Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 46

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Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 46

Nick smiled to himself, then looked back at Eli. He was looking right back with that terrible
fondness that made Nick feel floaty. “Look, it’s not actually a big deal. At least, I don’t think so.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want you to get the impression that this is some sort of—” He
struggled for the word.
“Phase?” Eli broke into a grin. “Yeah, I would never think that. I know you. The fact that we’re
even talking about this means you’ve thought about it. A lot.” He jostled Nick’s shoulder with his
own. “Probably googled everything you could about it.”

-- 144 of 228 --

“Hey! That is… entirely accurate,” Nick said with faux indignation.
They shared a laugh, and for the first time since they’d been on the dance floor together, Nick
felt the light of hope. This wasn’t insurmountable. He and Eli, they were okay.
Eli pulled himself back to a serious expression. “Whatever you land on, I’m proud of you, Nicky.
If you ever need to talk to someone, I’m kind of an expert in coming to terms with identities.”
“Thanks, seriously,” Nick said. “I’ve got support, though. Just so you know.” He’d been texting
with Jamar off and on yesterday; mostly normal stuff, but also some of the more personal stuff.
Laurie, too, had kept up a supply of links to various articles she thought might be helpful. Some
of them actually were.
“Look at you!” Eli gave him a friendly slap on the arm. “You’re way ahead of the game. Damn, I
don’t think I was half as chill as you when I was in the middle of my own Journey of Self-
Discovery.” Nick knew he was speaking with capitalized words because he was doing jazz hands.
“And all while being here in New Port Stephen? You’re some kind of questioning miracle.”
“Shut up.” Nick let his eyes flick up and down Eli before holding his gaze. “You know, as weird
and awful as New Port Stephen can be, the people around you can make it worthwhile.”
He held his breath. It was the closest he’d come since the kiss at the beach to saying what he
really wanted to say. He prayed Eli could read between the lines.
Would it be so bad if you stayed here? Could you see yourself staying with me?
Eli gave a series of slow, bobbing nods. “Yeah. Okay. I see what you’re saying.” He glanced over
to where Zoe was playing with two baby carrots, marching them along the ground. “Like how
Zoe being here makes it worthwhile for you.”
Nick’s heart sank. Of all the guys in all of Florida, why did he have to fall for the biggest himbo of
them all? Eli clearly needed it spelled out for him. His throat clicked as he swallowed. “Sure.
That’s… one example. But—”
A tinny version of “Jingle Bell Rock” started to play from the speakers arranged around the
Christmas tree.
“Dad!” Zoe’s screech rocketed along the causeway. “It’s starting, come on!” She wriggled her
way between them and took them both by the hand, leading them to the low seawall. “Eli,
watch it with me.”
Eli cast Nick an apologetic look, like he needed to apologize for his inability to say no to the
cutest kid in the world. “I will, Zo. Careful, now.” Without being told, he helped Zoe clamber up
onto the seawall.

-- 145 of 228 --

Nick took a seat with his arm around her so that, even if she bounced and wiggled, she wouldn’t
fall into the water. Eli sat on her other side. Zoe, predictably, would not let go of his hand. A
stranger looking at them might think they were a family, two dads and their daughter.