by Lori Wick
“Well, hello,” he said kindly, and Nikki felt her face grow very red.
“I’m sorry to intrude. You must be ready to eat dinner. I’ll come back later.”
Dorian watched her for a moment and then looked to his son.
“We’re talking about the book,” Theo explained.
“Great.” Dorian sat down as if he had all the time in the world. “I’m eager to hear all of Theo’s comments too.”
Nikki slowly sat back down, her face still hot. She studied the notepad in front of her as though she’d written down the secrets of life and worked to gather her composure.
“You were asking me if I thought the mystery was real?”
“That’s right.” Nikki looked up and smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Theo. What did you think?”
“It was very real, but I didn’t understand how Brad got out of the cave.”
Nikki made a wry face. “I wondered about that when I wrote it.” The writer’s face became thoughtful. “Did you understand the cave had a rear entrance?”
“No,” Theo’s brows rose. “I don’t remember that.”
Nikki’s shake of the head was directed at herself.
“That’s because I didn’t do a good job explaining the layout.”
“Where was that part?”
“Do you have the manuscript handy?”
“In my room, I’ll get it.”
Theo ran up the stairs that led up from the front door, and Nikki looked over to find Dorian smiling at her. For some reason the smile reminded her of the paper in her pocket.
“I didn’t think I would see you,” she said as she reached for the blank check. “I signed this and left you a note asking you to fill in the amount. But now I’ll just give it to you.”
Nikki stood, took a few steps across the room and held the check out to him, but Dorian only stared at it.
“What is it for?”
“The medicine.”
He dismissed it with a hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to have to take care of it.”
Dorian only shook his head as Theo came back into the room.
“Here it is,” the little boy said.
Nikki stuffed the check back into her pocket, turned, and took the stack of papers from Theo’s hands. She found the place they needed, and with heads bent together, they studied the chapter for the next ten minutes. Nikki made notes in the margin of the page, seeming pleased with the changes.
“Anything else?”
Theo shook his head. “I don’t think so. It was a good book, Nikki. Maybe even my favorite.”
Nikki sighed. “I can’t tell you what a help you’ve been, Theo.”
“Why was it such a help?”
“Because you’re the right age for this book. My editor reads it, and different people at the publishing house read it, but I don’t have any kids who can look it over and give me their feedback. Kids read my books, so input from someone your age is the most valuable thing to me.”
Theo smiled. She had a way of making him feel so good. And he had liked the book. It was a great story. It had been so cool the way she’d told his whole class that he’d agreed to read it for her. He’d been a little bit embarrassed, but when everyone found out Dominique Brinks was his neighbor and thought that was cool, his embarrassment faded. And besides that, she was just Nikki: not a writer, but a neighbor who was really nice and seemed just right for his dad.
“I’d like to take you to lunch some time, Theo,” Nikki said as she stood. “We’ll set a date one of these days and go to Camden’s for sandwiches and ice cream. Would you like that?”
“Yeah!”
“Great. That will be my thanks to you. We’ll do it real soon.”
Theo’s smile was infectious, and Nikki thought if she knew him better, she’d have given him a hug.
“I’d better go,” she said with a smile that encompassed both the older and younger Swann without having to look directly at Dorian. “Thanks again, Theo, and thank you again, Dorian, for the medicine. I’ll see you later.”
They both saw her to the door, and as before, Nikki was very aware of the doctor’s eyes on her. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking but knew there was no way to find out. She speculated on it all the way through her own evening meal and even as she readied for bed. She had just picked up the book she was reading when the phone rang.
“Did I call too late?” Dorian’s voice sounded in her ear, and Nikki had to breathe deeply at the pleasure that ran through her.
“No, not at all. I was going to read for a while.”
“I wanted to thank you for what you said to Theo. You can’t believe how excited he was that you valued his opinion.”
“It’s I who owe the thanks, Dorian. He was a huge help. When the galleys come, I can make the changes or even fax them in ahead of time.”
“The galleys are what you proof before the book goes to print, right?”
“Yes. I should have them in a few weeks.”
“When does this book come out?”
“January.”
“And the cover, do you work on that as well?”
“I have input, but artwork is not my strong point, so I leave a lot of that up to my publisher.”
Before they knew it, an hour had passed, the conversation ranging far. Dorian told her about the book he was reading to the kids before they went to bed each night, and for some reason that led to the way his hours worked and who his partners were. Nikki had questions about his hospital and clinic work, and he asked her about her family and more about the way she got started as a writer. It was after 10:30 before they hung up, but it was as if they never left off. Waiting at night until the kids were in bed and things were settled, Dorian called six times in the next ten days.
The end of October brought cold weather and lots of sunshine. The days were shorter, but Nikki was still accomplishing much. She had been writing steadily since she recovered from her ear infections, and she knew it was time for a day off. She planned to spend it in the kitchen, baking, putting together her menu for November, writing letters, and catching up on small, fun jobs. She knew it would be a nice change from her desk work, especially with no deadline breathing down her neck.
The baking was first, and Nikki saw very soon that she would need a trip to the grocery store in town. Making a quick list, she checked her purse for keys and wallet, and walked to the garage. She moved down the street, her mind already wandering the aisles of Patron’s Market. She was almost to the Swann home before she spotted Petra playing in the street. Nikki stopped the car and rolled the passenger window down.
“Petra,” Nikki called to her and waited for her to approach. Nikki’s small car put their faces on a closer level.
“Hi, Nikki.”
“Hi, Petra. I wonder if maybe you shouldn’t play in the street.”
“Why not?” she asked sincerely, and as usual, Nikki had to smile; Petra had that effect on her.
“You might get hit by a car.”
Petra’s confused brow relaxed. “That’s all right; my dad’s a doctor.”
She had Nikki this time. There wasn’t a thing she could find to say. The blonde writer just stared down at Petra’s adorable, confident little face and found herself speechless.
“Are you going to town, Nikki?”
“Yes,” the older female answered absently. “I’ve got to go to the grocery store.”
“I’m playing.”
Nikki nodded, still trying to recover. “Well, have a good time.”
“Thank you,” Petra said and skipped off on her merry way. Nikki drove on, a small shake to her head. Petra’s logic was probably normal for a five-year-old, but Nikki had little contact with children, so she found the little girl quite amusing. She chuckled to herself as she completed her list and even knew what she would say to Petra if she saw her again, but the little girl was out of sight when Nikki returned home.
Nikki
paced next to the phone in her kitchen and told herself she shouldn’t. Stopping many times to stare at it, she even reached for it one time but pulled her hand back.
Just because he’s called a few times doesn’t mean he wants you calling him. Maybe he’s having a hard time putting the kids down. You can presume, Nikki, and you know that. But the talk didn’t do much for her heart. She still desperately wanted to call Dorian Swann and tell him about her brief conversation with Petra. He was sure to think it was fun. Nikki had just about given up when the phone rang. She took a deep breath, reminding herself it could be anyone, and lifted the receiver.
“How was your day?” It was the way he always started, and Nikki’s smile, had he but seen it, was huge.
“Great. I was hoping you would call.”
“You were?” He sounded very pleased.
“Yes. I spoke with your daughter this morning and got the quote of the day.”
“What did she say?” She could hear the smile in his voice.
Nikki filled him in and smiled when she heard him laugh on the other end; it was a hushed laugh and she knew the kids must be settled in bed.
“She’s so funny, Dorian, and she doesn’t even try.”
“You’re certainly right about that. She’s decided that you need a pet, by the way, so the discussion around the table tonight was all about that.”
“What pet did she decide on?”
“I think the last one under consideration was a white rat.”
Nikki made a noise that told Dorian she was shuddering, and he laughed all over again.
“I don’t suppose you want to come down to the porch and visit for a while,” he said suddenly, his voice soft and inviting. It was the first time he’d ever asked her to do more than speak on the phone.
It was Nikki’s turn to chuckle. “I don’t have that many coats.”
“You could wear your snowmobile suit.”
“I don’t have a snowmobile suit.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. I’ve never needed one.”
“Well, you do now. We have two sleds, and we’ll have snow before you know it.”
“Sounds fun.”
“It is fun, so you better get the proper clothing.”
Nikki knew an invitation when she heard it, and again her smile was huge and her heart felt as light as a balloon. As with the other nights, they talked for at least an hour. She had never had a relationship like this. When she saw Dorian at church or on the street, she felt shy and a little tongue-tied, but on the phone they were able to talk about anything. She already knew that he was a wonderful man, and the way he loved his children was causing Nikki to fall in love with him.
Dorian’s feelings were on the same path. After he hung up the phone, he sat for a long time and thought about his neighbor. He’d not been searching for another wife, but right now he would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit that Nikki certainly seemed to fit the bill. She was so special, so full of life and caring. Lately he was having a hard time keeping his mind on anything but her. He finally took himself off to bed, but he fell asleep as he always did when they talked, their conversation still going through his mind.
Halloween fell on a Tuesday. Although Nikki had seen advertisements for candy in the market’s newspaper ad, the day almost passed before she remembered what day it was. Living on such a quiet, dead-end street on the outskirts of town gave her little reason to plan. However, there were still Theo and Petra. She could not and would not want to forget them.
It was coming onto four o’clock when she put together a plate of cookies and headed down the street. Darkness was falling fast. The days were shorter now, and the very air smelled of winter. Nikki’s mittened hand knocked on the door, and even though she could see lights inside, she had to knock a second time before the door was answered.
“Hi, Theo,” Nikki began enthusiastically but cut off when she saw his face. “Everything okay?”
“No,” he said softly.
“Can I do anything?”
The little boy shrugged, looking miserable. Nikki peeked around the door and saw the cause of the problem. Petra was standing in the middle of the coffee table, her costume on but not in place. Obviously a hand-me-down of some sort, it hung from one shoulder and drooped at the waist. The little girl in question was just barely holding her tears.
“May I come in, Theo?”
He nodded and stepped back, closing the door behind her.
Nikki slipped the cookie plate onto the first available surface and approached the little girl. Huge tears seemed to do the impossible as they filled Petra’s lower lids but did not spill. Her chin quivered uncontrollably.
“Well, now.” Nikki’s voice was gentle. “It looks as if you could use a pin here and there.”
Petra made no reply.
“Mrs. Butram gone already?” Nikki asked, but the little girl remained mute. Nikki looked behind her to see Theo nod. It was only then that she realized he was already in his own costume; she thought he might be Zorro or Robin Hood but was afraid to ask. She turned back to the little girl. Dilapidated as the costume was, Nikki was quite certain she was supposed to be a princess.
“I think what we need here are a few tucks.” Nikki’s voice became suddenly businesslike. She glanced down to see a sewing basket lying on the sofa and began to go through it. She found thread and needle and a few large pins.
Nikki gently turned Petra until her back was to her and began to gather the excess material. It wouldn’t look all that great in the back, but at least the front would fit. Nikki was vaguely aware of Theo taking a chair to watch, but she said nothing to either child until she turned Petra to the front again and began working on the waist.
“I was a princess one year for Halloween,” Nikki mentioned conversationally, her eyes still on her hands. “I decided to do my own costume and made a horrible mess of it. My mother had offered to help, but I wanted to do it. When it was all over, she ended up making me a beautiful costume, but when I smiled and danced around in delight because I thought I looked so pretty, she reminded me that the costume didn’t tell anyone what I was like inside.
“She reminded me of the verse that tells us that people look at the outside but God looks on the heart. I needed to hear that. I had been so angry about my costume and not at all nice to my mother when she first tried to help, and I knew that even though I looked like a princess on Halloween night, my heart was black with selfishness and sin.”
For the first time Nikki let her eyes meet Petra’s. That little girl was watching her intently as Nikki knew she had been the whole time.
“Do you understand what I’m talking about, Petra?”
The little girl nodded. “I was angry at Theo.”
“Were you?”
“Yes. I need to tell him I’m sorry.”
Nikki smiled at her and drew her tenderly into her arms. Petra hugged her in return.
Watching them from the kitchen, Dorian felt his throat close. I never dreamed of the way You would provide, Lord. Never in my wildest imaginations would I have thought someone like Nikki Brinks would move next door. I don’t know what You have for us, Father, but I pray that You’ll show us. She’s so special, and the children care for her already.
Dorian stopped when he realized Nikki was staring at him. He let his eyes hold hers but fought the urge to cross the room and take her in his arms as she’d done with Petra.
“Your father’s here,” he saw more than heard her say. The children went to him, and Nikki held her place. She watched him bend over and hug them and then speak quietly for their ears alone. Theo moved deeper into the kitchen then, but Petra came back to the living room.
“Thank you, Nikki,” she said as soon as she stopped in front of her.
“You’re welcome, Petra. You look very nice.”
“I have to talk to Theo now.”
“All right.”
While Nikki watched Petra go, Dorian took the princess’ place. He
stood very close and looked down into Nikki’s eyes.
“Thank you,” he murmured softly.
Nikki’s smile was warm as she looked up at him.
“Come with us tonight,” he urged, his voice low. “We’re going into town for a little while to trick-or-treat. Please come.”
“All right.”
“We’ll pick you up in about an hour, unless you want to eat with us.”
“I have something in the oven at home, but I’ll be ready when you come.”
Another few seconds passed before either of them moved.
“I’d better go,” Nikki said with obvious reluctance.
“Okay.” Dorian walked her to the door and thanked her one more time. Nikki could only assure him that the pleasure had been hers. The doctor eventually went back to the children, and Nikki walked back up the street to ready for trick-or-treating. The cookies, her reason for her visit in the first place, were completely forgotten.
Four days later on Saturday evening, Nikki got into the front seat of Dorian’s car and greeted the children in the back, much as she had Halloween night. They’d covered some 30 homes on Halloween, treat bags in hand, and afterward Dorian had asked Nikki to go out with him on the weekend. She had gladly accepted. What she hadn’t expected was that the children would be joining them. She didn’t comment, however, and indeed, felt very much like laughing. She had dressed in her best, taking great pains with her hair, makeup, and nails—all, she assumed, to spend the evening in a family restaurant. She wasn’t put off, only amused at herself and a bit confused. She was even more so when Dorian went the four miles into town only to turn up the street into a residential neighborhood.
“We’re staying overnight with Mrs. Butram,” Petra informed her when the car glided smoothly to the curb.
“You are? How nice,” Nikki turned and smiled. “Have you stayed here before?”
“A few times,” Theo filled in. “She has a nice dog, and Mr. Butram plays games with us.”
“I hope you have a great time.”
“Bye, Nikki,” Petra called, climbing from the back. Theo waved, and Nikki kept her seat until Dorian returned. He turned to her the moment he slipped behind the wheel, a wide smile on his face.