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Post by André DiMera on Feb 10, 2021 14:03:07 GMT -5
That was a horrible dream Nicole had! I'm glad Rafe was there and pulled her out of that! So glad that they're gonna be there for each other! Great chapter, murphyslaw! |
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Post by murphyslaw on Feb 10, 2021 14:09:50 GMT -5
Thanks. I am glad you like it!
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Post by heroicmuse on Feb 11, 2021 9:28:59 GMT -5
What a horrible dream! Thank goodness Rafe was there for Nicole. Great chapter murphyslaw |
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Post by krw627 on Feb 11, 2021 10:46:01 GMT -5
Great description of Nicole's nightmare. Excellent chapter. I'm glad Rafe and Nicole have each other.
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Post by murphyslaw on Feb 17, 2021 18:26:07 GMT -5
Chapter 3
Nicole emerged from her bedroom freshly showered and dressed and she started a fresh pot of coffee. She also started cracking some eggs and heating her omelette pan. Rafe deserved a good breakfast after keeping her from loosing her mind last night. Nicole started gathering her omelette ingredients and chopped everything up while her stand mixer whipped the eggs into a perfect consistency. Buttering the pan, Nicole made short work of pouring the eggs and added the rest of the ingredients. Two ham and cheese omelettes and two slices of toast later, Nicole set the table just as Rafe came out of the bedroom, dressed and sniffing the air in appreciation.
“Wow! That smells amazing, but you didn’t have to do all this for me. I should have been the one getting you breakfast this morning.” Rafe says in thanks.
“It was not any trouble to add an extra omelette and you more than deserved it after all you did to help me last night.” Nicole replied in determination to not ruin this by dwelling on why she had needed him so much as she moved to the coffee pot and brought it to the table where she sat it next to the cream and sugar bowls.
“That is what friends are for, lending shoulders and fighting off bad dreams.” Rafe said
“You were my rock last night, Rafe, and I don’t know what I would have done without you here. Making you breakfast as a thank you is an easy task compared to how you helped me.” Nicole exclaimed with heartfelt sincerity.
Nicole admitted to herself that she made breakfast for Rafe not only as a thank you but also to delay his departure. While he was here, he was keeping all the pain and despair at a distance. She knew it was coming, but she was determined to hold it off as long as she could. Rafe was such a wonderful guy to help her like this. Nicole knew he knew what she was up to, but, instead of calling her on it, he sat down and joined her for breakfast. Rafe talked about movies he had seen and joked around to get her through this morning. He told her how proud he was of her for doing what she had to do today. She remembered his kindness and compassion both last night and this morning.
“Thank you for helping me through one of the worst nights of my life and turning it into a night and morning full of support and friendship. I really don’t know how I would have made it through without you. You truly are a wonderful man and I count myself lucky to have you in my life.” Nicole said with deep feeling.
Rafe smiled as he got up and pulled Nicole to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her another warm hug. Rafe promised
“You helped me as much as I helped you get through the loneliness and pain. I have to go to work now, but I will call you later to see how you are doing. You are doing the right thing today, even though I know how hard it is to let go of someone you love so much. You will get through this and come out stronger for it. You are an amazing woman, Nicole, and Eric is a fool.” Rafe declared.
Nicole walked Rafe to the door and sadly waved goodbye to him then shut the door behind him. Nicole walked to the couch and plopped down. It only took a second for Nicole’s eyes to find the paperwork that waited for her signature on the coffee table. With a heartfelt sigh and tears blurring her vision, Nicole signed the papers that gave Eric his freedom and killed her dream marriage. With a cry of pain, Nicole threw the offensive pen across the room and picked up the papers. It was time to go to the courthouse and file the special circumstances annulment decree the church had provided Eric with. In this type of divorce, there was no waiting period. Once the paperwork was filed today and the fees paid, her annulment would be final immediately and, in the eyes of the church, her dream marriage never happened. That way, Eric could rejoin the priesthood.
It was what he wanted, and she had loved him long enough to know that. In the past, she would have refused to give him his freedom and made him fight for it as a way to hold onto him. Now, however, Nicole was a mother and she would never dream of putting Holly through that kind of pain. If Eric didn’t want them, she wouldn’t try to make him stay.
Holly came first, always and forever, what was best for her was the only choice for Nicole now. Holly was still young enough that she might miss Eric for a few months, but if Nicole tried to hang on to Eric and dragged this out long enough, Holly could end up thinking Eric’s unhappiness was Holly’s own fault. Nicole would never take that chance with her precious daughter, no matter how much it hurt Nicole. This was pain so deep and soul crushing that Nicole was sure her heart might never recover.
Abe was waiting for Rafe when he got to work and Abe commented that Rafe looked tired and his clothes looked like his emergency clothes from the trunk of his car. Rafe texted Nicole to find out if he could tell Abe about Eric sending her divorce papers. Nicole texted back to please wait because she was going to meet Abe for lunch to tell him herself. Rafe told Abe he would tell him all about it after they caught up on all their cases and paperwork. Abe laughed and said
“So sometime in 2030 then?”
Rafe grinned in return, and answered
“Oh, I have a feeling you will know all about it before the day is out Mayor Carver Busybody.” Rafe teased and ducked as Abe threw a pen at him.
“It’s better than being Police Commissioner Smart Mouth!” Abe fired back with a snarky grin and smiled as he loaded a bunch of pens in his hand, just in case.
Rafe just smirked and told Mayor Busybody to get back to work as he closed the door to his office. Time to get to work. Rafe started his day for the first time since Hope told him goodbye with a smile on his face. It felt good being needed and helping a dear friend out, plus, he didn’t have to eat breakfast alone. Gabi usually slept late and didn’t join him. He was so busy, he didn’t even notice his improved mood, but Abe did.
Abe’s phone beeped with a message from Nicole. Could Abe meet her for lunch? She really needed some advice from the man she considered a substitute father. Abe responded sure, he will meet her at the Brady pub, but Nicole shot that idea down. She was taking the day off to deal with some legal issues so could he meet her at her apartment? Was these mysterious legal issues what she wanted him to give her advice about? Yes, that was part of it, Nicole answered. Abe agreed to meet Nicole for lunch at her apartment. Nicole thanked him and promised to fill him in then. Abe wondered what Nicole had managed to get herself into now.
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Post by André DiMera on Feb 17, 2021 18:53:31 GMT -5
It was nice of Nicole to make Rafe breakfast. Even though it’s hard, I’m glad she’s putting Holly first and doing what’s best for her. Hopefully her meeting with Abe goes well. Great chapter, murphyslaw. |
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Post by murphyslaw on Feb 27, 2021 2:58:40 GMT -5
Chapter 4.
Nicole took a deep breath as the clerk of court called Nicole’s name. The clerk brought Nicole back to the district court Judge’s office. When Nicole entered the office, she had on her most professional face. The face she wore when she reported the news at Titan. She presented the Judge with the annulment papers plus the rest of the paperwork the church sent over showing that Eric used to be a priest and that Nicole and Eric had only been married for three months before he felt called to the Congo. She fought for Eric to be allowed the annulment immediately so he could return to the calling that he never should have left. The Judge granted the annulment with special circumstances effective immediately and Nicole left his chambers a single woman once more.
Nicole made it all the way back to her apartment and barely made it inside before the flood of tears started falling down. Great sobs racked her body as the pain knifed through her heart slicing it to ribbons. It was done now, the end of her dream marriage.
Nicole was curled up on the couch sobbing her heart out when she heard a knock at her door. She had forgotten she had invited Abe for lunch. Nicole was sure she looked a mess but Abe had seen her looking a mess before and she really needed his help so she got up, wiped her eyes as best she could and went to let her oldest friend in. Opening the door, Nicole gave Abe a sad, heartbroken smile and said
“Hey Abe, thank you for coming. I have just come back from the courthouse and haven’t really had time to make lunch yet. I can make us sandwiches if that is ok?”
Nicole finished with a watery sigh and tears started falling down her face again as she bravely tried to keep from sobbing all over again...
Abe could tell something bad had happened and asked Nicole
“Did something happen with the custody of Henry?”
That was the first thing Abe could think of to explain Nicole’s distraught state. Nicole loved little Henry a lot but she had been encouraging Allie to step up and be Henry’s mom. Nicole still had legal custody of Henry even though Allie was Henry’s mother. Sami had tried to take Henry once already but Abe thought all that was settled. Sami was still Sami though so she could have went to court to take Henry again. Nicole shook her head and replied
“No, this isn’t about Henry. Come on in and I will explain everything. I really need your help Abe.”
Nicole said as she opened the door wider for him to enter inside and have a seat on the couch. On the coffee table, there were three envelopes, one addressed to Marlena, one addressed to Sami, and one with Nicole’s name on it. Abe had been a detective for a long time so he put the clues together quickly and realized this must have something to do with Eric. Abe asked
“What’s going on Nicole and what can I do to help?”
Nicole’s tears pooled in her eyes and spilled over once again as she took a shuddering breath, picked up the envelope with her name on it, and said
“This letter will explain everything but it is hard for me to talk about so I am going to let you read this while I go make us some sandwiches for lunch. Then we can talk about what I need you to help me with”
Nicole handed the letter to Abe, and went into the kitchen to start making the sandwiches. Abe looked at Nicole with concern then pulled out the letter and started reading. As he read, everything started to make sense as the story unfolded in the sentences. Now Abe knew why Nicole was so upset and why she went to court today. Abe’s heart broke for Nicole with every word he read and he wanted to help her get through this. Damn it, Abe though, when he had finished reading the marriage killing letter, he had thought that Nicole had finally found her happy ending. Abe was torn between sympathy for Eric and wanting to tan that boy’s hide for what he was putting Nicole through. Abe sighed and asked the difficult question
“I take it you filed the paperwork in court today. What did the Judge rule?”
Nicole brought the sandwiches and drinks over to the coffee table and sat next to Abe. Tears were still pooling in her eyes as she said with a sob
“My marriage has been annulled effective immediately. As of eleven o’clock today, i am single again.”
Nicole started to cry as Abe pulled her into a hug and whispered to her
“I am so sorry sweetheart. I really thought things would turn out differently. What is it that you need me to help you with? I will help however I can.”
Abe’s heart broke for Nicole all over again as she clung to him and cried on his shoulder. After a few minutes, she seemed to take a deep breath and pull herself together.
Nicole pulled away and wiped her eyes again. Taking Abe’s hands she looked him in his eyes and said
“Thank you Abe for being the best friend a woman could ever want. If I could chose anyone in the world to be my father instead of that horrible monster who was, it would be you.”’
Abe felt his heart swell with feeling for this woman who had been through so many things in her life but still managed to keep going. She may have done many things wrong, but she had always tried to do better and he had always felt protective towards her just like he really was her father and he loved her, unconditionally, just like he loved his son who was also Nicole’s brother Brandon, and his other two children Lani and Theo.
“I have always felt like you were my family too Nicole. Now tell me what you need me to do to help you.”
Abe responded as Nicole smiled at Abe and sighed. She reached over and picked up the two other envelopes from the coffee table and handed them over to Abe. She explained
“Eric sent these two letters with the annulment papers and the letter to me. I.. I am not ready to see them right now Abe. It is too raw and I barely tolerate Sami at the beat of times, much less right now. Could you see that they get these letters. I hate to ask, but could you tell them the news that Eric and I are no longer married?”
Abe understood where Nicole was coming from. Her history with the Brady clan was stormy, to say the least, so he could stand as a buffer between them and her for a little bit until she got her legs back under her from this blow that knocked her down so hard. Abe was sure Marlena would surprise Nicole with her reaction to this news but Sami was sure to take jabs at Nicole and that was something Nicole didn’t need right now. Abe told her
“Of course. I can do that. You deserve some breathing room to process all of this. When did you get the package with the papers in it? I am so sorry you had to go through that all alone. You could have called me. I would have come.” Abe wanted to make sure Nicole knew he was there for her.
Nicole explained
“Rafe dropped by to say Merry Christmas right after I had gotten the package last night. He heard me crying through the door and thought someone was in here. He threatened to break the door down so I had to let him in. He checked to make sure I was alone then wouldn’t leave until he knew why I was so upset so I had to show him the letter. He was really great and he didn’t want to leave me alone so he stayed all night to help me through it. This morning, I made him a thank you breakfast and he tried to cheer me up. He helped me find the strength to do what I had to do in court today. He has been a really good friend through this, and I was such a mess because I didn’t want to face the end of my marriage. I don’t know what I would have done without him being here. He was really a rock for me when I needed one. He said he would stop by tonight to check on me. Allie and Henry are supposed to come home tonight as is Holly, and I don’t want Holly to see how upset I am.” Nicole said as more tears pooled in her eyes.
Abe smiled at Nicole and told her
“I know you are hurting right now, but you are tough, Nicole. I know you will get through this and be stronger because of it.” Abe told her.
“Thank you, Abe. I will get through this. Holly needs me, and I won’t let her down.” Nicole vowed. Her daughter was who Nicole had to protect now. Nicole was determined to make sure Holly wasn’t hurt by Eric’s choice and she would make sure Holly had a good Christmas.
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Post by murphyslaw on Feb 27, 2021 3:00:44 GMT -5
Sorry this chapter ended up so long. Thank you all for reading my story. I hope you are enjoying it.
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Post by sportsgirl on Feb 27, 2021 9:01:55 GMT -5
Sorry this chapter ended up so long. Thank you all for reading my story. I hope you are enjoying it. There is some duplication in here..near the Hey Abe, thank you for coming... That is why it is so long. |
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Post by murphyslaw on Feb 27, 2021 9:29:55 GMT -5
Sorry this chapter ended up so long. Thank you all for reading my story. I hope you are enjoying it. There is some duplication in here..near the Hey Abe, thank you for coming... That is why it is so long. Thanks for catching that! I should have proof read better. I will fix it now! |
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Post by André DiMera on Feb 27, 2021 10:32:01 GMT -5
Abe and Nicole have always had a unique relationship. It’s nice to see him being supportive of her, and willing to deliver the letters to the Bradys. Glad Nicole is gonna try to give Holly a good Christmas, despite the circumstances. Great chapter, murphyslaw! |
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Post by sportsgirl on Feb 27, 2021 12:34:12 GMT -5
Nice that Abe is being like the father she should have had & I like that Rafe & Nicole have become such close friends. It is the best way to start a relationship.
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Post by murphyslaw on Feb 27, 2021 12:39:12 GMT -5
Thank you all for your support of my fan fiction. If you want to read a more “mature” version.. I started this story on Archives of our own under the name Proshutterbug because I was a professional photographer for over twenty years .. it is called The Start of Something Beautiful. I am planning on splitting the story up into two different storylines after I post the Christmas chapter. The story on Archives will follow closely with the plot on Days, but this story will go another way and will be more PG rated.
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Post by Kpatch on Feb 27, 2021 21:09:16 GMT -5
I'm catching up, but still behind. I liked Nicole admitting to herself that she cooked breakfast because she wanted Rafe to stay with her longer.
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Post by murphyslaw on Mar 7, 2021 14:07:08 GMT -5
Chapter 5
Rafe had just finished his lunch when Abe came into his office at one o’clock after spending his lunch hour with Nicole. Rafe said
“So how did you lunch with Nicole go?”
Rafe asked trying not to give too much away. He knew Nicole was supposed to let Abe know about Eric but he didn’t want to let something slip if she hadn’t gotten the chance to tell him yet.
“Sadly. Nicole told me about Eric and let me read the letter he sent her. She also said that you were there right after she got it and you stayed all night to help her through it. You are a good friend Rafe.” Abe said as he smiled at Rafe.
Rafe asked
“How was she doing? Do you know if she filed the papers today? I know she was planning on it but I am not sure if she went through with it. This is tearing her apart and it is hard to let go of a marriage.” Rafe said with sympathy. Abe nodded as he said
“Yes, she went right after you left this morning and filed. She is now a single mother again. She is having a hard time with it but she is determined to shield Holly from how upset she really is. She gave me the letters Eric sent to his mother and Sami. She asked me to deliver them and explain about the annulment for her. She doesn’t feel ready to see them just yet. Everything is still pretty raw to her. I told her I would and I am going to stop by Maggie’s and explain what is going on as well. I am hoping Maggie will agree to watch Holly and Henry and let Allie stay for an extra night to give Nicole some space to process before she has to put on a brave face for everyone. This whole thing really knocked her down. I thought for sure that Eric was her happy ending, and she did too. While I can understand Eric’s position, my heart breaks for Nicole.” Abe sighs.
Rafe slipped and let the anger churning in his stomach at Eric come out as he responds
“Well, I can’t understand Eric’s position. He took vows with her and made promises to both Nicole and Holly to be there for them and then left them at the first opportunity to go on this mission to Africa. Then, instead of coming back to them, he abandons them because he found his true calling again? I just don’t understand how someone can just leave their wife and child behind like that. Well, I can tell you one thing, he needs to stay in Africa because if he comes back to Salem, I might be arrested for punching a priest in the mouth!” Rafe fumed.
Abe tried to play peacemaker and calm Rafe down. Abe knew Rafe had to give up a child himself and Rafe didn’t understand how anyone could let a child go.
“Rafe, you know that Eric didn’t intend on this happening. He is trying to do the right thing and let Nicole and Holly get on with their lives instead of waiting for him. He does love them and he wants them to be happy.”
Rafe was not so understanding.
“Then he should have stayed here and made them happy instead of tearing Nicole to pieces and leaving her to raise Holly alone.” Rafe said in an uncompromising voice.
Abe thought it interesting that Rafe wasn’t willing to see Eric’s side at all. He wondered if Rafe was feeling protective over Nicole and Holly for more reasons than just friendship. He knew that Rafe had lost Hope recently and he couldn’t help her through her pain so maybe he was reacting to this situation because he could sympathize with being left behind. Abe said
“It is a good thing Nicole has us then, to help her through such a terrible time. Speaking of which, I am heading out to talk to Marlena and Maggie. I will call Nicole with an update once Maggie agrees to let Allie and the kids stay again tonight.”
Rafe agrees and adds
“That sounds good. I will stop by on my way home and check on Nicole. Maybe I can help cheer her up some and maybe she won’t feel quite so alone.” Rafe answers
Abe smiled as he thought that Nicole wasn’t the only one feeling alone. Maybe they should help each other through this. Abe was glad to see Rafe focus on someone else instead of missing Hope so bad and with Rafe there, maybe Nicole could ease her loneliness too.
“That sound like a plan. I will be on personal time while I deliver the letters and visit Maggie. If you need me for anything, just call my cell.” Abe said as he headed out.
Rafe waved bye to Abe as he thought about Nicole alone in her apartment. Giving into the desire he has had since leaving her this morning, Rafe picked up his cell and called Nicole. He just wanted to hear her voice and see how she was doing. Just a friend checking on another friend who was hurting, it was nothing more than that Rafe assured himself as he waited with bated breath for her to pick up the phone. The phone rang several times before he heard Nicole’s sleepy sounding voice say a husky hello. Rafe said
“Hello to you, sleepyhead. Getting in a much needed nap, it seems. I won’t keep you up long, I just wanted to see how you are fairing after your difficult morning.”
Nicole answered
“As well as can be expected, I suppose. I told Abe about Eric.” The sigh that followed made Rafe want to hold her close and comfort her. Instead he replied
“You don’t sound like you are feeling up to cooking tonight. How about this instead, since you made us breakfast, I will provide dinner. All you have to do is tell me what you want me to pick up on the way over. You can go through your movie collection and pick out our entertainment. We can watch a movie while we eat our dinner. How does that sound?” Rafe asked. Nicole answered
“That sounds perfect actually. Are you sure you don’t mind picking up something after working all day? You don’t have to keep me company tonight if you are tired and want to rest. Holly, Allie, and Henry should be home by then. I would understand if you have better things to do than hang out with us tonight.”
Nicole says as she tried to give him an out. She really hoped he wouldn’t take it since she would love the company but she also doesn’t want to take advantage of his friendship either. Rafe quickly reassured her that he would like some company as well.
“You would be doing me a favor by letting me come over. It is no fun eating and watching a movie alone. Besides, I am looking forward to it. It sounds so much better than going home to an empty house.” Rafe added with complete honesty.
Nicole supported the plan and asked him for food preferences. They agree on a Chinese place only a block down the street from her apartment which was on his way to her place anyway. She requested egg rolls for a side and beef and broccoli as her main dish. Rafe’s only request for entertainment, no sad movies. Nicole agreeed to that instantly as she thought to herself that they had enough to be sad about in real life, they did not need a movie that’s sad too. Rafe planed to leave a little early so he had time to pick up the takeout and be at her place a little after 8. They said their goodbyes and Rafe ended the call.
Rafe returned to work with a renewed determination to get done as soon as possible. He remembered his extra set of clothes that he keeps in his locker at work. Rafe spent the rest of his shift busy doing his paperwork with a smile on his face that he didn’t know he was wearing. For the first time since Hope let him go, his mind stayed on his work and he didn’t wonder where Hope was right now. With his focus in place, he managed to finish everything early enough that he was out of there by 7:30. Just before he left, he called Nicole to see what Holly and Allie wanted. Nicole told Rafe that Abe had asked Maggie to keep the kids one more night to figure out what to tell Holly and Allie was staying with them. Rafe told her that he thought that was a good idea, then he called the food order in and took the time to freshen up. With a bounce to his step that had been missing for a while, Rafe left and headed to the restaurant to pick up the food.
Back at Nicole’s apartment, Abe had called earlier to let Nicole know he delivered the letters to Marlena and explained about the annulment. Marlena read the letter Eric had sent his mom in which he explained that this was his decision and he wanted to make sure no one blamed any of this on Nicole. Marlena sent her condolences to Nicole for the pain this was causing her and to let Nicole know that Marlena was available to talk if Nicole needed her.
Next, Abe told her about his trip to Maggie’s house and that he had let Maggie know what was going on. Maggie felt horrible about what had happened and told Abe to let Nicole know that she would keep the kids another night and Allie was going to stay as well. Maggie and Allie both sent their love and would talk to her tomorrow when she went to pick everyone up. They both wanted her to have time to process what had happened and were there for her whenever she wanted to talk.
Nicole thanked Abe so much for helping her with this. She promised to keep in touch with Abe and that she would go to Maggie’s tomorrow. She and Abe said goodbye and she hung up. She sighed and felt sad but the worst of the tears seemed to be done for now. She knew that when she saw everyone tomorrow it would bring a fresh rush of grief over the loss of Eric and her marriage, but for now at least she seemed to be cried out.
Nicole knew the next big person to tell would be Brady. Eric was Brady’s brother and had been Nicole’s paramour in the past. She was not sure quite how Brady would take the news but Brady was with Kristen now, even though Kristen was in jail. Nicole hoped that the split with Eric wouldn’t make Brady feel awkward working for Basic Black. Nicole was a little worried about how Kristen might take the news that Nicole was single again. Kristen was not one of Nicole’s favorite people but they had managed in recent times to bury the hatchet so to speak and Nicole did not want to start that rivalry up again. She just wanted to raise her daughter in peace. Since Kristen had a little girl of her own now, maybe she would be less likely to want to start another war between them. Nicole decided to let Brady handle when and how to deal with Kristen. She was staying out of it. Kristen was the reason Nicole knew she couldn’t lean on Brady anymore. Thank goodness Rafe had stepped up instead.
Just thinking about Rafe had Nicole feeling a little less alone and she got up from her couch to look over her blue ray DVDs to pick tonight’s entertainment. No sad movies was Rafe’s choice and Nicole decided that nothing romantic would work either. They both needed to laugh tonight so Nicole went through her comedies and chose a movie sure to make them laugh. Now that the entertainment was picked out, Nicole had taken the time to make a dessert for them. Chocolate brownies were one of her daughter’s favorites so she could make a batch and have some ready for when Holly came
Nicole came out of the bedroom and took one last look around. She checked everything off in her head, everything was clean, bed was made, toys were picked up, Christmas decorations were twinkling, brownies were sliced into squares and ready to eat, dishes were done, and she was dressed. Now that it was almost time for Rafe to get there, Nicole took a few minutes to light the holiday candles. Then she sat down and waited for Rafe to get there with their food. Nicole realized that she was anticipating Rafe’s visit. She wanted to see him. Then she rationalized it, she was just lonely and so was he. She told herself it could be any of her friends and she would do the same thing. Just then, Nicole heard a knock on the door. She rushed to it as butterflies fluttered in her stomach which she chose to ignore. She opened the door and said
“Good evening, Rafe. I am so glad you could make it tonight. Please come in and take a seat.”
Rafe had picked up the food and headed to Nicole’s place. He had been anticipating seeing Nicole and he had told himself it was because he was worried about how she was doing. Carefully carrying the bags of take out, he had knocked on her door and suddenly felt nervous. Again, he had told himself that he was concerned about her, that was all it was. When she opened the door, the rush of pleasure he got as his eyes drank her in was stronger than he anticipated. Once more, he blamed it on wanting to know how she was doing after her marriage to Eric had ended. Rafe looked up and saw a smile on her lips and thought that he was so glad he was here with her.
Nicole invited him in and offered him a seat.. he walked in and headed to the coffee table, where he sat up their food. Nicole watched him with a soft look on her face. She was so glad he is here with her...
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