20. Chapter 20
Lydia
For a split second, I worry I’ve overstepped and shouldn’t have asked Nick to dinner, but I can’t make myself worry too much.
I’m just excited to see him again. Dinner with him feels like the perfect way to end this day.
I feel lighter, happier, and more excited for my future than I have been in a very long time.
Maybe ever. And I want to share that with someone.
When we reach the diner, Nick holds the door for me.
As I pass him, his hand settles at the small of my back, guiding me inside.
Butterflies erupt in my stomach. It’s such a small touch, so casual.
He probably doesn’t even realize he’s doing it, while my heart feels like it’s trying to beat right out of my chest.
Why is something so simple so unbelievably sexy?
The warmth of his palm lingers through the thin fabric of my sweater long after he pulls away. I try to remember if Simon ever did that—small, absentminded touches that felt protective instead of performative. I don’t think he did. Hell, I know he didn’t.
The only time he ever touched me in public was when there was an audience. When he needed to look like a devoted husband. When he needed to put on a show.
This feels different. Real. Sincere.
Nick’s hand at my back makes me feel things I never felt in my five years of marriage.
Safe. Wanted.
We pass several open seats in the diner.
We’re two of the only people here since it’s still so early.
Nick leads me to a booth in the back corner by one of the large windows.
I can see kids playing in the park across the street.
I slide into one side while he takes the other, waiting for me to sit before sitting down himself.
I keep waiting for my nerves to kick into high gear. I’ve always been nervous around men, but I don’t feel it this time. I’m already so comfortable with Nick. Everything about him puts me at ease.
I blurt the first thing that pops into my head. “I think I met your sister.”
“Oh yeah? I figured.” He grins. He has such an easygoing way about him. “I saw you walk out of her office.”
“You saw that? Geez, stalker much?” I tease, tossing a balled-up napkin at him.
Nick grins and chuckles. “You know it.” He gives me an easy wink. “I was walking out of the post office across the street just as you came out of Norah’s building. I take it she’s your attorney?” He leans forward, placing his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together.
He seems genuinely interested in everything Norah has told me.
This is something else I’m completely unaccustomed to.
Simon barely listened when I spoke, and when he did, he always took any pause as an opportunity to start talking, usually turning the entire conversation back to himself or something else entirely.
“She is. She’s pretty amazing and seems great at her job—shit! I just realized I forgot to pay her for her consult today. We were having such a good conversation, and I meant to pay her assistant on my way out. Dammit. She probably thinks I’m a total flake!”
I start to stand so I can run back to Norah’s office. I really don’t want her to think poorly of me.
Nick reaches across, placing a gentle hand on my arm. “Lydia. Take a breath. It’s alright. If Norah was concerned, she would’ve said something. She knows you’ll be back, and Marcus has your number if it’s an issue,” he says, his voice warm and reassuring. “It’ll be fine.”
I sit back down and take a breath. “It’s just really important to me I have a good relationship with Norah. She seems like a great attorney and someone I want in my corner when I take on Simon. I need this to go smoothly and quickly. I just want to be rid of him.”
My shoulders relax a little. Surely Norah has already left for the day anyway.
I can stop by first thing tomorrow morning and pay what I owe.
I don’t want anything to jeopardize keeping her as my attorney.
I know she’s my best shot at handling this divorce and getting Simon to leave me alone for good.
Nick nods, understanding flickering in his eyes. “Norah’s the best there is. Trust me, you couldn’t be in better hands.” Relief washes over me at his words. I’m grateful for the reassurance. “And I’m not just saying that because she’s my sister.”
The waitress arrives with water and asks, “Are you two ready to order?”