Waiting For Nick

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Nick laid faceup, his hands behind his head. He'd just dropped a call from Cissy. He'd been surprised when she'd asked to meet up. Actually invited him for dinner.

At first, he'd wanted to decline. He didn't want to see her or talk to her, or those eyes, he knew, those beautiful and captivating blue eyes would reach down and exhume all the secrets he had buried within him.

He didn't want to spend time with or around her. He'd come to terms with the fact that he was gradually seeing the beauty in her and was falling for her. He had to stop now. He didn't want to see her smile or hear her laugh or all his resolve to keep her at bay would go flying out the window.

But Nick knew that was inevitable. They went to the same school, had half the same classes and walked with the same circle of friends.

So Nick accepted the dinner invitation and kept telling himself it was solely because he wanted to know how much she really knew about him. He had to know. He knew she couldn't remember a thing due to the accident but surely, her family must have told her a few things, right? Was he included? Had they explained the guitar?

He had to know.

Not that he didn't wish she would remember it all and save him from half his dilemma, but he knew that was next to impossible.

Still, he had to go.

And so, half an hour later found him at her doorstep, ready to ring the bell. The door flew open before he could and Mrs Carver stood before him in a blue dress and a smile on her face.

Nick smiled. "Afternoon, Mrs Carver. I was invited..."

"Oh, yes. I absolutely know that." She grinned. "Come on in. Dinner is being served."

"Thank you." He replied and stepped in.

In the kitchen, Cissy waltzed from one place place to another, setting the table, an apron around her neck.

"Hey." She smiled when she saw him, stopping for a moment to wave. He smiled and nodded.

"Have a seat, honey and enjoy the meal." Mrs Carver said to him as he thanked her and sat.

"I will." He grinned.

"Oh, I bet! Just you wait. Cissy is an amazing cook. You'll love every bite?"

Nick smiled and looked at Cissy with raised eyebrows. She blushed and looked away.

"So, my son's graduation ceremony is this Saturday!" Mrs Carver beamed. "I'm inviting you, Nick. You wouldn't mind coming, would you?"

Nick blanched.

It was one thing to face Cissy everyday and another to face Lance.

So, Lance was graduating.

Nick actually felt elated for him. He was graduating and coming home. Was it possible to hide the truth from Lance too? Nick knew he had to be more careful now. He couldn't take chances.

Nick had always tried to tell himself that he hadn't done anything wrong at all but conscience was a bitch and wouldn't let him think anything otherwise.

He was bad, very bad.

And beautiful Cissy Carver had absolutely no idea.

He turned to her mom. "I think I can make it, Mrs Carver. He's Cissy's brother, after all."

"That would be wonderful!" Cissy smiled.

After eating their way through sautéed chicken breasts, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus with nacho cheese sauce, Mrs Carver rose.