When she returned to the hospital, Cleo was a little disappointed to know there was no definite decision. "I have a little good news of my own," Cleo said bubbling with excitement as they walked down to the cafeteria while they gave Nanna a sponge bath.
"What?"
"He asked about you today. When I was coming out, he asked how you were doing."
"I really don't care-"
Cleo cut her off. "That's a lie. The way he sounded I know the two of you really hit it off. He really likes you, Nicole."
"That's not the point, Cleo. Even if I did like him, I wouldn't go back with him."
"He told me you two had some kind of argument and that you weren't talking to him."
Suspiciously, she questioned, "Is he trying to enlist your aid in getting to me?"
Cleo shook her head. "No, but I think you're making a big mistake and you're being the biggest bigot in the world."
"Bigot?" Obviously Ethan had not told her the whole story and Cleo was coming to her own conclusions. "This has nothing to do with his color."
"Is it his age, because thirty-three is not that old."
"It's as old as my mother."
"No one told your mother to go spreading her legs open at thirteen. Come on, Nicole, you've got to have a better reason than those for being mad at him. The man is working himself into exhaustion and I think it's just because of you. You're mature, he's mature, and I think you'd make a really good couple. He really cares for you, Nicole."
"I don't think you understand the situation, Cleo."
"I understand he's a sweet guy and that's something you need and I understand he'd take really good care of you, I've seen him when you were sick how good he takes care of you, and I understand if you give him a chance, he could mean a lot to you. What more is there to understand? This doesn't have anything to do with your mom anymore."
"He told you about that?"
"He mentioned due to some ties he had with your mom in the past it could affect your relationship today."
Nicole huffed. "Just like him to come out smelling like roses, Cleo. Men are so deceitful."
"I don't really care what happened with your mother and him and neither should you. He wants to be with you and that's all that counts. Nicole I think you should give him a chance. I think he can bring a lot to the table regarding pleasing you. He looks like he could pack something big for you."