Page 32

“And you went to save her?”
“I only realized that the idiot wasn't taking no for an answer.”
“For those who say Thomas Lennox isn't a gentleman, take a look...”
“It was no big deal.”
“If you're talking.”
“I think I'd better go.”
“But we've only just arrived.” She twisted her lips, showing her dissatisfaction.
“If I go now, I can put my daughters to bed.”
“You know they'll be fine with the nanny, don't you?”
“I'm all they have.”
“You're wrong, Thom. I and the rest of the family are here for you and for them.”
“Everyone has commitments.”
“Don't you realize that you're the one who's keeping us apart?”
I was going to argue with her; the words were on the tip of my tongue, but I had to swallow them because, deep down, I knew my sister was right.
“Would you like me to give you a lift?” I changed the subject.
“Are you kidding? I'm not leaving now. I'll take a cab later.”
“Okay.”
Before I could turn my back, my sister called me again:
“Tell my nieces I'll be spending the day with them on Sunday.”
“But...” I stopped my protest. “All right, then.”
I nodded to her, left the glass on a table, and left.
My car was in a parking space at the nightclub, and the valet handed me the key. That brief experience had shown that environments like that weren't for me, as my temples were throbbing when I settled into the leather seat. Going home and staying with my girls was the best thing I could do for myself.
What was that teacher doing there?It was inevitable not to think about her as I left the building. I hadn't expected a kindergarten teacher to be able to go to places like that. But whatshe did outside of work was none of my business as long as she didn't influence my daughters or the other students.
Despite the cheap and somewhat crumpled clothes, she looked different from what I remembered, more beautiful. It wasn't a justification, but it might have attracted the idiot who didn't know how to accept rejection.
I had to turn on the windshield wipers because I was surprised by the rain. When I left the house, I didn't even think it would happen, but passing rainstorms were common.
I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on driving until I had to stop at a traffic light near the corner of the establishment. I turned on the window defogger and looked out.
It was her!
I should have just continued on my way without doing anything, but it was raining, and the woman had no umbrella and was getting wet.
It's not your problem, Thomas.
I pressed on the accelerator when the light opened, but the rain got heavier and I gave the arrow, pulling the car over near the curb.