Page 62 of Nobody's Girl

“Oh, sweetheart. When you and Walter come back, I promise you we will celebrate Adria’s life in the proper way.”

Ivo’s heart pounded with love for his wife. “How have things been with Jonas?”

“Good, good, although he is having to cut his visit short, unfortunately. The school he is working for recalled all of the teachers for an ad-hoc training week. He’s not happy.”

Ivo frowned. “I don’t like the thought of you being alone there.”

“I’m not, I have Desiree, and Clem. I’m fine. Listen, do you want me to come to you?”

“No, darling, really, the press is still haunting us. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“I love you, baby.”

“Me too. I’ll call you tomorrow, darling.”

“I can’t wait.”

Ivo felt the sadness overwhelm him as he said goodbye and spent a few minutes trying to console himself before heading back down to the party. He heard some car doors slamming, and checking out of the window, saw, with relief, people were starting to drift away. He waited another ten minutes before going back down to find his father.

Walter, the façade slipping, was standing alone at the French windows as Ivo put his arm around his father’s shoulders. Walter nodded and Ivo see the strain on his face. “How can she be gone, Ivo? How is that possible?”

“I don’t know, Dad. It doesn’t seem real.”

Walter turned to him and studied him. “She was so proud of you, kiddo. We were – and are – so, so proud of who you are, what you’ve become. You did the right thing leaving all this bullshit behind. And Sofia too… At least your mom got to see you settled and happy with the person you were meant to be with.” Walter sighed. “I just wish…I wish I hadn’t wasted time with the divorce…you know, I only agreed to it because I never, ever thought your mom would go through with it.”

“I know, Dad. I think Mom regretted it too.”

“We wasted so much time,” Walter said again. He blew out his cheeks and patted Ivo on the back. “Listen, you must want to get back to Sofia…”

“I can stay as long as you need me, Dad.”

Walter looked like he was about to argue then, his shoulders slumping, he nodded. “Thanks, son. Just a few days, I promise. Just until I can think straight.”

Later, Walter went upstairs to sleep in Adria’s bed for the night, and Ivo dealt with the final guests. He was about to lock the doors when he heard a noise from one of the kitchens. Walking to it, he pushed open the door and saw Madison Flynn stacking dishes up on the draining board. She had washed glasses and plates and anything she could find.

“You know, we have caterers who should be doing that.”

Madison smiled at him. “Oh, I sent them home. I though you would prefer less intrusion by strangers. I like doing this – it relaxes me.”

Ivo felt a little irked by this woman’s presence, by her over-familiarity, her confidence. “Well…”

Madison put down the dishcloth and wiped her hands. “How is your dad?”

Ivo sighed. “Exhausted, drained.”

Madison walked slowly towards him. “And you?”

Ivo backed up a little. “The same. I think we’d like to be alone now.”

Madison smirked, then very deliberately dropped the strap of her dress down her shoulder. “I could relax you…” In an instant, the silk sheath dress she was wearing had slithered down her body to the floor and she stood naked before him.

Ivo felt his temper spike. “Get dressed and leave, please. I don’t know who the hell you think you are but…”

Madison lunged and pressed her lips to his mouth before he could stop her. Ivo jerked his head away just as a camera flash went off in the gloom of the kitchen. Ivo leaped away from Madison and went after the photographer, shouting, “Get your clothes on and get out.”