“I’ll try to arrange it soon,” Nicky promised. “I’m anxious to hear your opinion of him.”
She had always valued Amy’s opinion. She just hadn’t always heeded it. Amy had disliked Stu the first time she’d met him.
Nicky was enjoying this chance to visit with her younger sister. She’d stopped by the trailer on an impulse, and had been delighted to find Amy there alone. Classes for the new semester hadn’t yet started, and Amy had planned a day of housework and laundry. She’d welcomed her sister’s impromptu visit.
It hadn’t taken her long to find out just how Nicky had spent her holiday.
“So, have you found a place to live yet?” Amy asked.
Nicky shook her head. “I looked at a couple of apartments today, but one was too expensive and the other was a dump. I’m going to look again tomorrow.”
“And tonight?”
“I’m sure Andrew won’t mind i
f I stay with him another night.” She remembered his visible reluctance to leave her that morning, his invitation for her to spend another evening in his company. Surely that indicated he wasn’t tired of her yet, didn’t it?
Just to be safe, she’d packed up her things and stashed them in her car. If he gave any sign that he wasn’t sincerely interested in having her stay another night, she would check into a motel.
She wouldn’t stay unless she truly believed she was welcome.
“Nicky.” Amy reached across the tiny table to cover her sister’s hand with her own. “Be careful, okay? I’d hate to see you hurt again.”
Nicky grimaced. “Trust me, that’s not something I want to happen. It’s just . . . well, I can’t seem to be careful where Andrew is concerned. I think he needs me, Amy. He seems so alone.”
Amy sighed. “Enough said. That tender heart of yours is really going to get you into trouble someday.”
“This from the woman who wants to go into education and work with troubled kids,” Nicky retorted.
Amy grinned. “Just a couple of softies, aren’t we?”
“Hmm. Listen, kid, you need any money? I’m a little tight until I find another job, but I could probably come up with—”
Amy lightly slapped Nicky’s hand. “I’m fine, sis. Really. I’m still working part-time at the campus bookstore, so I’ve got enough for now. Don’t worry about me, okay? Take care of yourself for a change.”
“At least Mom’s busy with her latest boyfriend,” Nicky said a bit wearily. “It would be nice if this one works out so she’ll have someone to take care of her.”
“Like me, Mom is perfectly capable of taking care of herself when she has to. You’ve just spoiled us. And speaking of your financial burdens, how’s Nate?”
“Nate’s fine. And he’s not a burden,” Nicky said, defending her cousin loyally. “I just help him out every now and then.”
Amy rolled her eyes. “Maybe Joyce is right. Maybe you do need a rich husband.”
Nicky scowled. “Please don’t say anything like that around Andrew. I wouldn’t want him to think I’m interested in him for his money.”
“If he thinks that, then he doesn’t understand you at all.”
“How could he?” Nicky asked simply. “He’s only known me for a day and a half.”
“That should be long enough to let him know that you don’t judge people by how much money they have. In fact, usually the more money they have, the less you like them. Andrew seems to be the exception.”
“Andrew’s been the exception to a lot of my past beliefs,” Nicky admitted wryly. She glanced at her watch. “I’d better be going. He’s invited me out for a movie tonight.”
“The rich guy’s taking you to a movie?” Amy laughed. “Sounds strangely like my outings with the few poor, struggling students I’ve dated lately.”
“So what would you expect us to do? Jet over to London for a game of polo with the prince?”
Amy shrugged. “Never having dated anyone with more money than he could carry in his pocket, I wouldn’t know what to expect.”