Page 3 of Reckless Intentions
Chapter Two
“Nic, we need to go soon.”
Nic Santino grunted in response. He sprawled across the sofa, apparently engrossed in something on his phone. As he had been since getting back from work. He hadn’t even got changed.
Olivia tried not to roll her eyes. She fussed about and wrapped the present she’d bought for Eva and Richey’s housewarming. Then she tidied up the mug and plate Nic had used for a snack, and all the while trying not to smudge her nail varnish. It didn’t look like Nic had any intention of moving his lazy arse any time soon though.
“Come on, Nic, I don’t want to be late.”
“What’s this thing anyway?”
She tried to keep her tone light as she answered. “We’re going to Eva and Richey’s new place, remember?”
“Oh, is that tonight? Caro mentioned something, but I thought it wasn’t until next week.” Nic hauled himself up with what appeared to be a great effort and headed towards the bedroom. “I’ll change my shirt.”
While she waited, Olivia washed the mug and plate, before putting the dishwasher on. Sometimes it felt like they were an old married couple with traditional roles. Except of course they weren’t married. They seemed to have fast forwarded several years without all the fun stuff. She still didn’t know how she wanted to broach the subject of their sex life. Maybe there would be an opportunity for them to talk that evening. At least to acknowledge there was an issue, not to have a full discussion in front of a roomful of their friends.
They walked the short distance across North Ridge to Eva and Richey’s apartment building. Their hands clasped together but the journey was largely silent. Olivia wished she was brave enough to stop and have the conversation right there.
Something held her back.
Maybe she didn’t want to know the outcome.
The party was already in full swing when they arrived. Richey let them in and gave them a grand tour of the one bedroom flat, finding Eva in the living room.
“Olivia, Nic, glad you came.” Eva hugged Olivia, her eyes questioning.
Olivia gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. “This is for you two.” She held up the gift bag.
“Oh, you didn’t have to get us a present.” Eva pulled the box from the bag and opened it. Inside was a set of four beautiful, heavy cut crystal wine glasses. “They’re lovely.”
“Yeah, they’re nice,” agreed Nic. “I didn’t realise we’d got those.”
“I showed them to you last week.”
“What? When?”
Olivia noticed Eva’s eyes narrow as she looked between the pair of them. “It doesn’t matter, let’s not argue about it now.”
“Who says we’re arguing?”
“We’re not, look, there’s Poppy. I’m going to talk to her.” Olivia waved at her friend in the corner. Poppy stood clutching a glass in her hand and Olivia made a beeline for her, leaving Nic stood in her wake.
“Thank God you’re here!” Poppy threw her arms around Olivia. “I’m scared Nate’s going to bring his new girlfriend and I’m not sure I’m ready to meet her yet. I feel like such an old granny in comparison!”
Olivia laughed, grateful to her friend for lightening the mood. “Don’t be silly, you’re not old. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” She glanced around the room. “Is Parker not with you tonight?”
“He’s gone off to see some band in London, all a bit last minute. It’s someone he’s got high hopes of signing and he didn’t want to miss it. At least I already had a babysitter booked.”
“Is Caro here?”
Poppy shook her head. “She messaged me earlier. Something about Alik getting back later than planned and, um, they got a bit distracted.” She averted her gaze. “Sorry. I don’t mean to bombard you with sordid details of everyone else’s sex life. I know you’re having problems of your own.”
“It’s okay, I know everyone else has a life.” She caught sight of Eva and Richey as they circled the room chatting to their guests. They were holding hands and clearly happy and content in each other’s company. A flash of envy shot through her. She wanted that again. She resolved to be brave and confront Nic about their problems. “What’s it been like since they moved out?”
“Quiet, much like it was when Nate was out on tour before Eva arrived. I didn’t think I’d miss them as much as I do. Even India keeps looking around for them.”
“Ah, that’s cute.”
