Page 75 of A Night with Damien Spur

‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Kate. I just couldn’t help it.’

‘What do you mean you couldn’t help it? How’d you think I felt? Sitting at the table watching you ogling that woman. Knowing that you have touched every part of her body and that every night when we’re in bed you’re thinking of her. Making love to her.’

‘But, Kate, the way you talk to me half the time, I don’t think you give a damn. Let’s face it. You don’t even like me touching you. It’s been months since we’ve done it. I remember. The last time was on my birthday and even then, you were too bloody lazy to pretend you were enjoying yourself. And I’m not so sure that you’re Miss Innocent! Why are you going to the gym twice a day? Twice a day! In the morning and in the afternoon. Before and after work. Come on. Tell me the truth. You’re at it again! Who is it this time?’

‘Stop changing the subject. Stop it! Stop it, Nicholas! You’re a shit. You’re abigshit. Who do you think you are to tell me what to do with my life? I’m fed up. You don’t give me any emotional support whatsoever, nothing. If you really must know, Ihavemet somebody. Yes! Yes!’

‘Who?’

‘I’ve met a woman.’

‘Well, that’s a bolt from the blue.’ Nicholas stopped short. Caught his breath. ‘Another woman. So what can I say? If that’s what floats your boat, it’s fine by me. You carry on. Do what you want. I don’t give a damn anymore.’

‘You shit, Nicholas.’

‘Oh, stop calling me that disgusting name. You’ve become so bloody crude.’

‘I’ll call you anything I like. Bastard! Dog! I’ve had it.’ Moving towards Nicholas, propelled by her fury, she threw the cup at his face.

He ducked and it smashed against the wall, spraying an ugly dash of brown liquid across the ivory paint.

Kate wept.

‘I’ll sleep on the sofa,’ Nicholas said. ‘And you take the bed.’

***

‘Sophie, Nicholas is your friend. Please can you ring him and find out what’s going on?’ asked Claudia.

‘Can’t you do that?’

‘I’ve tried. He doesn’t answer his mobile. I’ve left numerous messages, called his home number, absolutely no response… This isn’t going to go away. It was generous of him to donate the icon, but he still owes the charity £75,000 and that’s that. I hope he’s not thinking of backing out.’

‘Look, I can’t talk now,’ Sophie said quietly. ‘I’m taking Horatio to the airport. I’ll ring him this afternoon. Claudia, please could you keep this to yourself? I don’t want Horatio to know that I’m going to call Nicholas… Look, I must go.’

‘What about Nicholas?’ Horatio slid up behind her.

Sophie spun round, whippet fast. ‘Horatio!’

‘What’s the matter with you, darling? You’re so edgy. Why are you in such a bad mood? Is it because of the ring? I’ll get you a beauty, don’t worry. Or is there something else?’

‘Please, Horatio, let’s leave it.’

‘You don’t have to take me to the airport. So much easier for you if I take a cab.’

‘Don’t be silly. I want to take you.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Please, Horatio, stop.’

‘Oh, is this an argument?’ he asked with an amused glint in his eye.

Sophie answered his wry smile with one of her own, and laughed. ‘Not if you stop asking questions.’

***

Nicholas wished he hadn’t behaved like a drunken fool that night in front of Sophie. What must she have thought of him, let alone what her smarmy Horatio had concluded.

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