Chapter 2

Nathalie saw him striding through; he did not turn his head left or right. He focused straight on. She put the cup down and cut straight across him. “You again.” He said not amused.

“That’s not very pleasant. I was concerned and wanted to wait to see if you found it. Gosh what an awful situation. Can’t say I’ve ever been in the same boat before.” She paused for air. “You do look a bit stressed. Would you like a coffee?” She asked.

Jonathan shook his head, he had had quite enough of being delayed already, if he was prone to more paranoia, he would have thought the two of them had conjured up the plan together. “I have to be going.” He forced a smile on his face. His head was now erupting into a full-blown headache. “It’s been a long journey and I really need to get back home.”

“Of course. Listen why don’t I give you my mobile number.” Suggested Nathalie. “I’d love to see you again and perhaps under different circumstances, we could have a lovely dinner or just a coffee.” She held her hand out. He looked at it questioningly.

“Your phone.” She said simply. “To put my number in. That way you can’t lose it.” Automatically he reached for his phone and gave it to her. “Ah, you need to put the pin in.” She laughed.  Jonathan, wondered how he had allowed himself to be propositioned at an airport. “Here you go.” He gave the phone back to her; she quickly entered her number and then rang her own mobile to store his.

He was shocked at her lightning speed of taking control. “Don’t worry I’m not some random bunny boiler. I like to be specific.” She laughed so loud that a couple passing by looked at her.

Jonathan felt uncomfortable to say the least. “I am sure I could not forget. Take care.” He took back his phone abruptly, and made a point to speak with his Assistant to ensure she got him a new sim. The last thing he wanted on top of all the stress he had just endured was to have a bunny boiler in his life.

He could not wait to get home. This had been too bizarre for him. There was something about Nathalie that was getting to him, she reminded him of Clare. He could not put his finger exactly on what it was, but there was something. There could not have been two more different women in the world than the woman he had just met and his ex-girlfriend Clare.

“See you soon.” Nathalie kissed his cheek and was gone.

“Did you get it?” Asked the voice on the other end of the phone.

“I certainly did! Just about to forward it to you.” Replied Nathalie.

“Amazing! This is perfect.”

Jonathan stood in the lounge. He was not entirely sure whether he was glad to be back home or not. He had left almost four years ago, the words still reverberating around his head. “Haven’t you heard? She tried to kill herself. Because of you, she just could not take it anymore!” He shook his head; the headache was still lingering.

He needed to lay down everything could wait. He switched his mobile off and laid down on the bed fully clothed and stared at the ceiling. The passed swirling back to him. He tried to block out the images but they would not leave him.