“Then Nick probably feels the same way. Maybe you should see Corinne’s mom. Have her help with this one.”
My head jerks back. “Pass. She’s intimidating.”
“She’s downright scary,” Nina says, shivering.
In the end, having someone else help Isla move on might be in my best interest.
“But you might be right. If she has the answers I need, then I have to go to her.”
She bites her lip, inspecting my hair and appearing to find something off.
“So, tell me about the party,” she says, changing the subject to things that are less stressful.
“We’re going to some hotel in Silverton. All I know is that we’re being fed and the drinks are bottomless. They’ll have a band until eight and then a DJ takes over until two a.m.”
She snorts. “Does Nick know how much caffeine he’ll need to feed you in order to make it to midnight?”
I laugh. “I’m not that lame. I can hang until midnight.” I glance down at my feet, which are currently bare. “That’s if my feet cooperate. The shoes I bought were not a good idea.”
I glance at the offending shoes I purchased at the mall with contempt. They’re beautiful and my legs look incredible in them, but they’re killer and I’m not accustomed to wearing such a large heel.
“If I fall, I’ll die.”
She laughs. “If you fall, he’ll catch you.”
I sigh, watching that scenario play out in my head. There’s nothing embarrassing about Nick holding me in his arms. But reality would not look like that.
“What are you doing tonight?” I ask.
I should have considered Nina when making plans for tonight. The least I could’ve done was spend this New Year with her. After all she’s been through, I’m not sure she should be alone.
“Don’t,” she warns, and I look up at her, confused. “Don’t feel bad for having fun, Alyssa.”
“Who said I was feeling bad?” I ask, one eyebrow raised.
“I know you, and I know that face you’re making.” She huffs a humorless laugh. “I don’t need you to sit around with me. I’m perfectly capable of picking out a book and pouring myself a glass of wine. You forget, I don’t have FOMO over parties. I much prefer quiet and a good glass of merlot.”
I smile because I know there isn’t a shred of deceit in those words. That is Nina’s ideal night, and I doubt she’s been allowed to enjoy many of them until recently.
“You’ll have a lovely night if that’s what you’re planning.” And then I get an idea. “Why don’t you stay here? I won’t be home tonight. You can have my comfy bed and stay somewhere that doesn’t feel like a prison.”
Her eyes light up, and she smiles wide. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I should’ve suggested it earlier. You are always welcome here, Nina. Hell, if you want, pack a suitcase and move in.”
She blinks, and a tear runs down her cheeks. I quickly stand, pulling her into my chest.
“Nina. Don’t cry,” I coo into the side of her head.
“I couldn’t do that to you.”
I pull back, narrowing my eyes on her. “Why the heck not? I want you here.”
“It’s just…”
“If you’re going to say it’s my second chance, I might slap you. I’m an adult, and so is Nick. If we want privacy, we’ll go to his house. It’s not like it isn’t very convenient.”
She nods several times. “I’ll think about it.”
