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“Nick, I’m not drunk, okay? Or tipsy. I just lost my balance somehow.” I was even more embarrassed than before.
“All right, if you insist.”
“I do. Thanks a lot for everything.” I got out quickly and then hurried up the front steps. As I reached the door, I turned and waved at him. He nodded before driving off.
I was smiling for no reason as I stepped inside the house. It was eerily quiet, but a light in the living room told me that Doreen was watching TV on mute. She immediately stepped into the foyer.
“Back already?”
“I’ve been gone a long time.”
“Hon, I thought you were going to come back at midnight at the earliest.”
“Oh, I couldn’t...”
She moved closer to me. “Look, I haven’t said anything because it’s not my place, but this is good for you. You look relaxed, and you’re smiling. Everyone needs time for themselves now and again.”
My shoulders slumped. “I know. But everything is so new.”
“I know. And I’m not saying this for self-interest, but I’m at your disposal no matter when, all right? I don’t have much going on with my kids and grandkids all grown up. All my book clubs and old-people activities happen during the day when you’re at work and the kids are at daycare. But I’m free on evenings and weekends.”
I gave her a soft smile. “Thanks, Doreen. That means a lot to me.”
“Just don’t go blabbing about what I told you to anyone else, okay? I don’t want to be at everyone’s beck and call.”
“So, you’re making an exception for me?”
“You need me the most, child.” Her words hit deep.
“Thanks, Doreen. Have a good night.”
“You, too!”
After she left, I locked the doors, turning off the outside lights as she got into her car and drove away. Doreen really was a sweet woman, and I was lucky to have found her.
I tiptoed up the stairs, peeking in the twins’ bedroom. God, these little angels. I wanted to wake them up just to kiss them and tell them how much I loved them. But I knew better than to do that or they’d keep me up for hours. So instead, I just closed the door, leaned against it, and smiled.
This evening had been amazing. And Nick had offered to do it every Saturday, huh? Well, now I was even more tempted to take him up on it. But I had a feeling that it was a dangerous idea.
Chapter Five
Allison
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On Monday afternoon, I was still on cloud nine. I couldn’t believe what effect an evening with Nick had on me. Yesterday, I’d been full of energy and took the twins to the zoo.
But right now, I was ready to call it a day. I’d been with a client after lunch, and now I was heading back to headquarters to pick up the twins from daycare.
On the way, my phone beeped with a call from the lawyer. I immediately answered.
“Allison. This is Hugo.”
“Hugo, hello! One second.” I immediately straightened in my seat, looking around for a parking spot. Driving wasn’t my favorite activity, and I couldn’t really multitask. That included talking on the phone while I was behind a wheel. I figured this conversation was going to require focus, so I pulled into the first free spot I found.
“Do you have news for me?” I asked after I’d parked. “Once again, thank you for agreeing to advise me on this.”
“Of course. I did some research on your sister’s in-laws. Your late sisters’ in-laws,” he corrected. “I’m very sorry for your loss.”