Chapter 6

Chapter 6

They stood next to Nicole's car, trying to decide what to do next. Suddenly Douglas said, “I'm sorry I manipulated the conversation during lunch. I tend to do that.”

“I don't think you did. You told me what was going on with you and that's that,” Nicole said. She felt a little nervous, wondering what she should tell him about herself. Her past wasn't as exciting and she hoped she wouldn't bore him. “We could go to my house, but my sister lives close by and my nephews will want to come over if they see I'm home.”

“You trust me enough to take me to your home? You really don't know me, Nicole, even if we were once classmates,” said Douglas solemnly. He gave Nicole an unreadable look before continuing, “Why don't we grab some ice cream? It's a nice day to sit out and enjoy the sun.”

“Good idea. We can go over to Bailey's Soda Shop. I'm in love with their chocolate chip shake,” said Nicole with a dreamy look on her face. “Follow me,” said Douglas and they sped away to the place where ice cream dreams come true.

The soda shop was almost deserted for a Sunday afternoon. Douglas and Nicole were the only customers there. He promptly ordered a double fudge chocolate cone but Nicole couldn't decided. “Oh dear, you've got new flavors,” she said to the bored teenager behind the counter. “I can't decide whether to have the mocha mint or the black cherry ripple.” Nicole's face was almost pressed flat against the display case.

“Just pick one, Nicole,”said Douglas as he licked at his cone. “Close your eyes and pick one. There's no wrong answer when it comes to ice cream.”

“Oh, okay. I'll take the black cherry ripple in a cone,” she said while still staring at the other choices. “I hope you're right Douglas Daniels.” He laughed, “I am right.”

The patio of the soda shop was manicured with flowers and a bird bath that wore a fine patina hue all over it. Douglas directed Nicole to a table that was partly in the sun but would have shade as time progressed. For a moment they licked their cones in a silence that was comfortable, like a soft sung lullaby. “You're right. This is a good choice,” said Nicole, rapidly licking up a rebellious drip of ice cream before it landed on her shirt. “The best ice cream I've ever had was during my years at Eastern University. There was a small ice cream shop a few blocks from my dorm and I bet I spent a small fortune there on chocolate peanut butter. It consisted of chocolate ice cream with real peanut butter ribbons through it.” She laughed, “I better stop thinking about it or I'll lose my appetite for this flavor.”

“I didn't realize you'd gone to Eastern. I thought the majority of us who went to college attended at Pemberton,” said Douglas.

“Yes, I did attend Pemberton my Freshman year but decided to transfer to Eastern the next year and have no regrets. In fact, I'm glad I did. Everything at Eastern was so different from any place I've ever been. I blossomed during that first year. Late bloomers tend to overdo it but I managed to graduate,” said Nicole. She watched Douglas take a long lick of his ice cream cone and a shiver went over her. She forced herself to listen to his reply. “Sure didn't realize you had gone to Eastern. That alone should change most folks,” he said with laugh that suggested he had just told a private joke.

Nicole nodded and said almost in one breath, “Oh it did! Talk about an eye opening experience but I wouldn't change it for the world. I had a very flamboyant roommate from Philly who was a theater major and being around her gave me the courage to blossom. I'm much different from the smart shy girl from our high school era. I'm not afraid to speak up and am very friendly with everyone I meet. It amazes me how some of our classmates don't seem to know what to think of the fact that I am more vocal and outgoing. Smitty likes to joke about it by saying things like 'Hey Nicole Johnson got some words for Christmas and we can't get her to shut up.' I try not to let it bother me but I confess that at times I want to shout at them and say 'Hey I'm all grown up and can you please get over the wall flower syndrome you think I had years ago. Thank you.'”

A smile sprung across Douglas' face as he listened to Nicole's little rant. “Like you, I changed from the shy person I once was. I speak my mind and don't worry about it too much. I graduated from Pemberton. Then I ventured up north, following an ex-girlfriend around the country, working in various management positions. Eventually, we moved back to North Carolina where I lived all over the triangle area. Then I met my ex-wife. The rest is history. I've worked in retail management in some capacity for over twenty years and up until this recent cancer diagnosis. Right now I can't work due to the chemo infusions I have to take.”

Nicole smiled, “And once you are finished with your treatments and stronger health-wise, I bet you'll jump back into it.” He replied without pause, “Damn Skippy! I love my association with people. What brought you back Littleton, Nicole?”

She sighed, “Different reasons that aren't important now. I never meant to stay longer than a few months but Dad's business was in trouble and I jumped in to help. I woke up to find that a whole lot of time had passed and it's just been easier to stay here where my family is. It seems one or the other is always in some form of distress and I have to rescue them. I run the office and do my best to keep Dad from pushing the florist into the red. My greatest accomplishments are two fictional short story books I've managed to get published. I'll see if I have any extra ones laying around the house and give you copies.”

“Yes I would like to read them. Congrats on the publishing,” he said. “I tend to be wordy and can even probably give you chapter and verse of a 'Douglas Version' of an old bodice ripper if need be. I'm very romantic in nature and still respect women much as I did in high school.”

Nicole bit back a smile, “Mm, an old bodice ripper. I'll reserve comment on that for now.” It dawned on her that she really liked this man. Something inside her made her suddenly say, “I never married, even though I was engaged to a guy for six years. He cheated once too often and I broke it off. Since then I've had a few proposals but no man can run as fast as I can when marriage is mentioned.” She laughed, “Okay. I'm just kidding. Actually I'm in a great relationship with a guy I've dated on and off since the mid-90's. We were broken up for a long time so he could work out some issues but we've been together now for almost three years. He lives about 35 miles away and I see him mostly on the weekends. Probably why we get along so well.” Nicole heard herself saying all these things about her and Dave. She marveled at how easily she pretended that she and Dave had the perfect relationship, but refused to question her motives behind the white lie.

Douglas smiled, “I'm glad you have someone in your life who is special to you. I have one of those too.”