by JoAnn Durgin
The corners of Alex’s mouth twitched. “Never hurts. Sometimes we employ that method.”
Nicole appreciated Alex’s good humor with Colin’s teasing. Her co-host had made several similar offhand or droll comments throughout the meal. Not insulting, but dry and altogether British.
Observing Colin beneath veiled lids, Nicole’s heart swelled as she noted his glance at Mike’s half-empty wine bottle on the table. Colin’s expression was one of wistfulness, perhaps, mixed with a certain amount of regret. He’d confessed to fighting a drinking problem in the past, although he’d claimed it’d never gotten out of hand.
“I admire how you don’t need alcohol—or any other crutch,” he’d told her as recently as last week. “I could blame it on my mum’s legacy, but this one’s all me, I’m afraid.” Drinking had been his escape from an unhappy childhood.
From across the table, Colin caught her eye. She gave him a smile, which he acknowledged with a slight nod.
Mike turned to her. “I got a very interesting phone call this morning. I need you to take a little field trip on Saturday.”
“Weekends will cost you extra. Especially in December this close to Christmas. What’s the story?” She sipped her water with lime, finding it interesting how Mike’s statement came across more as a demand rather than a request. Mike knew how much she valued her weekends.
“There’s a famous soccer player who lives half the year right here in Iowa. Plays goalie for the Italian team that won the World Cup a few years ago. He’s in some little town not far from here called”—Mike frowned—“Snowball, Sugarlight, Startown—”
“Starlight?” Nicole almost choked. She lowered her glass to the table, willing her hand not to tremble. “Dante Moretti,” she said half under her breath after recovering from her initial surprise.
“Starlight, eh? Small world. Isn’t that—” Colin stopped when she slanted him a warning glance.
Mike snapped his fingers. “That’s the one! Moretti’s retiring from professional soccer in a couple of years, and he’s starting a training program for promising young soccer players from all over the country. Building a state-of-the-art facility in Starlight. Gonna bring in a revolving crew of his big name, famous soccer buddies from across the globe to mentor—weekend events, summer camps, tournaments, scholarships, the works. Coed, ages eight to eighteen. From what I understand, he’s donating most of the proceeds to a children’s charity he founded in honor of his sister.”
“Ana,” Nicole said. “She died in a plane crash with Dante’s parents about ten years ago.”
Colin’s mouth gaped, and he sat back in his chair, shaking his head. “How absolutely tragic.”
She took another quick sip to moisten her suddenly dry lips. “As you can imagine, it was huge news when Dante married a local girl from tiny Starlight. Because of Dante’s popularity, the story also reached the international wires.”
“Right,” Mike said. “Well, this is definitely going to be a big deal. We’ve gotta get on this one fast and break the story.”
Nicole raised a brow. “Sounds more like hard news than a human interest piece for our show.”
“I disagree, Nikki. What better subject for a human interest segment than a world-class, famous athlete’s do-gooding project? All in our proverbial backyard, as it were. Brilliant!” Colin fisted the table with a look of triumph.
Alex said nothing, but Nicole sensed his gaze on her. Did he know of her connection to Starlight? Even if Alex knew, why should it make a difference?
She cleared her throat. “Perhaps you should do the interview, Colin, since you’re obviously enamored with the idea.” A quick glance at both Mike and Colin confirmed that notion wouldn’t fly for a second. What was wrong with her? She needed to stop talking, or he’d think she didn’t want to do the story. Mike was right. This story would be huge with far-reaching potential, and she’d be a fool to turn it down. She needed to suck up her pride and run with it.
“Nope. Gotta be you, Nikki,” Mike said. “When I got the call, the lady asked for you by name. Moretti specifically pegged you to be the person to break this story. We need to get on it before anyone else worms their way in. You own this one.” His grin was broad. “Your reputation is growing, and this only proves it. Time to show the network big boys what you can really do.” Although he didn’t look at him, Mike’s comment seemed more for Alex’s benefit than Nicole’s.
Nicole was speechless. Flattering as it was, she’d never met Dante. Why would he request her for the interview? Someone else in Starlight must have suggested that she should be the journalist to break this story. No time to puzzle over that one now.
She managed to find her voice. “What time is the interview?” Unless she succumbed to some sudden, mysterious malady, she was going back to Starlight. Her pulse sputtered, and her throat closed a bit. A little more than two hours round trip, she could do the setup and interview, and be back in Des Moines all in the span of one day. Then again, she’d want to drop in to see Caroline Picasso at Barney’s Diner and enjoy a cup of Earl Grey. Pick up a box of frosted sugar cookies at Martha’s Bakery. Henrietta Watkins would be disappointed if she didn’t drop by for a hug and a chat. A twinge—nostalgia?—pinched her at the thought of returning to Starlight.
“Great. That’s my girl.” Mike appeared pleased. “Check in with Jeannie later today. She’s got all the details, articles, photos, the usual stuff in a file. The interview’s scheduled for eleven o’clock Saturday morning at the Moretti place. You’re invited to stay for dinner. Even overnight, if you’re so inclined.”
She raised a brow. “That’s very hospitable since it’s so close to Christmas.” From what she’d heard about Dante, he was as humble and nice as they come for a millionaire athlete.
“By the way,” Mike said, almost as though an afterthought, “Alex is going with you. He knows how to man a camera, so it makes sense. Kills two birds with one stone and all that.”
“Splendid! Oh, what fun.” Colin sat back in his chair, crossed his arms and darted glances between her and Alex.
Nicole avoided glancing at Alex. Yes, what fun, indeed.
“Saves me from sending along one of the regular camera guys. They’d protest a field trip on a weekend, anyway.” Draining the last of his wine, Mike set his glass on the table and gave her a look of triumph. He must be under the impression she’d be pleased by this latest announcement. She was still trying to recover from the shock of the first.
As they departed the restaurant, Colin flirted with the too thin blonde hostess then tucked a slip of paper into his coat pocket as he made his way over to Nicole. She shook her head and hid her smile. If nothing else, maybe he’d take the woman out for a few good meals.
“Quite the development, you going back to Starlight to break such a big story, eh? I couldn’t be more proud. If you need time to prepare, I’ll take most of the interviews on the show the rest of the week.”
“Not necessary, but thanks.”
Colin chuckled as they approached the coat check. “For a moment there, you looked as though you were trying to catch bait. With your lovely mouth gaping, I almost tossed you a roll to give you something to chew on. Isn’t Starlight the charming little town you haven’t told me so much about?” Colin waited as the coat room attendant handed over her coat. “Matter of fact, you’ve avoided the subject nearly every time I’ve brought it up.”
“Yes, it’s the same town.” Taking her coat and shrugging into it, Nicole waved aside Colin’s attempts to assist her. “I love Starlight and the people there are the best you’ll ever meet.”
“Which then begs the question, why are you here instead of in Starlight?”
“You should know the answer to that one,” she said. “As terrific as it is, Starlight didn’t suit my career goals.” She tweaked his chin. “And I wouldn’t have you in my life.”
“Well, hopefully this weekend jaunt will give you closure of some sort. Get that little town out of your system once and for a
ll. This might actually be a good opportunity to give your lovely Starlight a proper send off. Closure and all that.”
That comment made her frown. “It’s not like I’ll be able to shake Starlight from my past, my…lifeblood.” Maybe that was extreme, but it was true. “Everyone needs a haven to return to every now and then, right?”
“I have no doubt you’ll handle it and rise above with your usual grace. And with Alex Kingsfield by your side, no less.” Colin threw his wool coat about his shoulders and then pushed his arms through the sleeves.
“Right, don’t remind me. But Colin, don’t you see?” Nicole leaned close and lowered her voice. “This interview could be it. My big break. My defining moment.” She paused and bit her lower lip.
Colin’s expression softened. “Ah, it’s all right, Nikki. Mike told me why Alex is here. He’s here for you, pure and simple. To observe you in action, as it were, and then write up his recommendations for the future of your fabulous career. If you’re going to leave us in your proverbial dust and move to the larger world stage, this interview could pave the way. God’s providence, as I’m sure you’d say.”
She sighed. “I’m really glad you know. In spite of your big speech last night about Alex taking me away, you know I’m fine if he recommends I stay here in Des Moines, right?”
Hooking his arm with hers, Colin walked beside her toward where Mike and Alex waited in the producer’s Range Rover. “I know that, yes, but I’m not quite sure you do. We still have a week for Mr. Kingsfield to work his magic on you.”
“No such thing, you silly man.”
Colin chuckled. “Just another name for romance, love.” With a dramatic flourish, he opened the passenger door of the SUV and ushered her inside.
8
Wednesday Afternoon
Standing in the hallway outside Nicole’s half-opened office door, Alex raised his hand to knock then paused when he overheard her speaking on the phone.
“Mom, it’s me. Nicole. No, Mom. Your daughter.”
Turning to go, Alex hesitated as he heard the distinct sounds of sniffling. Something about her tone of voice, that sniffle, tugged on him from the inside out. Her next words were muffled, but that was a good thing. He shouldn’t be listening to her conversation, but he couldn’t move.
“Grandma can’t come and visit you tomorrow. Listen, I called because I’m coming to Starlight at the end of the week. I have a big news story and an interview for the station.” Silence ensued for an extended moment. “I work for the television station in Des Moines now, remember? I’m on the morning program.” More sniffles. “I’ll see you this weekend, Mom. I love you.”
Should he knock or leave Nicole to her privacy? He needed to continue an earlier discussion with her, but the timing seemed awkward. If he approached her, she’d raise that stubborn, defiant chin, swallow her sadness along with her tears and be the complete professional in spite of what must have been a devastating phone call. She hated any sign of weakness, as evidenced by the fact her ankle was now wrapped and hidden beneath pants. Her brave front endeared her to him, but he knew her well enough to know—after only one day—that she wouldn’t welcome his thoughts, sympathetic or not.
Raising his fist to knock once more, Alex heard her speak. “Hi, Betty. It’s Nicole Reardon. Hope you’re doing well.” She paused a few seconds. “Glad to hear it. Could you please have the usual dozen roses delivered to my mom’s room tomorrow? Let’s make them pink this week, if you have enough in stock. If not, just pick the best ones you have. And, if you would, write on the card, ‘I’ll see you soon, Mom. Love you. Nicole.’” Another few seconds passed before she said, her voice subdued, “Sounds good. Thanks, as always. I appreciate you. Give my love to Dave and your mom.”
Alex started to quietly depart when the sounds of soft muted sobs came from behind the door. Hearing Nicole cry twisted his gut. Her hurt made him hurt, crazy as that seemed. With everything in him, he felt the strong urge to march inside her office, pull her into his arms, and hold her close. If he did, she might very well slap him. Or tell him off. Sometimes sadness could just as quickly shift to anger. On the other hand, maybe she’d welcome his compassion. Could he take the chance?
What was wrong with her mother, anyway? It must be advanced dementia—Alzheimer’s—for her mother not to recognize her own daughter’s voice. With one hand on his hip, Alex raked his free hand through his hair as he debated his next move.
Walk away now, Kingsfield. Let it go.
He’d comforted a few crying women, but doing so usually made him feel awkward and useless. Maybe because the motivation behind the woman’s emotions wasn’t always genuine and turned out to be a ploy for his sympathy. Not that he liked thinking that way, but a few of the women who’d shed tears for his benefit had been caught in an outright lie. To the point where he doubted the sincerity of the waterworks. Wow, he’d become jaded. Chalk it up to a few bad relationships in his past. Not this time. Nicole was in deep emotional pain. He wanted to help her, but what could he do?
Nicole flung open the door and barreled straight into him. Startled, they both jumped apart, but not before she cried out his name and put her hands on his chest for one brief shining moment. Her warmth burned through him like a hot branding iron. Whoa. By the way he physically reacted to her innocuous touch, he’d probably blow a gasket given the opportunity to ever kiss the woman.
Her cheeks colored a shade of pink that matched her pretty blouse. Enough to make it worth the embarrassment of being found lurking outside her office door.
“Spying on me again?” Breathing a little heavy, she pressed one hand over her heart.
Alex tried to slow his own breathing, equally heavy, but for an entirely different reason. A vision flitted through his mind of middle school at his first boy-girl dance. The first time he’d thought he’d fallen in love. He’d danced with a number of women since, but funny how Nicole prompted such an intense reaction in him. Brought back that feeling of heightened awareness of the opposite sex, the awareness of wanting to get to know this beautiful woman. But Nicole needed comfort and maybe a little empathy now, not some overgrown teenager whose hormones went a little haywire in her presence.
That little tug inside yanked on him again as he glimpsed the moisture pooled in the corners of her eyes. “I came to speak with you, but then I heard you on the phone, and I didn’t want to interrupt.” Sounded lame, but all he had to offer was the simple truth.
Squaring her shoulders, Nicole moved back inside her office. “Come on in, then, but leave the door open. What is it you’d like to talk about?”
He raised both hands as if in surrender. “It’s not that important. We can do this later.”
Seating herself behind her desk, she motioned for him to sit in the opposite chair. As he’d suspected, the consummate professional had returned. “It’s important, or you wouldn’t be here. You’re only in Des Moines for a short time anyway. We can do this now.”
Alex wished she hadn’t reminded him of the short duration of his stay. At that moment, he wanted to stay longer. A lot longer.
She centered her gaze on the wall behind him, avoiding his direct eye contact. “Why do men always get weird when they hear a crying female?”
“Excuse me?”
Nicole blew out a breath, and her lovely eyes finally settled on him. He didn’t need to hear the words to sense her deep pain. “I might as well tell you since you’ll probably eventually find out all my secrets, anyway. My mom’s in a nursing home and has been since I was sixteen. She has advanced dementia and doesn’t remember me, her only child. Yet she constantly asks for her mother, my Grandma Camille, even though she’s been gone for almost seven years.” She drew in a quick breath. “The saving grace is that she doesn’t recall the sadness and heartache my dad put her through when he left us. That happened when I was thirteen.”
Her statement made him want to find her dad and slug the guy. “I’m sorry, Nicole. Do you see him much?”
A te
ar slid down her cheek. “I only saw him on holidays. To be honest, I hated every minute. He died a couple of years ago, but we’d made our peace. God kept nudging me to do it, although everything in me fought it for a long time.” When Nicole lowered her gaze, more tears slipped from her eyes, dropping onto her long, dark lashes before sliding down already dampened cheeks.
How could he comfort her, short of hauling her into his arms? Helplessness wasn’t something Alex was used to, and he didn’t like it. “It must give you some comfort that you reconciled before he died. A lot of people never have that chance, or else they don’t take the opportunity they’re offered to make peace, leaving them with a host of regrets. I think you’re—”
“Living in a fantasy world? Thinking my mom will someday return to me, her memory fully intact?” Propping her elbows on the desk, Nicole rested her head on her hands and released a light groan. A moment later, she pushed loose strands of dark hair from her face. “She’s all the family I have left in this world. I’m not telling you my sad story to make you feel sorry for me. Let me be perfectly clear about that. I shouldn’t even be saying these things to you in the first place, but—”
“Nicole,” he said, forcing a calm quiet into his tone, “you can’t keep all that bottled up inside. For what’s it’s worth, I’m glad you told me. I think you’re an absolutely remarkable woman. In more ways than I can count.”
She’d obviously been through so much and no one deserved to be alone, especially during the holidays. What a brave front she projected, but what pain it masked.
“Thank you.” She opened a drawer in the desk and rummaged around before pulling out a tissue. Dabbing it beneath her eyes, she inhaled a few quick breaths in rapid succession. She then surprised him by laughing, although it contained no real humor. “In spite of what you might think, those were not shuddering breaths. Call me weird, but I’ve discovered that odd breathing pattern actually helps to calm me down.”