chapter 20
Friday Vanessa invites Miles and Nickola over for dinner. Nickola helps Vanessa bring the food out to the dinner table. Miles, Greyson, and Kellen are talking in the living room. The kids lie on the floor watching t.v. The front door opens and in walks Herring with Krista behind him.
"Okay. Everybody at the table," Vanessa instructs.
She and Nickola get food for the children. The others have a seat in the dining room. Nickola is curious to know how serious it is between Herring and Krista. Everyone begins to serve themselves.
"Krista where do you work?" Vanessa ask as she scoops the roast onto her plate.
"I'm a secretary at R.E.X. studios. That's where I met Herring," she smiles and looks at him.
"Is that where Bronze makes his music?" Vanessa ask Herring
He opens his mouth to answer but Krista responds for him.
"Yes. Have you heard the track that Herring's on?" she says excited. Nickola looks stunned. "You're on Bronzes' album?" Vanessa ask shocked.
"Is that right?" Kellen wipes his mouth with a napkin. "Herring a rapper," he says condescendingly.
"He actually sounds good," Krista says defensively.
"It's only a few lines," Herring clarifies.
"Oh. I almost forgot. I brought wine," Kellen pushes his chair back to get up.
"I'll get it," Nickola stands up quickly.
"It's in the freezer," Kellen says.
Nickola goes into the kitchen and removes the chilled bottle from the freezer. Irritation evident on her face. She leans against the counter with her arms crossed.
"Nikki?" Vanessa catches her staring at the cabinets. "You okay?"
"Yes. I was trying to remember where the wine glasses are," she lies.
"Right over here," Vanessa opens the cupboard next to the microwave.
They return to the table. Nickola hands Kellen the bottle of wine.
"I have good news," Greyson turns towards Miles.
Vanessa's phone rings. "That's gonna have to wait," she waves.
"Miles, I spoke with a colleague. He is going to fund three thousand dollars to the start of your business."
"Wow! That's. Thank you," Miles eyes go wide. He tries to contain his excitement.
"I'm glad I could help," Greyson says.
Vanessa's phone rings a second time. "Let me see who this is," she escapes to Greyson's office.
"Now that's cause for celebration," Kellen pulls the cork from the glass. "Donnhoff Hollenpfad. Germany's finest," he says pouring himself a glass.
Krista picks up her glass eager for the drink.
"So Miles will the business be here in Stamford?" Kellen ask.
"I've been thinking about opening up a shop in Bridgeport." Nickola looks at Miles.
"That's not a bad commute," Kellen says.
Vanessa returns with a distraught look on her face.
"Sweetheart. Everything alright?" Greyson nervously concerned.
All eyes await her response. "My grandmother had a stroke. She's at the hospital." Vanessa is frozen in place.
Nickola looks at Greyson. "I can stay with the kids," she says.
"Thank you Nikki," he says walking to Vanessa. He places his hand on her shoulder.
"I gotta put the," Vanessa trails off looking at the table.
"Vanessa. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything," Nickola's voice soft.
A muffled thanks is heard as the two head to the garage.
Nickola instructs the children to take their plates to the kitchen. After putting their dishes on the counter they go to their rooms.
"Do you mind staying while I help clean?" Herring says to Krista.
"I can take her home," Kellen offers.
Herring looks at Krista. "Sure," she shrugs.
Nickola grabs the remaining roast and veggies and brings it into the kitchen. Miles follows her carrying his plate.
"I hope her grandmothers going to be okay," he puts his plate on the counter next to the sink.
"I don't know. She pretty old." Nickola puts the food in containers and into the refrigerator.
"I'm going to take off," Miles says. He gives her a hug.
"I'll call you tomorrow," she says.
"Good luck with everything," Kellen shakes Miles hand.
"Thank you." He opens the door.
"Stop by after your done," Krista says to Herring.
"Not tonight."
She attempts to kiss him but he turns his head and her lips land on his cheek.
Slightly disappointed she turns and follows Kellen and Miles out the door.
Herring moves the remaining plates and glasses to the kitchen.
"You two a thing now?" Nickola scraps food from each plate into the disposal.
"She's not my girlfriend if that's what you're asking." He takes the plates and puts them in the dishwasher.
"Why did you bring her here?" Frustration rising in her tone.
"We saw Vanessa at Starbucks. She invited her."
Nickola's mood change is evident to Herring as she shoves the plates into his hand.
"What's wrong?" he ask confused.
"Nothing. I don't think she's right for you," she says sternly.
"Was it not you who said I should see someone my age," he huffs.
"Yes Herring. It was." She storms out of the kitchen.
Upstairs she has Madalyn and Trent get ready for bed. She sets up the fold away bed for Zara in Madalyn's room. Back downstairs Herring has left. The dishwasher has been loaded and the counters cleaned. Nickola has one missed call and text from Vanessa.
Vanessa: Be home in an hour.
She grabs a throw from the closet, turns the channel to HBO and curls up on the couch.