A Simple Mistake by Andrea Grigg Read Free Book Online Page A

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