone in particular.
