hell had he got that she might want? He had next to nothing, less than nothing actually if everything was totted up.
In one of these musings he caught Nick staring at him. Dan pulled himself together and tried to concentrate on the film and the moment went without further comment.
After dressing and showering, Dan went downstairs, half expecting Nick to ask him about what was bothering him. Instead he found one of Nick’s famed monumental cooked breakfasts waiting for him. Initially he didn’t think he was up to even trying it but soon found that his body was craving the fats and he soon found that he had not only wolfed the lot but also added some toast to it. With two cups of good coffee, Dan found himself feeling better than he done in months, and well able to face the golf course.
‘We’ve got to pick Helen up first,’ said Nick as they got in the car, ‘She’s not driving at the moment.’
‘Banned?’
Nick nodded, ’18 months.’
‘Ouch.’
‘She’s managing. And she still hits the ball miles.’
Nick had known Helen for years, she was probably his best friend. Some years before he had introduced her to golf and had, at times, regretted it as her game had rapidly outstripped his.
They drove for a little while before Nick said, ‘Sorry if I’m being nosy but are you OK? I’m sorry but I couldn’t help hearing what you said on the phone yesterday about having a lot on your mind.’
So he had noticed, ‘It’s nothing.’
‘Are you sure? You looked miles away at times last night.’
Dan pulled a face and sighed, ‘Yeah well I have had a lot on my plate.’
‘The divorce you mean?’
‘Yes. And work. It’s not going great.’
‘Right. But that’s nothing is it? The economy will come right again. And, well yes it’s sad about you and Alice but when things come to an end, well…it’s hard but it’s better to move on rather than try to make things last.’
‘I know. I am over Alice actually. At least I think I am.’
‘Then what is it? That girl?’
‘No. Well not that one anyway.’
‘Not that one? Another one then?’
Dan nodded.
‘Daniel Alexander Jackson! You HAVE been busy!'
'You sound just like Mum. That's why I don't tell her anything. She's always warning me off some woman or another.'
'Well isn’t there always a woman behind most men’s problems? What is it. She married?’
‘No. At least I don’t think so. Look actually its crazy. Or maybe I’m crazy? I really don’t know. It’s pretty confusing anyway.’ Dan could see that Nick was non-the-wiser with what he had just said, so did his best to explain what had happened over the last few days.
‘So you’ve no idea who she really is?’ said Nick once he had finished.
‘Nope.’
‘Or why she would pull such a trick?’
‘Only that she must be crazy. That’s all I can think of.’
‘Maybe. It’s more likely that she’s after something from you.’
‘But what though? I mean I’m hardly a great catch am I. Virtually penniless, divorced, no prospects. Probably won’t have a job next month.’
‘Oh shit, really? That bad?’
‘Yeah, well it was only meant to be temporary anyway. Just a mate doing me a favour.’
‘Can you manage, if, you know…’
‘Yeah I guess.’
‘I mean, we don’t have much but if you need help…’
‘It’s ok, I’ll be fine.’
They drove on in silence. Dan found himself wanting to say something, wanted to express in words something that only existed in the deepest, darkest recesses of his mind and yet which he did not truly want to face up to. In the end he just decided to say it and take the consequences.
‘I worry I’m imagining it all. Her, Tess and everything. Sometimes I think I’m really losing it.’
‘Really?’ said Nick looking surprised.
‘Well…no, I guess, not really but, you know I was thinking, no one else has actually seen this girl and…well…I’ve begun to wonder about myself.’
Oh don't be silly. You're fine. It's obvious she's the unbalanced one.'
'Maybe,' said Dan, glumly. 'Sometimes I wonder.'
‘You really think you might be cracking up?’
Dan nodded.
Nick bit his lower lip thoughtfully, then said after a few moments thought, ‘I still think you’re fine but you have been through an awful lot lately. Just be careful, OK? I’d certainly keep well away from this Tess.’
Dan nodded. He wasn’t sure if it had helped telling someone about Tess. Sure he felt better having her out in the open, so to speak but it hadn’t resolved his questions about her. Who was she? What did she want from him?