The Morning After

by Dorie Graham

  “I don’t know. None of it seems to matter anymore.”

  “It does matter.” She cupped his face. “You matter, Dylan. Do you know why I’m here in your life?”

  “To brighten it?”

  “Exactly. I’m here to help you find happiness. That’s my solemn belief.”

  “But you do make me happy, Nikki.” The sincerity in his eyes sent warmth curling through her.

  “Then promise me something.”

  “What?”

  “Promise me you’ll think about making a new start. Maybe taking some classes on architecture, at least part-time to see if you still like it.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Good. Meanwhile, let’s not worry too much over this whole move thing. Especially now that I know about this house, it just doesn’t seem right to have you move out. At least not until you’re good and ready, which I hope won’t be for a long while.”

  He frowned. “I was thinking…either way, I’d like to clear out most of the stuff in this place. You were right when you first came here and you said I didn’t seem the claw-foot type.”

  She propped her head up on his shoulder and waited for him to continue. Her heart thudded. Was he ready to start clearing out some of Kathy’s belongings?

  “Kathy decorated this house. I gave her free rein and it made her happy, but I’ve never really felt at home here. It always seemed more her place than ours. Except for my study, the house has her brand on it. I think I’ll give it all away—have a yard sale or something. Start fresh when I get to my new place.”

  “A yard sale?”

  “Sure, why not? Want to help?”

  Joy swelled up inside her. She grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  DYLAN PUSHED ASIDE THOUGHTS of Nikki the following Wednesday morning. Her excitement about the yard sale had been infectious, and for the past few days he’d been caught up in the preparations. But he couldn’t think about that now. He had to focus on the judge.

  “Due to the current insufficiency of evidence, this case is dismissed.” Judge Albright cast a stern glance at Dylan as the courtroom erupted in excited chatter.

  Dylan nodded stiffly to the judge. The man didn’t seem any happier about this outcome than Dylan was. Sure, it was great to win the case, but he couldn’t feel good about this one. He’d found a bartender who testified the prosecution’s key witness had been plastered on the night in question.

  Dylan had hated discrediting the man, especially when he had a feeling that all was not well in the councilman’s world. Yet, as his father had pointed out, there had been no money—no hidden accounts—and Dylan had had the best investigators looking for it.

  Turning to Weatherby, Dylan offered his hand in congratulations. Weatherby pumped his hand with enthusiasm. “I knew you could do it, son. Never doubted you.”

  If only Dylan could shake his doubt of the councilman. “I did the job as I saw fit.”

  “Well, this will be a real feather in your cap. Your daddy’s bound to be real proud.”

  “No doubt. Congratulations, Councilman. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your victory. If you’ll excuse me.” He left the crowded courtroom as quickly as possible.

  “Mr. Cain…” A dark-haired man approached him as he hit the courthouse steps. “Mike Peterson, Miami Herald. Great job you did in there. Do you have a comment for the paper, sir?”

  Dylan stopped and faced the reporter. How could he respond when he knew in his gut that Weatherby was guilty? He drew a deep breath. “No comment.”

  “No comment? But this is a tremendous victory.”

  Dylan paused, then turned back to the man, a neat smile on his face. At least this he could be truthful about. “Yes, I’m sure my father will be very proud.”

  He walked away. At least now that the case was over he could plan his upcoming move. If anything, he’d lose himself in packing. Beyond that, his future seemed fuzzy. He squared his shoulders and allowed himself to again focus on Nikki and the yard sale. Yes, it was high time he cleaned house.

  THE MORNING OF THE YARD sale dawned bright and humid. Nikki woke before Dylan. She tied her hair back in a ponytail, then hurried to put out the signs they’d painted on neon poster board.

  The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee hit her when she returned and stepped inside the coolness of the kitchen. Dylan kissed her soundly, and she closed her eyes to focus on the jumble of emotions flowing from him. There, buried below the excitement of the kiss, was a bittersweet sadness at the parting of old ways. Yet he was ready. His resolve to move forward was there, too.

  They were doing the right thing.

  He pulled back and the surety of it shone in his eyes. They had barely sipped from their coffee when the doorbell rang and the early-morning yard-salers hit them in force.

  “Let me show you some paintings you might like.” Dylan escorted a smiling couple through the open entryway hours later as Nikki poured lemonade for a mother and her young daughter.

  “It looks empty in here.” The girl spun around the spacious dining room.

  “Most of the furniture sold within the first couple of hours.” Nikki glanced around the vacant space.

  Dylan had said he was ready to clean house and it seemed he’d meant it. She cocked her head toward the low rumble of his voice drifting in from the other room. So far he seemed at peace, maybe even excited about the evacuation of so much that Kathy had held dear.

  He walked past carrying one end of the heavily framed painting of the Victorian lady in her garden. Nikki caught his eye and he winked. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to help them run this over to their place. They’re just a few streets over.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  He glanced at the empty dining room and smiled. Yes, the thrill of a fresh start ran strong and clear through him.

  “Do you have any vases?” The mother looked hopefully around.

  “There’s an assortment of knickknacks on the tables in the garden.” Nikki walked them through the French doors to where they’d set up tables and shelves to display the assortment of odds and ends Kathy had collected.

  “So you’ve made great progress, I see.” Evelyn Rogers appeared in the French doors, looking cool and pristine in a bright summer dress.

  Nikki brushed a dust bunny from the hem of her cutoffs and dredged up a smile. A chill ran through her. What was Evelyn up to? “Evelyn, how nice of you to drop by Dylan’s yard sale.”

  Evelyn smiled graciously and gestured to the array of household goods. “This is your doing?”

  “He was ready. I just encouraged him. He wants to clean out the entire house, so it’s out with the old, in with the new.” She shrugged. “At least, out with the old for now. He’s still deciding on a new place.”

  “Right. Nick and I were shocked when we saw the For Sale sign. I didn’t think Dylan would ever part with this house.”

  “Nick?”

  “My fiancé. There he is.” She pointed past the French doors to the front door beyond, where a dark-haired man browsed over the assorted tables they’d placed along the front walkway.

  “He’s very handsome.”

  “Thanks. We’ve both been impressed by your effect on Dylan. I can’t believe you’ve gotten him to clean house like this.”

  “I’m not sure what his plans are, but I’m sure he’ll end up wherever he’s meant to be. As for now, I think it’s a good sign that he’s ready to do away with most of this.”

  “That’s wonderful, Nikki. It has to be a good sign that he’s ready to move on. Good for you, no doubt.” Though the woman kept a sincere tone, malice oozed from her.

  Nikki straightened. Whatever Evelyn was up to, it wasn’t in Dylan’s best interest. “It’s good for him. Wherever he ends up, he’s ready to move forward in a positive direction.”

  “Well, he should have plenty of time to make plans now that his big case is a wrap.”

  “Yes, I heard about that.” Nikki stifled her disappointment. She’d seen an a
rticle in the Miami Herald about Councilman Weatherby’s acquittal. She’d congratulated Dylan, but he’d barely acknowledged the comment.

  “It’s so exciting. He’s worked forever for this. It’s about time he made partner.”

  “Partner?”

  “He hasn’t mentioned it?”

  “We don’t— He doesn’t say much about his work.” Nikki had to be patient. It seemed one day he was ready to open up but the next he was silent again.

  “Oh.” Evelyn frowned. “Dylan has always been a little odd. Anyway, what are you wearing?”

  Nikki glanced down at her T-shirt and shorts. “Just grunge clothes. It’s been pretty dusty—”

  “No, silly, to the gala.”

  “Gala?”

  “Well, I suppose if he didn’t say much about the case, it’s no surprise he hasn’t mentioned this.”

  “No, I guess not.”

  “So like a man.” Evelyn shook her head. “His parents are throwing a huge bash next Saturday night. You have to come.”

  The coldness around her intensified. Goose bumps prickled up Nikki’s arms. “I don’t know. If he wanted me to come, he would have said so.”

  “I’m sure it’s just an oversight. Besides—” she moved up beside Nikki “—I’m inviting you.” Ill will spiked outward from the woman.

  Nikki stiffened. “Can you do that?”

  “I’m practically part of the family. I’ve helped Lillian, Dylan’s mother, plan the thing from the start. Don’t you worry about Dylan. I’ll handle him. He’s been hiding you away from everyone for long enough. Don’t you think his parents will want to meet the woman responsible for his return to the land of the living?”

  “I don’t know.” Dylan would be furious with her for going. Was that Evelyn’s intent—to lure Nikki there so Dylan would be upset enough to break things off with her for good? Nikki stifled a rueful laugh. If Evelyn understood the transient nature of Nikki and Dylan’s relationship, she wouldn’t feel the need to trouble herself.

  But what if Evelyn planned something else—something that would interfere with Dylan’s healing?

  “I insist. Lillian would never forgive me otherwise. She’s dying to meet you.”

  “She is?”

  “Oh yes. I’ve told her all about you.”

  Nikki glanced around at the tables of Kathy’s goods. She and Dylan had been making halting progress in their relationship, but it wasn’t enough to facilitate the healing process. Maybe meeting his family would give her the edge she needed to help him overcome his past.

  “So what do you say? You going to help me look good to Lillian and Mitchell by letting me be the one to introduce them to their son’s mystery woman?”

  What would become of her relationship with Dylan if Nikki unlocked the mystery of his past and he was truly healed? She closed her eyes against the crushing inevitability that her time with him was nearing its end. Would she be ready to let him go? She had a duty to see this through. Besides, whatever Evelyn planned, it didn’t bode well for Dylan. If Nikki stuck close enough to the woman, maybe she could prevent the trouble Evelyn planned.

  She drew a deep breath and faced Evelyn. “Okay, I’ll go.”

  12

  NIKKI SQUEEZED HER KNEES together to keep them from knocking. The glow of sequins and diamonds seemed to spread in every direction, muted only by the ever-present black tuxedos and evening dresses. She glanced down at her emerald dress, glad for once not to be wearing the requisite black. Raising her head high, she moved into the crowd gathered beyond the entry.

  She’d come to look after Dylan, meet his family and friends and find out what Evelyn was plotting. There was no backing out now.

  Someone touched her elbow and she turned to find Evelyn, resplendent in a ruby-colored gown, her platinum locks neatly coiled and pinned.

  “Nikki, I’m ecstatic you came. I thought that you might not.”

  “I nearly didn’t.” In the end her fear for Dylan had propelled her out the door.

  Evelyn nodded toward Nikki’s dress. “You look smashing. You’re sure to get a reaction out of our guy in that.”

  Our guy. A shiver of foreboding swept over Nikki. Somehow Evelyn’s friendly comment didn’t quite seem so friendly.

  Evelyn did want Dylan for herself. But at what price to him?

  “Where’s that gorgeous fiancé of yours?” Nikki asked, keeping her tone light.

  Evelyn’s smile faltered. “He’s around.”

  “So how are the wedding plans coming?”

  “Too many pesky details. I have a marvelous wedding coordinator who has it all in hand, though. Come on, let me introduce you around.” She hooked her arm through Nikki’s and led her toward a knot of people standing near open French doors. “Here, we might as well dive right in. That is Dylan’s mother.”

  “Evelyn, aren’t you going to introduce me?” A red-haired man with green eyes intercepted them before they reached the cluster by the doors.

  “Steven, aren’t you looking sharp tonight?”

  “Oh, is this the Steven?” Nikki turned to him with a smile.

  “That depends. Which Steven are you looking for?” He returned her smile as warmth emanated from him. She liked him immediately.

  “Nikki, this is Steven Benson. He and Dylan go way back.”

  “Best friends for as far back as I can remember.” He took her hand and his eyes widened. “Nikki? You’re not the Nikki?”

  She laughed. “That depends—”

  “Yes, this is Dylan’s Nikki.”

  Steven pumped her hand with much enthusiasm. “Oh my God, this is a thrill. Come here.” He swept her into a bear hug. “I can’t believe Rebecca missed you.”

  “Rebecca?” Nikki laughed again as he let her go but squeezed her hands.

  “My wife. We’ve both been dying to meet you, but Dylan has been way too stingy with you. I’m so glad he brought you tonight.”

  “Well…I didn’t actually come with Dylan—”

  “She’s my guest tonight.” Evelyn took her by the arm. “I promised Lillian a surprise and I intend to provide one.”

  “You’d better watch your back with this one, Nikki.” Steven’s eyebrows drew together. He kept his tone light, though she sensed the true warning behind his teasing. “With all of them, actually.”

  “Don’t be absurd. I’ll take good care of her.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  “If you’ll excuse us.” Evelyn turned Nikki toward Lillian and her group. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to make you nervous.”

  “Wait.” Steven placed a business card in Nikki’s hand. “If you ever need me for anything, you let me know. Any woman who can tolerate that ornery friend of mine is worth her weight in gold.”

  “Thank you, Steven.”

  “You have to promise to come and visit sometime. Becca is going to hate that she missed you, but she just couldn’t make it tonight.”

  “I promise.” She tucked the card in her bag as Evelyn directed her toward Dylan’s mother.

  “Lillian,” Evelyn said to the sedate blonde as they neared. “You must meet Nikki McClellan.”

  Something in the shape of the woman’s eyes reminded Nikki of Dylan, though Lillian’s gaze held none of the warmth of her son’s. A chill ran up Nikki’s spine. It was difficult to picture this woman in a nurturing role. Nothing maternal emanated from her.

  “Is it Nicole then?” she asked.

  Nikki offered her hand. “Actually it’s Nikki.”

  “I see.” The woman offered a two-fingered shake, as though she disdained further contact.

  Evelyn leaned in closer, as though she were indulging a secret. “This is Dylan’s Nikki.”

  “Oh.” Lillian peered at her with new interest.

  “Nikki, this is Dylan’s mother, Lillian Cain.”

  “Mrs. Cain, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Come now, we’ll have none of that. It’s Lillian, dear. No need to make me
feel any older than necessary. Mrs. Cain was my mother-in-law, God rest her soul. So tell me, how did you meet my son?”

  “Well, I’m buying his house.”

  “Oh, yes, Evelyn did mention something of the sort. Thank goodness he’s moving past that phase of his life. It’s about time. Now that he’s a partner, he’ll need to get serious about his career. No more dabbling in that other stuff.”

  “He’s actually quite talented at that other stuff.”

  Lillian raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow. Her superior air made Evelyn seem docile. “Let’s get serious. He’ll never amount to anything with that architecture foolishness. The Cains have been attorneys for generations. He has big shoes to fill and at last he seems to be doing an adequate job of that. There’s absolutely no need to encourage him otherwise.”

  “Of course there is.”

  Her second eyebrow lifted and she eyed Nikki in surprise. “Excuse me?”

  “Oh, Nikki, look, there’s Nick. Did I ever introduce you?” Evelyn tugged on her arm.

  Lillian gave her a scathing glare. “You can wait until we’re finished with our conversation. If what you say is correct, then Nicole here—”

  “It’s Nikki.”

  Lillian’s eyes narrowed on Nikki. “Nikki is a tramp’s name. As long as you’re dating my son, you’ll be known as Nicole. I can’t possibly introduce you to my friends otherwise.”

  “But I prefer Nikki. It is a perfectly acceptable name, just like architecture is a perfectly acceptable occupation.”

  “Look, missy, if you expect to rub shoulders with your social betters, you’ll soon learn that your opinion is of little value around here.”

  Before Nikki could respond, a distinguished gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair interrupted. “Excuse me, dear, I couldn’t help seeing you seem a little agitated.” He eyed Nikki with a note of censure. “Is everything all right?”

  “Nothing I can’t handle, dear. Evelyn has brought us quite a little surprise is all.”

  Evelyn blushed as both gazes turned toward her. “N-Nikki, this is Mitchell Cain, Dylan’s father. Mitchell, this is Nikki McClellan, Dylan’s—”