He rolls his eyes in frustration.
“You are contracted to me for another twelve months, and you will be fulfilling that contract.”
He shakes his head in annoyance.
“Bridget is going to be staying with Murph. You can stay away from her if needs be.”
He inhales in an attempt to stay calm.
I stare at him. “The paparazzi are going to go ape-shit when we get back and, between you and me, Tash is not doing so great. I need my team tight.”
His eyes meet mine and he frowns. “Is she ok?”
I shrug. “I think it’s just a time thing. I don’t know.”
“Anything I can do?”
“You can stay with me when I need you the most. We can look at your contract in twelve months but, right now, I do need you.”
He gives one quick, curt nod. “Yes, ok.” He stands and goes to walk out.
“Ben?” I call.
He turns back.
“She loves you.” His eyes drop to the floor and I shake my head. “You’re making a mistake, man.”
“I’m doing this for her. My past will eventually catch up with me and she deserves better.”
Natasha
Its mid afternoon and I lie on the lounge with my head on Joshua’s lap. He’s reading.
Nicholas comes to the front door and calls out. “Joshua.”
“Come in, mate,” he tells him.
He walks in and smiles. “Hello.”
I sit up and smile brightly. “Hello.”
His eyes dart around as if he is stuck for words and buying time. “I fly out tonight.”
My heart drops. I was really hoping he wouldn’t go.
“Where are you going?” asks Joshua.
“London.”
Joshua’s eyebrows rise in question.
“I’m lecturing in London. I agreed to it six months ago.”
“How long for?” I ask.
“Twelve months.”
My attention turns to Joshua as his head drops in frustration.
“What about Adrian?” I ask.
Nicholas fakes a smile. “I care deeply for Adrian, that won’t change.”
“Is that why you are leaving him?” Joshua asks flatly.
Nicholas shakes his head and blows out a breath. “It’s a very long story.”
Joshua and my eyes meet again. What is going on with everyone around here? First Ben, now Nick.
“I was just with Bridget,” Nicholas says. Fucking snitch. What has she said? “She told me that you were upset this morning, Natasha.”
“I’m fine,” I reply.
He stays silent and stares at me while he thinks. His attention turns to Joshua. “I would like to speak to you two as a therapist for half an hour, if that’s ok?”
Joshua glances at me. “We are doing fine, so that won’t be needed.”
Nicholas nods. “I know you are fine, and I know you are doing well, but as a friend who cares for you both, I feel I can’t leave until I have hashed out a few things with you both.”
“Nicholas,” I sigh.
“Natasha, half an hour. That’s all.”
“It’s not necessary,” Joshua repeats.
An idea hits me. “Ok, half an hour, but I want to talk to you first.”