The taxi driver revs the engine, breaking the magic.
"Did you get everything? Is that all you're taking?" Nick is surprised at my small bag.
"I've got everything I need," is my simple reply. As we drive off, I'm thankful that he leaves it at that.
***
Just a few short weeks later, we are seated in the BA First Class lounge at Heathrow waiting for the flight to JFK. Our lives in London have been packed up, and Cathwell's have taken care of all the paperwork. I’ve a job lined up in New York and I almost have to pinch myself to believe that this is my real life and not a dream. There'll be difficulties and sadness ahead with Sarah but I'll do anything to be with Nick. Deep breaths. I'm filled with anxiety, it must be pre-flight jitters.
The flight is called and we gather our bags.
"Are you ok, Holly? You look a little pale honey," asks Nick before we board.
"You know what, I feel a little green. Must be the thought of the long flight. I'll just go freshen up quickly."
Inside the ladies, I retch. Nerves are getting the better of me. Although, come to think of it, I’ve been feeling queasy for a few days. I splash my face with water and reach for the paper towels. The Tampax machine catches my eye. I really should get some, I must be due on soon ...
The reality of the disaster hits me like a brick and I slump to the floor. I feel panic take over like a fist gripping my heart. I was so caught up with the storm of returning to London and all the excitement surrounding the move to New York, that I've just realised I am late. No, it can't be. It's the turmoil of the last weeks. Oh no, please let this not be happening. I don’t think there’s any more I can take. A baby isn't on the agenda.
A million thoughts are running through my mind. How will Nick react? We were so careful, except for that one time. He's got enough on his plate. My parents are already worried sick about me moving away like this. I can say bye bye to my New York career before it even gets going, if what I fear is for real. And there's the one big secret that I never told Nick and will haunt me forever. My night with Adam that I've no real memory of. Could this be its legacy?
My heart is pounding as I hear the final flight call…
Find out what happens next in Duplicity Book Two - New York, available March 2015
Romance: Duplicity (Duplicity New Adult Romance Book 1) Page 8