chapter 8

Nickola's morning goes by in a haze. After receiving a good morning text from Miles and a good morning voicemail from Herring Nickola is beginning to feel unsure. She wonder if she should bother with either at all. She begins weighing the pros and cons as she eats lunch.

How am I supposed to tell Vanessa "I've got it bad for your stepson." I love his accent. He smells so good and the way he looks at me. Oh and that nose and those lips, but that nooosssee! Miles is cute too. He definitely works out. He knows what it's like to have a kid and his job won't keep him away for weekends at a time.

"Hola chica," Ros says gleefully. She pours herself a cup of coffee and sits with Nickola. "You look like you got a lot on your mind," she takes a sip of her drink.

"Hey," Nickola says letting out a long breath. "I do. I was this close to kissing Herring yesterday." She gestures with her fingers a small space between her middle and thumb.

"Oh! Why didn't you?" she says excited.

"Vanessa kinda interrupted us. Tomorrow Miles is coming with me to the banquet Vanessa's company is having."

"Sounds like the universe is finally working in your favor," Ros smiles.

"I really wanna see Herring tonight. He leaves for L.A. tomorrow."

"Then go see him."

"I'm like a high schooler with a crush. This is silly," she gathers her stuff.

"That's what happens when you're married as long as you were." They both stand up. "Go see Herring. You'll be regretting it later," Ros encourages.

Nickola sighs, "You're right."

She text Herring: You busy tonight? I could come check out your place after work.

Herring: Sure, what time?

Nickola: After 5:00

Herring: See you then. 103 Piper lane #34

On the drive to Herring's place Nickola wrestles with herself. I should just turn around tell him I can't make it. No. Then I'm gonna spend the weekend regretting it.

She arrives and presses the button for number thirty-four. The door buzzes and she takes the elevator to the third floor. When Herring opens the door Fabulous is playing lightly in the background.

"We're going old school now?" Nickola says impressed by his choice of music.

"I thought you might like this," he says with a satisfied smile.

He closes the door and walks to the kitchen. He looks relaxed in black adidas track pants and a black hoodie. The inside is very spacious and clean. It's clear the dark wood floors have just been laid and pale blueish grey walls are newly painted. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, and an island with four bar stools.

"This is big," she says looking around. She turns the candle to see what scent it is.

"It's fresh rain. It reminds me of London," he informs her. "Would you like something to drink?" He watches as she explores.

"No thanks. The furniture is nice," her hand brushes the top of the couch.

"I had a little help with that," he smiles and leans against the wall at the entrance to the kitchen.

She walks over to the fireplace and looks at the picture on the mantle. "Is this your..." she pauses.

"My mum," he says staring at the photo.

"How old were you when...she..." unsure of how to ask.

"Thirteen."

"A car accident? I'm sorry I shouldn't have," she trails off.

"No, it's okay. I can't go the rest of my life avoiding it," he sits on the arm of the couch. " She was returning home from a job. She was a model. It was late and the driver went into the opposite lane of traffic to avoid hitting someone who ran into the street. The car in the opposite lane crashed into the side where my mum was seated. She lost a lot of blood," his voice lower. "The doctors did what they could to save her."

"I'm sorry Herring," she says empathetically. "So you stayed in London and Greyson moved here," treading carefully.

"I lived with my grandparents until I finished school. After a few modeling jobs I moved out."

"What did you think of Vanessa when you first met her?"

"If I'm being honest, I struggled with the idea of her as my step-mum. Dad seemed to have moved on quite quickly from mum. Then I realized I couldn't expect him to never love another woman again."

Nickola nods. She slowly walks over to the balcony, slides the door open and steps out. Herring follows behind her. Tall red maple trees surround them and the breeze is light. Straight ahead is the Mianus River with a view to watch as the sun sets. She gets closer to the railing and looks around. The sky is clear and the atmosphere is peaceful.

"How was your day?" he ask.

"This afternoon one of my regular passengers has a seizure and I found out she didn't make it," she said looking down.

"On your bus?"

"Yeah. Well she had a seizure on the bus and then the ambulance took her to the hospital."

"I'm sorry your day didn't go well," his hand moving up and down her arm.

"Hopefully tomorrow's better." She looks to the side where he gently caresses.

His hand finds the tattoo on the inside of her wrist and his fingers slowly trace over it.

"Nickola," his voice now a whisper. "I'm very attracted to you," he stops tracing the tattoo.

Her heart skips a beat. She can't manage to form any words though her lips begin to part. His eyes look hungrily at hers. She closes her eyes and feels the soft warmth of his lips upon hers. His hands travel up her arms cupping her face. Her breathing begins to quicken and her hands make their way under his arms and to the top of his back. For a moment the world seems to melt away as his lips tenderly caress hers. He releases her face finishing with gentle pecks. His eyes seem to await a response but she's too frozen to give one. She could never remember feeling like this with anyone. She turns to look at the river. "I'd better go pick up

Zara," she says after a brief moment. Herring is left standing on the balcony.