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“Hi,” I answered.
“Hey.”
“So, how did it go? He wouldn’t give me any details because he went into a meeting.”
“Not good. He basically told me I should get married,” Allison said.
“What the fuck?” I snapped.
“Yeah. Said it would be best if I had a long-term boyfriend who was ready to propose.”
“That was his legal advice?” I was going to have a word with Hugo. I kept my voice down and moved into a corner so I didn’t attract any attention to myself.
“Yes. Has to be someone I’ve known for a while, too, or it would look too suspicious. He said the other option would be to tear down Nora’s in-laws, show they’re unfit and all that.”
“Fuck yes.”Yeah, so much for keeping my cool.I looked around, but no one glanced my way.
Allison laughed. “I can’t do that, Nick. They’re the twins’ grandparents, and even Hugo said he wouldn’t recommend it because it makes family life much harder.”
“Did he offeranythinguseful?”
“He said he wanted to check with me first to see if marriage was even a possibility. I guess now he’ll think about other options, knowing that it’s not.”
“Good. Because if he doesn’t come up with something useful, I’ll have to look for someone else, friend or not.”
“Let’s just see what he comes up with,” Allison said quietly, then sighed. “I need to go pick up the twins. Thanks for contacting him. He really has been helpful.”
“Anytime. Is there anything else I can do? My offer to distract you isn’t only for Saturday evenings.” Even though I was still pissed at Hugo, I kept my voice light because she seemed to need it.
“I promised the twins that we’ll have a bubble bath tonight, but thanks for the offer.”
“I can do late-night phone calls, too, if needed. Just putting it out there. Any time.” I accentuated that last part. I really wanted her to count on me whenever she needed a friend.
“Nick...”
“I’m at your beck and call, Allison.”
She laughed again, but it was still restrained.
Damn it. Hugo’s news was clearly weighing on her, and why wouldn’t it? It was a serious matter.
After hanging up, I went straight to my brothers. Gabe had just finished on the treadmill. Maddox was still working on the weights, but he paused when he saw me.
“So, you stopped for him, but not for me?” Gabe teased.
Maddox quirked a brow. “Nick looks like he’s about to blow for some reason.”
I jerked my head back. “Is it that obvious?”
“To me,” he said. “What’s up?”
“I just talked to Allison. Hugo didn’t have any useful advice. The only bright idea he had was for her to get married.”
“Is that feasible?” Maddox asked. “Is she in a relationship?”
“No.”
Gabe gave me a shit-eating grin. “You could take one for the team.”