A Simple Mistake by Andrea Grigg Read Free Book Online

Six
    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.