45. Chapter 45
Nick
Ilook down at Lydia and wonder for the millionth time how she’s even real, and how I, of all people, have gotten lucky enough to have her choose me.
She is gut-wrenchingly beautiful and so funny and sweet.
She is a terrible dancer, but I love how it doesn’t stop her from doing something that makes her feel good.
In fact, it makes her all the more endearing to me.
She is a blonde tornado of messy hair and chaotic color.
And I am so in love with her.
I’m happy Sam and Ellie invited her for a drink.
I’ve known them both since high school, and they are both great girls for Lydia to have in her corner.
The idea of letting her out of my sight to have dinner with them makes me anxious, but I’ll figure it out.
I won’t take things from her the way Simon did.
I will do all I can to protect her, even if it means sitting in the parking lot and watching the front door the whole time she’s in there.
“You’d be okay with me still going out with them?”
“Lydi, I’m not your keeper. I want to keep you safe, and I’ll do all I can to do that. But you are an independent woman who can make her own choices. That said, I ask you to let me take some precautions while you are out, just to make sure nothing bad happens. Can you let me do that?”
“What kind of precautions are we talking about?” Lydia asks warily.
“I would like to drive you to the restaurant and drive you home. I won’t stay there with you.
I want you to go, have fun, and stay as long as you want.
Just please call me when you’re ready to leave.
I’d also like to bring you back here. Until he is found and dealt with, I really don’t want you staying alone at your house.
I’m sorry if that seems overbearing, but—”
My sentence is cut off as Lydia leaps at me, wrapping her arms around my neck and curling up in my lap.
“Thank you for caring about me enough to want to make sure I’m safe.
It’s not overbearing. It’s nice. Really nice to have someone who cares about me so much.
It’s new for me, but I really appreciate it, Nick. ”
Her eyes are shimmery with unshed tears, and I can’t help but tangle both my hands in her unruly locks. I am becoming obsessed with her hair. “You’re welcome, pretty girl. Thank you for letting me be the one who gets to take care of you.”
After we’ve finished breakfast and spent some time curled up on the couch watching the morning news together, I look down at my watch and sigh. Lydia looks up at me from where she lays her head on my knee. I stop mid-play.
“I need to run into the shop for a bit. Tie up some loose ends, make a couple calls,” I say. “I’d feel a lot better if you stayed here today, since you have the day off. Rest. Take a bath. Don’t worry about anything except taking care of yourself.”
She hesitates, the old instinct flaring with the need to prove she can handle things on her own. I notice it immediately.
“This isn’t forever,” I add, “and it’s not because I think you can’t take care of yourself. I just don’t want you alone today. With the security alarm and outdoor cameras, I know you’re safe here. Let me worry about the rest.”
Something in her demeanor loosens at that. She isn’t being told what to do; she’s being offered support she doesn’t have to fight for. I am glad she is finally letting that sink in.
“Okay,” she says softly.
I reach for her, resting my forehead against hers for a moment. “Thank you, baby.”