With Every Beat of My Heart

Chapter Four: (Nico) Sage Advice

It had been two weeks of Nina giving me the silent treatment, and I was slowly losing my mind. Nina had been doing everything possible to avoid me, and since we lived in the same house that was a very impressive feat. I was still taking family leave and trying my best to support her, but she was thwarting all my efforts.

Nina had her gallbladder removed four days ago. It was an outpatient surgery and I was able to bring her home right after they had finished the procedure. She was thrilled she didn't have to stay at the hospital and wanted to get back to our babies as soon as possible.

I'd been trying to convince her to take things easy and rest, but she just ignored me. Last night, I caught her making Lil Leo a grilled cheese sandwich. When I confronted her she simply stated, "He only eats my grilled cheese, Nico. Should I just let him starve?" So, I dropped the topic, but when I found her folding laundry I put my foot down. And that just resulted in another argument.

What was I supposed to do? Nina and I never had an argument last this long. I missed my girl so much that it felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. Maybe, someone needed to check me into a hospital.

I contemplated ways to get Nina to forgive me as I pulled my car into the parking lot of a local sports bar. I was supposed to meet Alex and Theo for some drinks and I was already running late. I rushed out of the car and walked inside. I spotted the guys sitting in a booth in the back and approached them.

"Hey guys," I greeted as I slid inside the booth and sat beside Alex.

"Hey Nico, how's it going man?" Theo asked. "I heard about what happened with Nina. Is she okay?"

"Yeah Theo," I nodded. "She had her surgery earlier this week and she's recuperating."

"Is she still giving you the cold shoulder man?" asked Alex, as he picked up a bottle of beer and took a sip.

I cleared my throat and ran my hand across my mouth. "Yeah Alex, she's been doing everything in her power to avoid me. And I'm still sleeping on the air mattress."

Alex blew out a breath and shook his head. "That's tough, Nico. I'm sorry."

"Wait..." Theo said. "Did you and Nina have a fight?"

"Yeah man, it's a long story." I admitted.

"Well Nico, we have time."

I nodded my head. "Let me order a drink first."

I looked up and signaled the waiter over. If I was going to recount the whole story to Theo, I needed a beer. We indulged in small chat until the waiter returned with my drink.

After I took my first sip of liquid encouragement, I began to explain everything that happened since the night Nina was rushed to the ER. Theo sat silently and listened to every detail. Once I was finished explaining things, he shook his head and looked between me and Alex.

"I swear the two of you are making me really happy I'm single," he said.

"What?" I asked, looking at Alex. "Did you fight with my sister again?"

"No," he shook his head. "He's referring to the Palm Springs incident."

"Oh yeah," I nodded.

"Well," Theo breathed. "It looks like there is only one piece of advice I could give you man..."

"No, wait!" Alex interrupted.

"What? Why?" Theo asked, perplexed.

"I wanna give the sage advice this time. It's only fair, man. You got to do it with me when I fucked up with Athena," Alex replied.

Theo groaned and shook his head. "Fine Dr. Phil, go ahead."

Alex chuckled and turned to me. He schooled his features and said, "Nico, you have to grovel man."

I stared at him dumbfounded. "What the fuck does that mean, Alex?"

At that, Theo snorted and began choking on his beer. Once his coughing calmed down, he mumbled, "Why the fuck am I friends with you idiots?" Then, he proceeded to explain what groveling meant.

Alex chimed in with his own advice and told me all the things he did for Athena. I was tempted to pull open my Notes app on my phone. This was a lot of information. Apparently, groveling was some serious business.