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“I’ll draw you up a map. You’ll take the ferry, and then drive the rest of the way.” Claudia turned to go inside, when Nick stopped her.
“I’ll take her,” he replied. I turned in surprise. “We’ll drop her car off at your place then—then I’ll take to the reserve.” He wouldn’t look at me as he agreed to do it.
“You don’t have to do that.” I said, trying to look him in the eye. “I don’t want to waste your time.”
“You’re not wasting my time,” he scoffed. I scanned his face, trying to figure out what he was feeling. A minute ago he had seemed unhappy to see me; now he wanted to spend the day with me.
“Are you sure?” I asked. “Because you seem—annoyed with my presence.” His eyes narrowed as he finally turned to look at me.
“I’m.not.annoyed,” he said, clearing his throat.
“If you say so,” I sighed, remembering how stubborn he was. “I’ll see you at your place later.”
“Around seven.” She said with a nod. Then I waved at Claudia as she went back in the gallery.
I followed Nic k to Claudia’s apartment and parked in the back. He parked in front of me and waited. I got in his new car, which was a black Aston Martin. He looked so uncomfortable. I really didn’t understand why he offered to do this.
“Don’t you work today?” I asked. He just shook his head. I rolled my eyes and folded my hands in my lap. “Well, thanks for doing this.” Again he just nodded.
Claudia was right about the reserve; it was incredible. I just wished Nick would lighten up a little. The silent car ride was torture enough. I didn’t need him as a bodyguard, trailing behind me or walking far away from me. But it did help with my inspiration because when Nick wasn’t paying attention, I snapped a few pictures of him. He had been a big part of my work lately, so I figured I’d keep him as my inspiration.
“Are you planning on talking at all today?” I asked. Nick just continued to walk ahead of me. Then my phone buzzed. Claudia was texting me.
5:30 p.m. ClaudiaPorter: How are things going? I shook my head, realizing she had probably set this up on purpose.
5:35 p.m. Me: Kind of boring. Nick doesn’t talk much anymore. However, the sights are incredible. Thanks for the suggestion. I had stopped walking to text her back. When I looked up again Nick was standing on a bridge by the pond, another perfect shot. As I waited for her to text me back, I snapped a few more pictures of him. I hated the sad expression he had on his face. When he turned, he caught me taking pictures of him. I tried to hide my grin.
“Please don’t use that in your collection,” he joked. “Why not? You’re the perfect muse,” I replied. He turned his head hiding his smirk but I caught it. I shook my head, and sighed.
“I’m sorry if m y being here is making you uncomfortable.” “What makes you think that I’m uncomfortable?” he scoffed. I
rolled my eyes at him, and he turned away.
“Oh come on, Nick. I can tell.” I sighed.
My phone buzzed again.
5:45 p.m. ClaudiaPorter: Good to hear you like the spot. Sorry to hear that Nick is such a bore.
5:50 p.m. Me: It’s fine. I should see you soon.
“Who are you talking to?” Nick asked , walking closer. “Why do you care?” I tried to joke, but he frowned at me. I grabbed his arm stopping him. “I’m just kidding. It’s Claudia. She asked how I like the reserve.”
“My sister, the nosy parker,” he said and walked past me. I caught up with him.
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“She knows about our past,” he said.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“I’m sure—once she realized who you were . . .” He gave me a quick side glance.
“Oh, I see what you mean.” I screwed my lips to the side. Nick continued to walk a few paces ahead of me.
Then something strange happened.
As we walked back to the car through the beautiful sculptured Zen garden, a cluster of blue butterflies swirled around us. “Don’t move,” I said, slowly lifting my camera. A few landed on Nick as he stood still. “That is neat.”
