by Andrea Grigg
James looked grim. ‘I guess we’ll know by tomorrow. You’d better try to get some rest.’
By the time he got back to his room it was six o’clock in the morning. He was exhausted, his head throbbing, his mouth as dry as a desert.
Nick remembered what he’d said to Lainey the last time they’d spoken and was so glad he had. He hoped she’d still believe in him after this and thought she would but he needed to hear her say it. He’d phone his mother first and then Lainey.
Hannah was as horrified as he thought she’d be. She brushed aside his apologies and reassured him she’d be fine. She’d be praying for him. For once, he acknowledged what she said about prayer and thanked her. He knew he was going to need it.
She had a bit of news of her own. Adam and Lara had bought their own place and Lainey had moved into their flat. Surprise, surprise. He jotted down her new phone number and hoped she’d be home from work.
It took only two rings before she picked up but it felt like ten.
‘Lainey, it’s Nick.’
‘I’m so glad you’ve rung. You’ve been on my mind all day. Is there something going on?’
What a woman. ‘You could say that. I’m in a bit of a mess. Have you got time?’
‘All you need. What’s up?’
Nick drew a deep breath, feeling apprehensive. ‘You were right about Malcolm,’ he said, and then relaxed. This was Lainey he was talking to.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Living with Hannah for the past three months had been great but it was wonderful to have her own place. Lainey had thought she might get a bit lonely by herself but so far she loved it. The flat was under Jim and Beth Miller’s place on their quarter acre block, looking out onto the bush.
It had been renovated before Adam and Lara had moved in. The walls were off-white, the tiles were terracotta and the tiny living area and bedroom were carpeted in a soft wool.
It was fully furnished, including a very comfortable double bed so Lainey could spend her money on decorative items. She had decided to go with a beach theme and intended to use lots of pale blues and whites when she had a chance to go shopping on the weekend.
She’d been home just long enough to make herself a cup of coffee and open a packet of chocolate biscuits when the phone rang. She wasn’t all that surprised to hear Nick’s voice. Lainey had felt disturbed all day whenever she thought about him. And every time she got the feeling of uneasiness, she had prayed.
As he told his story, her first thought was for how rough it was going to be for him, followed by sadness and compassion for Malcolm.
‘Are you feeling alright?’ she asked. ‘You’ve had a dreadful night. You must be exhausted.’
‘I’m pretty tired but I’m more worried about the fallout from these pictures. Mind you, if some other disaster occurs, this will be nothing. If not, I could be a talking point. Either way, they’ll be sure to turn up in a magazine somewhere.’
‘But can’t you do anything? Have a press conference or something?’
‘To be honest, Lainey, people are going to think what they like. It can be better just to endure it for a bit and it’ll all get forgotten. You’ll see.’
‘It’s so unfair.’
‘Yeah, well, that’s the way this game gets played, just like anything else. You win some and you lose some. Usually we have a lot more wins than losses.’
‘Nick?’
‘What.’
‘No matter what anyone says, I know you wouldn’t have done this.’
There was a pause. ‘Thanks, Lainey.’
‘And if anyone near me says anything to the contrary I’ll hit them.’
Nick’s chuckle came down the line then he became serious. ‘I hope the media don’t involve you. You never know how deep they might dig just to get a story. They could decide your previous involvement with me might be worth investigating. I hope not, Lainey, but be aware.’
‘That’s alright. I’ll just hit them too and take the heat off you.’ She was making light of it but at the same time she was concerned. It could affect her job.
Nick was right there with her. ‘You might want to tell your principal. After all, you teach at a Christian school and if they come after one of their teachers about something like this it isn’t going to reflect too well. You’d be better off being up front. Is he okay?’
‘He’s terrific.’ Lainey had a huge amount of respect for Brian Green. ‘He’ll be supportive I’m sure. How’s Malcolm?’
‘He’s sleeping for now but I don’t know what to expect when he wakes up. I’m worried he’ll be suicidal.’
‘You’ll have to keep a close watch on him. Can’t his ex-wife help out?’
‘I doubt it. She wasn’t very nice to her daughter so I don’t think she’ll be kind to him after all the trouble he’s caused her.’
‘No.’ Lainey bit her lip then confessed. ‘I knew a bit of what he was up to. I found out by accident.’
‘What do you mean?’ Nick sounded bemused.
Lainey told him about her encounter with Malcolm back in January.
‘How come you never told me? I can’t believe you said that to him!’
‘No, well, he was drunk and I have no idea if he remembers any of it. And as for telling you, I didn’t think there was any point. For a start, you’d told me to be careful what I said about him and I couldn’t see that it would achieve anything by letting you know. I knew you didn’t think I’d leaked the information for the articles so I had nothing to prove to you. It just happened, that’s all.’
‘I still wish you’d told me.’
‘It certainly fills in a piece of the puzzle.’
‘A very complicated one.’ Nick yawned. ‘I’m so annoyed about these pictures. I’ll look as if I’m on something which was true, but it wasn’t by choice. Malcolm admitted he spiked one of my drinks. I trusted that guy, we all did. He might have huge problems, but it still doesn’t alter the fact he sold us out.’
‘You’ve got every right to be upset but at least you don’t have his life. It must be a living hell.’
‘I know. I do feel sorry for him but I’m angry more than anything.’
‘I don’t blame you. I’d be just the same.’
‘No, you wouldn’t. Look what you said to him at the casino. You’re a better person than I am.’
‘I’m not. You know I’ve got a temper and get moody.’
‘Don’t sell yourself short. What you said that night was extraordinary.’
‘What I said that night was from God,’ Lainey said. ‘I’m no saint, but I’m willing to be used whenever He needs me.’
‘He answered my prayer, Lainey.’
The packet of biscuits hit the floor. ‘Sorry?’
‘I prayed for help and God answered.’
Lainey’s heart started thumping. ‘He loves you, Nick. You can put your trust in Him – He won’t let you down.’
‘Yeah, so you say.’ He sounded pensive rather than sarcastic.
‘When are you coming home?’
‘We’re supposed to leave the day after tomorrow but I’m not sure now. I’ll have to stay in Sydney until we work a few things out, but I’ll phone you.’ He sounded very weary. ‘I’m glad we’re having a big break; we’re going to need it.’
‘You certainly are. Nick? Malcolm’s wife is going to be devastated. Will you be able to talk to her?’
‘See? You’re a kind person, Lainey. Yes, I’ll definitely be speaking to her. It’ll be harder on her than anyone. Will you look out for Mum for me?’
‘Always. We look after each other.’
‘I know you do. I’ll call you soon. Thanks for listening, Lainey.’
‘No problem. I’ve eaten a whole packet of biscuits though.’
Nick laughed. ‘Don’t ever change.’
‘Not in that department I won’t. Go to sleep.’
It had grown dark by the time she hung up. As she thought about what he’d said, her faith swelled and her seedling of hope grew another, stronger shoot.
* * *
Lainey went over to Adam and Lara’s and told them Nick’s story. They were as shocked as she’d expected. There was nothing any of them could do except pray and they did, asking the Lord for a miracle, that the pictures wouldn’t make it to print.
She made an appointment to see Brian. He asked a question here and there but mainly let her talk. Lainey explained more about her relationship with Nick, to the point of telling him about their reunion and subsequent break up.
At the end, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. ‘You obviously know him very well.’
‘Yes, sometimes better than I know myself, I think.’
‘And you believe what he says about these photos being a hoax?’
Lainey nodded. ‘Without a doubt. Adam’s the same.’
Brian took his time before he spoke. ‘You’re a sensible and mature young woman Lainey. I trust your judgment, both from what I know of you in a professional capacity and in your walk with God. If there are repercussions from this incident I will support you. I’m grateful that you have been honest with me.’
‘Thank you. The last thing I want is to cause any trouble for the school.’
‘Of course.’ He inclined his head. ‘I hope Nick is aware of how lucky he is to have someone like you standing by him.’
‘Yes, I think he does.’ Lainey felt herself begin to blush.
‘Relationships with unbelievers of the opposite sex can become complicated but I’m sure that one day, your prayers for Nick will be answered. Can I pray with you, Lainey?’
She was thrilled when Brian prayed for exactly the same thing they all had.
* * *
Two evenings later Nick phoned from his place in Sydney.
‘Hi, Lainey.’ He sounded exhausted, even in those two words.
‘Hey. Are you alright?’
‘Absolutely wrecked. I called Mum but she’s out.’
‘She’s got her homegroup tonight.’
‘I forgot about that. I’ve lost track of what day it is. Lainey, have you seen or heard anything about the pictures?’
‘No, nothing. Have you?’
‘No. It’s really strange. It should’ve all happened by now.’
‘I would’ve thought so too.’ She took a breath, spurred on by an inner sense of what she should say. ‘Nick, we’ve been praying the pictures will never show up.’
There was silence and she wondered if she’d gone too far.
‘That would be a miracle,’ he said finally, ‘and I don’t deserve one.’
‘None of us do. We don’t deserve anything. It’s called grace, Nick.’
Silence again, then she heard him sigh. ‘Look, I’m going to bed now. I’ve only just got in and I’m shattered. I’ll keep in touch.’
‘How’s Malcolm?’
‘Not very good. He’s on medication and he’s being watched. Lainey?’
‘Yes?’
‘Thanks for praying.’
‘You’re welcome.’
She hung up, her heart a mixture of emotions. He’d sounded so empty and flat. Maybe, she thought, he was exactly where God wanted him.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Ten days went by. Lainey made a few visits to the local newsagent and thumbed through magazines. Nothing. Surely the photographs would be in them by now.
Nick phoned every couple of nights, full of hope. The whole thing was disappearing into oblivion. Lainey was dying to ask what he thought about God answering their prayers but refrained, waiting for Nick to bring it up first. He’d have to talk about it one day. She could be patient.
It was a Friday afternoon. Lainey drove into her carport, thankful for the weekend, and heard her phone ringing inside. She fumbled with the keys and dropped them twice in her haste to get in.
‘Hello?’ she said, breathless.
‘Been running have you?’
‘No. Had a fight with the door key. I’ve just arrived home.’ She might as well have been for a run. Nick’s voice always raised her heart rate as effectively as a half hour of pounding the pavement.
‘Are you doing anything special tonight?’
‘Hugh Jackman phoned but I turned him down.’
‘Funny girl. Can you pick me up from the airport? I’m coming home and my plane leaves in half an hour. I want to surprise Mum.’
Lainey wasn’t going to let him off that easily. ‘Heard of a taxi?’
There was a momentary hesitation. ‘They’re on strike.’
‘And I’m going to be an astronaut.’
Nick laughed. ‘Be nice to me. I need to see a familiar, friendly face, not a cab driver’s.’
‘Adam busy, is he?’
‘He was, actually. I asked him first.’
‘Sometimes I wish you weren’t quite so honest.’ In spite of his admission, Lainey was happy to pick him up. ‘I’ll be there.’
The airport was full of commuters arriving home for the weekend. Lainey waited only a few minutes before she saw Nick’s tall figure in his long overcoat, coming across the tarmac, head down against the southerly wind. He was one of the first passengers to come through and his arrival caused a lot of heads to turn.
Nothing unusual there, thought Lainey. Even if he wasn’t someone famous he was worth a second look.
It was unusual when he hugged her and held her for longer than necessary. Two months ago, he wouldn’t have done such a thing. He’d gone out of his way not to have any physical contact at all, apart from at Nina’s funeral. She figured the events of the last two weeks had had quite an effect on him. For the first time in years they shared something spiritual. She could feel the difference, the extra connection, and it made things harder.
‘This is for you.’ Nick dug into his coat pocket and pulled out a large chocolate bar. ‘I wasn’t making you my second choice. I phoned Adam because it was you I wanted to surprise, not just Mum.’
His words gave her a little glow. ‘Goose.’ She unwrapped the peace offering, took a bite then shared it with him as they waited for his bag to appear. ‘So tell me about Malcolm. How is he?’
‘A bit better. The medication’s helping but he’s still got a long way to go. He and Christy will have to put both houses on the market and file for bankruptcy.’
‘He’s lucky Christy is still around. A lot of other women would have washed their hands of him.’
‘Yes, he said that.’ Nick grabbed his bag and they headed for the car park. ‘You know what’s sad?’
‘What?’
‘I’m the only one of us that’s been to see him or made any contact.’
‘Everyone deals with things differently, I guess. Good on you, Nick. I’m proud of you for doing that.’
‘Are you, Lainey?’
‘Of course I am.’ His gaze was making her uncomfortable and she looked away. She flinched when he reached for her hand then felt silly when he took the keys to open the boot.
‘It’s alright, Lainey, I know the rules.’ He gave her an enigmatic look before throwing in his luggage and handing back the keys. ‘Want to grab a pizza then go to your place? I’d like to see it.’
He was pushing his luck tonight.
‘You saw it when Adam and Lara were there.’
‘Yeah, but you’ll have made it look different.’
‘So?’
‘And I’ve got a letter for you from Malcolm.’
‘Are you serious?’
‘Totally. Pizza first though.’
‘That’s bribery.’
‘Whatever works for you, babe.’
‘Don’t ‘babe’
me. It sounds sleazy and reminds me of the pig.’
Nick grinned. ‘If the cap fits. I’ve seen how much you eat.’
She took a swipe at him and pulled into Pizza Hut. She was hungry anyway.
‘I am so looking forward to having some time off,’ Nick said, as they arrived at her place, ‘it’s been a huge ten years.’
‘Haven’t you got another movie to do though?’
‘Not for a month. I thought I’d stay here until then and catch up with everyone, especially Mum. I might take her somewhere for a holiday.’
‘She’d love that. She misses you a lot, you know.’
‘I know. I’m still her little boy.’ Nick grinned, making her heart flip. He’d been cute then – he was even cuter now.
She let him in. ‘Home sweet home.’
Nick surveyed the living area. ‘It looks great.’
The new lamps cast a soft glow over the room with their comfy couches, new cushions and throw rugs. It did look cosy and inviting. She was glad he thought so too.
She switched on the television so Nick could watch the Friday night football while they sat at the little circular dining table to eat their pizza.
He smiled, one eye on the game and the other on her. ‘This is just what I needed.’
‘And I need the letter,’ Lainey reminded him.
‘Sorry.’ He dug into his coat and retrieved an envelope.
She’d just opened it when Nick’s mobile phone rang. He frowned, looking annoyed at the interruption, but his face changed when he saw the caller.
‘Hello? Hang on a minute, the reception’s no good in here. I’ll have to go outside.’ He mouthed ‘sorry’ at her and disappeared out onto the patio, closing the door behind him.
Lainey pulled out the single sheet of paper, wondering what on earth Malcolm would want to write to her about.
Dear Lainey, it read. I’ll keep this brief. I know Nick has told you what’s been happening. I want to apologise for what I did to you with the magazine articles, letting everyone think it was you that had leaked the information. I remember clearly what you said to me at the casino that night, even though I’d been drinking. Unfortunately, I can’t accept what you said about God. It’s too late for me, but it’s not for Nick. I hope it all works out for you two in the end. Again, I’m sorry. Malcolm.