Chapter 16~ Congratulations

For a moment after they settled into their seats, the air in the apartment shifted… became strangely charged with something unfamiliar.

Not uncomfortable, exactly.

Just new.

Lucas claimed the small sofa across from Nina, his long legs stretched out before him. Though his posture appeared relaxed, he somehow commanded the entire room with his presence alone.

Nina sat opposite him with Ethan nestled against her side, practically in her lap. The little boy cradled his glass of pineapple juice in both hands, sipping with the careful concentration only a child could muster. Each swallow seemed to bring him quiet satisfaction.

The soft hum of city traffic drifted through the window, filling the silence between them.

No one spoke.

Nina shifted her weight, suddenly aware of how close Lucas sat, how his gaze seemed to take in everything.

Ethan leaned more comfortably against her shoulder, trusting and warm.

Lucas studied them both. His sharp eyes missed nothing… not the way Ethan had settled beside her without hesitation, nor how naturally Nina supported the boy's weight, as if she'd known him far longer than a single afternoon. Something about the scene before him stirred an emotion he couldn't quite name.

Ethan suddenly turned toward her, his small face thoughtful.

Without warning, he lifted the glass and gently pushed it toward Nina's lips, his movements deliberate and earnest.

Nina blinked in surprise.

Across from them, Lucas's eyes narrowed with interest. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he watched his son's careful gesture, recognizing that particular expression of determination.

What are you planning, little man?

Ethan pushed the glass closer again, more insistent this time.

"Uh...?" Nina's voice carried genuine confusion.

She tilted her head, studying the boy's face for clues.

"You want me to drink?"

You drink too. Share with me.

Realization dawned slowly across Nina's features. Her expression softened instantly, her eyes growing tender. "You want to share your drink with me?"

Ethan nodded, his whole body seeming to brighten with the confirmation.

Then he gave her a shy little smile… tentative but genuine.

It was the kind of smile that could melt glaciers, that could crack open even the most guarded heart.

Nina felt something shift inside her chest, a warmth spreading through her ribs. She was completely taken aback by the simple generosity of the gesture, by this small boy's willingness to share what he clearly treasured.

"Well... alright then," she said softly, her voice catching just slightly.

She leaned forward and took a small sip from the glass Ethan held. The boy watched her intently, his dark eyes fixed on her face, waiting for her reaction. Nina suddenly clasped both cheeks dramatically, her eyes widening.

"Oh my goodness…"

She closed her eyes in exaggerated delight, savoring the moment far more than the juice itself.

"I think it tastes better because it's coming from Ethan's hands," she said, opening her eyes to meet his hopeful gaze.

Ethan beamed, his entire face lighting up with pride. The transformation was remarkable—from the quiet, withdrawn child she'd first encountered to this radiant little boy before her. He immediately lifted the glass again, offering her another sip with such earnestness that Nina's heart melted.

Nina laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. "More?"

He nodded eagerly, practically bouncing on his knees.

Lucas sat back, quietly observing the entire interaction. His gaze moved between them thoughtfully, something unreadable flickering across his features. It was rare to see Ethan this animated, this engaged with another person. Even rarer to see him initiate affection so freely. 

The sight stirred something unfamiliar in his chest.

Nina finally looked up and caught Lucas staring. And staring. And still staring, his expression intense yet somehow soft at the edges.

She cleared her throat, heat creeping up her neck. "Mr. Grant?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly unbothered by being caught. "Yes?" Nina shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny. "Have you two… had dinner?"

In her mind, she silently begged, Please say yes. Please don't make this more complicated.

Lucas answered calmly, "No."

Nina almost groaned aloud.

"As I mentioned earlier, Ethan refused to eat," Lucas continued, glancing briefly toward his son. A shadow of concern crossed his face. "And I prefer not to eat when my son hasn't."

Nina's heart squeezed painfully at that simple statement. The devotion behind those words, the quiet ache of a father who shared his child's burdens, she nearly cried right there.

"Oh… well…" She waved her hand awkwardly toward the kitchen, trying to compose herself. "I actually ordered food earlier."

She glanced at the clock, calculating the time. "It should be here in about—"

Knock knock.

Nina blinked, then pointed at the door with a small, surprised laugh. "That's probably it."

She gently lifted Ethan from her lap and settled him onto the couch cushions. "I'll be right back," she said, already moving toward the door.

She hurried across the room and pulled it open to find a delivery driver waiting outside, several takeout bags in hand.

"Delivery for Nina Hale?" he asked.

"That's me."

She signed the receipt quickly and pressed a small tip into his palm.

"Thanks so much."

The man's face brightened with a smile. "Enjoy your meal."

"Will do," she replied, already backing into the apartment.

She nudged the door closed with her hip and carried the bags to the table, setting them down carefully. Then she froze, her hands still gripping the handles.

"Excuse me for a second," she called over her shoulder.

Nina hurried into the kitchen, her heart suddenly racing. The moment she stepped inside, she leaned back against the cool wall and pressed a hand to her chest, feeling it rise and fall too quickly.

"Jesus…" The word escaped as barely more than a breath.

She stared at the ceiling, trying to process the surreal reality of her evening. "I can't believe Lucas Grant is about to have dinner in my apartment." The words sounded absurd even as she whispered them.

She drew in a deep breath, held it, then released it slowly.

"Get it together, Nina," she muttered, pushing herself away from the wall.

Grabbing a few plates and spoons from the cabinet, she paused to smooth down her shirt and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Then she walked back into the living room, forcing her expression into something resembling casual composure.

The small coffee table quickly became their makeshift dining space. She knelt beside it and began unpacking the food… roasted salmon with a golden glaze, steaming noodles, grilled vegetables still fragrant with herbs, and warm bread that filled the room with a yeasty aroma.

"Well…" She gestured around the modest apartment, suddenly acutely aware of the worn furniture and the stack of books piled in the corner. "As you can see, I don't exactly have a dining room." She offered a sheepish smile, tucking another strand of hair behind her ear. "I usually just eat here. At the coffee table. Like a college student."

Lucas studied the space with an expression she couldn't quite read, then nodded. "I prefer it this way, actually."

Nina blinked, certain she'd misheard. "Really?"

He looked around the cozy apartment, his gaze lingering on the soft lighting, the blanket draped over the couch, the framed photos on the shelf. "It's comfortable," he said simply. "Cozy."

Nina stared at him silently for a moment, searching his face for any hint of polite dishonesty. Finding none, she shook her head with a small, disbelieving laugh and turned her attention back to the food. She began serving generous portions, placing a plate in front of Lucas with careful precision. 

Then she prepared another for Ethan, cutting the salmon into smaller pieces he could manage. Finally, she settled onto the floor beside the little boy, folding her legs beneath her.

"Alright then." She picked up her fork, glancing between them. "Let's eat."

Ethan immediately began gesturing again, his small hands moving with determined purpose. He pointed at the fork, then at Nina, and finally at himself, his eyes wide and hopeful. She blinked, processing his request. 

"Oh." A smile tugged at her lips. "You want me to feed you?"

Ethan nodded enthusiastically, bouncing slightly where he sat.

Lucas watched silently from his position, his expression unreadable as he observed the exchange.

Nina's smile widened, warmth spreading through her chest at the boy's trust. "Well… alright then."

She carefully fed Ethan small bites of food, making sure each piece was cool enough and the right size. The boy ate happily, his contentment evident in the way he occasionally leaned against her shoulder between bites, as if seeking comfort in her presence. 

Eventually, he patted his stomach with both hands in satisfaction, a gesture so endearing that Nina couldn't help but chuckle.

"Full?" she asked gently.

He nodded, his eyelids growing heavy.

Nina reached for the small chocolate cake container, handling it with the reverence it deserved. "Then we celebrate."

She cut a generous slice for each of them, the rich chocolate releasing its sweet aroma into the air.

Afterward, she stored the remaining cake in the fridge, already imagining future moments like this one. When the meal ended, she cleared the plates with practiced efficiency and returned with three glasses of pineapple juice, the golden liquid catching the light.

Lucas accepted his glass with both hands. "Thank you for the meal," he said, his gratitude sincere.

Nina waved her hand casually, dismissing the formality. "It's nothing."

They drank quietly for a moment, the comfortable silence settling around them like a blanket. Then Lucas set his glass down with deliberate care. "How did your audition go today?" he asked, his voice calm and measured.

That was the wrong question to ask Nina, or perhaps the right one, depending on perspective. Her eyes lit up instantly, her entire demeanor transforming. It was like someone had cut a thread holding her back, releasing a flood of pent-up excitement.

"Oh my gosh, it went amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with unbridled enthusiasm.

She leaned forward, practically vibrating with excitement.

"You wouldn't believe it, it was almost too easy!" she said, her hands gesturing wildly as she spoke.

She launched into the entire story, words tumbling out in a breathless rush. Every detail seemed to matter to her, from the initial nervousness to the moment everything clicked into place. Ethan watched her animated expression with fascination, his head tilted slightly as he absorbed her enthusiasm. 

Meanwhile, Lucas listened quietly, his posture relaxed but attentive. A faint smile appeared in his eyes, softening the usually guarded expression he wore.

When she finally finished, breathless and glowing, Lucas nodded once. The gesture was small but deliberate.

"Congratulations," he said, his voice steady and sincere.

Nina froze for a second, the word settling over her like something tangible. She hadn't expected such a simple acknowledgment to affect her this way.

Then she smiled softly, a warmth spreading through her chest that had nothing to do with her earlier triumph.

For some reason, that single word of praise from Lucas meant more than all the elaborate compliments she'd received from others. Perhaps it was the quiet certainty in his tone, or the way he never wasted words on empty flattery. 

Whatever the reason, she found herself holding onto it, tucking it away like a precious thing.