Unsettling - ONC 2023

Chapter 17 - Nikki (5 weeks later)

"So today's the day I finally get to meet the mystery man in the flesh." Claire squealed, squeezing my arm so tight I thought she might cut off the blood supply.

I made a small noise of agreement, looking up at the stadium and the throngs of people already queuing to get in.

The last time I had been here was with Drew and now? So much had changed. My head was still spinning from it.

After our unconventional start, I was fast falling for the man who saved me from settling for a man who didn't deserve me.

Every moment we spent together, my confidence and happiness increased. The first time I saw Claire after sleeping with him she said I looking different. Brighter.

I felt it. It was like the fire in me that had barely been a flicker of its former self, had now reignited.

Passion, laughter, and adventure filled my days and until this moment, I hadn't thought of Drew at all.

"Remembering the last time you were here?" Claire asked, somehow reading my mind.

I nodded. "It was simultaneously the best and worst day of my life, and that feels really weird."

"Totally understandable. It was a crazy day. Just remember that we are here today for Evan." She said, wrapping me in a hug.

"I know and I'm fine, really." I promised.

Evan's last game before he retired from football was a big deal. When he asked me to come along, he had seemed so nervous. "I know we are taking it slow and not putting labels on things, and I know you haven't met my family yet, but it will be my last game before retiring from the sport, and it would mean the world to me to have all the people I care about there."

After an impassioned speech like that, there was no way I could say no.

After today, he would take up coaching kids and running camps for aspiring players. It was perfect for him.

"Ready?" Claire asked, breaking through my thoughts.

I shot her a smile. "Absolutely."

The entrance was busy with stalls of treats and programmes. I had to double take when I spotted one selling the calendar.

"I still can't believe how popular that has been." I said, nodding my head towards it.

Claire followed my gaze. "Are you kidding? You got some amazing pictures and the headlines about it have been so good." She frowned as she attempted to recall them. "'Getting the kit off for the kittens'. 'Topless team cuddle cats for sexy charity calendar' and my personal favourite 'Strip off for sanctuary'."

"I know. It just feels surreal. Especially thinking back to my shoot with Evan." I fanned myself as I remembered the chemistry between us.

"Can't believe Evan adopted those kittens too." She said as we offered up our tickets to be scanned.

"Oh, I can. He is such a big softie, really." I laughed.

He had adopted Digby and Doodles just two weeks after he met them, and I had spent hours with him and the playful pair.

Seeing how much he prepared for their arrival was adorable. But seeing how seriously he took their care and looking after them kicked it up a notch.

"So where are our seats?" Claire asked.

The usher began giving detailed directions, but the crowd already had my anxiety, making me tune things out in an attempt to cope.

I was so glad Claire had agreed to come. She had only got back from her two weeks away last night and I had worried the jet lag would make her cry off.

Claire tugged my arm, pulling me towards a near empty staircase and relief had me picking up the pace.

At the top of the first flight, we came face to face with Evan and all the anxiety drained from my body as I threw my arms around his neck.

"So I'm guessing you're Evan." Claire laughed.

"And you must be Claire? The best friend I have my orders to impress?" Evan laughed into my shoulder.

Backing up, I pouted. "Hey, I'm the one who makes the introductions. Best friend, this is mystery man. Mystery man, meet best friend."

Evan laughed and offered his hand for her to shake, but Claire pulled him into a hug. "Thank you."

He looked confused as he patted her back. "For what?"

"For getting Nikki to take a leap of faith. For loving her. She deserved it for so long and I'm so happy she's finally with someone who appreciates how amazing she is. She's lucky she found you."

I blinked, a little surprised by her declaration. "I think we both know I'm the lucky one." Evan smiled, linking hands with me.

"You are and don't you forget it. Break her heart and I'll break you." Claire grinned.

"Nothing like a bit of light intimidation to keep the day interesting." Evan laughed.

Claire gave her sweetest smile. "Got to keep you on your toes. So where's this special seating, anyway? I just flew ten hours and I don't think I can function if I don't sit down and have something to eat and drink soon."

"This way, ladies." Evan said with a mocking bow as he led us up another flight of stairs.

Our hands still linked, I couldn't stop smiling as he led us down a corridor to a large door.

"You ok?" He asked in a low voice.

I nodded, "I am now."

"Ah young love." Claire made a gagging noise. "Can we save it for after I've had something to eat?"

Elbowing her in the side, we both cracked up as Evan led us into a private room with one wall made entirely of glass facing out onto the pitch.

"Uncle Evan!" An excited squeal split the air as a dark-haired girl came dashing towards us.

Evan released my hand to catch her and throw her up into the air. "Little Tilly! You're getting far too big." He laughed.

A man nearly identical to Evan jogged over. "Sorry, she's been talking about this nonstop for days." He laughed. "Hi, you must be Nikki, the girl putting up with my brother."

I laughed, "Hi, yes, that's me. You must be Connor."

"Guilty as charged. The man over there with the toddler is my husband Rick, and our youngest Bobby. You have to come and meet our parents." He enthused, linking arms and tugging me towards an older couple.

I glanced round for Claire to see she was already lounging in a seat and gave a nod of encouragement for me to go ahead.

My nerves at meeting them faded away in an instant when his mum pulled me into a hug. Conversation flowed easily, and it felt like I had known them months, not minutes.

A glance at the clock told me there wasn't long until kick off and I searched the room for Evan, but couldn't see him.

Excusing myself, I headed for the door, and as I opened it, familiar voices drifted over.

"Great work on the giving them a bit of romance with the girl, kid. Just keep it up for another week or so and then you can drop her." Jarred said.

I froze, eyes filling with tears as I looked towards the man I cared so much for.

I didn't wait to hear his response before my legs were in motion, running blindly down the hallway.