I nod and then smile when I see Willa passing around a tray of champagne.
“Hey, Jordan,” she says and leans in to kiss my cheek. “You look amazing, as always. Hi, Nick.”
“Willa,” he says with a nod.
“That’s right, you guys already know each other.”
Willa is friends with Nina and hangs out with her often. So, of course, Nick has been around when the ladies got together.
Not to mention, Willa attended all three of the royal weddings.
“How are you feeling?” Willa asks him.
“Much better, thank you. Looks like you’re going to be busy this evening.”
“That’s the goal,” she says with a wink. “I hope you have fun tonight. I have some sales going on, but you’re always welcome to come and poke around. And, of course, I’ll always give you the sale price.”
“Because you’re the best,” I reply. “I do need some new jeans and stuff. My ass has grown since I’ve been home. Christmas cookies, and all that.”
“Girl, I wish I had your ass issues,” Willa says with a laugh. “I have some cute jeans coming in next week. Come have a look.”
“I will. See you later.”
We walk away, leaving Willa to her job.
“Your ass hasn’t grown,” Nick says when we’re out of earshot.
“Yes, it has.” I sigh in happiness when Nick takes off my mitten and then slips our clasped hands into his coat pocket. “I haven’t been running like usual. But it’s winter, and that happens. It’s no biggie.”
“I happen to like your ass,” he says. But his eyes are still alert, dancing through the people.
“I like your ass, too,” I reply with a laugh. “Do you like hot chocolate?”
“That’s a silly question. Of course, I do.”
“Let’s get some, then. There’s a vendor set up just across the street.”
We step off the curb into the street that’s free of vehicles and open to foot traffic only. We get into position for some hot chocolate. The line moves a little slow because people like to chat.
How’s the family?
Do you like your new job?
Did you hear about the new community center being built?
But that’s just how it is in small towns. And it doesn’t bother me at all.
It doesn’t seem to bother Nick either, as we stand silently, taking it all in. Once we have our hot drinks, we walk down the street.
“I admit, there are more people out here than I anticipated,” Nick says. “It’s cold, and it’s dark.”
“Yes, but there are little campfires going on each block, and all of the holiday lights are lit up. There’s music. And food. Come on, admit it. It’s fun.”
“It’s fun,” he says and smiles down at me. “I’m glad we came.”
“Me, too.”
“There you are.”
I turn and smile at my mom. She’s a little woman with features similar to mine.
“Hi, Mom.” I lean in and give her a hug. “This is Nick, the patient I was telling you about.”
“Oh, hello,” she says with a smile.
“Lovely to meet you.”
“Oh, you have a British accent. Isn’t that fancy?” I roll my eyes, but Mom doesn’t see it. “Jordan left me to go live with you, you know.”
Nick’s gaze moves to mine. “No, I wasn’t aware.”
“Of course, you’re perfectly able to take care of yourself.”
“She just got back to town a couple of months ago,” she continues as if I didn’t say anything at all. “She couldn’t get out of the house fast enough. You’d think she doesn’t like me or something.”
“Or, you know, I’m twenty-five and probably don’t want to live with my mother. Not that we need to have this conversation here, especially in front of Nick.”
“You’re right. Come to dinner this week. We’ll talk then.”
“I’ll call you, Mom.”
“You’d better,” she says. “Have fun, kids.”
She rushes off to join her friends from her book club.
“Told you,” I say as we continue on our way. I sip my hot chocolate. “She’s impossible.”
“She’s a mum,” he says with a smile. “And she misses you. Have dinner with her. Then she won’t give you such a hard time.”
I think it over and concede that he’s right. “Good point. Okay, I will.” Nick stops walking, and I frown up at him.
“One o’clock,” he says in a low voice. I follow his gaze and see Jeremy walking straight towards us, his face set in a hard expression, his stride full of purpose.
“Well, damn,” I mutter and mentally square my shoulders. “I’ve got this.”
“I have no doubt,” Nick says.
“Hey, Jor,” Jeremy says. He reaches out to touch me, but I duck away. He scowls. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
“I know that. Ever again. What’s up?”
“Listen, I just wanted to come over and tell you that I’m happy for you. You’ve wanted to move home for a long time, and I’m glad to see you did it, and you’re moving on with your life.” He holds his hands out at his sides. “I’m just trying to do the same.”