Nigel
The evening air was still and silent, except for the sound of the water lapping against the rocks along the shore.
It should be soothing, but there were too many thoughts racing around his head.
And despite all the other crap going on in his life, those thoughts were mainly about Helen.
What was she going to say to him when he got back, what did he need to say to her, and would he screw it up again?
Klaus appeared at his side. ‘Do you need a blanket?’
‘Thank you.’
‘Mind if I join you?’ Klaus asked.
‘Be my guest.’ He’d spent enough time alone over the last few days, and his stepfather wasn’t one for indulging in idle chit-chat.
Klaus settled down on the rocking chair opposite Nigel. ‘Your mother’s worried about you.’
‘I’ll be fine. I’m overthinking everything as usual, and wondering about how to make it up to Helen.’
‘I thought she wanted to talk?’
‘We already have, but I told her a lie, and she’s not letting me forget that, understandably.’ He sighed.
This time six months ago he had a good job, a family, and a fancy house in Manhattan, and now look at him.
He was hardly a good catch for Helen. He had got his family, though - at least he felt part of them again.
And even the newer members seemed to genuinely care about him. Money couldn’t buy you that.
As if he’d read his thoughts, Klaus said. ‘Whatever happens with the divorce settlement, we’ll make sure you’re ok.’
‘I don’t expect you to do that.’
‘I should hope you don’t,’ Klaus chuckled. ‘But don’t make any hasty decisions based on money. That’s all I’m saying.’
‘Thank you. But it’s not the money that’s bothering me. I have an awful feeling that Helen’s not going to take me back.’ Nigel swallowed hard in an attempt to take control of his emotions.
He realised Klaus had said something. ‘Sorry, I was miles away.’
‘I said I thought that about your mother, but look at us now.’
‘So if I wait another twenty-five years, it might be third time lucky?’
Klaus smiled. ‘You won’t have to wait that long.’
He got up and headed back inside before Nigel could ask what he meant.