Chapter 25
Nobody stopped Nicholas going through customs, and flying BA business class made a pleasant change from the usual no-frills budget flights he was used to.
In Manhattan, Clifford Stark came and went taking the icons with him, hardly giving Nicholas a glance.
It was all so easy.
The major change in his life was that when he returned to England Kate had left him to go and live with her girlfriend. His wish was fulfilled. And so, with his new-found confidence, he was ready to fight for his queen.
Claudia had warmed to him since he’d paid for the ring, and a few weeks later had dropped the hint that Sophie and Horatio had hit a snag.
Time for Nicholas to stake his claim. He rang her.
‘I’ve found my mojo, Sophie. Please let’s get back together again. You are the love of my life,’ he said.
‘Oh, so you’ve heard that the engagement’s off?’ she said.
‘Well, I have, but I would have fought for you anyway. Fate plays a strange game. My marriage is over, and I have the ring to give to you as soon as I get a divorce, darling one.’
‘Ah, so you’ve actually left her?’
‘Well…’
‘I know… Come on, Nicholas. It’s all very convenient… It’s the other way round, isn’t it? She’s left you.’
‘Well… yes. For a woman called Greta, whom she met at her gym. She’s a personal trainer.’
Sophie giggled. ‘Damien will love the twist.’
‘Glad you think it’s funny. Well, at least I stayed for the family’s sake. But we both knew we were in a mess. She’s a good woman and I like her. But it’s you I love, Sophie. And what about Horatio?’ he asked. ‘What happened to change your mind?’ Nicholas held the phone to his ear and moved to the kitchen. He opened the fridge door and scanned an open tin of sardines, a bottle of wine and a can of Budweiser. He took out the beer and flipped the tab. He looked forward to hearing the tale of Sophie’s break-up. ‘I’m all ears.’ He moved back into the living room and stretched himself out on the sofa. ‘So tell me what happened.’
‘Let’s just say when it’s hot it’s hot and when it’s not it’s not.’
Nicholas made his pitch. ‘So does that mean you’re free for dinner?’ He reached for the can again and, holding it away from the phone, took a sip. ‘Sophie, are you there?’ he said.
‘Yes,’ she said. Should she return to graze on old pastures? She relented. ‘Look, I’m having an engagement party for Justin and Anna. Why don’t you come?’
He’d won. Nicholas was enchanted with himself and life.
Ah, kismet.