“And I’ll most likely be here every night to eat,” Nikki added.
“I second that.” Pink glared at the pasta on his plate. “We might both need to take some cooking lessons before we’re really ready to fly the coop.”
“Oh, I’ll miss you.” Roxy wiped tears from her cheeks. “You’ll be just downstairs, right?”
“Nikki will keep her keys for our apartment.” I looked at her. “This is your home and you’re always welcome here.”
“Oh, Doc G.” Nikki got up and walked to me. “I’m going to hug you.”
“I wish you wouldn’t.” This time I didn’t mind so much when she leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder and wrapped her arms around me.
“I thought you would be so mad.”
I shook my shoulder until she giggled and straightened. “I’m not angry. I’m scared because you’re bringing change into my life. Again. But I have watched you grow. Nikki, you’re a strong, amazing young woman. You’re responsible and kind. And you deserve the life you want to build.”
“Oh, Doc G,” she said again as she swallowed. “I’m gonna hug you again.”
I sighed and nodded. Even though I didn’t like the physical closeness, I knew she needed it. And in a sense I also needed it. When I’d confided in Colin my observations about Nikki and Pink’s body language as well as my suspicions about the flat, he’d given me practical advice. Including what I should say to her.
She gave me one last squeeze and went back to her seat. “Now tell me how you knew about the flat.”
“We also received the notice that the flat was for sale,” Colin said. “I was going to buy it.”
Her eyes widened. “They told me they’d had another offer, but then that person withdrew it.”
Colin smiled. “When I found out you had also made an offer, I was thrilled. I think that place is perfect for you.”
“Did you tell Doc G?” Nikki asked.
“He didn’t. I saw how you looked at the flat every time we went past it.” It would’ve been hard to not see the longing in her expression. “I also overheard a conversation you had with what I assume was your lawyer. If you want to hide your actions, you should close your door when you’re having confidential conversations.”
“Who’s your lawyer?” Phillip’s concern was sincere. He’d been quiet this whole time, his eyes narrowed.
“I used the lawyer you suggested.” Her smile was embarrassed when she looked at me. “I told Phillip that my new boss wanted to buy a house and he needed the best lawyer available.”
“So you asked me to recommend the lawyer I would recommend if you were going to buy a house.” Phillip’s smile was proud. “I fell for your ruse.”
“Why all the lying?” Manny slumped back in his chair. “Why not just ask for help?”
“Manny, I love you, but seriously?” Nikki rolled her eyes. “How can you not see that I wanted to do this on my own?”
“Well, you still should’ve asked.”
“I’m proud of you, Nikki.” And I knew Manny was too. He was just struggling with the change. At least I’d had a few weeks to process this. “You were wise to get a lawyer to help you and you did a very good job. On your own.”
Her smile was sweet as her cheeks reddened slightly.
“I’m so not done with this.” Vinnie sat down heavily, glaring at Pink. “You and I are gonna talk.”
Pink laughed. “Sure, dude.”
Vinnie’s phone pinged. He grunted when he looked at the screen. “Jen-girl, I’m being harassed and it’s all your fault.” He shook his phone at me. “You need to go get that rug.”
“Hassan SMSed you again?” Colin smiled. “I’ll phone him tomorrow morning.”
“What’s this about?” Roxy looked from Colin to Vinnie to me.
“The hawala broker sells Persian carpets.” The more I thought about this, the more I loved the layout of his shop.
“Jenny saw a beautiful rug that Hassan now wants to give to her.” Colin took my hand. “If she decides she wants it, we’ll buy it.”
“Oh, boy.” Vinnie crossed his arms. “You haven’t decided yet? Hassan’s gonna drive me crazy.”
I needed at least one more day to consider the change that rug would bring in my living space. Already there were too many changes coming.
I sat back in my chair and listened to Roxy begging Vinnie to buy an Aladdin carpet to fly on. Vinnie kissed her head, then turned to glare at Pink and Nikki. Threats ensued, then jokes, excitement and finally promises to never let Roxy help with the décor in Nikki’s new flat.
I felt conflicted. Seeing Nikki so excited made me happy. But knowing that she was going to leave didn’t. Most of all I was going to miss Eric’s warm body pressed against mine. I was even going to miss Pink’s quiet presence in the apartment. I watched him as he lifted Eric from his high chair and settled the baby on his lap. There was an ease that was unique to that man. An ease that I saw brought a balance and happiness to Nikki.
Colin took my hand and squeezed it until I looked at him. “They’ll be okay.”
“I know.”
“You will also be okay.”
I nodded. As always, I would work hard to make sure that was true. I would also work very hard to locate Shahab so he could bear the consequences for what he’d done to Jace, Adèle and the others. But for now, I was going to enjoy the company of the people around this table. The people I loved.
Tomorrow, I would start looking for Shahab.