Even more reason to tread carefully. She couldn’t bear the thought of hurting him again.
He stopped as they reached the porch.
“Are you coming?” she asked when he took a step back.
“I don’t want to intrude. It’s dinnertime. I’m sure your parents have been wondering where you’ve been. We’ve been gone all day.”
“You’re not intruding. They’re expecting us. Besides, I want to show you something.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
He reluctantly followed her through the front door.
“Gillian, is that you?” her mother called from the kitchen. She came out into the hall. “Hi, Nick.”
“Hi, Mary.”
“Mom, how long until dinner? I need to help Nick with something.”
“How about ten minutes?”
“Perfect.”
“We’re having spaghetti. I hope you’re staying, Nick. There’s plenty.”
“Yes, thank you. That sounds nice.”
She smiled, then disappeared back into the kitchen.
“See, I told you so,” Gillian said under her breath. “She likes to show off her cooking.”
“I remember her being a great cook. I just hope we can get the line of credit I need to do her kitchen.”
“Don’t worry.” She wheeled over to the table where she’d set up her computer. She opened it and clicked on her photos. She started showing him various high-end kitchens.
“Nice. What are these?”
“Pictures of the kitchens from houses I’ve lived in over the last seven years.”
“Why so many?”
“Paul moved us a lot. Said it was for his work. Now I know he was moving us because of his illegal activities. We were constantly relocating to small towns outside large cities into luxury houses in expensive neighborhoods. I was expected to give dinner parties with gourmet foods so he could schmooze new clients. I’m quite a cook.”
“Good to know.” He stared at her for a long moment, looking at a loss for words.
“I’m also an expert home interior decorator and flower arranger. It became my job.”
He nodded, looking more unsure by the moment.
“Don’t worry. As gifted as I am in those areas, I was completely clueless about his nefarious activities, or our finances, for that matter. As it turns out, he changed his name a lot, so I don’t even know who I am married to. But apparently, I’m still married. According to my lawyer, just because he used false identification when he married me, doesn’t mean our marriage isn’t still valid.”
“Wow. I’m sorry.”
“I haven’t told my parents yet. They just think we’re separated.”
“I won’t say anything.”