Page 8 of My Husband's Wife
‘What’s happening tomorrow?’
‘I have two new couples booked in at work.’
‘Don’t be. They’ll adore you.’
‘I hope so.’
She sips her tea. ‘Have you spoken with the other parents at the school much?’
I shake my head. ‘I say hellos and we talk about the weather. I was hoping you’d properly introduce me on Saturday at the café. What are they like?’
‘Mostly okay. Christie is a bit of a gossip but nice enough. She is actually cheating on her husband with some mystery man she met on a night out, but keep that one to yourself until she tells you.’ Nicole stifles a giggle. ‘Sonia is so sweet. She cares for her grandmother full time who has dementia. I try to pop in to see them every week because it’s lonely for her. They’re both coming on Saturday. You’ll love them.’
My heartbeat is ramping up with the excitement of making more new friends. ‘I can’t wait.’
A rumble of footsteps come down the stairs followed by a barking Freddie. He dives over me and his paws land on the other side of the couch.
‘Mum, can we both have ice cream?’ Caiden asks.
I nod. ‘If that’s okay?’
‘Of course, that would be lovely,’ Nicole replies.
I scoop some chocolate ice cream into a couple of bowls and seat the children on the stools before heading back over to the couch. ‘That should keep them happy for five minutes.’
‘Thank you. It’s really kind of you to give Aaron some.’
‘Nonsense. I love that our boys are the best of friends.’
‘Which gives mummies more time to enjoy a bit of peace and a cup of tea.’
‘Precisely. Here’s to tea and sanity.’ I hold my cup up and clank it on hers.
‘Cheers to that.’
I hear another set of footsteps coming down the stairs, and Zach enters, yawning. ‘Hello CaiMan.’ He ruffles Caiden’s hair. ‘Who’s your friend?’
‘This is Aaron. He’s from school and we’ve been trying to make his Lego car.’
Nicole clutches her cup and remains with her back to my husband. I wave him over. ‘Zach, look who’s come to visit.’ I don’t need to introduce them if he hired her to fix our garden.
My husband’s smile instantly drops. He doesn’t even say hello to her. ‘I err… I think I left the computer on.’ He points upwards and makes a hasty retreat.
I glance at Nicole, and her cup shatters on the floor. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to… I really should go, I have so much to do still. Aaron, grab your things.’ There’s a sense of panic behind her eyes.
‘But I’m eating my ice cream, Mum.’ Aaron quicky shovels down the last few mouthfuls before Nicole drags him towards the front door.
Before I know it, Nicole has marched Aaron out to her van and they’ve gone.
I don’t know what just happened. For some reason Zach did not want to see Nicole, and she couldn’t leave our house fast enough. I need to confront him over this. Now.
Six
I hurry up two flights of stairs to the small attic room above the new part of the house that Zach instantly bagged as his office. I walk up the narrow staircase and push the door open. Careful not to bump my head on the beam, I crouch and enter before sitting in the chair opposite his desk.
‘I’ve nearly finished. Just got to hit send on this quote and I’m all yours.’
‘You didn’t mention that you knew Nicole.’
