Chapter 5
Nina
As John helped me clean the mess I’d made, I asked, “Who was that?”
“Steel?” he asked, chuckling. “That’s my nephew, Austin.” John said, wiping my coffee off the floor.
Nephew? I didn’t think John was old enough to be his uncle. Steel has almost as much gray hair as John. Not that it looked bad.
It made him look distinguished. Ashley would call him a silver fox if he were a character in her book.
The rest of his handsome face reminded me of a scowling gargoyle, and the intensity in his steel-blue eyes scared me.
Steel indeed.
It wasn’t his fault; I’d been looking back over my shoulder, admittedly not paying attention, when I slammed into the tall, solid wall of a man in a grey suit.
Well, taller than me. Which wasn’t a challenge. He was actually on the short side compared to his cousins. Jack and Jay were at least three inches taller.
“Is he one of Eva’s brothers?” I asked, kneeling beside him and trying to take the wet, dirty rag from John.
“Here, I’ve got it.” He took my dirty rags from me instead. “And yes, he’s her oldest brother. He works overseas a lot, so we don’t see him often.”
“I’m sorry he left early because of me.”
“No need to apologize; he wouldn’t have stayed much longer anyway.” John’s voice held a sadness I wasn’t used to hearing.
I wanted to believe him, but still felt guilty.
“Go on, go enjoy the party,” John shooed me away.
I contemplated going home too, so I didn’t create any more scenes or chase away any more family members.
As I walked by Madi, Matt, and Jamie, I heard Jamie say, “As much as you complain about us being overprotective, you fell in love with someone just like us.”
“At least he respects me while he’s being overprotective,” Madi shot back.
As an only child, I couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like growing up with three brothers. I’d often dreamed of having an older brother to look out for me, or a younger sister I could take care of, but they were just that: dreams. Bobby and Jodie couldn’t have kids of their own.
I often wondered if adopting a second child would’ve been easier, especially since the next kid wouldn’t be a Jane Doe like me. Technically, they’d listed me as Nina Doe because Nina was embroidered on my blanket.
Easier or not, my parents couldn’t afford the adoption process a second time.
“As he should,” Jamie said. “He’s aware of the consequences if he doesn’t.”
“I’m right here,” Matt replied. “And I don’t respect Madi because of your lame ass threats.”
“Thanks, Robin,” Madi said.
“Anytime, Red,” Matt replied.
Matt’s nickname made sense; it was half his last name. Madi’s was a complete mystery. She didn’t have red hair, and her favorite color was purple.
Hence Grannie’s being decked out in purple from top to bottom.
I’d never have the courage to ask why, so I’d never know.
Turning away, I walked towards the breakroom at the back of the shop to grab my stuff out of my locker.
I want what they have. I want someone who looks at me like I’m his entire world—the Matt looks at Madi. How all the SSI guys looked at their wives.
I wanted what they all had—loving, protective, supportive partners to share their lives with.
I shook my head. No sense throwing myself a pity party. I had plenty of time to find the love of my life. A quick glance at my phone revealed no messages waiting for me.
I let the disappointment wash over me, but refused to let it linger.
Dirk wasn’t the love of my life. A smart girl, a more confident girl, wouldn’t be waiting for him to text. She’d delete his name from her contacts and forget all about him.
Embarrassed that I wanted him to want me back, I dropped my phone into my purse and walked out.
Maybe I’d get lucky, and John would hire a young, single guy who’d fall head over heels in love with me when he came to Grannie’s during his ‘new guy gets the coffee’ hazing ritual.
Like Jack did with Meg. Like Doug did with Beth.
What are you thinking?
No guy who had his life together would fall for a barista working two jobs and caring for a sick grandmother.
“Hey, Nina, you taking off?” Mary asked, interrupting my inner dialogue.
“Yeah, I have to check on my grandmother.” It wasn’t a total lie.
“I hope Austin didn’t scare you away. He’s a good guy, despite his rough exterior.”
“No, but I think I chased him away by ruining his clothes.”
“He’ll be fine. I’m sure he has a closet full of grey shirts.”
Her smile was infectious. “If you talk to him, can you tell him I’d like to pay for the cleaning bill?”
“I can, but I doubt I’ll see him anytime soon. The last time was at Jamie’s wedding, almost a year ago.”
Against my wishes, I wondered what he did that kept him away from home so often.
“Okay, thanks.” I paused. “Want me to come back later, or come in early to clean up?”
“Nah, I have an army of guys I can put to work.” Mary laughed. She was lucky that she had wonderful kids who’d do anything for her.
They’re lucky to have such a great mom.
I shouldn’t complain. Bobby and Jodie were great parents, and I’d loved them. My real complaint was that I’d lost them too soon. Now it was just my adoptive grandmother and me, and Nana Sue wouldn’t be around much longer.
Then I’ll truly be alone. Fucking cancer.
“Okay, see you in the morning.”
I said bye to those I passed on my way to the exit.
The June humidity was a harsh reality when I stepped onto the sidewalk.
I’d just crossed the street when I had a sinking feeling in my gut.
I’m being watched.