Page 60 of Full Strength

Lucy leaned in. “Nikolay.”

My mouth dropped open. “Really?” It was such a shock and relief I didn’t know what emotion to process first. Suddenly, all animosity I felt toward Elena evaporated. Now that I knew she wasn’t after my man, I was ready to talk crushes with her.

Elena was blushing and looking around to see if anyone had overhead. “Don’t say it so loud. He's around here somewhere.”

I didn't know Nikolay very well. The most time we spent together was at the photoshoot, but he was pretty much the exact opposite of Elena. Where she was sunshine and smiles, Nikolay was brooding and scowls. Maybe it was a Russian thing but I didn’t see the two of them together. They would take the opposites attract thing to a whole new level.

“Nikolay seems...nice.”

Lucy laughed while Elena frowned. “I know he’s not exactly the most obvious choice, but the first time I met him earlier this week…” She got a dreamy look in her eyes. “I swear something clicked in me. He was so polite and didn’t treat me like a bimbo.”

I felt like she’d just punched me in the gut. That was the first thing I’d thought about her. A five-minute conversation and I’d realized she was down to earth and just as self-conscious as the rest of us. I liked her.

“He really is so nice. I had a full-on emergency with a photoshoot at the salon I work for. I needed models that day, so I called Grant and Nikolay showed up with him. Sure, Erik, Olli and Noah came too but they already knew me. He was such a good sport about everything too. He didn’t complain once and was really nice to everyone involved. He really impressed me.”

Elena’s hand went to her chest. “Really?”

I laughed as she practically swooned at the idea. Yeah, this girl was in full-on crush mode. For some reason, I felt the need to help her.

“When do you head back home?”

She looked between me and Lucy. “Can you guys keep a secret?”

Lucy looked surprised. “What?”

I nodded, waiting for her to go on. “I met with the network’s station here. They were really impressed with my story on the Salt Lake and asked if I’d be interested in transferring here.”

Lucy’s eyes widened. “You’re moving here?”

“Shhhh.” Elena hushed her friend. “Nothing is concrete yet, but we’re in talks.”

Lucy appeared to be in shock so I congratulated Elena. “That’s so exciting. I really hope you get the position, if that’s what you want.”

Elena nodded. “Being alone in LA is starting to take its toll. I want to be closer to friends.”

Lucy and I turned to each other, smiling. “If you’re looking for friends, this is the best place you could be.”

I nodded in agreement.

“I just don’t want it to seem like I’m chasing a man.”

Lucy shook her head. “You’re moving to be closer to me.”

“Yeah, he’s just a perk.” I winked and Elena blushed.

Madi walked over with Eli in her arms. “Hey momma.”

“Hey, there’s my boy!” I took him from her and he instantly snuggled into me. “Hi sweetie.” I kissed the top of his head and sighed. I missed him.

I looked up to see Elena watching me with a confused expression. “He’s yours?”

I nodded and glanced at Lucy. Hadn’t someone told her that already?”

“Sorry I just assumed he was Grant’s. When he walked in carrying the diaper bag and car seat like a pro…” She trailed off and looked at us for help.

“No, Eli is Addi’s son. She and Grant are together though.”

I started shaking my head. “Not really.”