Chapter 21

Nicol

I heard Nicolas demanding something on a call again, I really didn’t like this side of him, although according to him I don’t like him at all and in fact it is just the opposite, I love him so much it hurts every single day for the past 12 years I’ve been hurting but I’ll do it again, to see how far he has come and his still in his 30s it’s remarkable I know it’s unfair to a child but I did what I thought was best. When he came back into the room Nikki and I were talking I didn’t tell her that we will be staying with Nicolas just yet I wanted him to be with. When he walked back into the room Nikki looked up at him and smiled the smile that she got back was exactly like her’s I couldn’t believe my eyes I always knew she looked like Nicolas but putting them next to each other was a whole different story. “Hi sweet pea did mom tell you the exciting news?” Nikki looked at me “No what exciting news?” Nicolas looked at me like he was asking for permission to say something. I nodded at him “The two of you are going to come and stay with me until you are back on your feet.” She looked surprised and confused “What do you mean back on my feet, I need to go to dance rehearsals we practicing for the Nutcracker.” I took her hand in mine, “Angel, I think you going to miss out this year.” “But I can’t I practice so hard for the spot, I can’t mom I can’t.” she started to cry. “Sweet pea don’t cry.” Nicolas tried. “Angel there is always next year you have stiches and you won’t be able to dance with those.” “When is the concert.” Nicolas asked “Next week.” “Shit sorry sweet pea but you won’t be healed by then but what if I take you to the Nut Cracker concert in the theater on Broadway?” “You can’t mom tried all the tickets are sold out.” “But I do have tickets 3 to be honest.” I looked at him like in don’t make promises you can’t keep. “Really?” “Yes really, so you’ll come and stay with me until you healed and then we go to the nutcracker concert.” She wiped her tears. “Yes, okay there is always next year.” She said the same words I used. Crises averted thank goodness.

It got late and Nicolas was still sitting doing e-mails, Nikki was sleeping and waking up the whole time searching for both of us when she waked up, when it got to 7 pm Nicolas said “You go home I’ll stay with her.” “No, she will look for me.” “Nicol, you have to work tomorrow.” “You to.” I started “Yes but I can take a nap whenever I want and I sit most of the day you are on your feet, let Geoffrey take you home.” “But Nikki.” “I’ll explain to her when she wakes up okay.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, I know you didn’t want me to be a part of her life but I’m here now and I’m going to help whether you like it or not.” I didn’t like his comment but I didn’t take the bait. “Thank you, Nicolas I’ll be here very early with a bag, packed for her.” “And you?” He asked like I will leave Nikki alone with him. “Yes, and for me.” “Okay great Geoffrey is waiting for you outside.” “Thank you again Nicolas.” This time he at least just said “It’s a pleasure.”

I walked to the front of the hospital where I found Geoffrey waiting for me in the emergency parking, not allowed but clearly if you are one of the biggest donors of the hospital anything is allowed. “Miss. Nicol.” He called. I waved at him, that he could see I did see him. He opens the door for me, when last did any man open a door for me. I can actually tell you when last 12 years ago, that was one thing about Nicolas he would always open my door for me. I got in then Geoffrey asked me “Where to?” “577 2nd Ave, Kips Bay.” He gave me a look that said you where this close all this time. When he pulled into traffic, I decided to start fishing about Nicolas’s life but I had to be careful Geoffrey might be old but his very sharp. “So how is he really Geoffrey?” I also knew being direct would probably give me more than fishing. “To be honest Nicol since he saw you, I take it on Friday he was a total mess.” “I’m sorry you had to deal with that.” “I’d rather deal with real problems than all the girls his running through maybe now that you are back in the picture it will change.” “I’m not back with him Geoffrey.” “I know that Nicol but you have a kid together I take it she was the reason you disappeared?” “She was.” “I also take it as I see no wedding ring or engagement ring that you left because you wanted Nicolas to go on with his studies and take over his father’s business without worrying about you and the baby.” I got dead quiet how could he guess that but Nicolas couldn’t. All that came out was “How? How? How did you know?” “I’m old Nicol and you wouldn’t have called her Nikki for God’s sake if you wanted to forget about him.” “That’s true but I never thought we would meet like this and he still wants to know what happened.” “Just remember Nicol, you left him without any reason he is still hurt by that I think he tried to …. Sorry for my language, fuck you out of his system and it hasn’t worked at all.” I had to smile at Geoffrey he felt very embarrassed using foul language in front of me. “You really think so?” “I actually want to say I know so Nicol, but it something you two needs to sort out but let’s get Nikki out of the hospital first, shall we?” “Oh Goodness yes, at least she’s coming out tomorrow and we are going to stay with Nicolas until she’s better, it’s seeming like the two of us are going to see a lot of each other.” “I would enjoy every minute of it, his not the only one that missed you, Nicol.” “Thank you, Geoffrey.”