Page 64 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Yes, well...” Star giggled. “Probably not what you wanted all your friends and family to see spread all over the national press. But those photos showed how close you are.”

Star’s eyes shot to where Damian was talking to Christian in the kitchen. He looked up, his eyes locking with his wife’s. Isabella could feel the air as it sizzled between them.

“Wow,” Isabella said before she could stop herself.

Star looked over and smiled.

“We’ve had more than our fair share of problems, but that’s a story for another day. It’s been quite the journey to get where we are, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.” A small smile graced her lips as she smoothed her hand over her swollen stomach. “What about you? What are your plans?”

“I need to take my life back,” Isabella said honestly. “Remove this constant fear of looking over my shoulder. I want a life without dirt being slung my way.”

“It’s none of my business, but where does Christian fit in?”

Star’s eyes flicked to the men and back again.

Isabella looked at the floor, her hands clasped in front of her. “We made no promises. We live different lives in different countries. When we’re together, it’s perfect. But we want, have different needs... I can’t believe I’m telling you all this,” Isabella said, finally looking up and staring at Star.

Star smiled. “Don’t overthink it. Take it from someone who spent her whole adult life overthinking every move she made. Sometimes, we just have to go with the flow and see what life has in store... where it wants to take us. It’s not always what we think or envision.”

Christian and Damian took that moment to reappear. Star didn’t say anymore, instead, she leant forward and squeezed Isabella’s hand, as if trying to reassure her. Isabella watched Christian’s eyes clock the motion, and he raised a questioning eyebrow at Isabella.

The rest of the afternoon they spent talking about Isabella’s plans for her interview. Christian and Isabella made lunch for everyone, and Christian said he would speak to Andrew and get the ball rolling. Skylar had rejoined them, along with Scarlett. She had sat down next to Isabella and had asked her about Thailand and her job as a yoga instructor.

“We had a yoga lady come in and give us a lesson for PE. It was really fun. A lot of the boys couldn’t balance when we diddownward dog, anddancers pose. The lady said they had to…” Isabella held her breath, not wanting to talk over Skylar, who was clearly trying to share her knowledge with her. “Do you know?” she eventually asked, pointing towards her stomach.

“Strengthen their core,” Isabella answered. “It’s like dancers,” she added, looking over at Scarlett and smiling. “Yoga is all about building your strength and flexibility.”

Skylar practically bounced on the spot. “That’s what she said. Apparently, I have a strong core, so does my best friend, Olivia. The yoga teacher said that it’s because we take dance classes. Can I do some yoga with you?”

The openness of the little girl took her aback. Isabella had been shy and reserved at eight. Star had brought Skylar up to be confident in her own skin and around adults.

“Skylar...” Star said.

“Sorry, I’m just really excited to meet you. I also enjoyed the yoga class... but I should wait to be invited.”

Isabella watched as Skylar dropped her shoulders, her heart sinking.

Touching Skylar’s arm. “I’d love to teach you some yoga. Providing your mummy is happy with it,” Isabella said, shooting a look at Star, not wanting to overstep.

“She’s all yours,” Star said, laughing. “I’ll leave the bending and stretching to you.”

“Yoga’s good when you’re pregnant. If you’re interested, I’m fully qualified. I run pre and post-natal classes in Thailand.”

Isabella stopped herself, realising she may have overstepped.

The look on her face may have clued Star up. “I may very well be interested,” Star said. “I’m due a checkup in the next couple of days. I’ll check with my doctor, and if he agrees, then maybe we can arrange a session together.”

Isabella grinned. She liked Star. If she’d been staying in the UK, she could see them becoming close friends. She was warm and open. She could see why Christian felt lucky to have her in his life.

“Can I?” Skylar burst in.

“Yes,” Christian added. “You’re staying next weekend. I’m sure Isabella would be happy to give you a lesson then. As long as you promise to do everything she tells you.”

Skylar’s face showed her disappointment. A week was a long time in the life of an eight-year-old. Isabella got up and held out her hand. “We’re going to take a quick trip to the gym,” she said, winking.

Skylar was already in leggings and a t-shirt, so some light stretching would not hurt.

Scarlett and Star got up and followed. Star perched herself on the weight bench while Scarlett joined Isabella and Skylar on the gym mat. Isabella got Skylar to show her what she’d learned at school. It impressed Isabella how much she’d absorbed, especially when she corrected herself when she felt herself out of position. They spent half an hour with Skylar and Scarlett, learning a few new moves before Christian and Damian reappeared.

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