One Simple Step (Journey #3)

Before the guys made it big, Remy and I had traveled along with them on the road to every crummy hotel and skeezy bar that they were able to line up. And because of that, Remy and I had become even closer friends, spending almost every night together either watching the band play, or having our own little girls only nights.

Everything had always seemed perfect with them from the outside, but one night after a few too many margaritas, she blurted out that Mark had cheated on her, and that’s why things ended between them so suddenly. I was beyond shocked that Remy hadn’t felt like she could turn to Leah or me when it happened. But, Remy being Remy, she hadn’t wanted us to think differently of Mark since both of our husbands at the time were good friends with him.

She had been afraid to get involved with anyone ever since then, and I think had put up her guard when it came to being in any kind of relationship. So, when I saw that bright blush on her cheeks every time my big brother turned her way, I could tell that there was something there.

I just never put two and two together before. I mean, they did live thousands of miles away from each other. So, in a way, I still really brought them together, and I guess we would see where it went from here.

“Okay, you really need to get going, Al. Call me the minute you get home so you can spill all of the details.” I arched a brow at her, knowing that Chase had a crazy romantic night planned, but she just shook her head at me. “No matter what, you call me. Chase can wait while I get all the juice from ya. Now go impress them with that killer personality of yours. They’d have to be complete dumbasses not to fall in love with you.”

“Alright, I’m going. Have fun tonight.”

As I walked through the parking lot, I smiled at my newest purchase. After Leah finished grilling me that first night, Ben immediately dragged me to a car dealership. I knew I needed a car, but I just hadn’t set the time aside to actually go.

It had been amusing to watch Ben quietly wheel and deal with the salesman. By the time Ben was done, I think the guy sweated completely through the fancy dress shirt he wore, but he had gotten me a ton of money off the sticker price of a barely used car, and I couldn’t have been happier. It would be nice not to have to depend on anyone, and it gave me a little bit more of that independent feeling that I had been missing since I’d gotten married.

I followed the directions Nick had given me to his parents’ house. They lived deeper in the small city, a few miles away from the beach, in what looked like a quiet neighborhood with perfectly landscaped yards. One-story stucco houses that seemed to come in just about every shade of the rainbow lined the streets.

I pulled up in the driveway, and smiled when I saw Nick sitting on the front porch, his large frame looking massive on the one tiny step that led up to the cement pad. He stood up, before running over to open up my door, and I couldn’t help but lick my lips at the sight of him.

His dark hair was its usual artful mess, and his deep tan making his blue eyes and whiter than white teeth pop out. He had changed out of his usual work clothes, which consisted of fitted dress pants and a dress shirt or polo, and now wore a pair of cargo shorts and a deep blue t-shirt that hugged every inch of his wide chest.

“You made it.” His dimple popped out as he opened my door and reached in a hand to help me out. “My mom has been bugging the shit out of me to meet you. Thanks for coming.”

“No problem. Do I look okay? I wasn’t sure what to wear, I didn’t want to underdress, but I didn’t want to overdress. I think I tried on about ten different outfits, and I’m still not sure—”

“Ally,” he cut me off, holding me out at arm’s length, and stroking his fingers down my sides, making that tingly feeling shoot straight through my entire body. “You look perfect. My mom’s gonna love you, don’t worry.”

Nick led me into the house, lacing our fingers together, and gave me a quick tour as we went. His parents, Kelly and Charlie, reminded me so much of Nick it was impossible not to instantly like them. They were both so friendly, welcoming me into their home and making me feel like I belonged there. You could see how in love they still were with each other, “Even after all these years,” Kelly had said.

“Nicholas, where are your manners? Get your girl here something to drink while I pull out the lasagna. I hope you like lasagna, Ally. It’s actually my great, great grandmother’s recipe, and I think you’ll just love it,” Kelly called over her shoulder as I heard the oven door open.

Hmm, his girl? What exactly had he told his parents about us? Or maybe she was trying to push things along? The thought made me smile because it’s something that my own mom would do. Kelly actually reminded me a lot of her.

“So, Nicholas, what do we have on the drink menu?”

“Damn, you heard that, huh? I swear, she’s the only one that calls me that, and she knows it gets on my nerves.”

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