Winter Wayhaught

Chapter 12

Nicole's world had shifted on its axis. Now the owner of the bookstore. Now the girlfriend of her literary idol, life would never be the same. Waverly hugged her, knowing how much the bookstore meant, their private conversations revealing how much Nicole wanted to make her family proud. How much she wanted to show them she could make a success of the business.

Her aunt's generous offer was everything she ever wanted. Admittedly, it had cost her her marriage, Shae refusing to move to the town where the store was located. Too provincial, too dull according to Shae for the life she wanted to live.

"I'll make you proud," Nicole said.

"My darling niece, I'm already proud of you. You've worked wonders on this old bookstore. You deserve this."

"Would you like to stay for lunch?"

"Need to catch a flight. Meeting your mother in Monaco. You must come visit."

Aunt Gus stood, opening her arms to embrace Waverly. "So glad to have met you. Take care of my niece for me."

"I will. I promise."

Nicole walked her aunt to the store entrance. Robin hovered, hoping to have one final moment with his own favourite aunt. They hugged, Robin promising to keep in touch.

Aunt Gus turned to Nicole. "She's gorgeous."

"She's Alice Makepeace."

"Never! Oh, Nicole. That's wonderful. She's an incredible author. How did you meet?"

"Here. A chair. I love her."

Aunt Gus cupped Nicole's face with her hands. "I've never said this, but I've always thought of you as my own child. You'd better invite me to the wedding."

Nicole could feel the room spinning once more. Robin recognised the look on Nicole's face, stepping behind in time to catch her as she went down. Aunt Gus reached into her bag, retrieving a small bottle of smelling salts, removing the lid, wafting it under Nicole's nose. She gasped as the vapours hit her nostrils, her eyes opening.

Nicole focused on her aunt. "Sorry, I'm fine."

Robin helped Nicole upstairs, Waverly meeting them as they came along the hallway realising Nicole had had another episode. She watched as Robin guided Nicole into the bedroom, standing in the doorway while Robin removed her shoes.

He ushered her out of the room, closing the door, taking Waverly's hand, leading her to the kitchen. "It's fine. Honestly. She has low blood pressure. Just needs to rest."

"She's had a few shocks today."

"You can say that again. What with you and then her aunt asking for an invite to your wedding."

"She's giving Nicole the bookstore."

"Fuck. Everyone's trying to kill her today. No wonder she fainted."

"You really like her don't you?"

"I'll admit I was worried when Gus said she was taking over. Don't get me wrong, this place needed a new broom. It's just, Gus was a mother to me when my own mum threw me out."

"Oh Robin, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Took me in. Made me recognise my worth. Made me go after things I never would have if I'd stayed with my family. Got me and Jeremy together."

"Wow."

"Nicole is so like her, it's untrue. Her own mother is lovely. Such a character. But, so fucking selfish. Did you know Nicole is adopted?"