He left the room to give them privacy. David's mother, who was a great cook, brought over some soup. David had told his mother his girlfriend had gotten real sick and was hurt bad. The woman was kind and since Ethan had helped with a lot of things around her home her landlord wouldn't take care, she was more than happy to give him a hand at sticking to the doctor's diet for Nicole. Tonight she brought a nice cream soup with mushrooms and finely diced chicken with noodles. It smelled delicious.

"I brought an extra helping for you too. You should eat as well."

Ethan had to insist she take the money he offered, and reluctantly she did and left.

When the nurse left, he returned to Nicole's room. She was changed in a nice pink gown, her hair freshly combed, still down although the front drawn back out her face, and looking very refreshed after the warm sponge bath.

He placed the tray carefully on her lap. It was big enough to hold both of their bowls. He made tea for her while he took a cold beer. She looked amused at this as she tasted the soup and smiled with pleasure. Ethan told her who had cooked it and then explained the neighbors had been more than helpful with him since they found out he was taking care of a sick "friend."

"They've never met you, but they knew I wasn't out as much as I usually am and David's mother let them know I was taking care of an ill friend. They've been giving me so much help I'm almost overwhelmed with saying thank you so much."

Her voice was but a whisper when she said, "Thank you cards."

He snapped his fingers. "That's a good idea." A wink for her in thanks for her great idea.

They ate and he talked non stop throughout it about everything from Nanna's condition to who Parker Mills was. Nanna was getting worse, but holding on. What they were telling her about Nicole's whereabouts were unknown to anyone.

Parker Mills had offices out in Southfield and as soon as she was well she could contact him for a meeting.

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Again she thanked him and he told her to quit that. It was no problem.

Nicole looked away seeing the look of concern in his eyes. Why he'd offered his hand of friendship out this way was a mystery to her, but she intended to get down to the bottom of it. When they were done eating, he took the dishes away, and then brought in a toothbrush, with rinse and a bowl. After she brushed her teeth, he asked if she needed anything else. She pretended tiredness and he left her so she could rest. When he thought she was asleep he came back in and sat down beside her to stare at her.




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