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

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