Never Give Up - Heidi Lis Page 0,18
door. A door I’m currently standing behind naked.
“What?” Shit, it’s all I can think to say in my moment of sheer panic.
“Just wanted to make sure you keep it covered up, I know it’s your first one…that’s all. Oh, and it’s nice to sort of meet you.” He offers a lingering sigh.
Oh my God, this is so awkward. “Okay, thank you for the advice… and it’s nice to sort of meet you, too.” I keep my voice cheery trying not to let my nerves show.
An awkward pause lingers before a hint of a laugh escapes his lips. “Later.”
“Sure, later Ace.” A wave of uneasiness consumes me, and it’s an odd sensation. His voice is so pleasant, but the familiar tone is hard to pinpoint. I quickly dismiss it, chalking it up to nerves. It’s just me, I need to let him go. I cannot think every guy out there, is him. It’s not Micah. They’re not Micah. I’m left to ponder this aching notion taking my shower, extra careful not to get my new tattoo wet.
After I showered up, I ate dinner by myself. I’m grateful Liza went out, at least I didn’t have to listen to her all night. Laying in bed, I’m exhausted but I know I need to make a call.
“What are you doing?” I ask a very taciturn Nick.
“Missing you, why am I not with you, again?” Yep, he sounds depressed.
“I have to get to work early tomorrow, and I’m beyond tired. Someone kept me up late last night.” I can’t help saying with a smirk.
He briskly replies. “Oh, how could anyone do that to you, unless it was because he was devouring your beautiful body?” Depressed Nick is now playful Nick.
I burst out laughing. “That’s right, I did have some hot guy in my bed last night.”
“Speaking of last night, are you okay with all that happened?” He’s so serious, his voice deepens with a hint of anxiety.
“Nick, we talked about this already. Last night was great, but.” Softly I close my eyes, praying he understands.
“Yeah, I know you do, El. I’m just happy you are finally giving us a try.” His voice is lighter, and I can tell he’s smiling. “You’re energizer bunny is ready to devour your body again.”
It’s hard not to smile and laugh when I’m talking to him. “You’re the best, always remember that. No matter what happens, you have always been here for me and I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know. I know over the years, things have not been pretty, but you never gave up on me. You were a shoulder for me to cry on.” I’m on a roll and can’t seem to stop the honest things I need him to hear. “You held my hand, dried my tears, and never let me cry alone. You are my best friend, and you are so important to me. It’s why I hesitated to take us to the next level.”
I knew I was rambling, but telling him this might help ease the news of my tattoo. If I’m lucky, he will merely see a beautiful butterfly, but he’s smarter than that. He knows me too well.
“I know and I will always be here for you, no matter what happens with us. Although I see no reason we won’t be together, even if we weren’t, I’m your best friend.”
Hoping like hell he means those words, I’m closing my eyes holding onto them. I whisper, “I’ll hold you to that, you know.”
“Yeah, I know you will.” He replies earnestly.
“Okay, sweet Nick. I’m off to sleep. Dinner tomorrow night?” Sounds like a good plan, and then I’ll tell him about my tattoo.
“Dinner it is. Sleep tight.” He acknowledges with some excitement.
“Night, best friend.” I think nothing of it, this is how I always said good night to him, this is familiar.
He pauses longer than normal. “Ouch, the best friend comes out, not a good sign.”
“Hey, don’t interpret that the wrong way. You know I’ve always said that to you before when we would hang up. It slipped out, I’m sorry.” I did not mean to offend him. Boy, this will take time getting used to. I now realize I need to watch what I say to him so not to hurt his feelings.
“Just giving you a hard time, girl. Enough talking, I need to go to sleep. I got a big day at work and a date tomorrow night.” The excitement in his voice makes me happy.
“That’s the spirit, you buying?”
“Bet