A Simple Mistake (4 page)

Seeing as it was her birthday weekend, Sarah insisted on sitting in the front. Lainey didn’t object. She had the evening to look forward to.

They made good time out to Kurrajong. Lainey watched Nick’s well-shaped hands with their long fingers curled around the steering wheel and remembered how they had felt interlocked with hers during last night’s movie. He’d waited until she’d finished her popcorn before whispering a reminder about the rules. It had been an action film but she didn’t remember much about it. She had been too distracted by Nick’s thumb rubbing the backs of her knuckles.

Your son has a bent little finger just like yours
.

Her stomach clenched. How was she going to tell him? Right now, though, she was more anxious over the reunion with Roger.

Lainey caught Nick’s eye in the mirror. He winked and her heart skipped.

Roger could think whatever he liked.

After they’d returned from Kurrajong, Nick took Lainey to a restaurant in Coogee. It was busy but they were given a booth down the back where they could have more privacy.

His steak was excellent and so was Lainey’s company. A lot of women seemed to put on an act for his benefit which he found annoying. Not Lainey. She was happy being herself, not trying to be someone she wasn’t. He could sit and listen to her forever.

She beamed at him over her dinner. ‘I still can’t get over how easy this afternoon was. It wasn’t the least bit awkward.’

It had gone a lot easier than he’d expected too. Roger had been quite welcoming, in his gruff sort of way. They’d been careful not to say too much on the drive home, not in front of Sarah.

‘People change, Lainey. Even Roger.’

‘Either that, or Mum threatened him with something.’

Nick grinned. ‘Like what? Refusing to iron his newspaper? No gravy for his roast beef? Or perhaps he’s accepted the fact we’re both adults and can make our own choices with or without his approval.’

Lainey shifted on her seat. ‘Maybe. I think Mum’s been good for him more than anything, helped him to mellow out. He isn’t as blunt as he used to be.’

‘Your Mum would be a good influence on anybody.’ He pushed back his plate. ‘Did you remember I’ve got a trip to the States coming up soon?’

‘I hadn’t forgotten. How long are you going to be away?’ Lainey propped her chin in her hands.

‘A fortnight. I leave Wednesday week. I’m meeting with my American agent to discuss some movie scripts I’ve been offered plus I’ve got a film premiere to attend.’

‘Is that for the last movie you did?’

He nodded. ‘
Against All Odds
. They’ll choose some up and coming actress I’ve never met to accompany me on the red carpet, just for publicity.’

Lainey smiled. ‘I’m sure you’ll make the best of it.’

‘Yeah, it’ll be alright.’ He wanted to tell her he’d rather have her by his side but it was too soon for statements like that. ‘James and Mia get back from their honeymoon this week. Would you like to come with me and meet them properly? They’re having a barbecue at their place on Saturday night.’

Lainey nodded and toyed with the edge of her serviette. ‘I’m a bit nervous about meeting your friends.’

‘I’ll look after you, I promise.’ Her shyness touched him. The girls he met tended to be over confident and far less honest. He also suspected, despite the fact Lainey was almost twenty-seven, she had led a sheltered life, especially amongst church people. ‘It’ll be low key, with Mia and James’s families, not a full on party. You’ll get on well with Mia’s brother-in-law. He’s a teacher too.’ He waited while the waitress brought their desserts. ‘Also, I want you to keep next Tuesday night free.’

‘But that’s my home group night.’

‘It’s Valentine’s Day. Would it be okay if you missed it for once?’

‘Oh!’ Lainey stared at her mud cake and then smiled. ‘I guess once would be fine, considering the occasion.’

‘It’s also the night before I go away.’

‘True.’ She pulled a face.

‘And don’t try to guess where we’re going on Tuesday night. It’ll be a surprise.’

‘Ha.’ Lainey narrowed her eyes. ‘That’s because you haven’t worked it out yet.’

‘Wrong, Miss Sullivan, quite wrong. I have it all planned.’ He was very pleased with himself. He’d gone all out and it would be interesting to see where it got him. She’d have to give him full marks for trying.

After their meal, when he took Lainey home, he didn’t touch her except for a kiss on the cheek. If she needed space, she could have it.

* * *

Adam beat him at tennis, but not by much, and they agreed to play again when he got back from the States.

Nick learned Adam had been a believer for two years and had been through a lot to get to that point. Nick was curious. Adam seemed like he had it all together. Why did he feel the need for God to play such a big part in his life?

On Friday, Nick caught up with James and Mia. They had honeymooned in the Maldives and were glowing as only honeymooners could. They were also curious to know what had happened after the wedding and listened open-mouthed when Nick told them about the letters. They knew all about Lainey.

‘So what’s happening now? Are you seeing each other?’ Mia’s eyes gleamed with curiosity.

‘Sort of. It’s a bit complicated.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘It’s just she’s … um … she’s religious.’

‘One of those born-again types or an actual nun?’ James was amused. ‘
That
would be good for publicity.’

‘Ah, no. Not a nun.’ Nick smiled. ‘She’s a Christian, definitely born-again, but not exactly a ‘type’, whatever that means.’ Getting to know some of Lainey’s friends had reminded him that everyone who was a Christian was different, and defied being stereotyped. Most of them were fun to be around, too, like Adam and Lara.

James grinned. ‘You know, hairy legs, hairy armpits, party pooper. Not exactly your usual girl.’

‘You wait until you see her legs,’ Nick said, with feeling, ‘they go right up to her unhairy armpits, believe me. And she’s not a party pooper, although I don’t think she drinks.’

‘Doesn’t
drink
?’ James rolled his eyes. ‘Do you know what you’re getting yourself into here?’

Mia frowned. ‘Just because she doesn’t drink doesn’t mean anything. You and I both know people like that.’

‘Yeah, but that’s because they’re recovering alcoholics. And you know what else ‘born-again’ means?’ James jabbed a finger at Nick, emphasising each word. ‘No. Sex. That’s if she’s for real.’

Nick was rueful. ‘She’s for real.’

Mia laughed ‘Honestly. There’s more to life than sex. Don’t look at me like that you two! All I’m saying is, if you have religious convictions, stick with them. Good for Lainey, I say.’

This was unexpected. They waited for more.

‘Nick, if this girl means so much to you, you’ll do whatever it takes to get her. I’ve known you for a long time and you’ve never found the right one. The way you’ve come back into each other’s lives is very interesting. A bit of fate at work, don’t you think? If it’s meant to be, well … it’s meant to be.’ She stood up. ‘Right. I’ll make lunch.’

There was silence after she left.

‘Do you think she really means that about sex?’

Nick laughed and punched James on the arm. ‘You’re hopeless.’

He grinned. ‘You really like her, don’t you? Lainey, I mean.’

‘Yep.’ Nick sighed. He was smitten. Again. Or still. He wasn’t sure which.

‘Will you bring her tomorrow night? I’d like to meet her properly.’

‘I’ve already asked her.’

‘Really?’

Nick understood James’s surprise. The family events had a stronger privacy code than the others and the fact he had already invited Lainey spoke volumes.

‘She’s under my skin, James. It’s been ten years, we were only teenagers, yet she’s still under my skin.’

For once, James had no immediate comeback. ‘I have one piece of advice for you,’ he said eventually.

‘And what’s that?’

‘You’d better start running again. You’re going to need something to take up that excess energy of yours. I’ll buy you a pair of running shoes for your birthday.’

‘That’s not until April and this is only February. I’ll need them before then. Anyhow, I have a pair.’

‘They’ll be worn out by April. I’ll buy you some more.’

Nick gave a half laugh. ‘Running’s not a bad thing, you know. You should be doing it too. We need to get fit for the tour.’

‘Don’t remind me. Mia’s been on to me about it. She’s doing the nagging wife thing. Now she has a wedding ring she says it’s one of her rights.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘It feels different, being married. I didn’t think it would, but it does. We’ve been living together for the last two years which never bothered me, but it did Mia. We want to have a family soon and she wanted to be married first.’ He shrugged. ‘Something to do with her Catholic upbringing.’

‘But you didn’t have a church wedding with a priest or anything.’

‘Mia said it would be hypocritical and you know how much she hates that.’

‘Mia and Lainey are quite similar,’ Nick said. ‘They’re both organised, like things to be fair, say what they think.’

‘This should be interesting then. They’re either going to hit it off or hate each other.’ James eyed Nick. ‘So how do you think this is going to work out with Lainey? If she’s as religious as you say, won’t it cause a few problems?’

‘I imagine it will, but I want to give it a shot. My best shot.’ Nick stretched out, legs crossed at the ankles, hands behind his head. ‘I’m not exactly unreligious myself, you know. I went to church, right up until I joined the band.’

‘I remember you telling me. Do you still believe in God?’

‘I do, actually. What about you?’ This was the most serious discussion they’d had on the topic in years.

‘Dunno. Don’t honestly think about it.’

‘Do you ever think about eternity? If such a thing even exists? Where you might go when you die?’ The last question had been on Nick’s mind a lot lately and it worried him he wasn’t sure of the answer.

James shrugged. ‘Nope. I’ll worry about it when I’m old. I have no intention of dying just yet.’ He stood up. ‘Come on, let’s eat.’

Nick was happy to drop the subject. The issues would rear up sooner or later. Lunch sounded better.

* * *

‘Shift yourself, Cusack. My turn.’

They were in the backyard of the Harrington’s place. Lainey looked up from her conversation with Nick to see Mia standing there.

‘See? What did I tell you? She looks like a Scandinavian goddess but she gives orders like a sergeant major.’ Nick stood to his feet.

‘Someone’s got to keep you boys in line. Go and find James. Make sure he’s not chewing off Dad’s ear.’ Mia shooed him away.

‘You’d be good in my classroom,’ said Lainey.

‘No thanks. I don’t know how you do it. Grown-ups are hard enough to deal with, let alone their progeny. So, how’s it going? Have you met everyone?’

‘I think so.’ Lainey dropped her voice. ‘I was a bit nervous coming here tonight. I’m very aware it’s a family thing so thanks for having me.’

‘You’re welcome. So, tell me a bit about yourself. And what it was like growing up with Nick. I’ll bet he was as cute back then as he is now.’

Lainey laughed. ‘Yes, he was.’

She was enjoying the evening far more than she had anticipated. Maybe getting to know Nick’s friends wouldn’t be so difficult after all.

Later, when everyone else had gone, she helped Mia clean the kitchen.

Nick came in with a tray of glasses and dumped them on the bench. ‘Lainey, do you mind if we stay a bit longer? I’d like to show James some new stuff I’ve been working on. It’s only just gone ten.’

‘Fine with me. I’m sure Mia and I can find things to talk about.’

‘Of course we can.’ Mia smiled at her.

James went over to the fridge, extracted two beers and passed one to Nick. ‘So what else do you do, Lainey, apart from play the violin and teach?’

‘Lots of things.’ She began placing the glasses in the dishwasher. ‘I like going to the gym, playing tennis and squash but I love running. It helps me relax. What did I say?’

Nick and James were choking on their drinks.

Mia pushed them out of the kitchen. ‘Go and do your thing in the studio and leave us alone.’ She poured herself a fresh glass of wine. ‘I have no idea what that was about. Want one?’

‘No thanks. I’d love a cup of tea though.’

Mia filled the jug and switched it on. ‘Nick said you were religious. Is that why you don’t drink?’

‘Not entirely. I don’t like the taste. Boring, hey?’

‘No, refreshing and very useful to have around at a party to drive us all home.’ Mia smiled as she got out a mug and a teabag. ‘But you
are
religious?’

‘Yes, but I don’t use the word religious.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, to me the word sounds full of rules and regulations. That’s not how I see God.’

‘Interesting. How
do
you see God?’

‘I see Him as someone who loves me more than I could ever imagine. I have a relationship with Him that is real and tangible and the most wonderful part of my life.’

Lainey was taken aback to see Mia blink hard a few times and then take a gulp of her wine. She picked up her tea and followed her into the family room.

‘Do you read the Bible?’ Mia asked.

‘I try to everyday.’

‘My family used to go to church when I was little. The Bible didn’t make much sense to me then.’

‘No, well, there are different versions these days that are much easier to read, not like the old ones that are full of thees and thous.’ Lainey drank a mouthful of tea. ‘One of the things about having a relationship with God is that I know I am loved, no matter what. There is nothing I’ve done that He can’t forgive me for. I find that amazing. God’s love is unconditional. I can’t do anything to earn it, just accept it.’

‘No,’ Mia said, shaking her head. ‘He couldn’t love me like that.’

‘He does, though,’ said Lainey, ‘no matter what you’ve done or haven’t done, He loves you. God
is
love.’

‘No.’ Mia knocked back the rest of her wine. She went into the kitchen and refilled her glass, talking as she went. ‘You have no idea of the things I’ve done and I don’t know why I’m saying this. I barely
know
you. Sorry, that sounded rude.’

‘That’s okay. Listen, I haven’t been a saint all my life either but I know what it’s like to experience God’s forgiveness. It’s awesome. It brings peace into my life like nothing else does.’

‘That’s it.’

‘Pardon me?’

‘Tonight, when I first met you, there was something about you. Now I know what it is. You’re content.’

‘Yes, I suppose I am.’

‘In my world, Lainey, no one is content. Everyone is trying to outdo everyone else, doing whatever it takes to get there.’ Mia sat back. ‘If we had children, James would probably go on this next tour without me and who knows what would happen. It’s not that I don’t trust him – I do – but I certainly don’t trust the women who would love to get their hands on him. I worry all the time.’ She gave a big sigh. ‘You don’t seem to be like that.’