The Secrets Behind Cries *Book 6 of the Köhler Series*

𝕰𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 |8

"How was your weekend?" Tomika asked, walking into the room where Nicole was with a smile. She smiled back, shrugging her shoulders.

"Normal as it could get."

"So, you and that sexy piece of white chocolate didn't make up?" She said with her brow arched. Nicole laughed, shaking her head no. Although she wished they had. It was Nicki's fault she and Reece were on the outs, and they weren't even together.

"No, and he's just a friend that doesn't know how to mind his own business," Nicole said, sitting back watching as all the patients roamed the main hall when a tall, handsome man walked in.

"Ohhh girl, there he goes!" Tomika said, hitting Nicole's arm nodding at the man like she was supposed to who the fuck he was. She looked over to her with her brow raised before speaking.

"There who goes?"

"Mrs. Tinsley's son Bruce. I told you his ass was sexy as fuck," Kayla said, hitting her arm again as she and Tomika fan themselves. Nicole, on the other hand, looked at the two women like they lost their minds. Yeah, he was cute but not her cup of tea. Something was off about the man, and Nicki didn't see why they could see it. She watched as Mrs. Tinsley smiled big, waving her over to her. Sighing and shaking her head Nicki walked over.

"Yes, Mrs. Tinsley?"

"Bruce dear, this is the lovey girl I've been telling you about," She smiled as he looked up to her with a smile. Nicole nodded her head as she held out her hand.

"Nice to finally get to meet you, Nicole."

"Likewise, Bruce..."

"Oh, stop with that. Bruce, her shift is over in fifteen minutes. That is why I called you here at this time. Take her out for dinner... Tomika, honey, did you get that dress I asked you to?" The older woman said as Nicole looked at Tomika, who gave her a big smile. She couldn't believe they set her up on a date she cared nothing for.

"Yes, Mrs. Tinsley..."

"Wait, what's going on?"

"That is what I would like to know. Mom, you just can't spring a date on two people without them knowing," Bruce said, making her laugh waving him off.

"It's just one date. I need some grandbabies from you."

"We been through this, Mom," He argued with her as Tomika pull Nicole off to the back to an empty room, handing Nicole a black dress.

"I loved the dress and all, Mika, but I can't do this."

"You can and will. If you and Mr. Sexy are not a couple, why are you so worried. Or is he beating on you too?"

"No, and I'm not worried about him. I just don't want to go out with Bruce," Nicole answered, making her smile.

"Okay. One date to make Mrs. Tinsley happy if you don't like it. Tell her that her son isn't for you. Deal?"

"Yeah, whatever," That is what Nicki was planning on doing anyway. She didn't want the damn man and didn't want to go on a date. Maybe she was scared that Reece would see them. Maybe she wanted more from Reece and just was scared to admit it.

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.

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About an hour later, they were at an uptight restaurant that Nicole preferred not to be at. Everyone looked at her with their noses turned up in the air, and Bruce acted as if he were uninterested. It was not like she cared and could tell he didn't want to be there, no more than she did. Plus, Nicole couldn't take the silence any longer.