The court case was becoming a pain in the ass. It was boring, it was pointless. The evidence and proof was all there. Nick was living proof.Nick looked...normal. Hailey surely didn't know what to expect, but what she wasn't it. Nick was quiet. Only spoke four or five times. His hair was spiked, poking out everywhere. He had on a dark green sweater with a pair of slacks. Very formal-looking, despite the description.
When the court finally let out, everyone was relieved. Brian talked to Nick and had pointed in Hailey's direction. Nick spotted herm smiled and looked back at Brian. He kept the grin on his face as he spoke.
Brian and Nick finally walked over to Hailey, who was waiting for them patiently. "Hailey Maxwell," Brian said, "this is my friend and former co-worker, Nick Carter. Nick, Hailey Maxwell: writer of books, articles and owner of a large mouth."
Hailey sent a glare to Brian, but shook Nick's hand. "Hello."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Nick said.
Again, she was surprised. His voice seemed normal. Yet there was a hint of tin to it. Hardly like a machine like she assumed it would be. Showed how much she knew.
"The pleasure is all mine," Hailey replied with a smile. "Are either of you fine gentlemen hungry? Cuz I could eat a cow."
"I'm starving," Nick admitted. Brian nodded in agreement. They walked to the parking lot.
"So, where did you fly in from?" Hailey asked Nick.
"California. I was visiting family at the time."
"Cool." She turned to Brian. "Your car or mine?"
"We can take mine," Nick offered, leading them to a SUV.
"Not too shabby," Hailey commented.
"Thanks. They pay us music folks lots of money," Nick teased.
Nick found a cute old diner. It was small, but was fine enough. A plump waitress took their orders and left.
"So, Hailey. Why is Hilda not bothering you anymore?" Nick asked. Apparently, Brian had been updating him. It made a woman think...
"Being stuck in Bently's office has its quirks. I never knew Hilda had the nerve to screw him. Or the stomach, for that matter." Hailey leaned in closer to them, as if it was a conspiracy. "Her first job was at this restaurant when she was 17. The manager thought she was a dumb shit. If it wasn't for her wide legs, she would've been fired."
"So after she got into the habit of it, she couldn't quit, eh?" Nick said with a wicked half-grin.
"Yessir. She's a regular sexaholic. Do you think they have a patch for those kinds of addictions?"
They all chuckled.
"So, Nick, how's Susan?"
"Or two month anniversary is next week. Hopefully, I'll be home by thenm."
"Lucky girl," Hailey said, her stomach twisting a little. Brian never told her about Nick having a girlfriend. Or maybe he did. "My ex- couldn't even remember what current day it was, no less our anniversary."
Nick smiled. "Dick of Savage Living? God, I love that band."
"I'm sure Dickie would gloat at this moment. He was such an attention-seeker."
"Have you heard from any of them?"
"Just Tal. Told me to talk to his boyfriend Sam about some matters."
Nick and Brian exchanged glances. "Boyfriend?"
"He's a great guy. Kind of jumpy, but very cool. How many more court days do you have left?"
"Tomorrow's our last one. Yippee," Brian said with thick sarcasm.
"I know. It was so fun, I think I might come tomorrow to watch again!" Hailey rolled her eyes.
"It's so much BS. He have all the proof we need, and still they are defending their side."
Hailey innocently kicked Brian's shin and looked over at him for a split second. She continued to talk to Nick and tried not to look stupid playing a game of footsy well after their food came.
Nick knew their little games. They flirted. It never went into something. It should have a long time ago.
When Nick dropped them off at the parking lot, it was getting dark. "Hailey can I talk to you for a sec?" Nick asked.
" Sure." She threw the car keys to Brian and added, "I'll be there in a few."
She followed Nick back to his car. He leaned against the driver's door. He ran a hand through his hair. He seemed so hesitant to say anything. He didn't look up, only stared at the ground. "Look..." He stopped. "Brian loves you. To pieces, I'm sure. I can't stand him anymore, Hailey. He's always babbling on and on about you. Not that you're not interesting to hear about," he added hastily. "But every breath he takes is inspired by you. Make him stop, Hailey, it's driving us insane."
Hailey smiled, and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek before leaving. She jumped into her car and started the engine.
"What'd he tell you, Hailey?"
"I'll tell you later," she said with a smile.
"No, tell me now."
She rolled her eyes. "At home, I promise."
Brian was anxious to get home. What was she not telling him?
When they got home, Brian grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. They sat on the couch and he exclaimed, "What is it? Tell me!"
"Nick told me..." She looke down, her face was hot. Why was she so shy?
"It's amazing how casually you think of your relationships."
"When I find 'The One' I won't be as casual."
Was it true?
Stupid question. Of course.
She licked her lips. "Nick said you loved me."
Brian smiled and looked down. Hailey lifted his chin, meeting his eyes. "I love you too. The first time we met. You were a shy, Southern gentlemen."
Brian dipped down, but Hailey stopped him. "What?"
"What do you want to do in life? Cuz I gotta know."
"Settle down with a beautiful woman." He grinned. "And have my own music label."
She smiled and met his lips. It was different from every other kiss they shared and the even the ones they didn't. It meant something. And it felt right.