Conviction(43)

Sophie has a client booked in at ten-thirty on Wednesday. Actually, it was originally my client but Soph offered to cover me for all of this week so I could take some time off. I can hear her cursing me as she crawls out of bed on Wednesday morning though.

I have a local builder coming at midday to put a shade sale and kennel up on the roof garden. The parapet wall is about six feet high, so I don’t have to worry about Duchess escaping and as the space isn’t shared with anyone else, I don’t have to worry about where she craps.

By Friday, having heard nothing from the solicitors, Marcus or my family I’m feeling upbeat. My divorce is underway, the salons are all doing well, Duchess has had no problem adjusting to her new home and considering it’s been less than a week since my life swerved off course, I’m feeling happier about myself than I have in a long time.

On Friday night, Sophie, myself, Donna and Maria, a couple of our salon managers, head across the road to the wine bar opposite our flat. It’s a beautiful summer’s evening and we buy a couple of bottles of wine and find a table outside in the courtyard. We sit in the late evening sun, talk shit and generally chill out. Until my phone rings, at the same time as my husband and my brother arrive.

I watch them at the bar from my chair in the courtyard whilst answering my phone. I can see from the display that it’s Nathaniel Attwood and my stomach churns – I think I can guess what he’s about to tell me.

“Hey Nina, sorry for calling you so late on a Friday, but I’ve been in court all day.”

‘Not a problem, what can I do for you?”

“You in the pub?” he asks.

“Wine bar actually.”

“Lucky thing, could do with a drink myself. Hope it’s somewhere nice?”

“Yeah, it’s not bad. Just a little place across from where we live.”

“Well, enjoy. Just wanted you to know that Mr. Newman should receive the divorce petition either today or by Monday morning. The court sent the papers out last night, directly to his office address as per your instructions.”

My eyes are on Marcus, he knocks back the drink that he’s just ordered, turns around and looks right at me.

“Shit,” I say into the phone.

“Nina? Is there a problem? Please don’t tell me you’ve changed your—”

“No, no. He’s here! He’s just walked in. He never comes here.”

“Fuck. Are you with someone? Nina? Are you safe? If he starts any trouble, call the police.”

Marcus takes about four steps toward me, his face expressionless, his glare icy cold. He then diverts and heads toward the men’s toilets.

“Nina, answer me for f*ck’s sake.”

“I… he… he ignored me. He looked at me but didn’t acknowledge me.”

“Who are you with?”

“I’m with Sophie and a couple of our salon managers.”

“Right, listen to me. If he’s received the petition and now turning up where you drink, I would consider that intimidation. If he tries to talk to you, make sure you have witnesses. Don’t let him get you anywhere alone.”

“Okay?”

“I wish I was nearer, I’d call in for a drink myself.”

“It’s all good, the girls won’t let anything happen to me.”

I look around the table as Sophie is telling a story about a blowjob she gave a bloke who’s just walked in, he blew all over her tits and ruined her Chanel blouse. I’ve heard the story a dozen times, but everyone else is listening intently and they’re all oblivious to the fact that my husband is here, accompanied by my brother.

“Have a good weekend, Nina. Stay safe and I’ll be in touch next week.”

“You too, Nate.”

Nate? Shit, where the f*ck did that come from? Sophie’s head swings around as she catches on to who I’m talking to. She makes an O shape with her mouth and picks up a wine bottle, pretending to suck it off. I know Nathaniel can’t see any of this, but my cheeks are on fire, regardless.

“Oh, and Nina?”

“Yeah?”

“If that little prick causes you any problems, don’t hesitate to call me, you hear?”

“Thanks, I won’t.”

“You won’t?”

“I will.”

Shit!

“I mean, I won’t hesitate. I will call.”

“Good… and Nina.”

“Yeah?”

“I like you calling me, Nate… a lot.”

Holy f*cking shit. Is my solicitor, lawyer, legal representative trying to chat me up? Is that even allowed?

“Enjoy your weekend, Nate,” is all I can manage, before ending the call.

Everyone at the table is looking at me, but my eyes are drawn to Marcus walking back toward the bar. He joins my brother and they both turn and stare right at me, but right through me at the same time. It makes me shudder for some reason.

“Well? What did Nate and his nob want?” Sophie asks.

I shake my head. “Right, please don’t all turn your heads ladies, but Marcus and my brother are standing at the bar. Nathaniel, my lawyer, seems to think that Marcus may have received the divorce petition today.”

“That f*cker,” Sophie says while keeping a smile on her face.