Chapter Eight
E merie widened her painted-on smile and thanked an older couple who were longtime residents of the island for their compliments on her new look. Then she and Nick wished them a good night.
Em enjoyed being the belle of the ball as much as any girl. But she couldn’t help feeling a little resentful and seriously judged about her look prior to the makeover.
So maybe ponytail-and-leggings-casual-chic wasn’t exactly her best look. But the way everyone had been fawning over her tonight made her wonder what people had been thinking of the well-loved, uber-comfortable attire she’d been wearing. Since those old clothes were now in a landfill somewhere, that pretty much answered her question.
Still, she was the same person now as she had been before her makeover. Em couldn’t help feeling a little conflicted about the effusive praise of her new look. Then there was the matter of Nick being invited to join a team based out of his company’s New York office. She was proud of and happy for her friend, of course. But she couldn’t help worrying what all of the changes happening would mean for their friendship.
She loved having Nick back home on the island. But they’d maintained their friendship while living worlds apart before. So it wasn’t just the prospect of Nick relocating that made her uneasy. It was because things felt different this time.
“Everything okay?” Nick nudged her foot beneath the table with his own. Concern filled his dark eyes. “I thought you’d be happy about all of the compliments you’ve been getting. Wasn’t that the point of this?” He indicated her new look with a tilt of his bearded chin.
Was it all in her head, or did Nick look particularly handsome tonight? And was that a new cologne? Because the man smelled incredible.
“No, it wasn’t the point,” Em said. “I mean… yes, of course, I want to attract the right guy. But I’m not looking for someone who is so shallow that they can’t see past my favorite leggings and T-shirt. And I certainly didn’t expect my new look to garner so much attention.” She gestured around the bar. “Mabel Jenson wears a different color wig every week. She literally had a fake parrot on the shoulder of her dress the other day. People barely batted an eye.”
“Because Mabel wearing the unexpected is expected. But I’m pretty sure everyone around here thought you were allergic to makeup and skirts.” Nick chuckled. “Face it, kid. You’re a knockout, and everyone in town is blown away by your new look. Guess you’re just gonna have to find a way to live with it.” He ate the last of his lasagna and shoved aside his plate.
“Let’s hope the novelty wears off soon.” Em set aside her plate, too. The lasagna had been delicious, but the servings at Blaze of Glory were huge. She’d take the rest to go and have it for lunch the next day.
“So you made the big declaration and got the big makeover. What’s next? Are Sin and your mom setting you up on blind dates?” Nick sipped his beer.
“Izzy and Kassie set up dating profiles for me.”
Nick coughed and sputtered, his eyes wide.
“Nick, are you all—”
“I’m fine.” He held a hand up to stop her from springing out of her seat. Nick cleared his throat and set his beer down roughly. He loosened the collar of his shirt and frowned. “You’re hooking up with guys on dating apps?”
“Not all of us have dating prospects falling into our laps,” Em said in a loud whisper, shifting her attention to the server who approached them.
“Would you like a to-go container?” the woman asked Em. Yet, her gaze and broad smile were directed at Nick.
“That’d be great. Thank you.” Em forced a smile and told herself she was not at all jealous of the woman who was just Nick’s type. Stunningly gorgeous without even trying and built like a 1950s pinup model.
“Anything else I can get you?” the server asked suggestively, her dark brown eyes flickering.
“Another beer would be great.” Nick employed his polite smile, which was only half a watt dimmer than the charming, panty-dissolving grin he usually flashed when he was flirting. “Thanks… Taneeka.” He peered at her chest, ostensibly to read her name tag since she was new to the bar.
The woman’s smile broadened, and she tucked her wavy, dark hair behind one ear. “Be back in a flash.”
“And I’d love another mojito. Thanks!” Em called to the woman’s back.
Taneeka froze momentarily, then turned back to them with an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I’ll be back with your mojito, too.”
“See what I mean?” Em sipped the last of her watered-down drink. “Waiting for the right guy to fall from the sky isn’t an option for me. So I need to be proactive.”
It seemed best not to state the obvious: that she’d wasted the past few years wishing and hoping that Nick would realize that he was the one she wanted. Bringing it up would only make things even weirder between them, and neither of them needed that. The goal was to eventually get things back to normal—aside from the part where she’d been secretly pining for Nick for years. That was a habit she was definitely trying to kick. And she would… eventually .
But staring into those dreamy dark eyes of Nick’s now, with electricity flowing up her leg from where Nick’s foot still rested against hers beneath the table… Getting over her unrequited feelings for her best friend felt like a monumental task.
“I thought you shared the plan with your friends and family because you wanted us to recommend vetted prospects. And so you wouldn’t have to connect with random weirdos from the internet.” Nick was anxious and in full protective mode.
“If you suggest that I join a knitting circle or the church choir, I swear—”
“We both know you couldn’t knit if your life depended on it, and you sound like a wounded animal when you sing,” Nick teased.
He wasn’t wrong.
“If anything, I’d tell you to join an auto repair workshop or a badminton league.”
“I already know how to do basic car repairs, and you know how much I hate badminton,” Em groused. “You’re not being very helpful, Nick. And you promised you would help. Besides, who isn’t on dating apps these days?”
“That’s my point.” Nick leaned back and folded his arms. “The randos on those sites could be psycho creeps, potential stalkers, or already married.” Nick ticked each item off on his long fingers.
“I appreciate your concern. And I love that you care about me and have always looked after me.” Em placed a hand on his. “But I’m committed to doing this. What I could really use right now is a wingman, not a pessimist.”
Nick huffed quietly, like a pouting toddler. Neither of them spoke for a few moments. Finally, he responded. “If this is really what you want—”
“It is.”
“Then I’ll find a way to be helpful. I promise.”
“Here are your…” Taneeka halted, disconcerted by the sight of Em’s hand on Nick’s. Her smile dimmed as she set down their drinks.
Em pulled her hand from Nick’s and thanked the woman.
“Glory will be back from her break shortly. Let me know if you need anything else.” Taneeka offered a sad smile and turned to walk away.
“Actually, Taneeka, my friend Nick and I were just wondering if you were new to the island. We know most of the folks here, but I don’t recall meeting you before.”
“Nick’s your friend?” Taneeka’s eyes lit up. “I mean… yes, I’m new to the island. I’m from Jersey, but I went to school in Raleigh and moved here about a month ago. I’m in the elementary education master’s program over in Elizabeth City.”
“A future teacher… that’s awesome.” Em broadened her smile. “Well, welcome to Holly Grove Island, Taneeka. I hope you’ll love it here as much as we do.”
“Thank you both.” Taneeka shifted her gaze to Nick, her eyes lingering on him for a moment before she finally turned to leave.
“Now that’s what a good wing person does.” Em flashed a self-satisfied grin. “I deliver the alley-oop and set you up for the easy slam dunk. If you fumble this one, that’s totally on you, bruh.” She pointed a finger.
“Except I didn’t actually ask you to set me up with Taneeka,” Nick noted with a raised eyebrow. He sipped his beer. “Or are we just setting each other up with random folks now? Because I’m pretty sure I could get you a date with Marcus over there. He’s been staring at your ass since the moment you walked in. Except, of course, when he’s busy staring at your chest.”
Em glanced down at the baby-blue, off-the-shoulder, cashmere sweater she was wearing. Who knew she could be cute, sexy, elegant, and comfy? And yes, in this demi push-up bra, her size 32B bust looked spectacular, if she did say so herself.
“I’m fishing for the right guy. Going out with Marcus would be the equivalent of catching an old boot instead of a catfish, then trying to take it home and make a meal out of it.” Em set her drink down. She folded her arms on the table and gave her sneering friend her best stink eye. “Also, you’re fired. Please don’t make any more dating recommendations. Thanks.” Em stood with her drink and glanced over at the two billiard tables, one of which was just opening up. “A couple of games of pool before we end the night?”
“Wait… you’re going to bend over the table and make shots… in that?” Nick asked. “I mean…”
“Oh my God. You are a complete hypocrite, Nick Washington. How many times have I seen you helping some woman with her shot whose skirt was maybe half as long as mine?”
Nick cringed as he lumbered to his feet. “You’re right. I’m sorry. You know I’m not that guy.” He shook his head, then grabbed his beer. “I’m just… not used to you looking like that. Besides, you don’t have the most graceful pool stance.” He smirked. “Didn’t you actually put your leg up on the table once rather than just using the damn bridge cue?”
Okay, maybe that was true. Her mother had practically had a conniption telling her how unladylike she’d looked with one leg propped on the table like that. But it didn’t mean she was letting Nick off the hook.
“I’ll keep both feet on the ground. Promise.” She held up her free hand, then collected the bag with her boxed meal, her purse, and the expensive new coat she adored. “Now come on before someone else claims the table.”
Nick joined her at the billiard table and racked the balls. “So back to this Soulmate Project… There’s the declaration, the makeover, the dating sites…” It caused him physical discomfort every time he thought of his friend going out with dating site randos. “What else?”
“Dakota and I are meeting tomorrow to come up with rebranding and marketing strategies for my graphic design business.”
Nick stopped what he was doing and stared at his friend, his mouth hanging open as she compared two pool cues obliviously.
She finally selected her stick and turned to face him. “What? Did you want this one?”
“Nothing’s wrong.” Nick grabbed a pool stick. “Go ahead and break.”
“Then why are you wearing that funky-ass scowl?” Em moved to the head of the pool table as she assessed him.
“I’m surprised you went to Dakota for help. You do realize that I’m the marketing VP at the resort, right?” he asked incredulously. “I’ve offered to assist you with a marketing plan for your business. But whenever I bring it up, you always say—”
“That I have more clients than I can handle,” Em finished his sentence. “I know, and I did feel that way. But now I realize that I’ve been thinking small when it comes to relationships and my business. I shouldn’t make choices based on fear of the unfamiliar.”
Em’s explanation hit him in the chest like a bowling ball launched out of a cannon. He was definitely in his feelings, which wasn’t like him.
She broke, sending the balls tumbling against the rails. A five dropped in the side pocket. “I’ve got low balls.” Em chalked her cue stick, then went for the four-ball.
“So you’re saying that when you were interested in me just two weeks ago ”—he held up two fingers for emphasis—“it was because you were thinking small and I just happened to be around?” Nick gripped the cue stick tightly, his mouth twisted, and his jaw tense.
Em frowned, looking confused. She lowered her voice to a whisper, likely hoping he’d do the same. “What the hell is going on with you tonight, Nick? You’re being super weird.”
“I’m not being weird. I’m simply asking a question and trying to get clarification.” He crossed his arms.
“Are you seriously offended right now?” Em sifted her fingers through her hair, and it was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. Which was disturbing on a variety of levels when he’d declared that he wasn’t into her like that. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
“So… what… I don’t get to have feelings?” Nick sounded whiny, even to himself. But also… he was genuinely offended by the implication of her statement, and he needed clarification.
“Of course you do. And I’m not trying to hurt your feelings.” Em squeezed her eyes shut momentarily and pinched the bridge of her nose. She released a quiet breath before returning her attention to him. “I developed feelings for you because you’re an incredible person and an even better friend, and I adore you. Period. Not because you just happened to be around. Maybe what I should’ve said is that I dismissed the possibility of a relationship with someone else because I preferred the comfort and familiarity of being with someone who already makes me happy. As opposed to risking the jack-in-the-box reality of dating. Does that make sense?” Em placed a gentle hand on his bicep. The tension there seemed to ease immediately.
“Yes. I get it.” Nick rubbed his bearded chin, then sighed. “You’re right. I am being weird about this, and I’m sorry. Things have felt off between us since…” His voice trailed off.
“I know, and I’m sorry. I just hope I haven’t wrecked things between us.”
Her voice broke slightly, and Nick felt awful.
“I know things are off between us right now, Em. But it’s always been me and you… through hell and high water, we’ve always had each other’s backs. We’ll work our way through this. And don’t ever apologize for admitting how you feel. I’m glad you got it off your chest. We dealt with it; now we can both move forward.”
“So… we’re cool?”
“Of course we are.” Nick set his pool cue against the billiard table, then opened his arms. “Bring it in here, kid.”
Em leaned her stick against the table, then stepped into his arms. He hugged her tight, her warmth penetrating his skin, and her sweet scent tickling his nostrils. It felt good holding her in his arms like this. He honestly didn’t want to let her go.
“You two actually plan on playing pool or are you going to just hug it out all night?”
Marcus. Of course.
“I was just about to take my shot actually, smart-ass.” Em pulled out of Nick’s hold, though he seemed reluctant to let her go. She picked up her stick and got back into position to take her shot.
She hit the four-ball at just the right angle, putting a little English on it. The ball spun off into the corner pocket, and she moved around the table in search of her next shot.
“You two an item now?” Marcus probably thought he was being stealthy. Unfortunately, his indoor voice was more like a down-the-hall-and-’round-the-corner voice.
“Em and I are just friends. You know that.” Nick seemed agitated by the question while trying very hard to appear nonchalant about it.
“Then you don’t mind if I…”
“Em’s a grown-ass woman with a mind of her own,” Nick said.
Why did it bother her so much that Nick didn’t care whether Marcus asked her out?
Em sucked in a deep breath, then tried to sink the yellow one-ball in the same corner pocket. It hit the side rail and hovered near the edge but didn’t drop in.
She cursed under her breath and stepped aside so Nick could take his shot.
“Hey, Em, I’m going bowling with some friends on Friday. I thought maybe you’d like to come.” Marcus was suddenly beside her, and she wondered if he’d left any of the cologne in the bottle. The cloying scent nearly made her cough.
She snuck a glance at Nick. He didn’t react to Marcus’s question.
But what had she expected him to do? Slam his pool cue on the table, declare that she was his woman, and insist Marcus back off?
Then again, maybe Nick hadn’t reacted because he expected her to turn Marcus down.
“I haven’t been bowling in a while,” she said. “Sounds fun.”
“Really?” Marcus asked.
“Really?” Nick chimed in, now giving them his full attention.
“ Really .” Em broadened her smile. “Oh, and if I were you, I’d go for the eleven.” She pointed to the ball hovering in a corner pocket.
Nick cleared his throat, his cheeks and forehead flushed and his brows furrowed. “Thanks,” he said sarcastically before stalking over to the ball.
“You’re seriously going to go out with me?” Marcus asked.
Em tugged him farther away from the pool table, her back to Nick. She leaned in close to Marcus and lowered her voice. “Yes, I’ll go out with you. But only if we go Dutch and you understand that under no circumstances whatsoever will I be sleeping with you.”
“On our first date?” Marcus asked hopefully.
“ Ever .” Em poked a finger to his chest.
“Aww, come on, Em…”
“Those are my terms, Marcus. I respect that it’s probably not the way you saw this going. Which is why I won’t take it personally if you turn down my offer.”
The man frowned.
“Look, we’ve known each other forever. And until I walked in here dressed like this, you barely even realized I had breasts. You certainly didn’t have any hope of seeing them. So let’s just chalk this up to temporary insanity and go bowling together… as friends . Might be fun. What do you say?”
“Fine. But can we at least call it a date? I made a bet with Lester that I’d be the first guy here to take you out.”
“Fine. Whatever. It’s a date. But I am not riding in your car. It’s a trash dumpster on wheels. We’ll meet at the bowling alley.”
“Deal.” Marcus grinned. “You’re a good friend, Em.”
“I know.” Em smirked, and Marcus laughed. “Hey, if I ask you a question, do you promise to answer it honestly?”
“Shit. This can’t be good,” Marcus muttered, dragging a hand down his face. He sighed. “Go ahead. I promise to be straight with you.”
Em drew in a deep breath, her brows furrowing. “Why haven’t you asked me out before?”
“Classic Em. Straight for the jugular.” Marcus chuckled as he rubbed his chin. He sighed quietly. “The truth? You’re strong, athletic, mechanically inclined. I stopped to help you that one time when you had a flat tire. All you’d let me do was hold the flashlight.” He shrugged. “Didn’t much seem like you needed anyone.”
Translation: You were too dude-like.
“So you’re one of those guys who desperately needs to be needed.” Also known as an insecure jerk . “Good to know.”
Any man who thought that way wasn’t the type of man she wanted. Still, it hurt her pride a little that she’d been summarily disregarded because she was independent and self-sufficient.
“Anything else?”
“The fact that you could probably beat my ass was kind of a factor, too.” Marcus leaned in closer, his voice lowered.
Em was pretty sure he was only half joking. She folded her arms and stared up at him. “You planning to do anything that would require me to beat your ass?”
“No, of course not. You know I’m not that kind of guy. I’d never put my hand on a woman,” Marcus stammered, his face red.
“Good. Then you don’t have anything to worry about.” Em poked Marcus in the gut playfully, and they both dissolved into laughter. “Now that that’s settled, can I please get back to my game?”
“Sure thing, Em. See you at the bowling alley at seven on Friday night. And don’t keep a brother waiting, all right?” Marcus leaned down and kissed her cheek, then said his good nights.
When she returned to the billiard table, Nick looked like he was fit to be tied. He’d missed the shot he should’ve been able to make in a dark room while the high school band played “Cuff It” by Beyoncé. He was waiting for her impatiently.
Mission accomplished.
“Guess that shot must’ve been a little trickier than we thought.” Em picked up her stick again and assessed the current configuration of the balls.
She’d go for the green six-ball this time instead.
“So you’re really going out with Marcus after the conversation we had about him earlier?” Nick asked disbelievingly.
“Yep.” Em lined up her shot.
“So how’s that boot tasting?” he asked.
Em made her shot. The white cue ball smacked the green six-ball and sent it rolling across the table and into one of the corner pockets. Em stood and smiled. “I’ll let you know.”
She was pretty sure she could see every vein in her friend’s forehead and that there was smoke coming out of his ears.
And yes, maybe she was a petty bitch for enjoying Nick’s obvious discomfort with her seeing Marcus. But she was loving every single minute of it.