Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 113

[adminnovelsaudio]

Listen Audiobook Version:



Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 113

They eventually shifted positions, Eli on his back with Nick’s head on his chest. Nick was on the
cusp of drifting off—when was the last time he’d fallen asleep so easily?—when Eli spoke again.
“We don’t have to decide tonight, obviously, since my brain is oatmeal, but to be clear: I’ll move
back here if that’s what you want.”
Nick picked his head up with much effort and stared down at Eli. He was still flushed pink, but
his mouth was set in a serious line. “But you hate it here.”
“I… dislike some parts of it,” Eli conceded. His hand sought out Nick’s and curled it into his
sternum. “But you’re a big checkmark in the pro column.”
That was sweet enough to make Nick’s heart flutter, but he couldn’t stop worrying. “It’s not that
simple. This is still Florida we’re talking about. What would you do about health care?”

-- 221 of 228 --

Eli’s answer came so fast, Nick could tell he’d been thinking about it. “I’d stockpile my T. I
already do, a little, just to be safe. Worst comes to worst, I’ll break the law. Get it from Canada
or something.”
Nick squeezed Eli’s hand hard. He felt all kinds of protective and helpless, and wished they
didn’t have to talk about this in the first place. “How can you be so calm about that?”
“Oh, I’m not calm. I have an internal meltdown every time I think about it. But I’m not going to
let some lump of gorgonzola in a bad suit dictate my whole life.” Eli squeezed his hand in return.
“I want to give this a real shot, and if that means staying here instead of moving to LA, then
that’s what I’ll do.”
“Wait, what’s this about LA?” Nick shook his head. “I’m out of the loop.”
“Oh, Margo wants me to be in the show she’s making.” Eli sighed like this was the biggest
annoyance in his life. “It’s a whole thing. I told her I’m not an actor. She keeps saying who cares,
how can I give up this chance, blah blah blah.”
Nick’s heart sank. The tentative visions of Eli living here in New Port Stephen—with him? A few
streets away at his parents’? Close enough to see every day, regardless—evaporated right
before his eyes. He loved Eli too much to try to keep them.
“Eli,” he said slowly, “you have to take it.”
Eli looked at him funny. “No I don’t.”
“Yes. You do.” Nick leaned down and kissed him. It was a soft admonishment, and a promise.
“I’ve heard the way you talk about this show. You’d be amazing at it.”