that you’ve been caught up in this. It’s the last thing I ever wanted to happen. I wanted to tell you all this yesterday, but my attorney said contacting you would only drag you further into this mess.”
“So what does this mean for us?” I didn’t want to ask the question, but I knew we needed to have the discussion.
Nick gave a long, heavy sigh before answering, “There is no us any more, Zara. You need to forget about me. For the foreseeable future I’m not exactly good boyfriend material, am I?”
When I heard these words, I felt a mixture of relief and sadness. Relief, because Nick was letting me off the hook and making the decision I knew I had to make. Sadness, because despite his faults, Nick really was a good person and I loved him. Until yesterday I had thought I was going to marry him!
I rested my head on Nick’s shoulder and closed my eyes. Then Nick’s body tensed; I heard the apartment door shut and the heavy tread of footsteps.
I slipped off Nick’s lap and arranged myself in an armchair.
“There is just one last thing,” Nick quickly whispered. “My father is probably going to offer you money. Money is how he deals with problems. Take it and do something useful with it.”
Sensing that I was about to protest, Nick put his finger on my lips and said, “Please, for my sake, take it. I got you into this mess. Besides, think of it as the inheritance I’ll probably never get.” He gave me the semblance of a smile, but it didn’t manage to reach his strained-looking eyes.
At that moment Bill Hansen entered the room. He was stockier than I had imagined and shared none of Nick’s good looks. He wasted no time in getting to the point. “Zara, until yesterday I didn’t know about you. I would have preferred to meet you under happier circumstances, but as we’re all aware, Nick has gotten himself into an almighty mess.” Nick winced beside me.
“I’m sorry he has involved you in this, and I hope he finally learns from his mistakes. I’ve got Nick a top attorney, and he and I agree that it’s important for Nick not to have distractions of any kind right now. He needs to keep a low profile and start acting like a mature adult. Whatever kind of relationship you and Nick had, it has to end so Nick can concentrate on sorting himself out.”
For the first time in my life I was speechless. Yes, Nick had screwed up, but his father didn’t need to be so patronizing. My cheeks felt warm and red.
Bill Hansen pulled out a checkbook from his pocket. “I know this is awkward, Zara, but I hope this small amount helps you move on with your life.”
He leant over and passed me a check. I almost did a double take when I saw the figure: $250,000! That’s more than some people will ever see in a lifetime.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt angrier in my life—I wasn’t some commodity to be bought off. Haughtily I pushed back the check. “Thank you, Mr. Hansen, but I’m really not that sort of girl. Besides, Nick has already dumped me, so there’s no need to pay me off.”
Jumping angrily to my feet, I left the room without a backward glance. I’d made it to the front door before I felt Nick’s hand on my waist. “Zara, wait—before you go.” He turned me around and kissed me hard on the mouth. “You know I’ll always love you.” My throat constricted and I choked back tears. Putting on a brave face, I let myself out.
I bawled the entire cab trip home and for the next two weeks did nothing, but cry and watch re-runs of The Bold And The Beautiful. My heart was broken.
Chapter 6
“B
reathe through your belly; that’s right, long, deep breaths. Fill your belly with air.” Why do yoga teachers always have to say such ridiculous things?
I stole a quick glance at Emi. Ordinarily she would have giggled at such a silly suggestion, but today she was all concentration. The reason for her good behavior was standing at the front of the class.
His name was Henri—not a very yogic name, but