Page 75 of Crazy in Love

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were in love.”

“Huh?” Love? No way. Sure, he liked Faith. Liked spending time with her, but love? It was way too soon for that. They’d only been hanging out for a couple of months.

“The real question is, why are you here and not there?”

It was a valid question. One he didn’t have the answer to. “I don’t know. My job is here. My house is here. Where else would I be?”

“Where’s your heart?”

That was deep. Too deep. But she had a point. Faith had been on his mind a lot lately. All the what-ifs constantly occupying his thoughts. Were his unresolved feelings for Faith the reason he couldn’t readjust to life in Boston? And if so, did that mean the only way back to normal would be to confront and settle those feelings?

“What if I take a chance and it all goes to hell?” he asked.

“That’s a possibility.” She repositioned the squirmy toddler in her arms. “But are you happy here? Would you be happier there?”

“Not really. And I don’t know. Honestly, I kinda screwed up. Left on a sour note.”

“So fix it.”

“I wish it were that easy.” He sighed.

“Love’s never easy, Nick,” she said, a tear sliding down her cheek. “But it’s worth it. Even if you have it, then lose it, it’s worth it.”

“I’m such a jerk. You just lost your husband, and here I am complaining about my pathetic love life.”

“You’re not a jerk. And your problems help me take my mind off my own. I welcome the distraction.” The baby fussed, and Crystal set her on the floor, handing her a colorful toy. “Andy would want you to move on and find happiness. You know that, right?”

“I suppose,” Nick said. “Geez, I came here to offer you help and somehow you’re the one helping me. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Be happy. If the job’s not doing it for you anymore, figure out what will. And if that’s a woman, all the better.”

They stood, and he hugged her goodbye. She’d given him a lot to think about. Discussing Faith with Crystal had warmed his heart and forced out all the bitter, confusing feelings caused by his job.

He missed Faith. He liked Faith. Heck, he might even love her. But enough to uproot from his life here? Quit his job and sell his place? That was too much, too soon. He needed to dial back his expectations.

They could start by trying a long-distance thing. Then, maybe someday, she’d open up to the idea of leaving GVF and coming to live with him in Boston.

He shook his head to stop the runaway thoughts. All this speculation assumed she wanted anything to do with him. And considering how he’d betrayed her, that was a gamble—a bet where the odds were not in his favor.

On his way in, he picked up a newspaper from the porch. He didn’t subscribe to the paper, but a sticky note on top advised this was a “free sample” and gave directions to “order now.”

On a whim, he opened to the lifestyle section. Below an ad for a wedding venue mansion and the marriage announcements, he found and read his horoscope.

The celestial alignment may help you understand why you have been going through some unusual, unresolved feelings regarding someone close to you. Now is the time, dear Capricorn, to make a decision and follow through with it. Don’t be afraid to go big and put yourself out there. A financial opportunity will present itself today.

He read it again. And again. It was the exact message he needed. Except the financial stuff but never mind that. Why had he gotten a free paper today? What prompted him to open it and read the prediction when he’d never done so before? How had it so clearly and precisely answered his questions and quelled his doubts?

Logically, he knew it had to be a coincidence. But he also couldn’t deny that right here, in black and white, was his answer. He loved Faith. And he would fight for her.

A rush of unmistakable positivity flowed through him. All the conflict and anguish scattered, leaving an overwhelming sense of calm in its wake. He’d made a choice, and the peaceful sensation that settled over him confirmed it was the right one.

The newspaper had given him an idea. Winning back Faith’s trust would take some effort, but he was up for the task. Now that he’d made up his mind and committed, slowing down was not an option. He pulled out his laptop and got to work.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“I’m sorry, Faith,” Tess said. “I tried to warn you.”

“I know you did. It’s not your fault.”

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