Page 95 of Nicki's Fight

“Do you want me to go with you?” he asked, concern furrowing his brow.

“You have your own shit to worry about,” I began. “Your parents need you, what with your brothers…”

“One of the advantages to having a big family is there arelotsof shoulders to help carry the load,” he answered. “I can’t do anything to help my brothers right now, but Icanbe there for you.”

I shook my head, then leaned in and laid a gentle kiss on his lips. I felt more than heard him groan as I licked at his mouth. His hands dropped the shirt he had been trying to button and wrapped around me instead.

“What did I do to deserve you?” I asked in wonderment.

“Pfft. Must have been a goddamnsaintin another lifetime,” he teased.

We both laughed. Kaine took me to my apartment where I changed into my work uniform, then he dropped me off at the restaurant.

The day dragged ridiculously. It was like a caricature of a long day. I’d get lost in a task, look up, and only minutes had gone by. Luckily, Erica wasn’t there today, and I was beginning to feel semi-competent at my job.

Right before my lunch break, I felt my phone vibrate with an incoming text.

VIVIAN: Sosomeonedidn’t come home last night…

ME: What did you do? Wait up for me?

VIVIAN: Well, for a while, at least… Are his brothers okay?

ME: It’s still kinda touch and go, but they think they will be able to save Sonny’s leg. Hick’s is wait and see. He may have some memory problems.

VIVIAN: I’ll keep sending good thoughts their way. How’s your man?

ME: He’s good… REALLY good… ;)

VIVIAN: OMG! You didn’t!? I need deets!

ME: LOL Can’t right now, but we can talk tonight?

VIVIAN: You want me to pick you up? You get off at 3 right?

ME: … Kaine is picking me up. I’ve got an appointment at 4 to see the attorney handling mom’s estate.

VIVIAN: /hugs. Do you want me to go with you?

ME: Kaine’s coming. It seems like forever since I’ve seen you, though. Want to have dinner?

VIVIAN: You’re on! Spaghetti a la Dunwoody! Say 7 p.m.? Bring Kaine!

By the time my shift ended, I was a nervous wreck. I had just cashed out and walked out the back when I saw Kaine drive up in his SUV.

“Hey, sexy,” he called, rolling the window down as he approached.

“Hey!” I smiled, and gratefully opened the car door. On the seat was a long white box. I looked at Kaine in question.

“What did you do?” I asked.

“Get in, then open it,” he said nervously, his finger tapping on the steering wheel.

I did as he said, stepping into the car and fastening my seatbelt before looking at the package again.

“What is it?” I asked.

“It’s just… I saw it in the hospital gift shop, and it reminded me of you. Of us,” he stammered.