A Simple Mistake Read Free Page B

great,’ she said, somehow keeping her tone casual, and gave him her address.
    Nick laughed. ‘I don’t believe it. You’re only ten minutes away.’ Another pause. ‘Lainey, I’m a bit embarrassed saying this because it sounds big-headed, but would you mind if we come back to my place? It’s just that I can’t go out in public without the possibility of being photographed.’
    ‘Don’t be silly, Nick. Of course it’s alright. It’s all part of who you are now.’
    ‘Yeah, it is and most of the time I don’t mind. I love what I do. What about you? Are you happy, Lainey?’
    ‘I am. Very.’ Especially now you’ve phoned.
    ‘What do you do for work?’
    ‘I’m a primary school teacher. Grade Six.’
    Nick chuckled. ‘Perfect. You always were a stickler for the rules. Listen, I’d rather be talking to you face to face. I’m on my way. See you in ten.’
    No, she hadn’t imagined it. He wanted to see her.
    In a daze, she redid her ponytail and sprayed on perfume, careful not to overdo it. She was scribbling a note to Kate and Lara when Nick knocked on the door.
    ‘Hi.’ Despite her efforts to appear nonchalant, she was a little breathless.
    ‘You look good . ’
    A warm glow spread around her middle. ‘So do you.’
    Nick grinned. ‘Glad we still like the look of each other. Let’s go. Do you need to be back at a certain time?’
    ‘No, I’m all yours.’ Lainey reddened at her inadvertent choice of words but they held an element of truth. She was going to have to be very careful.
    * * *
    Nick was bowled over afresh. When they were teenagers, Lainey’s nickname had been warranted. Now, she had filled out in all the right places and ‘lanky’ didn’t do her justice.
    Entering his house from the garage, he led the way across the entry, down the steps into the lounge room and turned to see Lainey’s reaction to the view. Her face was a picture – eyes wide, mouth open.
    ‘Nick, this is awesome!’ She opened the glass sliders and stepped out onto the balcony.
    The Pacific Ocean was right there, rolling past before breaking onto the curve of Bronte beach where hundreds of bathers were getting relief from the heat.
    ‘Nice, hey?’ The breeze whipped Lainey’s ponytail. Nick’s fingers ached to touch it, capture it in his fist. He put his hands in his pockets. ‘Let me show you the rest.’
    He’d had the place renovated a year ago and it suited him very well. The upstairs was split-level, the living area an open space with lots of glass, and the kitchen overlooked it all. There were three guest rooms and bathrooms to the right, and he showed her those before going into his bedroom on the opposite side.
    It was enormous, encompassing both levels, a black and chrome theme throughout. There was even a sitting room with state of the art sound system and huge television. Nick thought it impressive but Lainey merely glanced around and moved on without comment. He noted she kept her eyes averted from his bed. Maybe it made her think of that one time they’d slept together. He’d certainly thought about it.
    She was more relaxed downstairs where he showed her the fully equipped gym, laundry, another bathroom and a small recording studio.
    ‘You have an amazing home,’ she said, as they came back up. ‘Fancy having your own gym and studio! You and your band have really made it, haven’t you?’
    ‘We’ve sold over a hundred million albums.’ Nick grinned as Lainey’s eyebrows shot toward her hairline. ‘We’ve done alright.’
    ‘Your mum must be very proud of you.’ She moved to where there were several photos arranged on a wall, including two of his mother. Lainey sighed as she touched one of them. ‘I miss her.’
    ‘She misses you too. She’ll be thrilled when I tell her we’ve met up again.’ He paused. ‘How come you lost contact with everyone, Lainey?’ She had her back to him so he couldn’t see her face.
    She was quiet for a few moments before she answered. ‘I was