“I have to admit something,” he draped his jacket across the back of the chair. “I wasn’t even sure I should tell you,” he began, drawing in a deep breath, his gaze serious.
“Oh?” Her curiosity was raised. “What’s that?”
“I called Nicola Cavendish after you and I texted the next morning. I invited her to come out to the set…as an extra. She couldn’t accept fast enough. Seems she no longer has any trouble withBear Countryfilming in the area.”
Charlie Grace opened her mouth in shock. “You devil!”
“No, just a production designer trying to smooth things over. Seems the lady was pretty taken with the chance to be on film.”
Charlie Grace was completely tickled by the revelation and couldn’t wait to tell Reva and the others. And her dad.
Nick looked across the table at her, amused by her expression of shock. “Doesn’t hurt to use any tool necessary. Now, what else did I miss?”
She took the opportunity to tell Nick about her dad at the meeting and his unexpected support. “He wasn’t the man I’ve lived with since the accident. He was…well, he was like my old dad.”
Nick beamed. “I’m so glad to hear that.” He reached across the table and cupped her hand in his. “I know that must mean so much to you.”
“There’s more,” she said. She told him about having to fire Gibbs and Lizzy…and why.
“Ouch.”
“How’d her uncle take it?”
“He was terribly disappointed. And embarrassed. He kept apologizing for Lizzy’s actions.”
“He wasn’t responsible,” Nick noted.
“No, of course not. But Albie seems to have a blind spot when it comes to his sister’s daughter. He’s very fond of her. I only wish she appreciated her uncle’s affection and the way he looks after her best interests.” She took a deep breath. “The bright side is that my dad supported my decision. Lock, stock, and barrel.”
“I bet that felt good, given everything you’ve told me.”
She nodded. “It does feel good, Nick. A huge weight has lifted. We even talk at breakfast, and he’s no longer critical. I mean, miracles do happen, I guess.”
A pleased grin lifted the corners of Nick’s lips. “You warrant every good thing that comes your way, Charlie Grace. You deserve to be happy.”
She smiled and handed him a menu. Overhead, a departing flight number was called over the intercom as she delivered their orders to the counter.
Nick had a meatball sub, and Charlie Grace ordered a huckleberry chicken sandwich. They talked little as they both scarfed down the delicious fare. Minutes later, Nick pushed his empty plate aside. “Boy, that hit the spot! I was really hungry.”
The truth was, Charlie Grace was as well. Not for the food. She’d been hungry to see Nick again, and she told him so.
“I feel the same,” he admitted as he reached for her hand again.
Something in the way he looked at her made her heart idle a little too fast.
An older couple made their way to the neighboring table. The man pulled out the chair with veined hands and waited for his spouse to be seated before kissing the top of her white hair.
“My trip had a purpose.” He squeezed her hand. “I have some news.”
She found it hard to breathe, suddenly filled with worry. “News?” She reached for her glass with her free hand and took a drink, hoping to wet the sudden parched feeling building in her throat.
Was he leaving Wyoming earlier than thought?
He squeezed her hand. “When I was in L.A., I met with a woman I know—Barbara Corcoran.”
She nearly spit out the drink. “TheBarbara Corcoran? Like that lady on television.” She snapped her fingers. “What was the name of that show?”
“Shark Tank.”
