Page 43 of Must Love Flowers
Nick’s gaze remained focused on the room. “And my Russell Wilson autographed football?”
“It’s there, too, along with your soccer trophies.”
He continued to stand just outside her bedroom, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He was acting as if she’d personally deprived him of everything important from his childhood.
Maggie sucked in a deep breath, deciding it was up to her to make things right with Nick. “Your mother is right. Perhaps we could start again?” she asked hopefully.
Nick hesitated, shrugged, and then agreed. “Is it true what you said about the company frowning on dating customers?”
“No…I made that up as an excuse.”
“That’s what I thought.”
Rather than hash over her babbling response to his invitation, she said, “I want you to know how much I admire your mother. She’s been a godsend to me.”
“I haven’t been around as much as I should have been. I knew she was lonely without my dad, but I didn’t know how to make that better for her. I considered moving back home and would have if she’d asked, but I was afraid I’d become a crutch. Mom needs to find her own path.”
“And she is.”
He agreed with a half-smile.
“I’m hoping we can be friends, Nick. I’m sorry I turned you down. I figured out you were Joan’s son when you mentioned the puppy and I didn’t know what to do because you didn’t know I was living here.”
“I’d like for us to be friends, too,” he admitted. “When I saw you here, I didn’t know what to think.”
“Your mom is wonderful. I owe her a great deal, and I promise you I’ll do my best to be a good tenant.”
“I’d appreciate that.” He gave her a genuine smile.
Maggie felt a wave of relief. At least they were both of the same mind when it came to Joan. “Let’s go assure your mother we won’t be at each other’s throats,” she suggested.
“Let’s. Can I hold Edison?”
“Of course.”
Nick tucked the puppy into the crook of his arm. “Where did he ever get that name?”
“Your mother and I came up with it.” True, Maggie had been the one to suggest it, but the idea had come from Joan.
“I like it. It suits him.”
“Your mother said he brought light into her life.”
“Which was exactly what I hoped would happen.” Nick sounded pleased with himself.
Joan was busy in the kitchen. She turned when Maggie and Nick joined her. “Did you two settle your differences?”
Maggie glanced toward Nick to discover he was watching her.
“Yeah, all good,” he answered. He set Edison down on the floor, and the puppy raced over to a chew toy.
“Excellent. Will you stay for dinner?” Joan looked to her son.
“What are you making?”
“Nick!” Maggie chastised.
“What?”
