A Simple Mistake (6 page)

Lainey missed Nick, but not in such a way as to make herself miserable. She’d been down that path before and wasn’t going back there again.

She rang her mother, told her the news about Adam and Lara and let her know she and Nick were seeing each other again. Rose sounded pleased but cautious. Lainey hadn’t expected her to jump for joy.

Nick phoned her several times. The screen tests had gone well and he was looking forward to the movie premiere, but he missed her. They found it hard having a decent conversation as the time difference was awkward to manage and there was always a delay on the line.

School kept her occupied. The best part was when flowers arrived, two Fridays in a row. The first bunch was pink roses, reminding her of their Valentine’s dinner, the second a stunning yellow. The little cards and their ‘missing you’ messages went straight into her treasure box.

The girls in the office were dying to know who this Nick person was, but she was keeping it quiet until the wedding. She’d asked Carolyn not to say anything either – she would feel silly saying they were from Nick Cusack. Carolyn quite understood.

The day before he was due home, Nick phoned to say he had to fly to Chicago unexpectedly but he’d still be back in time for the wedding. Lainey wasn’t too concerned until she got another call just as she was leaving for work on Friday morning.

‘I’m so sorry, Lainey,’ he said, ‘but there’s been a mix up with the flights. I’m stuck in L.A. tonight and won’t arrive in Sydney until one o’clock in the afternoon. What time’s the wedding?’

‘Three. You mightn’t get here in time.’

‘I’ll make it. I’ll phone you as soon as we land.’

‘Are you sure you’ll be alright to come? Won’t you be too tired?’

‘I’ll be fine. I won’t let you down, I promise. I can’t wait to see you.’

There was nothing she could do, except pray.

She woke early to a beautiful March day, perfect for a wedding. Worry had her up and running.

The beach was spectacular, the light dancing in a myriad of diamonds across the water. Lainey paused for a few minutes, taking it all in and praying again. She was nervous about seeing Nick. He’d been gone longer than they’d been back together.

‘He’ll get here.’ Lara tried to reassure her when he still hadn’t phoned by a quarter to two. ‘You look stunning, Lainey.’

‘Thanks.’ She’d bought the dress on a whim in the Boxing Day sales. It was midnight blue and sleeveless, with the bodice attached to a circular piece around the neck then nipped in under the bust, the rest coming to just above her knees. Lainey had put up her hair in its usual topknot and Lara had loaned her some dangly silver earrings. On her feet she wore silver sandals with a small heel and she’d even applied polish to her toenails. If she’d been going to this wedding by herself she wouldn’t have made such an effort. Lara had better be right.

The phone rang on the dot of two.

‘Told you I’d make it.’ Nick didn’t sound the least concerned. ‘I’ll have a shower at your place. See you soon.’

Lainey went straight into the kitchen to make a sandwich. She hadn’t been able to eat a thing – now she was starving.

As soon as she heard his knock, she dashed to the door. ‘You’re here.’

Nick dropped what he was holding, wrapped her up and kissed her. ‘You are definitely worth coming home for.’

Smiling, she thrust a towel at him. ‘Hurry up.’

He disappeared into the bathroom, calling out his congratulations to Lara in the kitchen and a greeting to Kate, reading on the lounge.

Kate lowered her magazine and shook her head. ‘I cannot believe Nick Cusack is in
our
bathroom, using
our
shower.’

Lainey grinned and sat beside her to wait. ‘Me neither. It’s great, isn’t it?’

‘Great’s not the word. More like, astonishing, amazing, astounding. And you’re going to a wedding with him.’ Kate hit her with the magazine. ‘
And
I saw him kiss you.’

Lainey laughed, feeling better and better.

Ten minutes later, Nick emerged, wearing a dark suit and a white shirt without a tie, his hair damp and dishevelled. He smelled wonderful and looked even better.

‘You two look so good together.’ Lara was almost reverent.

‘We always did.’ Nick winked at Lainey, making her heart do somersaults, and pulled her out to the waiting limo.

He was here, and everything was alright.

* * *

Scuttling into a pew with Nick, Lainey had time to catch her breath and look around to see who she knew. Quite a few, each with a mouth forming a perfect ‘O’.

She giggled as heads snapped back into line when the minister asked them to stand for the bridal procession. Beside her, Nick gave a quiet laugh.

‘What? Oh!’ Lainey recognised the introduction to
The Journey
. She tried not to cry but it was hopeless. She always cried at weddings. Having Nick beside her and his song being played made it even harder. It was worth it though, when he put an arm around her and kept it there.

The bride and groom came back down the aisle, beaming from ear to ear. As Carolyn’s eyes focussed on Lainey, she saw who was beside her and would have tripped if she hadn’t been gripping her new husband’s arm.

They filed outside along with everyone else and Lainey prepared herself to introduce Nick to her colleagues. She didn’t have to look far. They were right there, expectant grins on their faces.

‘Hi everybody,’ she said, ‘meet Nick.’

They all went to the nearest pub while photos were being taken and by the time they got to the reception, everyone was chatting to him like they’d known him for years.

During the wedding breakfast, Penny spoke up. ‘How did you two get together? We’re all dying to know.’

Lainey had just taken a mouthful of food and gestured at Nick to explain. As he did, she watched him, his jacket over the back of his chair, sleeves rolled up. He was, as Lara often said, drop dead gorgeous.

He told the girls how they’d grown up together, dated at high school, lost contact, and how they’d found each other again. When he finished, his eyes met hers, warm and hiding nothing. He leaned over and kissed her and there was a collective sigh. She would’ve laughed if not for the guilt coiling and uncoiling in her stomach. He was so transparent about his feelings for her. She
had
to tell him about Liam.

After the cutting of the cake and the formal speeches, the DJ started up. Now that the casual part of the reception was in full swing, people came and talked to Nick. Most just wanted to meet him and shake his hand, some asked for his autograph. Carolyn and Dale had their photo taken with him and more followed suit, including some little old ladies and lots of not so old.

Lainey looked up from her conversation with Penny to find Nick making a beeline for her. ‘Come and get your butt on the dance floor, Miss Sullivan. You can’t ignore the Nutbush.’

Sure enough, Tina Turner was belting out her song and the parquetry was subjected to a barrage of stomping feet. The Macarena followed then the music changed and the lights dimmed.

Nick took her in his arms and murmured in her ear. ‘This is our song, Lainey.’

‘What, this old thing?’

‘Just listen to the words.’

Phil Collins’
Groovy Kind of Love
washed over her and her bones went soft as Nick pressed his lips to the sensitive place by her ear. When it got to the part about kissing, shivering and quivering, if he hadn’t had a firm grip on her, she would have fallen in a heap.

As soon as it finished, Nick took her outside into the gardens lit by stars and a struggling half-moon. He cupped her face, smiled, and kissed her, just like he had that day in the entry. And like that day in the entry, Lainey kissed him back.

‘I’ve wanted to do that ever since I’ve come home. And this.’ He reached into her hair and tugged, making it tumble down her back. ‘That’s better.’

‘That took me hours to do.’ Lainey spoke lightly, trying to lessen the effect he was having on her heart, her knees and everything else.

One hand stroked her hair, the other held her close. ‘Can we go? I want to talk to you.’

Lainey nodded. Tonight, she would tell him about Liam.

Nick didn’t know where they were but it was a beach, which was what he’d wanted. The salty air was cool and it helped keep him awake, along with the takeaway coffee they’d picked up.

‘So.’ He stretched out his legs and smiled at Lainey next to him, cradling her cup in her hands.

‘So yourself. Tell me more about your trip. How was the movie premiere?’

‘Very good. I think it should do well.’

It was a tale about survival behind enemy lines during World War II. His character was one of five men, lost in France after they’d parachuted in. They were helped by the Resistance and it was the story of how they’d survived.

‘Will you come with me to the premiere here? I know I’ve mentioned it before but …’ Nick knew he was asking a lot.

‘When exactly is it?’ Lainey ran a finger around the edge of her cup as she spoke. She always had to be doing something with her hands while she was thinking. She’d done that since they were children.

‘Wednesday week. You won’t have to miss out on your homegroup.’

‘Good. And it’s the red carpet thing?’

‘Yep. Lots of cameras and flashing lights. I know it’s a big ask, but I really want you there with me. If you can.’

Thoughts flitted unchecked across her face. She’d be hopeless playing poker.

‘It means we go public.’

‘Yes. If you’re ready.’

‘And what will that mean for me in terms of publicity?’

‘We’ll be photographed a lot at first, but that’ll die down. And at the premiere, James and Mia will look after you too. They let me have more than one guest and James is good publicity.’

‘What would I wear?’

Nick’s heart lightened. She was thinking about it. ‘Mia will help you with that. She’s an expert.’ He waited.

‘Okay,’ she said finally, ‘I’ll do it. But I’m really, really scared.’

‘Thank you.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘It means a lot to me, Lainey.’

She smiled and dragged him up. ‘Let’s walk while you tell me about Chicago.’

They threw their cups into a bin and moved off down to the water’s edge. ‘It was brilliant. We’ve been trying to crack the American market for years. We’ve had a measure of success but nothing like we’ve had everywhere else. Now, we have an opportunity.

‘Someone gave a certain talk show host a copy of
The Journey
after she’d seen
Against All Odds
and
the song made her cry. Her team contacted my agent in the States and Malcolm and I met with them and she wants us on her show. In three weeks.’

‘Nick, that’s fantastic!’

‘You bet. They’re going to do a show about the movie, and then the next one will be about us. Our host has decided she wants America to hear us. It’s our big chance.’

‘And you deserve it.’ She squeezed his hand, her eyes shining in the moonlight.

‘Now,’ he said, ‘I’ve been thinking. How about we go and spend a week with Mum during your school holidays? You could catch up with the old crew again and we could have a whole seven days together.’ He looked at her with regret. ‘My life is hectic. I’m always off here and there and never around much. Are you okay with that?’

‘Of course.’

He hadn’t been expecting such a positive answer and certainly not that fast. Relieved, he went to kiss her but she pulled away.

‘Just a minute. I need to tell you a few things. I’ve had time to think too.’ She took a deep breath and let it out. ‘I already had a life, Nick, before you came back into it and it’s a very full one. I love my church, my job, and my friends. It’s wonderful having you around but I don’t depend on you for my happiness.’

Ouch.

‘That comes from my relationship with the Lord and I don’t want to put anyone before Him. Including you.’

God one, Nick zero.

She put a hand on his cheek. ‘I’m sorry if I’m hurting your feelings, but you like me to be honest with you.’

‘Yep, I do.’ He placed her hand on his chest and held it there. ‘What else?’

‘I’d love to come up to the Gold Coast with you. I can’t wait to see your mum and catch up with everyone, but mostly, I want to spend time with you.’

One all.

‘But we need to lay some ground rules for our relationship.’

Here we go
.

‘I don’t expect you to come to church with me unless you want to but it’s something I’m committed to doing every Sunday.’

He nodded.

‘And I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be alone at your place. I feel uncomfortable with that. I’d rather you came over to the flat.’

He nodded again.

‘And I’m not going to sleep with you.’

‘God, Lainey.’ The word shot from between his lips and Lainey pulled her hand away. ‘Sorry. It just slipped out.’ He’d been so careful not to say things like that around her and his mother. He’d fallen into the habit over the years and it was a hard one to break.

‘I’m sorry. Truly. And I’d already figured sex wasn’t an option. I do have respect for your beliefs, you know. I was brought up on them too.’

She eyeballed him. ‘Yeah, but we’ve blown it before, haven’t we.’

Nick wasn’t quite sure what to say. On an issue where he’d expected her to be shy, she was in control and he was feeling awkward.

‘I’d planned for you to stay at Mum’s place, Lainey, not mine.’

‘That’s alright then.’

He paused
.
‘Mum knows we slept together.’

‘What! Did you
tell
her?’ Even in the moonlight he could see she’d gone pale.

‘No. Your mother did.’

‘My
mother
!’

‘Yep. She rang one night, told Mum, let her have it, then hung up. It was at Christmas. I was in the kitchen with her when she took the call so I couldn’t help but overhear.’

‘But it wasn’t your mother’s fault! Why would Mum go off at her?’

‘I don’t know, but I guess mother hens go into defence mode when their chicks have been … um … violated.’

‘It was hardly that, Nick.’ Her voice might have been soft, but she was agitated, her eyes looking everywhere except at him.

‘Well, no, I suppose not.’ He smiled, thinking back and then cleared his throat.
Dangerous ground, don’t go there.
‘Mum was furious. If I’d been smaller she would’ve whipped me.’

Lainey gave a shaky laugh. ‘I
thought
Mum was a bit funny when you were talking about your mum, when we went there for lunch. Now I know why.’

‘Yeah, well she rang up a week later and apologised. I guess she still feels awkward. I don’t think they’ve been in contact since. I mean, she really let it rip, Lainey. I could hear her from where I was sitting. And they used to be so close.’

‘It was our fault, if we’re really honest. We shouldn’t have done it.’

He wanted to say he was very glad they had but didn’t think Lainey would appreciate it. She seemed to have calmed down again though.

‘James has told me to take up running … you know, to help.’ His grin faltered then died. Another mistake.

‘You’ve discussed that personal, private part of our relationship with
James
?’ Lainey glared at him. ‘And I suppose he knows we slept together as well?’

‘I believe I told him, years ago, yes. It was more of a bragging thing, I guess. I mean, I was sixteen. It was—’ He broke off. ‘What? Haven’t you told Lara? Isn’t that what girls talk about too? Lainey, wait!’

She had marched off without him.

‘Lainey, I’m sorry.’ He tried to grab her hand but she yanked it away and stood there, furious.

‘For your information, I have not told anyone except my mother. And she told Roger. That’s it. And it took me years to accept God’s forgiveness. You have no idea, Nick, no idea at all, and that’s what I mean about us not being on the same page.’

He didn’t know what to say. They stood there, not touching, just looking at each other, away, and then back again.

‘So, does that mean you’ll still come to the premiere?’ he asked eventually.

Lainey stared, then burst out laughing. ‘Yes. Yes, I will, you big lump. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.’ She whacked him on the chest. ‘You get me so mad sometimes.’

This time when he caught her hand, it stayed there. ‘I want you to be with me on that red carpet more than anyone else.’

‘Kylie Minogue busy on that night, is she?’

‘Begged me to take her but I turned her down. I told her my mother would cut me out of her will if I didn’t invite this old family friend who’s had a crush on me for years.’

‘Your mother is the wisest woman I know.’

Nick laughed, kissed her, and then they headed back to the car.

Phil, the chauffeur, was asleep, a book resting on his chest. Nick tapped on the window, yawning. It was two o’clock in the morning.

‘What have you got planned for tomorrow? Or should I say, today?’ he asked, as they buckled up.

Lainey yawned too. ‘I think I’ll skip the morning services and sleep in, but I’ll go to the evening one.’

Nick sank deeper into his seat and closed his eyes, holding her hand. ‘How about I come around late afternoon to get my stuff and I’ll go with you.’

‘You don’t have to, Nick.’

‘I want to.’

‘Then thank you. I’d love you to come.’

There was a long pause and he felt himself going down.

‘Nick? There’s something–Nick?’

Lainey tapped him on the arm, but he couldn’t open his eyes to save his life. Jet lag. Whatever she wanted to say would have to wait until tomorrow.