“Uh, I guess so,” she replied. “But I’m not making any promises. I just want to stay to get some questions answered and figure out who I am.”
“Fair enough,” Paul told her. “And just so you know, you’re welcome at my restaurant anytime. I’d love for you to meet my daughter. I think the two of you would make good friends.”
“Yeah?” Amy asked hopefully.
“I think so,” Paul replied. “Is it okay to leave now and not worry that you’ll hightail it out of here?”
Amy laughed, and the mellow sound of her voice reminded him of her mother. “I’ll be around.”
“Good,” he said and got up. “I have to head over to my restaurant. Is it okay to check in on you sometimes?”
“Sure,” she replied.
He’d just got up out of the swing when Nikki pulled into the driveway. “Oh, here comes Nikki. She’ll be glad you’re staying. Later, kiddo,” he said as he walked down the steps and over to Nikki.
“What happened?” she asked anxiously as she got out of the car and slammed the door shut.
“Um, I think she’s going to stay,” Paul told her happily. He thought she’d receive the news well but detected something darker in her tone.
“What did you say to her?” she asked with a hint of accusation.
“I told her how much her mother loves her and has always wanted her, and that you do too. You’re not here to use her but to make sure she’ll be alright. Along those lines,” he said to her. “What’s wrong?”
“Why did she listen to you and not to me?” Nikki asked. “I said those very same things to her last night, and she packed her bags anyway.”
“I’m not sure,” Paul replied with apprehension.
“What exactly did you say to her?” Nikki accused.
“Nikki, I know you might be frustrated, but please don’t do this. Just be happy she’s decided to stay. Don’t make something out of this when you don’t have to.”
“I’m not trying to make anything out of this,” she snapped, then glanced at the patio to check if Amy was observing her interaction. “You’re making me look bad in front of her.”
Paul threw his hands in the air. “I’m not doing this right now,” he said, stepping back. “I have to go to the restaurant. Let me know if you need anything.”
She hadn’t replied by the time Paul walked away. He wasn’t sure what she was going on about, but he sensed an air of jealousy about her. There was no need for it because he wasn’t trying to get between them, and she had been fine with him coming over to talk some sense into Amy just the night before.
He wasn’t sure what changed in her. Maybe everything was finally taking a toll on her. He refused to blame Nikki for it. He’d give her some time and space to calm down. Maybe when she connected with Amy, she’d be in better spirits.
But from all indications, it was better for him to maintain his distance at present.
ChapterSixteen
Just as soon as Paul drove off, guilt washed over Nikki.
She had been a little jealous that Paul had gotten through to Amy when she couldn’t even though Amy was her niece. Her pride wouldn’t allow her to call him and apologize. Besides, she still had to deal with Amy.
“You’re staying after all,” she said as she met her just inside the front door.
“Yeah,” she replied casually.
“What made you change your mind?” Nikki asked curiously as the green snake of envy retreated very slowly.
Amy shrugged. “Curiosity? I wanted to know more about my real family, and Paul was pretty convincing.”
“Oh,” Nikki said, then walked to the kitchen. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Look, I don’t want to be a burden,” Amy said, following her into the kitchen. “I’m used to making my own way. I’ve been working since I was sixteen. I can help out.”
