Read Online Between The Sheets by Colette Caddle - Free Book Online Page A

doing, is he seeing anyone? But she was damned if she was going to ask. 'How's Tom?' she asked instead.
    'Fine, though I think he's a bit nervous about becoming a parent.'
    'He'll be great at it, you both will,' Dana said and she meant it. Tom and Ashling were a lovely couple and she missed them.
    'Thanks.'
    There was an awkward silence, then they both started talking at once.
    'I'm sorry about—'
    'I hope you don't mind—'
    They laughed.
    'You first,' Dana said.
    'I was just going to say I'm so sorry about you and Gus.'
    Dana looked down at her hands. 'Me too.'
    'It came as a complete shock to us,' Ashling told her. 'We had no idea that you were having any problems.'
    'We weren't. Did Gus say we were?' she asked sharply.
    'He hasn't told us anything.' Ashling stopped as Iris entered with a tray. 'Thanks so much, you're very kind,' she said to the housekeeper.
    Iris nodded. 'You're very welcome, Mrs Cleary.'
    'She's so old-fashioned, isn't she?' Ashling said when they were alone again.
    'I couldn't handle being called Mrs Johnson any more and I told her to call me Dana. She almost chokes every time she tries to say it.'
    'You're still Mrs Johnson,' Ashling said softly. 'Don't write him off just yet.'
    Dana couldn't keep quiet any longer. 'Has he said anything to you or Tom?' she asked anxiously.
    Ashling shook her head. 'Not a word. It's been driving me mad, to be honest. I've always been a nosy cow.'
    Dana was torn between relief that Gus wasn't discussing their marriage with everyone and frustration because it meant she was still none the wiser.
    'We've hardly seen him,' Ashling continued, 'socially, that is. When we have he clams up if we even mention your name.'
    Dana flinched. 'Where's he staying?'
    'Some hotel in town — I don't remember the name. But that in itself is a good sign, don't you think? If it was definitely over he'd have bought a house or flat by now. Has he asked you for an official separation?'
    'I haven't heard from him since the night he walked out,' Dana said, feeling close to tears. 'It's so unfair, Ashling. It's bad enough that he's gone but why can't he tell me why?'
    Ashling frowned. 'Didn't he give you any reasons at all?'
    Dana looked away. 'He went on about our marriage not turning out the way he'd expected, but he wasn't making a lot of sense. I thought it must be a midlife crisis or -' Dana met the other woman's eyes — 'he'd found someone else. Be honest with me, Ashling. Has he?'
    'Definitely not. He is not at all happy, Dana. I have no idea why he's left you, but it's obviously tearing him apart.'
    'If only I could get him to talk to me. How can we resolve anything if we don't at least meet?'
    Ashling looked at her thoughtfully. 'We could arrange for you to meet, accidentally on purpose, at our place.'
    Dana shook her head. 'He'd probably just walk out. He'd feel that he was being press-ganged into a situation and he'd resent you and Tom for interfering.'
    'You're right. It was a dumb idea.'
    'No, it wasn't. You're just being a good friend and I really appreciate it. But I don't think there's anything you or I can do. Gus will come back if and when he's ready. I'm just not sure I'm prepared to wait.' Lies, all lies, but Dana had her pride. Let Ashling go back and tell him that.
    She felt the tears welling up inside and decided to bring this meeting to a close before she made a show of herself. She glanced at her watch and shot the other girl an apologetic smile. 'Oh, Lord, I'd no idea it was that time! I'm so sorry but I'm expecting an important call from my editor any minute.'
    Ashling stood up immediately. 'No, that's fine. I have to go anyway. How's the book going?'
    'Really well.' Dana smiled widely. 'I'm almost finished.'
    Ashling shook her head in wonder. 'I don't know how you do it, you're amazing.'
    Dana walked her to the door. 'Thanks for coming, Ashling, it was kind of you.'
    'No problem. Call me any time if you want to talk.'
    Dana laughed. 'I think you're going to have enough