“I’m not cheating on her. We simply haven’t set the boundaries of our relationship yet. It’s only been a few weeks and I’m not sure if I’ll ever choose monogamy again.”
Alex was at a loss for words. She knew the person sitting in front of her inside and out, but she’d never expected this. She’d always believed Nat’s loose ways were a means to waste time until the right woman came along.
Then it hit her.
She looked into Nat’s bright blue eyes and realised her best friend was scared out of her mind. Nathalie Orange was afraid Isabella would break her heart the way Claire had done and she was reacting in typical Nat fashion.
“I know it’s scary. All these new crazy feelings crashing down on you and the insecurity accompanying them, but there are other ways to deal with them.”
“Like regular exercise, you mean? Alessandra Pozzato’s cure for everything.” Nat went on the defence. Alex knew she’d hit the nail on the head.
“Please, talk to Isabella about this before you ruin something really good.”
“Don’t worry about it, Pizza. Isabella and I are fine. I like her, a lot. Despite the fact she’s fifty and, by the odd chance we’re still together in ten years, she’ll be sixty by the time I’m in my mid-forties. That’s a woman’s prime, you know.” Nat eased back into her chair, her eyes darting to the table with the girls. “Look at them. The very image of youth. Not a laughter line visible on their face and all they do is giggle.”
“You speak as if you’re about to start menopause. That’s very dramatic, even for you.” Alex eyed the girls. They did nothing for her.
“Drama is my job.” Nat sighed. “And I’ve come to know too much about menopause for someone my age.”
Alex dug her wallet out of her bag and put some bills on the table. “Come on. I’m getting you out of here before you do something you’ll regret.” She extended her hand and Nat took it. She made Alex work for it and didn’t cooperate when she dragged her out of her chair.
“How many?” Alex asked when they were on their way back home.
“How many what?” Nat’s face was the picture of innocence, as if she didn’t know what Alex meant.
Alex stopped to look her in the eye. “How many girls since you started dating Isabella?”
“Does it matter?” Nat shrugged.
“It should.” Alex suddenly felt like someone’s mother. “I know you Nat. I know why you do what you do. I’ve also never seen your eyes so vibrant and your demeanour so gentle as when you’re with her. Do this for yourself.”
“I won’t fuck it up. I promise. I just need some time to get used to the idea of getting seriously involved with someone again.”
“Okay.” Alex slapped Nat on the behind. “Now get your ass home so I can lock you in your office until dinner time.”
“No wonder Maddie spanks you. You’re insufferable sometimes.” Nat leapt out of Alex’s way before she could slap her again. Alex smiled and followed her flatmate home.
MADDIE
Maddie and Isabella shared a taxi to Copyright, the book store hosting the launch of Nat’s first translated book in Chinese. Isabella looked out of the window, a sparse smile on her face.
“You must be excited for her,” Maddie said. “Hell, even I’m excited.”
“Sure. It’s all very thrilling.” Isabella didn’t turn to Maddie when she spoke.
“What’s wrong?” Maddie hadn’t heard of any trouble. She did sometimes wonder if the fact that she was Isabella’s best friend kept Alex from sharing certain information about Nat with her. But that was Alex’s business and she couldn’t blame her if she did.
Isabella sighed. “It’s not that I had expected her to be, but…she’s not faithful. And now that her books are being published in Chinese, she’ll get even more offers she won’t be able to refuse.” She fidgeted with her hands in her lap. “It’s as if everyone in this city wants a piece of Nathalie Orange and all I get are leftovers. I’m not sure I can live with that.”
“But…” Maddie was stumped for words. “You guys seem so happy.”
“We are. That’s what makes it so frustrating.” Isabella finally faced Maddie. “I don’t know if she expects me to know or if she thinks I’m stupid. Either way, it hasn’t been a topic of conversation yet.”
“Are you sure?” Maddie had heard all about Nat’s three-year stay in Trampville, but she’d thought that had ended once she’d gotten into bed with Isabella.