Page 34 of Never and Always
Chapter 8
She just didn’t understandit, and now she was beginning to wonder if she’d done somethingwrong.
Two weeks had passed since that night Nick came to her rescue at the motel. Since then he wasdifferent.
Mia couldn’t explain it, and she didn’t understand. It made her feel foolish for thinking that something had changed between them and there was a connection. But…she’d felt it. She was sure that she feltit.
He didn’t even hang out with her anymore. Not even in the general sense, like having breakfast together or sitting around snacking while they watched a film. And he was always out. Always busy. She knew he was working on their case, but so were thepolice.
How busy could he be that he didn’t have five minutes to spend with her? She really didn’t want to think he was avoiding her, but she couldn’t help it. And of course if he was avoiding her then the next question waswhy.
Why would Nick be avoidingher?
It was bad enough to be here with Glenn, who still wasn’t talking to her, but she thought she’d haveNick.
The uncertainty and discomfort was starting to get on her nerves and she knew there was only a matter of time before it became too much again. At least her parents had softened up a little and gave her some money to keep her going. But it came with a caution, and a lecture she really didn’tneed.
She knew she’d probably been far too frivolous in the past in their eyes, but she’d more than taken her business seriously and had every intention of rising from theashes.
Maybe she’d go somewhere else besides Florida, as it had too many painful memories with all that had happened. Rebuilding was definitely on her to-do list,though.
For now she’d get a job, and she had three interviews lined up at beauty clinics acrosstown.
The clinic that was closest to her was what caught her eye, not just for its proximity, but because it was more in line with her own business in Florida, and it didn’t hurt that the pay was slightly more. They seemed keen on her when she spoke to them, too, and explained that she’d had her own business. She didn’t ever like to sound too full of herself, but she knew when it came to beauty therapy she was in her element. It was her thing that she would take pride in and she was determined to take back all that Alan took fromher.
Job hunting had provided a much needed distraction from the two men in her life that were seriously getting under herskin.
But she took a little break today when Claire came by in the afternoon. She came bearing gifts from Spain. She brought perfume, a beautiful pink fan with Flamenco dancers on it, and tons of chocolate, which they both indulged on while they talked in her room. It was great to see her and Claire’s presence relaxedher.
“I’m terrible. These were all for you,” Claire laughed, shaking her head. Her ponytail bobbled at theimpact.
“They taste better when shared. Also, they’re half the calories,” Miagiggled.
“Yes, that is true. We share the calories, of which I don’t need anymore. I had ten-course meals everyday while I was in Spain.” Clairegrimaced.
“And yet you didn’t gain a pound.” Mia widened her eyes when she looked at her friend’s tinyframe.
If that had been her she would have had to work out for years to keep the weightoff.
“I did, I’m just dressedsmartly.”
Mia smirked atClaire.
“I’m going to leave you before I eat anymore. I have a date later with a fireman.” Claire said sliding off the bed. She stood up, andstretched.
“A fireman?” Miasmiled.
“Yup, the dreamy, hunky kind.” Claire nodded, eyes sparkling. “It’s safe to say that I will be having a very good night. But, my dear troubled friend, before I go, I’ll reiterate my words ofwisdom.”
“What words of wisdom?” Mia smiled. Claire was always sharing some form oftip.
“Talk to Nick. Worrying gives people wrinkles. You of all people should know that with your beautyknowledge.”
She’d spoken to Claire about Nick. He was on her mind and she’d been eager to talk to someone who was non-judgmental and friendly. For her that would beClaire.
“And say what?” Miashrugged.
“Say, ‘I like you and it’s time we cross that line.’”Claire nodded as if that was the best idea in theworld.
