Page 34 of One Hollywood Sunset

‘Neither do I, but that shouldn’t mean you don’t tell me stuff. We’re about to get married. We should be able to share everything with each other.’ He got to his feet and picked his jacket up from the floor.

‘We do. I’ve told you everything, except this. And I’m telling you now. Nick, please, sit down. I’m sorry.’ She stood up and tried to take hold of his arm. He brushed it away.

‘Back in Corfu, we said no more secrets and I meant that.’ He folded his arms across his chest.

‘I meant it too. It was stupid not to tell you about Jonny, I realise that now. In fact, I realised it the minute I thought it was too late to mention it. Then, as time went on, I realised more and more how stupid it was. But, you know now.’ She sounded pathetic. There was no justification for it.

‘Well, what did he want? You haven’t really told me anything yet.’

‘Will you sit down and help me out with the sweet and sour pork?’ She gave him half a smile, wary of his reaction.

‘What did he want, Freya?’ Nicholas repeated, unmoved.

‘He wants to develop some land near Gatebrook and turn it into a community for the Every Day project. Housing, jobs, a school.’ She rattled it out fast.

Nicholas didn’t reply. He remained standing, his arms crossed, looking down at Freya.

‘He’s a property developer now. He owns the chain, Recuperation Inns, amongst other things. He’s changed so much – in appearance, in personality – I hardly recognised him.’

‘So, let me get this straight. This Jonny turns up… where? At your office? At our house? And he pledges millions of pounds to your charity. I don’t get it. Why would he do that?’

‘He told me he thought the project was a great idea. But I also think he was feeling a little guilty about how he treated me.’

‘I’m sorry, Freya. I don’t buy it.’

‘What d’you mean? He told me he made a bid on some land I’ve bought for the first centre in Chesterville and he found out I was behind the project.’

‘How?’

‘How what?’

‘How did he find out you were behind the project?’

‘I don’t know. He said he had contacts and…’

‘Whoa!’

‘He wants to support the charity.’

‘But what’s in it for him? If he’s turned into some big-shot hotel owner and property developer, why does he want to throw money at your charity?’

Freya could almost see the steam coming out of his ears. He didn’t get angry often, but when he did, it wasn’t pleasant.

‘Well, you could say the same about us. And anyway, why does anyone give to charity? Maybe to do something for someone else. Or get rid of some excess cash so the tax man doesn’t get it. Or perhaps they do it because it makes them feel good or look good to other people. I don’t know, maybe he wants to make himself feel better about building those ugly hotels all over the place.’

‘OK, let’s say his intentions are honourable. It doesn’t change the fact that you didn’t tell me about it. And I really want to know why.’

‘Nick, please sit back down. I’ve apologised. I should have told you. What else can I say?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Look, he wants to meet me for lunch tomorrow. Why don’t you come with me and then you can hear for yourself what he has to say.’

And then the awkwardness would be halved and she wouldn’t have to worry about keeping secrets.

‘So, you’re meeting him again. Well, I suppose I should be grateful you’ve mentioned it.’

‘Now you’re just being pathetic. And I really don’t see why all this is so important.’ She began to pack away the Chinese food. She’d deserved the dressing down for keeping her meeting with Jonathan from him, but how long was she going to have to pay for it?

---