“He’s at work,” Nina said. She smiled at her son in the rearview mirror. “It’s just us today.”
“Will he come pick me up?” Jack asked. His blue eyes were wide.
“Not today,” Nina said gently. “Today, I’ll come pick you up, and the two of us will have an adventure, okay?”
“Okay,” Jack smiled. They pulled up in front of the school, and he jumped out, grabbing his backpack and calling, “I love you, Mom!”
“I love you, too.”
Nina waited until he was safely inside before driving back to Theo’s mansion. She hurriedly packed Jack’s things, again taking only the essentials. Then she left Theo’s house for good.
Nina cried on the drive to her old apartment. It felt just like when Jack’s father had left, but worse. She’d truly thought she’d found in Theo a different kind of man, the kind she could trust, maybe even love. Instead, Jack had been right all along. Theo really was nothing more than a supervillain.
Later, Nina would have to explain to Jack why Theo wasn’t around anymore. She’d have to rebuild her quiet, solitary life on her own, just her and her son. She’d have to let go, forever, of the idea of having a larger family than just her and Jack. At least this time, she knew she could do it. This wasn’t the first time a man had left her and Jack on their own.
It would be the last, though. Nina was never going to open her heart again, not to anyone.
Not ever.
CHAPTER 21
NINA
The cold November wind cut through Nina’s thin jacket, and she shivered. She should have worn a thicker coat, maybe a scarf and hat, but she hadn’t expected Jack to be delayed getting out of school. She was huddled next to the car, hoping fervently that no one would come talk to her.
“Nina!” Amanda came hurrying over, as if having read Nina’s mind. Her hair was perfectly curled, she wore expert makeup, and she didn’t seem at all cold in her pantsuit. “It’s been a while.”
Ithadbeen a while. Since Nina and Jack had moved out of Theo’s house, Nina had made every effort to pick up and drop off Jack without talking to the other moms. Today, though, her good luck seemed to have reached its end.
“Hi, Amanda.” Nina smiled, hugging her coat tighter and looking at the door of the school. Hopefully, Jack would come running out any minute. She wanted nothing more than to go home and rest. She’d been exhausted the last week and had a headache that wouldn’t go away.
“Howareyou?” Amanda asked. She laid a hand on Nina’s arm. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine.” Nina gave what she hoped was a bright, carefree smile. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well, it’s just that some of the moms have been talking,” Amanda said. “And we’ve noticed that Theo hasn’t been coming to drop-offs or pick-ups anymore. I hope everything’s okay between you two.”
Nina’s blood ran cold. Though she wasn’t living with Theo anymore, she still needed to keep up the ruse that they were together. Otherwise, his deal might fall through, and he might decide to go back on his word about keeping Jack in school.
Theo had already sent a check — so large Nina had worried it was a mistake — as thanks for her help. It had come with a note,thank you,and nothing else. Nina hadn’t cashed it yet. She didn’t want another reminder that her time with Theo had been nothing but a business arrangement.
“Oh, things are great!” Nina said brightly. “Theo’s just been swamped at work. You know how busy his company has been.”
“Of course,” Amanda nodded. “My husband, Lucas, always talks about howhardTheo works. Good for him.”
“Yep.” Nina looked at the doors again.Please, Jack, let’s go.
“I just wouldn’t want anything to have gone wrong in your relationship,” Amanda continued. “I know Theo can be flighty, dating around so much. I’d hate it if he broke your heart. If you ever need someone to talk to…”
“Thank you,” Nina said, “but we’re fine. Theo’s a real treasure.” She hoped she sounded believable and not spiteful.
“Well, good,” Amanda nodded. She lifted a cup full of some dark green mixture and took a sip. Suddenly, Nina’s stomach turned. She fought to keep her lunch down. What was happening? She’d always found green drinks off-putting, but not this much.
“Are you well?” Amanda asked. “You’ve gone so pale.”
“I’m fine,” Nina managed to say, swallowing hard. She turned her head away, “It’s all good.”
Just then, finally, Jack came running out of the school. He screeched to a stop in front of Nina and smiled up at her.
