Hard To Love (11 page)

We played pool until last call. T
hat’s when Cassie and Charlie
left to dance. Kelly and Sam followed moments later. Mike
grabbed a round of drinks for everyone before it was too late.
Trevor and Rebecca disappeared not too long after that. I sat
listening to Nick and Mike, who were getting along real well
surprisingly. They were talking about boats. Apparently, Mike
inherited one from his grandfather, and according to Nick he knew
everything there was to know about boats. I listened to them banter
back and forth, and then make a brief agreement about getting
together to fish. I wasn’t sure if Nick was agreeing to this because
he was drunk or if he was serious. Then after exchanging numbers,
Mike was interrupted by some guy. The two of them took a walk,
leaving Nick and I alone.

“Do you really like
fishing?” I asked Nick when he was close
enough.
“Absolutely. When I was a kid my father took me all the time,”
he said, rubbing his hand down his jaw.
“Really?” I replied. He nodded and drank the rest of his beer.
Just then the DJ made an announcement that the last song of
the night was dedicated to all those in love out there. The song that
followed sent chills up my spine.
“Would you like to dance?” he asked, turning to face me. I
couldn’t help but nod. He led me to the dance floor sliding his arm
around my waist and pulling me close. Cassie saw us and smiled.
The feel of his hand on the small of my back gave me butterflies. I
placed my hand in his palm, our cheeks touching. His chest
pressed gently against mine, and I hoped he couldn’t feel my heart
pounding in my chest.
“You look really good tonight,” he said, turning to look at me.
“Thank you.” I blushed. “So do you. I like that colour on you.”
Our eyes locked for a long, tense moment, and then he spoke.
“Sorry about the other day at the gas station—”
“Don’t—mention it.” I interjected shaking my head, dismissing
it. I looked over his shoulder at the other couples as they gazed into
each other’s eyes. My heart sank.
“I’m not—sorry that I ran into you, though,” he whispered, his
breath tickling my neck. I choked back the gasp that tried to
escape. I moved closer to keep from looking at him, and then I felt
his cheek against mine again. The song ended abruptly as the DJ
made another announcement.
“That’s all, folks. Drive home safe. Cabs are out front, and we
hope to see you again tomorrow night for karaoke!” He cheered.
The music stopped completely after that, and all that could be
heard was the chatter of the crowd. The staff started cleaning up
and bouncers rounded everyone up, leading everyone to the front
door. Nick still held me in his arms. Our eyes locked again, and I
was inching closer, wanting to feel his lips on mine.
“Ready?” he asked staring. I smiled then nodded.
“Where’s Mike?” Sam asked.
“I don’t know. He was with some guy earlier. I guess they
haven’t come back,” I replied, looking around.
“I’ll wait around for Mike. You guys go ahead,” Jennifer said, a
look of worry on her face.
“Are you sure? I could—”
She interjected, “No, its fine,” she said, then walked away, but I
didn’t want her to be alone. What if Mike had left already? I
followed her to the bathroom.
“I will wait with you just in case Mike doesn’t come back.” I
touched her shoulder.
“Thanks, Lauren. You’re a good friend.” She sighed, relieved.
“I just have to use the bathroom. I’ll meet you outside.”
“Okay,” I said and turned to leave. When I got back to the
table, I was surprised to see Nick still waiting there. “Hey.” My
brow furrowed.
“Everything okay?” he asked, walking over to me.
“Yes. I’m just going to wait outside with Jennifer, make sure
Mike didn’t ditch her,” I replied as I put on my jacket.
“Are they together?” Nick asked.
“I don’t know for sure. I think they are definitely sleeping
together.” I shrugged. “Why? Are you interested?”
“No, just curious.” He shook his head.
“Sure, sure.” I laughed, and then turned to walk to the door.
Nick grabbed my hand and reeled me in to him. His lips touched
my ear as he whispered.
“I’m more interested in who you are seeing.” I didn’t know
what to say he caught me off guard. I backed away and continued
to the door thinking it was just the alcohol talking.
Jennifer, Nick and I stood outside by the curb for Mike, who
had been taking an awfully long time. Then Jennifer went inside.
I peered through the window and I saw her and Mike arguing as
they walked towards the doors. I smiled and turned to Nick.
“Guess we can head out. Thanks for waiting with me.”
“Anytime.” He said, stepping off the curb, almost falling.
“Shit.” He turned around, confused. “I think the bartender has my
keys.”
“You’re not driving,” I said, looking around for Cassie and
Charlie, who hadn’t even said good-bye before leaving. My brow
furrowed, curiously. “I’ll get your keys, but you’re not driving.”
“Lauren,” Jennifer said as she came out. “Can you give us a ride
to the hospital?”
I spun around. “Of course. What happened?”
“Mike got into a fight,” she said. I looked Mike over, a little
shocked. That was more than just a fight.
“Why?” I asked, remembering the guy who took Mike aside.
“He was mugged in the bathroom,” she said, but I knew
something wasn’t right.
“What? Oh my god!” I gasped. “Let’s go.” I unarmed my car.
Nick helped Mike across the parking. “Nick, are you able to stick
around until I drop them off?”
“Yes,” he said, helping Mike in the car.

When we got to the hospital, it took an hour before the nurse
called him in to be seen by the doctor. Jennifer went with him
while Nick and I sat in the waiting room.

“It’s fine.” He smiled. “It’s not like I was doing anything
, just
going to bed.”
“Oh—bed. That would be nice,” I said, leaning back in the
chair and resting my head. I heard him chuckle. “Aren’t you
tired?” I asked.
“Not anymore,” he said looking over at me. “A bit restless,
though, from that coffee.”
“Guess you should have listened to me.” I giggled.
“Yeah, yeah.” He rested his elbows on his knees.
About twenty minutes later, Jennifer came around the corner to
give us an update.
“He has to get a few stitches, and then the doctor wants to keep
an eye on him for a few hours, make sure he doesn’t have a
concussion,” she said nervously.
“Oh, okay,” I replied.
“You guys can head out. We’ll call a cab when we are done
here.” Jennifer smiled, then walked over to me and hugged me.
“Thank you for waiting.”
“Of course,” I said and smiled, hugging her back. “I’ll see you
at work?”
“Yep.” She smiled, turning away. “Nice to meet you, Nick.”
She waved then winked at me.
“You too.” He stood, sticking his hands in the pockets of his
jacket. When we got outside, I stretched looking up at the sky.
“So much for a decent sleep,” I sighed. When I glanced over at
Nick he was watching me and smiling. “What?” I asked nervously
but Nick shook his head then looked away.
“We—uh—can probably go and get my car now,” Nick said.
“No, it has only been an hour since your last drink. I will take
you home.” I started walking down the driveway, heading to the
side street where I parked my car.
“I don’t need to be coddled, Lauren,” he said with a laugh,
catching up.
“I’m not coddling you, Nick.” I turned, walking backwards. “I
don’t think it’s a good idea. Besides, I don’t want to read in the
paper tomorrow that you crashed your million-dollar car.”
He laughed and replied, “I’m touched.”
When we got to my car, Nick leaned over the hood, staring at
me and as I went to get in, when I noticed he was staring I stared
back.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I haven’t heard from Mason,” he said.
I winced at the mention of his name. “I—I wasn’t—” I
stuttered.
“It’s okay.” He stepped away from the car, still watching me. “I
just figured that was the reason you had no problem driving me
across the city to my house.” He shrugged, and I felt my heart sink.
I didn’t know if it was because he had said Mason’s name or
because of the look on his face. The fact that he thought all I cared
about was Mason bothered me.
“Nick—that’s not why I offered to drive you home,” I said.
“I just thought—”
I walked around the back of my car over to him. “I’m your
friend, and friends don’t let their friends drive home drunk,” I said,
mimicking the words from the advertisement on television about
drinking and driving. I moved closer. Standing close enough that I
could touch him, and boy did I want to.
“Thanks.” He looked away bashfully and my heart fluttered.
“I told you, if you need a ride to get your car in the morning,
just call me,” I said, reaching out, unzipping his jacket and slipping
my hand in his inside pocket, startling him. He watched intently
with parted lips. I took out his phone, swiped my finger across the
screen and added my name and number to his contact list. When I
looked up at him again, his eyes bore into mine. I smiled, reached
out again, slipping his phone back in his pocket. “There, now you
have my number, and you can’t give me any excuse about why you
never called.” He caught my hand as I pulled away and a sharp
breath darted out of my mouth.
“Thank you.” He gave me the sweetest smile, and then kissed
my hand.
I blinked nervously. “I’ll be expecting your call then.” I nodded
and gently pulled my hand free. I walked backwards to the back of
the car, then around the trunk to the driver’s side and got in. I
didn’t know if offering my number was a good thing or not, but we
were friends—at least that’s what I thought.
Yeah, we had kissed, twice, but nothing came out of it, and
there was no reason we couldn’t be friends now.

I pulled up to the Foster mansion and parked the car, turning off
the ignition so that the lights weren’t beaming in the windows.
God forbid his mother be woken from her beauty sleep because of
me.

“No
body is home,” Nick said, taking off his belt. I wasn’t sure
what he was trying to say, but I didn’t ask why. “They’ve gone to
Palm Beach.”

“Oh
,” I replied, not sure of what else to say.
“You won’t wake anyone up with the lights. That’s why I’m
telling you.” He rubbed his palms on the thighs of his pants.
“Anyway, uh—thanks again for the ride,” he said, turning to open
the door.
“Night,” I said, leaning over to give him a hug. I think I caught
him off guard this time. It took him a moment, then I felt his arms
wrap around me, squeezing me tight. As he pulled away his face
hovered close to mine. I felt my heart pound and my eyes sting as
I stared into his beautiful blue eyes. Then his soft warm lips
pressed against mine. He didn’t linger for long, just enough for my
pulse to quicken before he pulled away.
“Night,” he whispered then got out of my car. I watched as he
made his way up the cobblestone driveway to the front door.

As I pulled out of the driveway, my phone chimed. I stopped,
put the car in park and checked my phone. I was hoping it was
Cassie explaining her disappearing act but when I checked my
texts, it wasn’t a number I recognized.
3:02 a.m. Unknown: Now you have my number.

My cheeks flushed and I smiled. When I looked up, I saw Nick
standing in the driveway, he smiled and waved before turning
towards the house.

The next morning I wasn
’t expecting to be woken up early. I
was enjoying the dream I was having. But my phone wouldn’t stop
ringing. I rolled over, rummaged through my bag and held the
phone to my ear.

“Morning
, sunshine.” Nick’s voice was overly perky. My heart
began to race as I remembered our kiss from last night.
“Nick? What time is it?” I gulped.
“Uh—eight,” he answered with a chuckle.
“Nick, it’s way too early.” I moaned and rolled onto my back.
“Did I wake you?” He laughed, playing with me.
“Yes,” I complained, even though I was glad to hear from him.
“Why are you up already? You were drinking all night. Shouldn’t
you be—oh I don’t know—hung over?”
“Exactly. So if I can be up and ready to go, so should you,” he
replied. The phone became muffled and I could hear him talking to
someone.
“Right, I forgot that you rich folk are professionals at parties,
drinking and early mornings,” I joked.
“Funny,” he replied. “Hurry over here, I have things to do.”
“It’s Tuesday . . . What could be so important on a Tuesday?” I
moaned.
“Lauren—”
“Oh all right—don’t be so pushy. Sheesh,” I said.
“See you soon,” he said and hung up.

I pulled up to the house, parked the car and got out. As I
knocked on the door my heart started to race again. I touched my
fingers to my lips, and shut my eyes, just as the butler was opening
the door. He greeted me then led me to the parlour, where Nick
was standing with coffee mug in hand.

“I’m here
, your Highness,” I said, my voice still not fully
awake.
“I see that,” he said, turning around, trying to hide his smile.
“What?” I felt myself checking for clothes. I was in yoga pants,
T-shirt, red scarf and sweater. I hadn’t brushed my hair, just
tossed it all up in a bun. What was I thinking leaving the house
dressed like this? Meanwhile, Nick was dressed in a navy-blue
two-piece suit with a crisp white collared shirt, two buttons
undone. I felt underdressed.
He shook his head and chuckled. “Did you literally roll out of
bed?”
“Well, you were being pushy.” I scowled, feeling my cheeks
flushed. “Next time specify that you need me to be presentable
before arriving.” I shook my head and started to walk out of the
room. “Are you ready?” I asked.
He laughed a little louder and said, “You look great.”
“And you’re a liar. Let’s go,” I said and rolled my eyes.
“Are you hungry?”
“No, Nick let’s go.”
“Lauren, you got out of bed and came straight over. I know you
had no time to eat. Sit down. I can have Samuel make you
something to eat.”
“Nick—”
“Sit,” he said with a big smile, then left the room. I pulled my
hair out of the bun and tried to brush my fingers through it. That
didn’t help, so I tied it back up, took off my jacket and sat at the
table. When Nick returned, he handed me a mug filled with coffee,
pointing to the milk, cream and sugar cubes on the table.
I nodded and reached over, grabbing the milk. I was still trying
to get my heart under control failing miserably. It didn’t help that
every time he looked at me I wanted to jump him.
“So what do you have to do today?” I asked, sitting back,
crossing my legs.
“Nothing much,” he said.
“Nothing much, huh?” I paused, eyeing his grin. “There you are
all dressed in a nice suit, looking hot, and you are telling me that
you have nothing to do today?” I scoffed.
“You think I look hot?” he asked, patting his chest down.
“Of course you do, Nick. Come on, you know you look good.”
I rolled my eyes. There was nothing worse than modesty from a
very attractive person.
“Oh, I know I look good. I just wasn’t sure you noticed,” he
said, smiling. My lips parted and a gasp escaped. I didn’t know
what to say after that. Then it fell silent for far too long, and it was
getting uncomfortable, when Samuel walked in with a plate of
food for me.
“Here you are, madam,” he said and placed it in front of me,
then left the room. I looked down at the plate filled with bacon,
toast and fresh strawberries, my mouth salivated. “This looks
terrific. Let Samuel know I said thanks.”
“You can thank him when you’re done,” he said. I looked up at
him just as he turned. “I’ll be right back,” he said as he exited. I
picked at the bacon, taking it apart as I ate it. By the time I had
finished most of the food on the plate, Nick had returned. Samuel
also entered the room and took the plate.
“Thank you. That was great,” I said, looking up at him.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled widely.
“Ready?” Nick asked.
“Yes.” I stood and got up from the chair, walking to where he
was standing. “Should I change?”
“Why?” he replied, turning to face me. “You look fine.” I
rolled my eyes and folded my arms.
“Where are you going?”
“Uh—my mother volunteers twice a week, and when she is
away, I help out,” he said reaching for the front door, letting me
exit first. I turned once outside.
“I didn’t realize your mother volunteered.” I said.
“She’s been doing it for a long time,” he replied.
“That’s great,” I said.
Silence filled the car during the entire ride to the bar, where
Nick left his car. When we arrived at the plaza, the first thing Nick
noticed was the broken window. I parked next to his car and we
got out.
“Shit.” He sighed and folded his arms across his chest.
“I’m sorry, Nick. I’ve left my car here plenty of times, and
nothing has happened,” I said, standing close enough that our
shoulders touched. He looked at my car, then back at his, and I bit
my lip. Of course nothing happened to my car. It wasn’t a
Porsche. “Did you have anything important in it?”
“No,” he said, walking over to the passenger door, shards of
shattered glass all over the leather seats. He unlocked the door to
look and see if anything was missing. After rummaging through
the car, he stepped away from the car and called the police to
report it. I waited with him for the tow truck to arrive. Then I
noticed someone walking towards the bar and ran over to ask for
Nick’s keys. The guy went in the bar then came back out with
them. I thanked him, and then walked back over to Nick, who
paced around his car, running his fingers through his hair.
“I’m really sorry, Nick,” I said again as I handed him his keys.
“Stop apologizing, Lauren. This isn’t your fault,” he said,
turning to face me.
“I know, but I wouldn’t let you take your car home.” I said
screwing my lips to the side.
“I wasn’t exactly thinking about my car,” he smirked. His
words hit me like a ton of bricks, and it became awkward real
quick. I stuffed my hands in my back pockets and prayed for the
tow truck to hurry up.
It took fifteen minutes before an officer showed up to take his
statement and file a report. Nick glanced at his watch, annoyed
that the tow truck still had not arrived.
“I’ll take you around, if you want,” I suggested. “I have
nothing to do until five.”
“I can’t ask you to do that,” Nick said, shaking his head.
“You’re not asking, Nick. I’m offering,” I said, touching his
shoulder. He smiled but looked away from me. “Why do you do
that?”
“Do what?” He asked glancing over at me.
“Act as though it is such a burden to ask someone to help you,”
I replied.
“Uh—because, I usually don’t ask other people for help,” his
said, jaw clenched.
“Well, don’t think of it as help, then. Think of me as
volunteering my services,” I said and smiled.
“What services are those?” He chuckled.
“Chauffeur services of course.” I laughed
“Why are you doing this?” he asked, turning around to face me.
His eyes focused on mine, his tone making me feel as though I had
a hidden agenda.
“What do you mean?” My eyes narrowed.
“Why are you helping me, and spending the whole day with
me?” he said. I smiled and tried to lighten the dark mood he was
in, all of a sudden.
“It’s not a whole day. I do have to work at five. Besides, we are
friends, Nick, aren’t we?” I cocked my head and I crossed my
arms.
“So you keep saying.” he said and stepped closer.
I narrowed my eyes, then turned and hopped up onto the trunk
of my car to expand the distance between us.
“You never did anything, for me to choose otherwise,” I replied.
“I beg to differ.” He smirked, stuffed his hands in his pockets,
and backed away. I smirked remembering that night at the club, to
what he was referring. “The first night we met, I was a little—
ornery,” he said.
I nodded, smiling. “Okay, but honestly, that was nothing
compared to what some have done to me,” I said, resting my
elbows on my knees. Before he could say anything else, the tow
truck pulled up. “Tow truck’s here,” I announced. Nick turned to
meet up with the driver. When he was done, we got in my car.

As we pulled up to the first location, I was a little surprised. It
was a homeless shelter.
“I’ll join you, in a minute,” I said, turning off the engine.
Nick got out and made his way into the building.
I grabbed a brush out of the glove box and dragged it through
my hair until all the knots were out, and then tied it up again.
When I walked in, Nick was behind the counter, cooking.
I leaned against the doorframe watching him, unable to keep
from smiling. He caught my stare a few times, and gestured for me
to join him, but I declined. I preferred to watch him work.

Afterwards, as Nick announced he was leaving, the other
volunteers all walked up to thank him. He hugged them and shook
their hands before we left. I followed beside him to the car, not
saying anything.

I was impressed.
“What?” He said, noticing my gaze.
“Nothing,” I said, with a shrug.
On our way to the next address the car fell rather silent. Apart

from him giving me the address, we barely spoke two words.
The next place we stopped at was a retirement home. Mrs.
Foster had started visiting retirement homes after her parents had
moved to one; and with her parents’ suggestions about what could
help uplift some of the retirees’ spirits, Mrs. Foster took the liberty
of offering her time for an hour twice a week. Most times she read
books, classics from an era of their choosing, stories like
The
Scarlet Letter
or
Hamlet
.
Today, many were happy to hear Nick’s choice of novel,
Shakespeare’s classic
Romeo and Juliet
.
Funny that
Romeo and Juliet
just so happened to be one of my
favourite tragic love stories as well. I turned to find a seat, when
Nick grabbed my hand and led me to the chair next to his. With a
smile, I nodded and took the seat next to him. He started reading
with such passion and enthusiasm that the group was enthralled by
the story. Even I found myself drawn into it as he read with so
much heart and soul. It felt as though he was telling his own tragic
story. As Nick read on, all I could think about was hopping in his
lap and kissing him.
When our time ended, I was just as disappointed as everyone
else. In fact, I had thought about asking Nick to read the book to
me later. As Nick got up to speak with the director of the
retirement home, I stayed behind waiting. An older gentleman
walked over and sat next to me.
“Love . . . such a worthy cause, wouldn’t you say” he said with
a happy sigh.
“Pardon?” I said, a little off guard.
“Being in love it is a wonderful feeling,” he said, looking over
at Nick.
“O—oh—w—we’re not in love,” I stuttered.
“You could have fooled me with those stares.” He snickered,
then got up and walked away. My eyes widened. When I looked
over at Nick again, he was heading towards me.
“Ready?” Nick asked. I nodded and then followed him out.
When we got to my car, I looked at my watch and sighed. I was
relieved but disappointed.
“That was one of my favourite plays written by Shakespeare,” I
replied, smiling. “Tragic love stories are my favourite.”
“What is it about tragic love that reels women in?” Nick said
with a shake of his head.
“The rush of forbidden love, I guess,” I said with a shrug.
“Forbidden love, huh?” He chuckled.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed the day so far, I have to end it here,”
I said, glancing over at him. “I have less than an hour to get ready
for work.”
“Okay,” he replied with a smile. “Are you able to drop me off at
the next place? Then I can find a way home from there.” He asked.
I nodded then started driving.