Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 106

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Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 106

Penny, dashing by with a case of extra plastic flutes, must have heard only the tail end of what
Nick said, because she called out to him as she went, “We’ve got everything handled if you need
a break, Nick!”
Nick couldn’t argue with that. Looking around the restaurant, it was obvious even to someone
outside the business that everything was on track. Servers were making their rounds like
clockwork. The buffet’s changeover was already in progress. Every patron had their champagne
or preferred drink clutched in their hand, chattering away as midnight neared. Nick wasn’t
needed at all. It rankled, but it was true.
“Please,” Eli said. He really had the biggest, saddest eyes in the world. Just like his namesake.
“It’ll only take a second.”
Nick heaved a sigh. “Come on. It’ll be quieter outside.” He led the way out to the dock.
Eli was talking before Nick’s foot hit the first plank of wood. “I’m sorry about showing up like
this, but—I didn’t know how else to get in touch. This was the only time and place where I could
be sure to catch you.”
“Well, you’re here.” Nick shoved his hands in his pockets and walked to the end of the dock, as
far from the party as possible. It didn’t feel right to be having a private conversation so close to
all that revelry. “Go ahead and say what you want to say.”
At best, Nick expected an apology. A very mature acknowledgment that they wanted different
things, and Eli was flattered but yadda yadda yadda. At worst,
Eli was here to read Nick the riot act, tell him off for getting in so deep when Eli had made it
clear he was not interested in anything serious.
Eli stepped in front of Nick, drawing himself up to his full height, which wasn’t a lot. “So, first of
all—I love you, right? Obviously. And I want to say—”
“Wait. What?” Nick said.
Eli held up a hand. “Hold on, please let me finish. I want to say—”
Nick stared at him. “You don’t love me.”
“What? Yes I do.” Eli face fell like a dive-bombing pelican.

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“No you don’t. And if you did, it would definitely not be obvious.” Nick scoffed. “You practically
ran out of my house after we slept together.”