Page 107
Stacy’s mouth gaped open, and Nick shifted in his seat.
“You saw us at IHOP?” he said.
“Yes, but you obviously didn’t see me. Carl and I were sitting across the restaurant when you came in.”
Stacy thought back to that day and how she’d been afraid they’d run into someone from the office. She’d thought she’d done her due diligence by scanning the restaurant when they’d come in. Then she recalled her and Nick holding hands across the table…
“I saw you holding hands, and I knew.”
Stacy and Nick exchanged glances.
“I’m not so old that I don’t remember what being in love looks like,” Fran added.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Nick said.
Stacy wondered the same thing.
“I wasn’t sure if it was a fling or something more serious. Since you called me here, I assume it’s the latter.”
“It is,” he confirmed.
Stacy nodded since she was still too shocked to speak.
“There’ve been some rumors floating around, so we wanted you to hear it from us first.”
“Rumors, tumors. I’ve already heard the rumors, and I’m trying to put a stop to them.”
“How?” In Stacy’s excitement, the word flew out of her mouth.
“This morning, I met with Marie in human resources. I suggested she speak to the culprit about spreading gossip and that it’s highly unprofessional, considering the individual’s position.”
“Britney,” Nick said, without reservation.
Fran nodded. “I might have suggested that Marie look for a replacement, but that’s just between us.”
Nick smiled and reached for Stacy’s hand.
Her first instinct was to pull it back, but then she realized she didn’t have to. She entwined her fingers with his, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“In the meantime, I suggest you two keep a low profile while at the office. Knowing both of you, I’m not too worried, though.”
Stacy felt like she should say something, but her heart was in her throat. Not only was Fran showing support, but she’d complained to human resources on their behalf. It was unexpected and overwhelming.
“Now that we cleared that up, can I speak as your aunt Fran?”
“Of course,” Nick replied.
“Stacy is one of the finest employees I’ve ever had, not to mention a wonderful human being. Don’t screw this up!”
Nick burst out laughing, and Stacy eyed him incredulously. Someone else might have been offended, but he looked like Fran had just paid him the highest compliment.
“I assume this means you’re staying in Michigan,” Fran continued, undeterred.
“Absolutely. I’m not going anywhere.”
Stacy squeezed his hand that time, acknowledging that she’d heard him loud and clear.
Fran glanced at her watch and then stood up. “If that’s all, I need to get home and make dinner. Otherwise, Carl will be elbow deep in a bag of potato chips.”
