I smile. “If I did, I wouldn’t ask. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know. Like, if you get behind on her laundry, I can do it.”
He leans forward, a handsome smile tugging on his lips. “Remind me why you’re not my full-time nanny?”
“Because I’m leaving in a few weeks.”
His smile drops. Frowning, he pushes food around his plate. “What are your plans for after graduation? After your trip, I mean. Will you be returning to Charming?”
“I can’t afford to stay here. Plus, my family is in San Antonio. I figured I’d move back home. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get a nanny job abroad.” I twirl my fork through the pasta. “It’s funny because I was ready to go anywhere with Ezra, follow him to whatever city drafted him. That was a dumb plan. I’m a little irritated with my parents for not talking some sense into me.”
“They must’ve liked him if they were on board with those plans.”
“They loved him and his parents. They still hang out with the Thomases. I think they’re harboring hope I’ll forgive him. We were together for so long that they view him like a son. Plus, my mom was his counselor, and my dad was his math teacher in high school. Yes, they’re mad at him for hurting me, but they think he’s just young and dumb and has learned his lesson. That’s probably my fault. I couldn’t bring myself to tell them how bad it was, how many girls he…” I glance at Hazel and cut myself off. “You know. I was embarrassed to admit the truth.”
Nick shakes his head. “Ezra doesn’t deserve your forgiveness. Does that rat still call you?”
“No, thankfully. He’s off terrorizing girls in Florida.” I take a bite of spaghetti. “I guess you could say he taught me what not to do in a relationship. I’ve learned a lot. Even that tree episode was eye-opening.”
“How so?”
“Life is short. Nothing is guaranteed. One minute you’re getting ready for bed and the next—bam!—you’re pinned down by an oak. So I’m not going to sit around and follow other people’s rules for my life anymore. I’m going to make my own. And yes, going to Europe by myself is mildly terrifying, but what if this is my only chance? What if I move to San Antonio, start teaching, get married, settle down, and then never get that window to go again?”
Nick doesn’t say anything, just stares at his food.
That’s when I remember who I’m talking to and what he’s been through. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be so heartless. You and Hazel have been through a lot yourselves.”
“No, you’re right. You have to forge your own path in life,” he says quietly. His eyes meet mine, and they’re full of pain and something else I can’t quite figure out.
Hazel, who’s been munching away, giggles and flings out her hands.
Which are full of pasta, pasta that hits me in the face.
“Hazel Lynn Silva.” Nick tries not to laugh as a noodle slides down my glasses. “Apologize to Abby.”
I mock-growl at Hazel and tickle her. “You little monster.”
“Sowwy!” She howls with laughter, and I ignore the sting in my ribs.
I’m a mess, but I’m grateful she broke up that serious conversation. Nick doesn’t need to hear about my existential crisis right now.
After dinner, he gets his daughter cleaned up for bed. Tonight, I’m sleeping on the couch, and tomorrow, he’ll move her stuff into his room and my bed into her former room.
I’m curled up on the couch, reading Pride and Prejudice for the millionth time. I pat the cover and admire the annotation flags sticking up from the pages in a pretty rainbow. I should be studying my Advanced Teaching Methods textbook, but I figure I almost died last night, so I’m cutting myself some slack.
My lips pull up in a smile when Mr. Darcy calls Elizabeth “tolerable” but not beautiful enough to tempt him. He fights the attraction so hard. It gives me sick pleasure that he has no idea love will kick his ass and make him eat those words.
I’m reaching for my textbook when Nick returns. “Want some ice cream? I think I have some butter pecan.”
“I’d love some. Thanks.”
He comes back a few minutes later with two bowls. After he hands me one, he sits on the other side of the couch.
“Sorry you got so banged up by that tree. How are you feeling? Do you need some ibuprofen?”
“I already took some. I’m feeling better.” I’ll just wear long sleeves until the bruises fade.
He takes a bite of his dessert. “So, uh, how did your date go last night? That was a date, right?”
“We met up with Paige’s boyfriend’s buddies. I’m not sure I would call it a date.” I freeze with the spoon halfway to my mouth. I can’t believe that was only a night ago. So much has happened since then.
