“Did you really make this?” I ask as I take another bite. The food is wonderful. The man stole my tampons so I should at least get a meal out of all of this. That’s what I reason with myself for still being here at least. I should have been out the door as soon as he gave me back the stolen merchandise. More so after hearing their whispered words.
“Gran might have helped.” He reaches out his thumb, brushing it along my chin. “I’m a quick study. Tell me or show me something once and I’ll never forget it.” He brings his thumb to his mouth, sucking it clean from the sauce he wiped off my chin.
“Thanks.” I look back down at my plate that’s almost empty. I don’t remember eating half of it. I must have been shoving it in my mouth. What a waste. Nick drops a few more on my plate. ”I can’t eat all that,” I protest. Oh, I can, I just shouldn’t.
“I made it for you.” The way he says it all sweet and innocent has me giving in. He makes it seem as though it will hurt his feelings if I don’t eat it all, which has me taking another bite. Damn him and his gran’s tricky ways. I don’t know how they keep getting me to do what they want, but they do. I’ll eat and then I’ll leave. That’s the plan at least. Somehow Nick and his crafty ways have me telling him all about myself. Then Gran has me sitting next to her as she watches Wheel of Fortune. I play along with her while Nick cleans up dinner. I’m actually enjoying myself. I don’t have much company these days. Most of my social time is spent with Mr. Higgins, so this is a nice change of pace.
Nick comes back in with a glass of water and a few pills, handing them to Gran. She doesn’t take her eyes off the TV as she takes them from him and downs them. Her words still rattle around inside of my head, but I push the thoughts aside. Look how good he treats his grandma. It’s actually really sweet. I can’t believe that either of them has some shady past that they’re trying to hide.
I don’t know how long I sit on the sofa watching TV but the next thing I know my phone is ringing. I must have nodded off because when my eyes spring open, Gran’s gone and I’m tucked into Nick’s side, cuddled into him on the sofa.
“I got it,” Nick says, untucking me from his side. He opens my purse, digging in.
“Hey,” I protest, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, not sure if what I’m seeing is real. Who just digs through a girl’s purse? That’s personal. I guess we moved past personal when he stole my tampons.
“Got it.” He pulls my cell phone from my purse. “Who is Higgins?” He glares at my phone that’s ringing in his hand. He hits the reject button.
“Hey!” I shout this time as I pop up. I try and grab the phone from his hand. He doesn’t want to give it to me. “You’re a real thief. You know that?”
“You stole my heart,” he jokes with a shrug. I tell myself he’s joking. I’ll shove that comment away with the baby one he’d made earlier.
“It’s my boss,” I tell him, reaching for the phone again. “He’ll worry if I don’t answer.”
“You supposed to work tonight or something?” he questions, still not giving me the phone.
“No.” I drop my hand when the phone stops ringing. “He’ll come over here. He knows where I am.” That doesn’t help with the look he’s got on his face right now. Is he jealous? Is that what that look is?
“He’s your gran’s age.” I snap the phone from his hand when it starts ringing again. He lets me have it.
“Sorry. I fell asleep watching TV,” I tell him before he can say anything. Nick steals the phone right out of my hand. He really might be a thief. He is quick with those hands.
“Mr. Higgins. This is Nick.” He pauses for a moment. I’m guessing listening to whatever he’s saying. “She is. I had no idea,” he responds.
“What?” How am I the one in trouble? Nick is the one who over-stuffed me with food and it made me fall asleep.
“You were supposed to bring him food back?”
“Crap.” I did tell him I’d bring leftovers. “Wait. That’s what he’s asking?”
“I’m sorry, sir. I’ll be sure to give her the leftovers.” He hangs up the phone before I even get to speak to him. I can’t believe Mr. Higgins is only worried about his dinner. He and I are going to have a nice little talk when I get back. “Let me grab them for you.” He tucks one of my loose curls behind my ear like he wasn’t just playing keep-away with my phone before turning to head toward the kitchen. His warm touch lingers on my skin.