FULL NOVELXO Chapter 96
Chapter 96
Nathan wondered if Bainbridge needed his fix of little blue pills.
“He’s above himself,” Howard commented.
The higher they float, the harder they crash,” Nathan snickered, relishing the thought of Warren’s seventieth birthday party, where Howard would make his grand entrance and smack them down a peg or two!
The car pulled up to the hospital entrance.
The orderly had already taken care of Nicolette’s discharge papers, and Gwendolyn spotted her waiting grandmother through the car window.
“Grandma!”
“Gwennie!”
“Why didn’t you wait for me to come get you?” Gwendolyn said, her voice laced with concern as she touched her grandmother’s cold hands.
“I’m as fit as a fiddle,” Nicolette beamed, her face alight with joy at the thought of returning to her roots.
“Nicolette, I’m Nathan. Let’s get you into the
car, shall we?”
Nathan was charming, helping Nicolette into the passenger seat. “Gwendolyn mentioned. you get car sick, so the front seat’s best for you. Don’t worry. I’m a smooth driver!”
“Aren’t you all just darlings!” Nicolette was over the moon.
Once Nathan had her settled, he returned to the driver’s seat and said, “Crescent Village it is. Talk about coincidence. Howard and I used to romp around there as kids.”
He fired up the GPS and took the beltway around the city.
“Our little village is quite the hidden gem, a bit off the beaten path. It used to be called Quigley Village, but they fancied it up to Crescent Village for the tourists, and then… Well, you know the rest.”
“People these days are all about getting back to nature, and our village has the freshest air,” Nathan said smoothly, making Nicolette grin from ear to ear.
Meanwhile, Howard and Gwendolyn were stuck in the back, unable to get a word in edgewise.
Leaning close, Gwendolyn whispered to Howard, “Mr. Chadwick, how’s your injury holding up?” They were bundled up tight, not wanting to let on anything to Nicolette.
“It’s nothing serious,” Howard assured her. “Get some rest. I’ll wake you when we get
Fine
The three–hour drive Into Crescent Village was bumpy, and their luxury car caught plenty of stares. Relatives and neighbors came out to glimpse the spectacle.
“Nicolette, you’re back!”
“Nicolette, you’ve returned!”
They enveloped Nicolette in a warm welcome and brightened more at the sight of Howard and Gwendolyn. “Is that Gwendolyn and her boyfriend?”
“He’s Gwen’s husband, laid up with a bit of a leg injury,” Nicolette introduced with a chuckle.
“Handsome couple!”
“Beauty and brains!”
“Don’t fret about the leg. Gwen will nurse you back, or we can call on Enoch!”
The women were all abuzz, and seeing Nathan’s good looks, they even toyed with playing matchmaker, which sent him scurrying back to the safety of the car.
Gwendolyn was all hustle and bustle, settling everyone in and saying hello to the neighbors.
It wasn’t until night fell that the chatter ceased, and they all dispersed.
Nathan packed the trunk with fresh fruits and vegetables, ready to drive back to Bayridge City under the tranquil stars and soft moonlight.
Leaning against the car, he turned to Howard with a stern face. “Howard, in half a month, I’m counting on you to make a splash!”
All those who had wronged him and looked down on him would pay!
“Sure thing,” Howard replied, his expression unreadable.
Nathan leaned in, lowering his voice. “I know you never pick a fight you’re not ready for. Your legs… Are they…?”
Their eyes locked, and a shadow passed through Howard’s gaze. He didn’t deny it.
Nathan gestured to a neighboring brick house. “With Dr. Enoch around, I’m sure your manhood would be on the mend in no time. Newlyweds got to keep that fire burning!”
He pulled a box from the car, handing it over with a wink. “Out here in the sticks, better safe than sorry!”