Mckinley - Jacaranda Vines

Goodbye, Sophie. Take care of yourself out there. Crispins plummy, public-school tones were almost drowned by the announcer calling passengers for the Qantas flight to Melbourne.

Sophie leaned into his familiar embrace and felt a pang of remorse that things should have gone so wrong for them. Marriage was supposed to be for life, not a fleeting three years. Yet they had both quickly realised their mistake, and when things deteriorated to the point of no return, it had been Sophie whod had the guts to face the truth and call a halt. In the end, it had been a relief to them both.

She drew away from her ex-husband and looked into his face. That disarming smile and those sexy grey eyes no longer had the power to make her senses flip, but she couldnt deny how attractive he was or how much she would miss him. Friends? she said softly.

His fair hair flopped in his eyes as he nodded. Always. Im sorry things didnt work out, Sophie, but at least we called it off before we grew to hate one another.

She could feel the tears threatening and hastily turned away. It was nobodys fault, Cris, she mumbled. Mistakes happen. She lit a cigarette, the last she would have for the next twelve hours until the plane touched down in Dubai. It would be a real test of her will-power, and although her arm was already covered in nicotine patches, she wasnt at all sure how she would cope. Like booking on a non-smoking airline, she joked wryly.

About time you gave up, Sophie. You can go for weeks without a ciggie so why not today?

She dragged the smoke deep into her lungs, her gaze trawling the bustling passengers who filled the concourse. Im stressed out. This helps, she said shortly. Smoking had been one of the things about her that had irritated him, but not nearly as much as his penchant for other women had irritated her.

Crispin dug his hands into his tweed jacket pockets. Tall and straight, he was every inch the ex-Army officer. You shouldnt let your family get to you like this. I know your grandfather was a bastard, but hes gone now he cant rule your life any more.

She raised an eyebrow. Cant he? It was his money that saw me through law school, his influence that got me the partnership at Barringtons. He might be dead but were all still running around after him because of that damn will of his and the mess hes left behind. She stubbed out her cigarette in an overflowing metal bin. Besides, youre a fine one to talk. You wouldnt have gone to Sandhurst if it hadnt been for family tradition. Wouldnt have taken over that mouldy old pile of rubble in the country your mother laughingly calls the family seat. Youd have been much happier tinkering with cars. She sighed. They were picking over old quarrels. Dont lets row, Cris. Times too short.

He drew her back into his arms and kissed her forehead. Take care, old thing, and I hope you find what youve been looking for. Hes out there somewhere, you know.

Sophie stilled. One mistake is enough, Cris. From now on Im going to concentrate on my career. Men are no longer an option.

He drew away from her, but maintained his hold on her arms as he looked deep into her eyes. You might think youre tough but you werent meant to be on your own. Find Jay. Talk to him. See if you cant patch things up. Youre still in love with him, you know.