Julie Burke anxiously waited for Nick to come home. Nicky teased Tim, but he was right, she fell for him first. He was an adorable boy, full of charm and as talkative as little Bridget. Even when he stopped talking during his teenage years, he always talked to her. Tim always feigns jealousy, but he did it for attention. He won her heart and was thankful to his little brother for the role he played.
When Nick finally came home, she gathered him in her arms and hugged him. She could tell he had a beer. She didn't blame him for stopping off on the way home, but it was out of character for him. As she walked across the yards, she realized that aside from beer he smelled of perfume. It must have been Christine's, but something nagged at her.
Tim was waiting up for her. "How was he?"
"Alright. He definitely had a beer."
"Probably with Gordon. Let's face it; he was more of a friend than their doctor."
"How has he been lately? I feel like he's been happier... less moody."
"He's only moody when he runs into the bastard."
"Tim!" she chastised.
"Sorry Jules, but that is what he is. Nick's been going out of his way to avoid him. He bought an electric kettle to make his tea in his office. I think he's drinking it black just to avoid the kitchen. He's been stopping at Dunkin for coffee every morning. It just makes him later than he always has been," Tim complained. "Why are you asking?"
"He's not wearing his ring. He hasn't found someone, has he?"
"Who would he find? All he does is work and spend time with his kids. The only one new at work is Sara, and he doesn't like her very much. It just shows how pathetic he is, because everyone loves Sara. She is professional, efficient, funny..."
"And she reminds you of Mum." Julie teased.
Tim blushed, and Julie knew he had a soft spot for their new PA. She wondered if maybe Nick did too, but was denying it.
"Bridget definitely loves her."
Julie thought of Bridget's most recent excitement about seeing Sara at the mall. Maybe that was no coincidence. She would have to keep her ears and eyes open.
A/N Originally this chapter included the beginning of Julie and Tim's story. Read their story and Clare and Michael's in Out of The Blue.