Chapter 78 78
Nicole sighed. She puffed her cheeks without saying a word.
"Nicole, does Bee still have feelings for Nathan?" Ryan asked again, seeing she was trying not to answer him or give a genuine answer.
"Honestly Ryan, I can't say. I am not sure if she does or does not." Nicole finally answered, after realising she wasn't going to escape the question from him.
"Since Brooke had Liam, she seems to have closed that chapter of her life. Whenever I bring a topic about men she hardly participates. She either nods or hmm at me. The worst is when Nathan's name was mentioned, she acts in a way that is hard for me to define. She never says anything."
"I keep wondering whether she is completely over him or still angry at him. Other times, she makes me think she is done with men entirely. I once offered to introduce her to one of my colleagues. But she right out rejected the offer, saying she wasn't interested." Nicole reported.
"I am starting to think she is serious about not loving another man, ever again." Nicole concluded.
Ryan groaned in frustration. "Yet, I brought up my feelings to her again. Bee is mad at me now. The reason she is still keeping our friendship is because she feels I owe her."
"If I may give you a suggestion," Nicole began. "Nathan only realized how much he loved Bee only after she left. That might be the case with you and Bee. Stay away from Ber for a while. Maybe then she would realize what exactly she feels about you. She might be in love with you and she might not know it just yet." Nicole advised.
"That could work. But I am not taking any chances." Ryan turned down the suggestion. "Now that Nathan is back in her life, I can't take such a risk. Me staying away would be perfect for Nathan to try and get her back. Which has a huge chance of getting her back. Without any competition. I think he has ninety five percent chances of getting her attention again." Ryan analyzed how he would still turn out at the bottom either way.
With a shrug, Nicole said, "Then you can give up that time. It means that it was never meant to be. When that happens, I will advise you to look elsewhere." She looked into his eyes and continued. "I mean you should really look with your heart. Something serious and genuine and not just the playboy you are."
Ryan gave a light chuckle. "I didn't know you were a love expert." He teased her.
Nicole had a small smile and shrugged again. "I wouldn't put it that way. But I also had my fair share in the falling in love game back then. Now I just watch romantic movies and sometimes, read novels.
"Why is that? Is there no man good enough for you?" Ryan asked.
Nicole gave a light chuckle. "Let's just say I had my fair share. The perfect man only exists in the movies and novels."
"Oh! So I was right." Ryan said.
The two continued to chat and drink. Much later, Ryan said, "Thank you, Nicole. For giving me company and listening to me. I would like to do this another time if you are up for it." He requested.
"Thanks too. And as long as you are paying, then I am down." Nicole replied.
They both laughed.
Emberwood
Nathan has been sitting by Liam's bed, who was already fast asleep. He continued to gaze at him, studying his features more. It is remarkable how he resembles Nathan. Especially the young Nathan. It's like looking in the mirror. Nathan smiled and pecked Liam's cheek. "Good night, mini me."
Liam moved a bit in his sleep but continued to sleep nonetheless.
Nathan heard a creak from the door. He turned to see Brooke standing there. She pointed at her wrist watch and mouthed 'it's getting late.'
'Looks like she can't wait to send me out of the house already.' Nathan thought. But he nodded in response. He wasn't going to push his luck so much the first time he officially met his son.
He got up from the bed and lazily walked to the door. Brooke moved to the side and let him pass. She took a peek in the room before closing the door behind her.
"I know it's too soon but, can I see him tomorrow?" Nathan asked in a low voice so he didn't wake Liam.
Brooke had thought of it earlier. It is the weekend and she can use that as an opportunity to spend more time at the hospital.
"I was planning on working extra hours in the hospital. So, yes you can." Brooke responded.
"That is great. I promise to take care of him. Mother will be there to help and she will be thrilled." Nathan said excitedly.
Hearing Nathan's mother will be there gave her more confidence. "That will do. Liam would like that I am sure. I will have him ready in the morning." Brooke said "but Nathan, I have to warn you."
Nathan gave her his attention. "Does something matter , Bee?" He asked with concern.
"Don't ruin this. Don't try to take my son away from me." Brooke spoke her mind.
Nathan was taken aback. "Why would I do that, Bee? I am a person who is already full of regrets. All I want now is to try and make it all up to you. I would never think of doing that to you or to Liam." He defended.
Brooke looked at him for some seconds before she nodded. "Alright then. I will take your word for it. I will leave for the hospital before nine in the morning. You should be here before then too and don't be late -"
"I won't. I promise. I can't wait." Nathan said with a full smile.
The two walked out of the house. At the front is where the driver waited for him. They said their goodbyes but Nathan still had more to say.
"Bee, I really appreciate what you did. For making it easy for me to see my son. Even though I just found out about him yesterday. Thank you and goodnight."
Brooke gave a light nod and replied. "You are welcome. Goodnight." She was about to walk away when Nathan spoke again.
"Oh .... Dinner was great and delicious. Thank you for the lovely dinner. It was really lovely. Did you prepare it yourself?"