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“Mom, this is not helpful,” I said respectfully.
“Oh, okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interfere. Well, I can’t wait to see you and your brothers. And meet Allison, of course, and the twins.”
“You’ll like Allison.”
“I have no doubt. If you like her, she must be really special.”
“She is.” I headed back inside the penthouse. “I’ve got to go, Mom. I need to start my day.”
“Of course. Nick, I’m very proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. That means a lot to me.”
After hanging up, I threw on my suit and headed out. I didn’t often wear one, but today I was heading to an important meeting, and clothing mattered. Suits and ties always give an extra edge.
The meeting was in the opposite direction from where my offices were but not far from Allison’s building. I couldn’t wait until the weekend, but I could help her relax even before that.
I knew exactly what would help, so I texted Frances on the way. Allison said she liked hot tubs, and I’d just come up with something even better.
I mentally searched for anyone I could ask about how Allison used to spend her free time, but I had zero contact with her friends. My only liaison with her had been Nora, and we’d neverreally spoken about her sister. Whenever I went to their home, we mostly grilled and had a good time. And after the twins came, it had become harder to actually have a conversation because they were both chasing them nearly all the time.
No, I didn’t know too much about Allison. But I’d have plenty of opportunities to find out.
For now, I had a surprise in store for her.
***
Allison
There were days when I was happy to keep my heels on the entire day. And there were others when I wanted to change into flip-flops the second I sat at my desk. This was one of the latter.
Derek had sent me the information regarding the bonus I’d get if I took on the M&A case. It wasn’t nearly enough to make up for the extra time I’d spend working on it. So, I was faced with actually turning down a project for the first time in my entire career. I was certain it would send Derek the signal that I wasn’t quite the worker bee that I’d been in the past.
But maybe that was for the best. Before, I never cared much about setting boundaries because work had always been first, but now it wasn’t anymore. Annie and Jack were my highest priority.
As I prepared a short and to-the-point email to Derek, I felt a sense of relief. A small part of me was still a bit afraid that I was setting myself up for difficult times in the future, but I wasn’t going to let that fear drag me down. I was a damn good CFO. If I wasn’t wanted here anymore, I could always get a new job. I’d climbed to the top of my field in record time. No one was going to take that achievement away from me.
After sending the email, I checked my phone and noticed I had a message from Nick.
Nick: I have a surprise for you.
He’d sent me a link to a website for The Relaxing Oasis. There was a slider with pictures of a Turkish bath, steam and sauna, and even small hot pools. I was already starting to relax just looking at the pictures. I could practically feel my muscles loosening. Then I looked at what else he’d sent.
Nick: What would you say about spending an evening there? I’ll stay with the twins.
Oh, this man.
Nick: I’ll buy vouchers, so you don’t have to worry about anything. My treat, of course.
I grinned from ear to ear. I liked Nick Whitley as a person. It wasn’t just that I thought he was hot as hell and I was way too attracted to him—he was genuinely a fantastic guy.
Allison: Not your treat at all. I can take care of myself.
Nick: I know, but it was my idea.
Hmm.Knowing him, he wasn’t going to let go of this too easily. I had no idea what made me write the next message, but I only realized what I’d done after I sent it.
Allison: Fine. It can be your treat, but on one condition. You join me on Thursday. I’ll ask Doreen if she can watch the twins.