Leo grunted, knowing she was right. He’d stormed out, furious – as much with himself as with Anna – wanting to pay her back for her lack of trust.
‘She’s blind,’ said Zdenka. ‘But why?’
Leo lifted his shoulders.
‘Leo, think. What is she afraid of?’
Leo was surprised. Zdenka was shrewd but he hadn’t thought she was that perceptive. ‘She was the one that left when we were married.’
‘Why?’
‘I don’t know. Everything was fine. I loved her. We were married.’
Zdenka raised an eyebrow. ‘She just left. For no reason.’
He nodded but this time he also remembered that everything hadn’t been fine.
‘There was … there was a girl. But there was nothing going on. We were friends.’
Savannah Aitken. Now her name popped into his head so inconveniently, so did other memories. Hindsight, that wonderful accessory after the fact, now made him realise that his friendly overtures – and that’s all they were –hadencouraged Savannah, despite his protestations at the time. He’d so wanted Anna to trust him. For her to be the one person that believed in him unconditionally. He assumed that his love was strong enough for both of them and that she would trust him no matter what. Maybe he’d expected too much, especially when it turned out that Savannah had been everything Anna had accused her of. But Anna should have trusted him.
He ducked his head, glancing down at his knees, ashamed. Maybe he had been stubborn.
‘She was always afraid I’d leave her.’
‘Which –’ Zdenka shook her head ‘– is exactly what you’ve done. You’re a fool.’
‘Thanks. Tell me something I didn’t know.’
‘You love her.’
‘Yeah, I do but it’s no good. It’s not enough. It’ll never be enough.’
‘Poor boy. Michaela said you had it bad.’ She laughed. ‘Michaela told me to behave and leave you alone. She’s a soft-hearted romantic, which is why we all love her and do as she tells us.’
‘Yes, she does tend to get her own way but in a very nice way.’
‘She’s the mother of the group, always looking out for everyone, and she took you and Anna into her family.’
‘True, she’s been good to us.’
‘But also naughty.’ Zdenka smirked. ‘I hear there was a mishap with a mattress. Jan was a little cross with her when he found out, but she said it worked out for the best.’
Leo shook his head with reluctant admiration. ‘And she always looks as if butter wouldn’t melt.’
‘Sorry?’
‘It’s an English saying. She’s looks very sweet and innocent.’
‘She is, truly she is … but she wanted a love story for you and Anna. She says Anna loves you, so I ask again. What is she afraid of? Why does she think you’ll leave her?’
Leo lowered his head into his hands, his elbows propped on his knees, his brain too muzzy to think straight.
‘Time for bed, I think,’ said Zdenka. ‘You can share mine or I can get you a blanket and you can sleep here.’ She rose from the sofa and lifted one shoulder in an elegant shrug, revealing more of her smooth skin. ‘Your choice.’
‘Thanks, Zdenka, but I think I’d best stay put.’ His tired smile made her tighten her lips in rueful resignation.
‘Probably a good decision. I hope you won’t regret it. It’s a one-time offer.’ Her eyes narrowed into a sultry cat-like gleam, as she stood with her hand on her hip in a pose that highlighted all of her best features.
