A Simple Mistake Read online

  ‘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.’

  ‘You’ve just paid me a big compliment.’ Lainey tucked her legs up under her.

  ‘Sorry?’

  ‘I mean it. I’m the biggest stress-head but I pray a lot, as often as I can. Try it, Mia. It changes things, it really does.’

  ‘I suppose you’ve done a lot of praying for Nick then?’

  Lainey felt her cheeks grow warm. ‘Yes, I have. And those things you mentioned about women would worry me too, if I had the right to.’

  ‘Oh, believe me, you have the right. Be careful with him, Lainey.’

  ‘I know. He’s a big star now, and I’m little old Lainey Sullivan, school teacher. I have a lot to compete with and I don’t know if I should even try.’

  ‘You misunderstand me.’ Mia put down her glass. ‘You don’t have to compete with anyone. He’s yours.’

  Lainey stared, her toes tingling. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I’ve seen Nick with loads of women but he’s never looked at any of them the way I saw him looking at you tonight.’

  ‘Oh.’ Lainey felt a frisson of happiness then registered the first bit. ‘Loads of women, hey?’

  ‘Well, yes. What did you expect? It doesn’t mean he’s slept with them all. He’s not like that despite what the media might have to say, but don’t be naive. Listen, I only met you a few hours ago, but I like you. I really hope it works out for the two of you.’

  Lainey was about to reply but the sound of a door opening and footsteps on the stairs put an end to the conversation. She hoped it worked out too, but it wasn’t going to be plain sailing. That much she knew.

  Chapter Seven

  Nick was anxious for Tuesday night. He hadn’t seen Lainey since the barbecue at James and Mia’s. Too long.

  He’d been serious about three women over the years, but what he felt for Lainey made everything else pale in comparison. Even after only seventeen days.

  He hoped what he had planned for tonight would break down some of the reserve that lurked in her eyes. Years ago, it had been due to Roger’s influence and because he, Nick, was about to embark on his career. Now, he figured it had to do with church, or more accurately, God. He wasn’t quite sure what to do, nor was he about to start competing with Him. He knew he’d come off second best.

  Nick knocked on Lainey’s door and it opened straight away.

  ‘Hi.’ She was wearing something pink and had her hair down for once, tumbling over her shoulders in glossy waves.

  She was perfect.

  ‘Happy Valentine’s Day.’ He held her close, breathing in shampoo and perfume.

  ‘Thank you for the flowers,’ she said, stepping back, ‘they’re beautiful.’

  Like you. ‘I’m glad you liked them.’

  ‘Everyone at work is very curious about who you are.’ Lainey grabbed her purse and closed the door behind them.

  ‘What have you told them?’

  ‘Nothing. It’s fun to keep them guessing.’ She grinned. ‘You’ve turned the normal, boring Miss Sullivan into a person of intrigue.’

  Nick opened the car door for her. ‘You’re never boring, Lainey. Ready for your surprise?’

  ‘Is it far away?’

  ‘No, but keep an open mind. First appearances can be deceiving.’

  When they pulled up at Angelo’s restaurant, Lainey looked skeptical. Her expression deepened when he drove down the driveway and parked around the back next to the garbage bins.

  Nick held up a finger. ‘Trust me.’ He led her to the back entrance and stopped at a flight of stairs. ‘Close your eyes.’

  She clutched his hand as he guided her up the stairs, through the empty flat above the shop and out onto the concrete roof. Except tonight it wasn’t just a concrete roof.

  ‘Alright, you can look now.’

  Lainey stared open-mouthed at the scene in front of her.

  A table for two rested on a plush, pale pink carpet square beneath a gazebo made out of some white filmy material. Sparkling glasses and gleaming cutlery resided on an immaculate white cloth, reflecting the candlelight provided by an elegant crystal candelabrum. Pink rose petals were scattered on the centre of the table. Topiary trees draped with fairy lights were placed around the gazebo, leaving one side open to give a clear view of the beach. Music drifted through the air.

  ‘Oh, Nick, I can’t believe you’ve done this.’

  Tempted to plant a kiss on her parted lips, he satisfied himself with her cheek instead. He held out her chair then seated himself opposite.

  Lainey grasped his hand. ‘No one’s ever done anything like this for me before.’

  He was about to tell her he was going to make sure no one else ever did but Angelo arrived with their menus and a big smile.

  Nick had a big smile himself. Lainey was stunned and the food was wonderful. He also had the opportunity to introduce her to Rosa. She approved, giving him nods and winks behind Lainey’s back.

  As they ate, he outlined the movie choices he had in front of him.

  ‘Are they decent parts?’

  ‘Pretty good, actually. I have to go and read for two of them next week. I don’t know who’s got the main roles yet but Keanu Reeves is a
possibility for one and maybe Kevin Costner in the other. What?’

  Lainey was laughing. ‘This is surreal. We could never have imagined having this conversation all those years ago.’

  ‘I know. And for a long time I didn’t think I’d ever get to share it with you.’ Nick leaned across and toyed with a long strand of her hair, winding his finger around the curl. ‘Will you come with me to the premiere of Against All Odds here in Sydney?’

  Lainey held his gaze, her hands stilled on her glass. ‘Maybe. Would you come to something with me first?’

  ‘Anything.’ Even if it was church related.

  ‘There’s a wedding I’ve been invited to, a friend from work. It’s three weeks from this Saturday. You’ll be back by then, won’t you?’ She clasped his wrist. ‘You’re pulling my hair.’

  ‘Sorry.’ He took her hand instead and ran his thumb across her knuckles. ‘Of course I’ll come with you. So … does this mean we’re dating now?’

  To his dismay, Lainey withdrew. ‘Nick, I—’

  ‘Don’t say anything. Forget it. Maybe it’s a good thing I’m going away,’ he said, not meaning it, and was disappointed when she agreed.

  ‘Nick, please don’t take it the wrong way, it’s just that I—’

  ‘It’s alright. I just find it hard to understand why you need more time.’

  ‘It’s only been—’

  ‘Seventeen days. I know. It’s crazy, but it’s long enough for me to know that after ten years, I don’t want to let you go again.’ He went to move closer but she stopped him.

  ‘Stay there, Nick. I want to try and explain. It’s easier if you’re over there.’

  He felt a small amount of satisfaction at her words.

  ‘The problem is, you and I are on different paths and handle things in different ways. Are you listening?’

  ‘Yes. Sorry.’ It was hard to focus when all he wanted to do was kiss her. He toyed with the idea of grabbing her and doing just that, but discarded it. She’d probably slap him.

  ‘You’re a very creative person with a wonderful imagination. You like to speculate, come up with ideas, take risks to make them happen.’ Lainey shrugged. ‘You’ve always been that way. You’re persistent when you think something will work, but you don’t want to have to worry about the finer details so you have other people do all that for you. You write the songs, record them, do the acting. Someone else checks the contracts, does the legwork and negotiates for you.’