Twisted MC-Devin & Nicole

Chapter Thirty-Nicole

It's Friday...the day I've been dreading, and I haven't slept for days. I have no choice but to go to this meeting, and at this point it doesn't matter if it's today or next week. I'll still feel the same. Hurt, pain and just lost. My mind is not focused; like I'm walking around in some kind of hazy fog. Sleep has eluded me off and on for almost a month, but I can't keep doing this to myself.

My angel Sydney appears to try to help me...help me focus and get ready. I probably look like shit.

"Ok, honey, let's get you together now. I brought you some breakfast, though I can tell you're not eating but at least have some fruit. I'll get the coffee started while you shower."

Dragging to the shower, I feel like I haven't been out in the world for weeks. Looking in the mirror, I laugh to myself, I actually haven't. Devin may not want me, but I have to keep telling myself that I will be ok.

Finishing my shower, I venture into my closet. I decide on a form-fitting, sleeveless red dress and black stiletto red bottom pumps. I leave my hair down and I think I did a pretty good job covering the bags and dark circles under my eyes. Checking myself in the mirror, I look better than I have in weeks.

Making my way downstairs, Sydney looks at me wide-eyed. "There she is! My girl, you are looking hot!"

My phone buzzes at the same time that I thank her, while grabbing a cup of coffee. Mario will be here in 15 minutes.

"So Nic, how're you feeling?"

"Better, not 100% by a long shot, but I'm going to try and work on it." I shrug trying to convince myself as the words come out of my mouth, "Life goes on, right?"

Pulling me in her arms, she squeezes me into a tight hug. "You will be ok...I love you, honey." I close my eyes, take a deep breath, letting her love and support wash over me. Where would I be without her?

We both hear a horn blow, and I know that's my ride, "I love you too, Syd. I'll call you after the meeting."

Mario is waiting outside of his car for me, like this is a date, "Good morning gorgeous!"

"Good morning Mario. You know you didn't have to pick me up; I'm quite capable of driving myself."

"Of course, I know this, but I wanted to," he opens the door for me and jogs to the other side. His driver lifts the privacy partition.

Mario gives me a look, "You look lovely today Nicole." He reaches for my hand and softly rubs my knuckles with his thumb, "When are you going to let me take you out?"

I'm so not in the mood for this. Taking a deep breath before I respond, "Mario...."

He holds up a hand to stop me. "Nicole, listen to me, I am extremely attracted to you, and I have been for quite some time. Please tell me why don't you want to see me? Are you seeing someone?"

Pausing for a minute, I'm not really sure what to say. Am I seeing someone? Huh. Guess not. I have always thought Mario was beyond handsome, but I definitely can't tell him that.

I watch his expression closely for a few seconds before I say, "Mario, we can't see each other like that...we can't date. It would mess up our business relationship."

"Screw business Nicole. I will get another lawyer. I want you. I want you to be more than my attorney."

"Mario, please stop...." I pause and go on, "I enjoy our work relationship, and I don't want anything to mess that up. I'm sorry, I just can't. I hope this doesn't change anything between us."

He gives me a gentle smile and speaks softly. "Of course not gorgeous. You will always be my favorite lawyer, but if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. I will take what I can get from you, and if this is it, then so be it."

We pull up to Mama Louisa's and butterflies begin to launch fiercely in my belly.