It was a chilly start to the morning. Colder than a usual early October day but it was Ireland so it was half expected. Wrapped up in her duvet on the sofa with a sick bucket, Nicole yawned as she stared into space while Shane poured himself a coffee and his daughter a glass of water.
"Sorry for keeping you up all night Daddy." Her sweet voice croaked as he passed her the drink.
"Aww that's OK sweetheart. I always look after you right? We can nap all day as you're not going to school."
"You can finish talking to your friend." Nicole smirked behind her glass.
"Cheeky. Drink up and I'll make you some toast. You might be able to keep that down."
"Is he cute?"
Shane looked over, amused by his little girl's interest. "Nicole!"
"Daddy you can tell me, I don't mind. I just want you to be happy. One day I might meet a cute boy too."
Shane loved how mature his daughter was. He often had to remind himself not to share too much of his personal life and thoughts with her, forgetting she wasn't an adult. "Maybe when you're my age yeah."
"But Prince Charming is coming for me remember. You wished for it for me. Is he yours?"
"Huh... I don't know sweetpea. We've only talked once but yes he's very cute thank you. Now drink up."
Nicole chuckled under her breath as Shane rubbed his face, embarrassed to be discussing his love life with an 8 year old. Shane didn't need a prince charming, he just wanted a companion to support and love him. But thinking back on their conversation the night before, caused a grin across his face as he resisted the urge to send Nicky a good morning message.
**
Convincing his superior he could work from home, Nicky blagged the afternoon off work in order to stay in PJ's and do some office work in the comfort of this own home. It had started to rain now and he was desperate to message Shane to see how Nicole was doing. He didn't want to seem too keen either but if Shane found him too full on it was best to find out now.
Chomping on a Twix as he sat under the duvet in bed, he sent off some files to work and opened Starships in hope of catching Shane.
Although the brunette appeared offline, he'd receive an email alerting him of a new message. Had the username been anyone else Shane wouldn't have jumped to open it as Nicole drifted off to sleep in his arms but his sudden joy woke her so he apologised and slipped away to sit in his own chair so the girl could sleep.
N: Afternoon handsome. I'm wagging work so thought I'd send get well wishes to Nicole. Hope you're both OK.x
Shane smiled at the sweetness of Nicky's thoughts. He quickly opened the chat bar while Nicky was still online and replied with a thumbs up first to acknowledge he was starting a conversation.
S: Cheers bud. Knackered. Was up all night. Why u skiving?
N: :( was busy all night too ;)
S: Oh?
N: Exhausted from chasing thoughts of you in my head.
Shane laughed out loud at Nicky's cheesy chat up line. "Christ!"
S: Holy crap how long have u waited to say that?! Lmao
N: Lol I've got plenty more just you wait.
S: Did it hurt?
N: what?!
S: when u fell from heaven!
N: touché. How do you find Will Smith in the snow?...
Follow the fresh prints.
