His Lovely Obsession novel Chapter 57

Amy straightened after tapping the window. Nick noticed that Stacey became all tensed up.

"Honey are you okay?" he asked her and she just nodded.

He knows she is not okay and he can sense that something is definitely not right but he cant put his finger on it. The frown on the older woman disappeared and she became poker-face. Heather's scowl on the other hand, is still very much visible.

"We have to get off." Stacey murmured in a sad voice.

She feels that she something is about to happen after tonight. She didn't wait for Nick to open her door.She got off by herself but Nick still went around the car to go to her and take her hand.She wanted to protest but she saw something in his eyes so she just let him hold her hand.

She can sense the tension even before they got nearer to Heather and their mom. Her sister's pretty face looks really hostile.She has her arms crossed on her chest. Her mother's face became more relaxed and she even smiled a little but she is sure that whatever happens tonight, she will always take Heather's side.She just hopes that Nick will not witness anything unusual tonight. The last thing she wants is him discovering her real situation at home. She doesn't want his pity.

"Good evening Mrs. Williams." He greeted and their mother greeted him back.

"I'm Nick Alcantara ." He extended his right arm for a hand shake while his left hand is on her back.

Their mother nodded and shook hands with him. She still has a small smile.

Nick nodded at Heather as a greeting but the latter didn't even react. She is just looking at him with her eyes narrowed.

"Let's have coffee inside." her mother offered.

Nick nodded again and then looked at Stacey. He took her hand again as if reassuring her that all will be well. He can't read her eyes.Somehow she is trying to hide how she feels about all this. One thing is definite though. She's nervous because her hand is cold. He squeezed it then he smiled at her. She looked away from him.

Now they are in the veranda. The rectangular table is for six people. Three chairs are across from each other. Nick wanted Stacey to sit next to her so without releasing her hand, he pulled a chair for her. He made sure that she sat down first before he settled next to her.

Heather rolled her eyes before sitting next to their mother.

"Why are you driving Stacey's car? Heather told me that you are her sister's new boss. Stacey didn't tell me about her new job and you." Mrs Williams said with a sad tone.

But before Nick can answer , Heather said while looking at Stacey, " She hasn't even told you mom about the details of her part-time job before working for Nick. Mom and I knows that she always come home during the wee hours. My mom should really be stricter with her. She's too lenient and always lets Stacey get away with things. I am just worried mom that if she gets in trouble, you will be really distressed.." She turned to their mother for a second or two.

It's the usual thing . Heather is making her look bad. But Stacey stopped herself from saying anything. If she will react, she is positive that it will do no good. She doesn't want Nick to witness an ugly scenario between her, Heather and their mother.

"Stacey, I really think that we should talk one of these days." Mrs. Williams said.

She just nodded to end the topic about her.

"Mrs. Williams, " came Nick's voice." To answer your question, Stacey's car had a minor problem this morning so I decided to bring her home.."

Stacey understands why he said a white lie. This is the first time that someone is on her side especially in this kind of situation with her mom and half-sister. She feels safe and secure now that Nick is with her.

"Maybe she did something to her car deliberately so you will take her home. She is very good in manipulating things and people. Just like what happened this morning." Heather said.

Stacey's eyes widened.She knows her sister is bitchy but she is really surprised that she brought up that issue.

"Heather!" Mrs. Williams looked at her younger daughter with a frown.

Stacey wanted to leave because she knows that her half-sister is provoking her. She didn't want to look at Nick who is sitting quietly next to her.

"Thank you Nick for taking Stacey home." Her mother said to Nick to divert the topic.

" You don't have to say thank you Mrs. Williams. I want Stacey to be always safe." He replied before turning to look at her.

Stacey glanced at him for a few seconds before dropping her eyes to her lap. She could sense that what he is going to say next will have a very big impact to either her mom or her sister or to both.

Then all of a sudden they heard Amy's voice.

"Hello everybody! Here's the coffee." the help came in.

She put down the tray with four cups of coffee.

After serving them the coffee, she asked while looking giddy. " Miss Pretty, is Mr. Handsome asking your mom for you hand already?"

"Amy! Go back to the kitchen now!!!" an angry Heather said before Stacey could react and reply.