Chapter 13
They decided to live in Stefan’s place. It was newer, bigger and nicer so it made sense for Stacey to move. But it was bittersweet because she would no longer be a block away from Nick. Nick and she were packing up her place and it hit her that she was a married woman and moving away from the only meaningful relationship she had ever had outside of her mother.
“I’m going to miss you Stacey May.” Nick pulled her ponytail that she had her hair up in. It was such a brotherly gesture that tears formed in her eyes. She couldn’t talk past the lump in her throat so she just hugged him.
Before he could diffuse the situation with wry humor which might have hurt her feelings Stacey said “So when are you going to make an honest woman of Jasmine?”
“Believe it or not I was actually thinking along those lines.” Nick said as he packed more books into boxes from the shelves. “But do you think she would have me?” Nick sounded uncharacteristically unsure of himself.
“Of course, she loves you.” Stacey answered.
“I hurt her bad Stacey. I know she has forgiven me, but sometimes it looks like she’s just waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Nick stated flatly.
“Nick, don’t beat yourself up. You weren’t ready for a serious relationship. Yes you handled it badly, but you’re rebuilding trust. She loves you.” She put her hand on his shoulder to reassure him.
“What am I going to do without being able to just walk in your door anytime I want? Stefan is a good man, but I’m mad at him for usurping my place in your life as the most important person in the world.” Nick laughed.
Stacey had never been in love with Nick, but she did love him to his core. So his teasing hit a sensitive spot. And the tears that had welled up earlier, now spilled over.
“Hey what’s this?” Nick was immediately concerned.
“I’m just being silly.” She sniffed back tears. “We will still see each other all the time. But it does feel like a chapter in my life is over.”
“But a new one is opening. I am so happy for you Stacey.” Nick pulled her into his arms and pulled her in for a hug.
When he released her it seemed like the world tilted. One moment she was safe in Nick’s arms the next she was in a hospital bed. She turned her head and saw both Stefan and Nick sitting by her bedside.
My men. They loved her so much. And she loved them.
“What happened?” Stacey asked groggily.
“Besides, you scaring the life out of me…” Nick said patting her leg.
Stefan who was holding her hand said, “They are running tests to try to figure that out.”
Nick stood, “I’ll leave you two. Stacey May don’t ever scare me like that again.” Nick’s voice was full of emotion. Stacey looked to see tears in his eyes as he exited the room.
“Stefan, can you check on Nick to make sure he’s ok?”
Stefan hesitated, like he wanted to argue but decided against it. He got up and walked out the door and saw Nick standing down the hall his tall frame shaking. As Stefan got closer, he could see he was weeping. “Sorry man, I didn’t mean to lose it. She just scared the hell out of me. You have no idea how much that woman means to me.”
Stefan knew it was illogical to be angry but he couldn’t help it. The jealousy of his longtime friend was something he struggled with constantly and this felt like it was just too much. “How much she means to you? She’s my wife!”
Nick took the defensive stance as well. “But she’s been my life for over five years. You can’t come along and know her all of 3 months and expect to come close to understanding how much I love her.”
Stefan was shocked. “You arrogant son of a bitch! It’s not about you! She is in there fighting for her life and all you can think about is poor Nick! Grow up Nick! The world doesn’t revolve around you.
Nick reared back and punched Stefan right in the face. “Don’t you think I know that? I gave her up so she could be happy with you.” Nick bowed his head defeated. “But I’m still entitled to be scared of losing her,” he said in a hoarse whisper.
Maybe if Nick hadn’t hit him, the fear in Nick’s voice would have reached Stefan. But his aching jaw just fueled the rage and terror he was feeling. “You gave her up? You gave her up?” Stefan repeated.
Nick tried to back pedal, “I didn’t mean it like that. I just know if I had told her that she couldn’t date you, you wouldn’t be married right now.”
The shock was written all over Stefan’s face. The urge to hit Nick was strong, but the fear that he was right was just as strong so he hit back with words. “You’re just upset that she is no longer bowing prostrate before the alter of your vanity.”
It was just the wrong thing to say. But Stefan knew how much it would hurt. He knew he was hitting below the belt and for no reason. It was fear of losing Stacey that had them both overreacting. But there seemed no way to pull back from it. Nick was about to hit Stefan again and a small part of Stefan welcomed it. But at the last moment, Nick’s arm was halted midair.
Dave had walked up and saw what was happening and stopped Nick before he could hit Stefan. “Boys!”
And it felt like they had been taken back to the time when Nick and Stefan had fought over Sandy Brighton in the 8th grade. Both men stood apart assessing one another. Dave’s words barely penetrated the intensity of the situation. “Take it down a notch fellas. This isn’t going to do Stacey any good.”
At the mention of her name, both men took another step back from each other. “You’re right Dad.” Stefan turned around and went back towards Stacey’s room. But he turned back and looked over his shoulder and said to Nick, “I’d appreciate it if you’d give me and my WIFE some privacy.” He opened the door and walked into Stacey’s room and didn’t look back. If he had, he would have seen the stricken look on Nick’s face.
Dave tried to comfort Nick, but Nick brushed him off. “See you later Dave.” And he walked away feeling like his whole world had just crashed around him.
Take Care of Me Page 23