Twice Irenya tiptoed to the closed door of Natalie’s bedroom. The second time, she knocked. ‘Nat? May I come in?’ The door opened. ‘Nat, I’m so sorry. I never meant to make things difficult.’
Natalie’s pinched mouth relaxed but her tone was pure acid. ‘I suppose you think you’ve been clever. You turn up … after all these years. You thought by talking to Max, by getting him on your side, that maybe I’d just follow. Did it occur to—’
‘No! I did nothing of the sort. I just … God, Nat, if that’s what I did, it wasn’t intended. I only wanted to feel that someone could actually believe me. It’s a ridiculous, unlikely story, isn’t it?’
‘But you didn’t wait. You didn’t trust me, did you? Or am I so flaky you thought my opinion not worth much?’ She flapped a dismissive hand. ‘Well, you’re absolu
