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I toss my napkin on the plate. “It was. Now, what’s going on?”

“I was thrown by a comment my brother made earlier.”

I rest my arms on the table just as my mom taught me not to do, but stress makes me forget my proper upbringing. “Then talk to me.”

“Can we talk in California after two days of nakedness?” He laughs, and I’m glad to see there isn’t doubt in his eyes. I roll my eyes and giggle.He’s a sweet goof.But he is still restless.

The bill with his credit card inside is swiped by the server from the table as she passes. “While two days of nakedness sounds amazing . . . and you want me to meet your family?—”

“I do.”

Rolling my eyes, I say, “You and those I do’s. It’s like you can’t get it out of your system.”

“Not until I say it for real, I suppose.”

Mimicking his body language, I sit back again and cross my arms over my chest. “I’d like to meet your family on one condition.” When I have his interest piqued, I say, “You have to tell me what you want to talk about in California.”

He shifts forward, lowering his arms, his guard, and his voice. “I don’t want it to ruin tonight since nothing’s set in stone.”

“Your mind’s been elsewhere throughout dinner. I’d rather talk about it than leave it hanging out there between us.”

He nods. “I’m sorry. You deserved better than that. We’re here to celebrate?—”

“We’re here to be together before you have to leave again.” This time, I reach over and run the tips of my fingers over the top of his hand. “I want to hear what’s going on in your world. That’s not ruining anything. It’s communicating and sharing the burden.”

Staring into my eyes, he smirks. “I’m the luckiest guy alive. You’re amazing, you know that?”

“You can show me later, but right now, spill.”

“My brother suggested I might be better utilized in Seattle.”

I lean forward in a panic. “Versus New York?”

“Yes.”

“And? What about our plans and you being here?”

“You’ve been honest with me, so I’ll be honest with you. I’m feeling caught between you and my family. Nothing’s decided yet, but that me moving there was tossed out so easily bothers me.”

Sitting back, I look around at the restaurant, noticing couples and families, friends, and what appear to be business associates enjoying their meals. The atmosphere is energized with joy, making me realize Nick does that for me. I say, “I don’t want you to feel caught in the middle.”

“I know. It’s not something you put on me. It’s something I’m doing to myself.” Pushing his plate out of the way, he rests his arm on the table, seemingly frustrated. “I’m a beach guy. I surf. I hang out. I’m not that hard to please, but then I met you again, and I started reevaluating things. I want to be with you, Natalie, and I’m willing to move to be with you. But where does that leave me in the long-term?”

“With a girlfriend who loves you.”

The most genuine smile I’ve ever seen arrives just in time, soothing my frantic heart when I needed it most. He reaches around the plates and places his hand palm up. I slip mine on top, always marveling at the perfect fit. Nick says, “I love you too. That’s why I want you to come to California and meet my family. I want to spend a few days with you at the beach with nothing to do but make love and cook out on the patio.”

“Sounds like my kind of place, but where does Seattle stand?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. It was mentioned in passing today, so I haven’t really had time to ask more questions and find out whether my dad believes it’s a complete relocation or something I can manage remotely at times. My guess? Whatever’s decided, they’ll survive without me living there full time. I can travel from here to there just as easily as I can from LA.”

“Apparently, you’re not familiar with our airports.” He chuckles at the joke and holds my hand a little tighter. I’ve not ever thought about leaving Manhattan to live anywhere else other than Paris during my senior year of high school. I got over that when I realized it will always be there for me to visit. But Nick has me considering what I’d do for love, for us. “Whatever is decided, we’ll make it work, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my family.”

24

Natalie

Two weeks later. . .