"I have an announcement," Carly said. "A life altering decision has been made and I want to say it aloud so that my life can begin now."
Nikolas looked up from his cup of coffee and smiled. This was so Carly. She always got excited about what she considered a big life change but with her a big life change could mean buying anything from a new house to a new pair of shoes. "Ok- announce away," he teased.
Carly cleared her throat. "I have decided to get back into the dating world again," she told him.
Nikolas was shocked. This really was big. It took him a minute to answer. "I am happy for you" He replied.
Carly nodded, "Thanks- glad to hear you say that because you should get back out there too"
Nikolas shook his head, "No Carly- I am not ready" Nikolas told her.
Carly crossed her arms and gave him a stern look. "Come on Nicky" she said. "You haven't been out on date sinceā¦"Carly trailed off. "When was your last date? Before Courtney died?"
Nikolas tried to think back and realized that was true- excluding the 'dates' he and Carly have gone on. He shrugged, "I don't know. Dating isn't the most important thing. My son is my priority"
Carly snorted, "Yeah- I have used that one too" she told him. "Look Nicky- you are one of the most eligible bachelors in the city" she paused, "In the state." she paused again, "Ok- in the world and to be honest with you it's really selfish of you not to date. I mean- you are a waste of a bachelor. I am offended"
Nikolas chuckled, "Carly- do you remember the conversation we had about boundaries?" he asked.
Carly shrugged, "Not really." Then she continued on with her argument. "Nik-it isn't good for John if you are secluded"
"I am secluded" Nikolas argued. "I see my brother, Elizabeth, you and the boys-"
"Nikolas- that is different than dating and you know what I meant" Carly interrupted.
"So" Nikolas said changing the subject. "Did you have someone specific in mind for a date?"
"Yes" Carly answered. "I am going out with Patrick Drake"
"He is dating Robin" Nikolas reminded her.
"No-they broke up again" Carly assured him.
"But they will get back together. They always do" Nikolas told her.
"Hence the appeal" Carly answered.
Nikolas looked bewildered. "I don't understand"
Carly sighed, "Ok- let me break this down for you. Patrick is a safe guy. He is my transition. This is a way for me to start dating again but not to worry about the pressure of commitment and relationships"
Nikolas didn't know hoe to respond, "Sounds like you know what you are doing" Nikolas replied.
"I do" Carly assured him. "My date is Friday. I will let you know how it goes"
Nikolas couldn't wait to see this disaster.
"How did your date go?" Nikolas asked the next Saturday.
"Robin called 400 times and it was a real mood killer" Carly complained.
"Too bad" Nikolas responded. "You know Carly it may take several horrible dates before you can have a successful one or get intimate with someone"
"Oh- we slept together" Carly replied.
Nikolas couldn't believe what she was saying. "What- but you said-"
"I said it was a mood killer but I don't mood to get some" Carly informed him.
Nikolas couldn't explain the feeling he had in his chest. It was burning- like rage? Why would he be angry about Carly sleeping with Patrick Drake? He shrugged it off- maybe he just wanted to be the one out there and experiencing life again. "You know Carly, maybe you were right. I am not going to actively pursue dating but I am not going to run from it either."
"Good for you" Carly cheered. "Any clue who?"
"Did I not just say I am not going to actively pursue it?" Nikolas asked.
Carly shrugged and then s he went back to reading the newspaper and drinking her coffee silently. Nikolas watched her wondering if she was going to see Patrick Drake again.
