Chapter Twenty-Four
Three weeks later
Fairfield, British Columbia
Nick stood in Tom and Mary Matheson’s back yard, in front of their new pergola, and smiled into the camera.
“And remember, before you construct your pergola, think about how you’re going to use it.
Are you looking to incorporate a dining area into the space, or are you just looking for a quiet place to enjoy your garden?
Choose your materials wisely, and don’t forget to check with your local utility companies before you dig.
I’m Nick Zorn. If you have a home repair project that is causing you stress, drop us a line. It might just be in the Nick of Time.”
Teagan circled a finger in the air and called it a wrap. “Nick, that was perfect. Boy, I’m going to start calling you the one-take man. You’re really bringing your A-game.”
“Thanks.”
“You were always charismatic on Handymen, but there’s a different light in your eyes now, a real focus.”
“I appreciate you saying so.”
He had been focused. In fact, Nick had been giving his new job every ounce of energy he had.
The first week had been a whirlwind of activity, and the jet lag hadn’t helped.
There had been new crew members to meet, agendas to sync, and meetings with suppliers.
From the moment Nick woke, he thrust himself into his daily activities, and he spent his evenings sorting the next day’s tasks.
He didn’t see his hotel room unless it was to sleep.
He typically grabbed breakfast on the road, and didn’t return to the hotel until late evening.
Because the crew was on the road, their days tended to be longer than what he would have experienced with Handymen.
They needed to make use of as much sunshine as they could and deadlines were tighter.
Nick had no choice but to maintain his focus.
If he didn’t, he’d remember the way Claire slipped out of her clothing before getting into bed with him, or how cute she was in her old rubber boots, or the way she savored that first sip of coffee in the morning.
He couldn’t afford to dwell on any of those things while he was on the job.
Of course, he hadn’t forgotten her. There was no way he could. She lingered at the back of his brain all the time. It wasn’t until he got back to his hotel that he allowed those thoughts to overwhelm him.
And they did. He couldn’t think of her without being completely overwhelmed. He’d turned into a sappy mess.
As they’d promised to one another, they either spoke or video chatted each night. He looked forward to those brief connections, such as they were. To look into her eyes or hear her sweet voice on the phone was like getting a warm hug.
It just wasn’t the same as actually holding her.
As they finished with the Matheson shoot, he loaded his tools into his rental pickup truck, wishing he had the comfort of his own vehicle.
A memory shot into his consciousness. Claire, sitting next to him in the restaurant parking lot, the night they’d first slept together.
‘I can think of one woman who would love to experiment with you.’
Christ, he missed her.
“Okay, stop it,” he muttered. “The sooner you finish up here, the sooner you can go home.”
Although it wouldn’t be for a while. In order to use their time wisely on the west coast, his team was slated for a project in Seattle next. Teagan anticipated that renovation would take a good couple of weeks. Only after that would he have some time to travel back home to see Claire.
Just not enough time.
He’d never have enough time.
It was the only thing that was preventing him from enjoying himself at work. He put a good face on things. After all, he was the team lead, and like Michael always used to say, the team lead set the tone. The experience just didn’t shine as much without Claire at his side. Its veneer was tarnished.
Still, Nick was determined to be a success. He wanted his show to succeed so Claire would never want for anything. She’d spent so much time worrying about finances and business when Arthur was alive.
Nick didn’t want her to ever feel that way again, so he had no choice but to work his hardest.
“Hey, Nick,” said Teagan, as she bounced toward him. “Gotta second?”
He had learned Teagan didn’t walk. She bounced everywhere she went.
“A couple of us are going to grab drinks. You free for a quick one?”
Was it wrong that he just wanted to head back to the hotel to indulge in some quality moping time? And maybe a little light masturbation while thinking of his girlfriend? “Uh, I’ve got a bit of a headache. Mind if I take a pass tonight?”
“No sweat. We’ll be in the hotel bar anyway, so if you feel better, just come on down. Take care, buddy.” Teagan bounced away to her car.
Nick got into his truck. He pulled out his cell phone. Normally, he’d call Claire a little later from the hotel, but there was a time difference of several hours, and he hated calling her late all the time. On a whim, he dialed her number.
It went to straight to voicemail.
It was about ten o’clock at night there. Maybe she’d fallen asleep early, or maybe she was dealing with an issue at the sanctuary.
Either way, it caused a heaviness around his head, one that stayed with him for the entire drive back to his hotel.
* * * *
“Remind me again why we’re standing in a muddy field in the middle of the night.” David slapped his arm. “Stupid bugs.”
“First thing’s first,” said Claire. “It’s not the middle of the night. It’s about ten o’clock. The field is only muddy in places, and we’re doing this because you’re supporting your friend as she tries to make her dreams reality.”
“Since when do your dreams involve taking pictures of creepy shacks?”
Claire crouched and braced herself as her rubber boots slid in the mud.
She planned her shot and snapped a few pictures.
“It’s not a shack. It’s a heritage property, built in the Gothic Revival style.
” She walked to where David was standing and flipped through the last couple of photos she’d taken.
“See? There’s something beautiful about those angles.
And look at the way that old ivy trails along the peak in the roof. ”
“Okay. Those are good shots,” said David, begrudgingly giving his approval. “I had no idea you had such a dark side, Claire. It’s kind of cool.”
“Here, look at the one I took the other night of that old farmhouse.”
“Hmm. You could totally sell that one.”
“Nick said the same thing when I texted it to him.”
“I can see it now, hanging in some vampire’s parlor.” David gave her the side eye. “How is Nick, by the way?”
“Fine. Busy.” She busied herself by scanning through her photos.
David wasn’t buying it. He elbowed her, claiming all her attention. “And how are you?”
“Fine.”
“Right. That explains the sobbing coming from your office the other day.”
She glared. “I wasn’t sobbing. I was just—”
“Lamenting? Is that a more appropriate word? Or maybe bawling? No, wait, blubbering. Yes. There was definitely some blubbering going on.”
“David. I’m still your boss, you know.”
“About that.” He grabbed her by both arms. “Honey, why are we doing this?”
“I told you, you’re keeping me company while I take these photos.”
“No, Claire. Why are we doing any of this? Especially when you have a hot stud of a man pining for you on the West Coast. Why in God’s name are you here with me? You could be traipsing through a meadow with Nick.”
“I know, but…”
“Forgive me, but I don’t think you do know. In fact, I’m starting to think there’s a lot you don’t know.”
“Hey!”
“Don’t ‘hey’ me, lady. If I have to freeze my ass off here in fricking Green Acres, you’re going to listen to what I have to say.”
Claire shut her mouth.
“Claire, I’ve been volunteering at Haven for over twenty years.
I worked for Arthur’s parents, for Arthur and now for you.
I’ve loved you all like family, and I’ve loved every little furball that’s come through that door.
I know you better than many people do because I’ve had the privilege of being your colleague and your friend.
So, my friend, please listen when I tell you you’re not doing anyone a favor by clinging to the sanctuary, and to what’s left of the lovely man you married. ”
She remained silent, but couldn’t stop her bottom lip from wobbling.
In fairness, it had been wobbling a lot lately.
And not for want of her old life.
She missed Nick. Oh, how she missed him, so much so that if she stopped for a moment to absorb exactly how much, she’d die from the agony.
She missed seeing the way his hair waved over his ear. She missed the power behind his embraces. She missed the way he murmured her name in the morning, as they woke up in each other’s arms. And she missed the way he made her laugh.
Without him, she forgot to laugh.
“Go to Nick, Claire. Be happy. Be wild. Honey, we only get one life, as far as I know. You understand that better than most. You’ve done so well keeping the sanctuary alive, but now it’s time for you to live your own life. I’ll take care of the cats. You know I will.”
“You mean it?”
“Did you think I was kidding all this time? Allow me to take the sanctuary off your hands. You need never worry about cat food and hairballs ever again. Unless, of course, you’d like to become a volunteer. I’m willing to give you an interview, although I make no promises.” He elbowed her in jest.
“Me, a volunteer.” She let out a quiet laugh. “I never really considered it before.”
“Well, I mean, you do live on the property, so I’ll expect you to put in a few hours here and there.” David reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You deserve some time to figure out exactly what you want from life. You’ve put everyone ahead of yourself, and for far too long. Be free, my love.”
“You’ve given me a lot to think about, David. Thank you.”
“Good. Now, can we please get out of this godforsaken place? My shoes are ruined.”
As they walked back to where Claire had parked her car, she reached for her cell phone. A voicemail notification from Nick lit up her screen.
Dammit. She must have muted the sound by mistake.
Tingles shot up her arms as she thought about calling him back. All of a sudden, she had so much to say.
Then again, maybe it was a conversation better had in person.