No Room For Love Episode 58 – 60

No Room For Love Episode 58

‘Matt’s open up, it’s Kate!’ Kate said knocking on Matt’s door. It was her antenatal day and she was in a hurry to grab some more sleep before it’s time for her to leave the house.

She woke up lazily from her sleep, opening the door whiles still holding on to it. 

‘Katie what’s it, can’t a girl have some sound sleep.’ Matt’s asked. 

‘He is on the line for you.’ Kate said handing her phone over. 

‘Tell Saint I would have to speak to him later on after i get my phone charged.’ Matt’s said without asking who the caller was. 

Kate smiled broadly.

‘Matt’s, your brother is upstairs, besides I didn’t say he was the one. Drake said he was trying to reach you since last night.’

Matt’s quickly snatched the phone away from Kate and waved her to go away. 

Kate just stood by the door watching Matt’s giggle, smile and whisper on the phone. 

“What’s wrong with my friend? What is Drake telling her that she’s so happy?” Kate thought and murmured silently for a while and told herself not to be jealous. 

‘When you are done, drop it on the table, I will pick it up.’ Kate said and Matt’s waved her once more.

*****

Kate had a few more hours rest after she came back from Matt’s room and then her shower. She was dressing up for antenatal when her husband noticed she wasn’t looking cheerful.

‘Kate are you sure you don’t need me driving you for your checkup. You look tired for a fresh morning.’

‘Nectar i’m just not feeling too well. I think I’m coming down with something which i told you yesterday but you ignored me.’

‘Are you sure this has nothing to do with the work load?’ Nectar asked while checking her wife medically.

‘Nectar this is no time for jokes, I feel a strong headache taking over my mind.’ Kate complained.

Nectar rushed over to his medicine cabinet and came back with a box. He checked her pulse and then her bump. Kate seemed tired to even notice what he was doing.

‘Take this drug for now and wait let me call Sly and reschedule because you need rest.’

Nectar advised as a doctor though he knew what her wife was coming down with after checking her earlier. He just needed to distract her form the truth.

‘Maybe you should drive me there as you suggested because I might not get a free time soon.’ Kate announced thinking about her work load.

‘Okay with that let me get ready then.’ Nectar said and rushed down to the shower.

Then a knock came on the door.

‘Matt’s I know it’s you just come in.’ Kate said after the knock earlier. 

‘Kate your phone kept ringing for hours now. You have twelve missed calls. Why are you careless with your phone all the time?’ Matts teased.

‘Just give me that.’ She snatched the phone from her angrily.

‘Easy girl. It was just a joke.’

‘Sorry, i’m not well.’ Kate apologized.

‘I think you look pale. Have you told Saint?’

‘Yes and i’m waiting for him to drive me to the hospital.’

‘Good.’ Matt’s said checking her temperature while cuddling her.

Kate kept hissing while checking her missed calls.

‘Some people just don’t know when to call a married woman.’ Kate hissed again. 

‘Just call back Katie.’

‘It’s a private number and i believe whoever it was have to call back.’ Kate dropped her phone then a message came in which she totally ignored. 

Then Matt’s noticed Nectar coming in and she waved him and walked out.

******

They left the house not too long after that and Kate couldn’t hold herself up.

‘Kate are you sure you are fine, you look pale.’ Nectar asked a few minutes into their drive to the hospital checking her temperature.

Just then he felt he was losing control of the car. Sensing danger he managed to pull over. 

‘Kate I don’t know what is wrong with your car. When last did you service it?’ He asked.

‘I can’t remember but can you get a cab for now I’m not feeling too good.’ She said in a faint tone.

‘Okay, let me just cross the road and get one but just get a hold of Matt’s on phone as well.’

Nectar was confused and restless while Kate picked up her phone and something struck her eyes.

‘Nectar come over, I got a message asking me not to use this car today for my life is in danger.’

“What?” Nectar quickly snatched the phone from her. He signaled the cab from afar and turned to Kate.

“Kate this was from earlier in the morning, how come you didn’t check it.”

‘Matt’s brought the phone earlier but I just thought whoever was calling me with the private number will call back, I didn’t get to check my messages.’ Kate said confused looking into Nectars eyes for answers. 

‘Let’s deal with this later. The cab is here, let’s get going.’

‘So what now?’ 

‘I would inform my detective on the way.’ Nectar said. 

“Since when do you have a detective?” Kate asked faintly. 

‘Since the last time you were attacked.’ Nectar said without giving much details. 

‘How is that going? I totally forgot I had been attacked. Matt’s keep avoiding the topic though.’ Kate said almost running out of her breath. 

Kate save your breathe, we will get there soon. Nectar kept checking her out and stealing a few kisses whenever she made to say something.

*****

Kate was received on a stretcher right in front of the hospital where Nectar made sure Sly was waiting for them. She was quickly sent in for observation and some tests while Nectar stayed back worried.

‘Sly, is it what I think it is?’ Nectar asked Doctor Sly in coded words after few hours of getting to the hospital which they both nodded to confirm the fact that they understood each other. 

‘Unfortunately, it appears so.’

‘Come on Sly, this can’t happen, she’s three months away and this will break her. I can’t handle another loss.’ Nectar said confused.

‘Glover you are not going to lose anyone besides the pressure on the babies is still in the early stages.’

‘Then what’s the next option.’

‘Give me the go ahead and I will get the procedure done right away. It’s just thirty minutes Glover. And you have performed this on other pregnant women yourself several times, so get a grip on yourself.’ Doctor sly said still waiting for an answer. 

‘Yes, just thirty minutes but the risks and the disadvantages after birth is the issue. And she is not other pregnant women. That’s my wife there Sly.’ Nectar said so worried. 

‘Okay for now she is stable.’ Sly said and walked away tapping nectar on the shoulder. 

‘Sly!’ Nectar called out. He turned around. Go ahead but do a good job in there.’

‘Great but should i explain to Kate or you would.’

‘l would find a way to explain the procedure to her later.’

Doctor Sly smiled and walked away. 

He opened the door to Kate’s ward gently and walked in. He tried to steal another kiss when Kate spoke up. 

‘Nectar you just have to ask and I will gladly oblige.’ They both ended up smiling.

‘I love you Kate.’ He murmured with a sad tone.

‘What is it, you look disturbed.’  Kate examined her husband’s face just to avoid giving a response.

‘Oh i’m fine.’ He said.

‘Nectar don’t try that stunt with me again.’ Kate said knowing very well there is a problem.

“Relax love.”

“Now talk, what is it”. She asked now raising herself from the bed. 

‘Kate you remember the last time you collapsed when I suffered that poison attack.’ Nectar asked being careful with his words. 

‘Yes, Sly told you about our discussion and he is going to do the procedure right?’ Kate asked knowing very well it was about her discussion with Doctor sly the last time Nectar didn’t make it to antenatal with her. 

‘Kate it’s just thirty minutes, hang in there. I would be here throughout.’

‘I know you would be here Nectar.’

‘But why didn’t you tell me in the first place.’ Nectar asked. 

“I knew Sly would tell you whether I asked him not to”. Kate confessed.

‘Okay but that wasn’t right Kate.’

‘And probably I knew you would be treating me like an invalid.’ Kate smiled after Nectar playfully touched her chin. 

Then the hospital door opened. 

‘Glover we are ready. You coming right.’ Sly asked Nectar. 

‘Why not!’ He gave a fake smile. They arranged Kate back on a strecher and Nectar walked towards the procedure room following his wife who was being wheeled away.

After exactly thirty minutes, it was all over and Kate was put to sleep since she was complaining of pains.

*****

‘Is she awake now.’ Matt’s asked once she entered? 

“Matt’s I can hear you.” Kate smiled. 

‘I’m glad everything went well. You get to go home tomorrow but the doctor said you have to take it easy.’ Matts said smiling.

‘If possible stay home for now whiles you put to bed.  Any shocking news might be dangerous.’ Nectar added holding her in his arms. 

‘Nectar you know i can’t do that but I will think about reducing the work load.’ Kate said. 

‘I don’t know what you use all that money for when I can equally provide for you.’ Nectar talked calmly in order not to upset his wife. 

Kate frowned and Matt’s knew she had to interfere but she was contemplating.

‘Nectar can’t this wait, when you guys get home you sort it out.’ Matt’s who was looking on while the young couples fight the urge to understand each other finally spoke up.

They both looked at Matt’s and smiled.

******

‘Stacy we failed again and this one is on you.’ Stacy’s mom called her daughter up when Kate made it to the hospital in a cab.

‘Maybe the guys you sent to temper with Kate’s fuel storage in the office might not have done a good job because you spent what I gave you to make sure they deliver this time.’ Stacy said with plain remorse.

‘But I paid him much Stacy.’ Her mom said.

‘And I risked my job allowing him into my work premises. Mom let’s stop all this already. I’m tired of these atrocities.’ Stacy cried to her mom and hanged up on her.

*****

‘Miss are you okay?’ Stacy spoke to Kate over the phone. According to Nectar she has been calling since they came in that morning.

‘Stacy are you okay?’ Kate threw the question back to her.

‘I’m fine Miss, I just thought of calling to check on you since you haven’t been to work today.’ She lied. 

‘I’m fine too my dear, just handle things for now and i would let you know when I will be back to work.’ Kate said. 

‘Take care of yourself Miss.’ Stacy said and quickly hanged up. 

“What was that all about?’ Nectar asked immediately.

‘I don’t know but she’s just concerned I guess.’ Nectar gave Kate the i’m not sure face.

******

Kate had since recovered after that attempt on her life. Nectar was still looking into the issue as well as her mom and Matt’s.

‘Kate it has been several months already since that our coincidence bathroom sex and I feel like bursting out.’ Nectar complained to his wife, after two weeks of getting back from the hospital.

‘Say again.’ Kate feigned a serious face.

‘When will you allow me start touching you? I’m not expecting anything emotional or romantic. You can just pretend you love it and curse me later to Matts.’ Nectar said staring at Kate’s shy eyes.

She smiled. ‘You are funny.’

‘I know but now that Mandy is out of the picture, I have the right you know.’ Nectar smiled in between his words.

‘How do you know that? He might be back and i’m not sure I can handle resisting him.’

‘I heard whatever you told him the last time he came here. Sorry I eavesdropped and met him behind your back.’

‘Huh? What did you tell him!’ Kate asked curiously.

‘Trust me he will not be back. I’m a man too remember?’

“Okay Nectar.” Kate responded at once because she was tired of Nectar treating him as if she’s a baby.

‘Okay! What now?’ He figured if he didn’t push further Kate would still relax about it.

‘We can try that some other time but right now i’m tired. I just want to sleep after a hard day’s work.’ Kate said to Nectar.

‘Work?’ He asked frowning.

‘These precious ones have already exhausted my strength this evening.’ Kate further lamented.

‘You have time for work, and not for this.’ He said pointing to his waist; Kate took off her eyes quickly.

‘Please don’t make an issue out of this.’

“That’s fine Kate! I will keep waiting but when you figure out whatever attraction it is you want to feel, then you prompt me.” Nectar said, trying not to be so rude and before Kate could talk he interrupted again.

‘You are in your sixth month, a crucial stage, would you mind handing over fully tomorrow.’ Nectar asked kindly.

‘Please don’t do that, we talked about this and you agreed to give me time and we also agreed you wouldn’t dictate to me what I should do. That is how we have survived this far? I can’t just jump into falling in love with you.’ Kate said rather sadly.

“Sorry!” Nectar pushed to the other side and covered himself. Turned off the bedside lamp.

Kate looked at the dejected body lying with his back against her. “How do I handle this, its long overdue.” Kate thought.

Earlier she had wanted to give in but truthfully she was tired. Besides she spent the whole day from one meeting to another. Though she promised Nectar after she was discharged two weeks ago she would slow down, work keeps piling up and that’s the only thing that makes her feel alive. Kate’s mind kept roaming.

But Kate figured she just needed to find a way not to embarrass herself, as she may not want to mention anything weird again hence hurting his ego. She kept thinking and drifted to sleep.

*******

‘Matt’s I’m not sure Kate is ready for another blow yet.  How do I tell her she’s got a sister out there?  Doctor Sylvester said she’s fragile now, any bad news is disastrous.’

Nectar narrated to her sister over early breakfast. 

‘But Nectar this is no bad news, Kate always wanted a sister so this would be good for her.’ Matt’s said. 

‘Maybe she might take the fact that she has a sister out there lightly but why her mom concealed that from her again is what she can’t take.’

‘Do you want me to find out why?’

“No, according to her Mr Wilson wants to find her first. Her hands were tied.”

‘Then let’s shut our mouth.’ Matt’s murmured.

‘I don’t want her to hate me for another lie. I’m already having a hard time controlling her moods, especially when I know she hasn’t really accepted me in her life yet and i’m barely handling myself in the bedroom.’ Nectar confessed so worried. 

Matt’s laughed. ‘You mean she hasn’t given in yet.’

‘No.’ He nodded.

‘Wow Nectar, you must be dying in there. I must commend you for handling that well so far. But wait i….’ Matt’s paused.

‘What is it Matilda?’

‘With she pregnant and she still doesn’t want you, Nectar that’s not the Katie I know.’ Matt’s said smiling sheepishly. 

‘Well she might just be handling too much now and I don’t want to pressure her.’ Nectar replied sadly. 

‘You must love my friend more than yourself.’ Matt’s teased and felt her back heavy.

“When you two are done with gossiping about my intimate life then you tell me because i’m famished already.” Kate spoke from up the stairs while descending. 

Both Nectar and Matt’s turned to the direction the voice was coming from and froze on sighting Kate. 

She walked to the table and grabbed a seat while they both stared.

‘Are you two just going to stare at me because I caught you red-handed this time?’ Kate blurted out. 

For close to two minutes nobody spoke up and Kate realizing the tension decided to clear the air.

‘Nectar pass me the milk please.’ Kate could easily just pick up the milk herself. She watched while Nectar passed on the milk jar with shaky hands. 

Matt’s and Nectar kept stealing glances from one corner of the dinning to another. They could not read Kate’s expressions this time. She was so calm and different.

‘So how long have you known i had a sister?’ Kate suddenly asked and Nectar nearly choked on his bread. 

Matt’s opened her mouth but nothing came out. 

‘Look, you two should drop the act already, besides it’s not a big deal. I have always wanted one so you don’t need to look as if you just killed me.’ Kate spoke up again. 

Brother and sister still surprised at the table wondered if Kate was okay because it was unlike her.

They ate in silence and since no one was ready to talk, she cleared the table and was heading back upstairs and retracted her steps.

‘For what it’s worth, I always knew I had a sister, you two just confirmed it but I just didn’t persue it.’ She said and left them both at the table.

Nectar clasped her two hands on his head as if he was in deep trouble.

*****

Kate laid on her bed smiling over what happened earlier. Then the thought of her childhood clouded her mind.

Among the many quarrels in her house when she was growing up, one of those were always about her dad cheating on her mom Catherine where a child was conceived which he denied.

She couldn’t process it then but kept to herself all the time. The psychological effects the fights were having on her as young as she was made her reserved where her mom thought she was having problems with a sluggish boy in school and was withdrawn from that school to another, where she met Matt’s who transformed her life.

Kate tried to remember something which was off about the fight that led to her finding out about her sibling. Now it was all coming back to her. Kate hit her head several times. 

Then she screamed. ‘I remember now. The Rape! And the sluggish boy; that was Drake.’ She finally said to herself waking up from her reverie. 

Matt’s and Nectar barged in on her following the loud scream. 

“Are you okay Kate.” They both chorused when they got to her bedside.

‘I’m fine Nectar.’ She turned to Nectar who was now seated holding her hands on the bed while Matt’s looked on.

‘Hand me my phone Matt’s.’ Kate asked with lots of emotions. 

And when she got hold of her phone she dialed her mom’s line. ‘Mom I remember now, how could you allow that man to abuse you all the time?’

Catherine who answered the call happily frowned. She had been expecting her daughter’s call for weeks hoping she would forgive her soon but the issue she called about was a topic she hoped Kate would never find out about.

‘Kate what are you talking about.’ Confused Catherine asked her daughter over the phone.

‘Mom I remember Dad raping you all the time.’ Kate blurted out while Matt’s and Nectar looked on sadly. 

“What’s that, say again.” Her mom asked with a surprise tone. 

‘I know you won’t admit it to me but what’s the point in lying now.’ Kate asked her mom in tears now.

‘I have no idea of what you are referring to.’

“Mom I’m coming over right now,” and she hanged up.

She decided to see her mom immediately after that call despite her earlier feud with her. 

‘Kate wait!’ Nectar held Kate by the hand.

‘Nectar let me go, I was busy angry with my mom for the past weeks not knowing she was already going through a lot.’ Kate said. 

‘Can you calm down for a minute so we go together?’ Nectar tried to convince Kate. 

‘No Nectar, this is my messed up life, let me handle it.’ Kate said almost crying. 

‘What kind of husband would I be if my wife won’t allow me support her during this time. Kate your problem is you don’t want to let anyone in, how are you going to get better.’ Nectar said sadly. 

‘I don’t need your help, in case you haven’t heard I have a problem up there.’ Kate said pointing to her head. 

‘I don’t care Kate, in case you also forgot, I have a mental ishh too. So we are even.’ Nectar said finally grabbing her attention.

Kate retracted her steps back to her bed. 

Matt’s who was sitting on the couch watching the drama, quietly tiptoed out when she realized the tension between the couples. 

She waited at the door, and saw the two finally locked up in a hot kiss and she smiled, then locked the door quietly behind her. 

Nectar raised her face to meet his. ‘Kate are you sure you want to do this or you are just making use of the moment.’

‘Nectar would you shut up already, you were complaining earlier, but then whatever this means let’s talk about it later.’ Kate said looking directly into Nectars face waiting for a go ahead, she read the expression on his face and she sprung up. 

‘Kate I don’t want to take advantage of you, I want you to really want to be with me not because I complained about it.’ Nectar said with all sincerity. 

‘I tried my best but I don’t know what else you want me to feel for you.’ Kate said heading to the shower, then it dawned on her she was rushing out earlier to her mom’s in her pajamas. She laughed it off in her head but kept thinking if she was ever going to be emotionally and psychologically stable.

*********

‘Drake you arranged this but now you are just staring at me.’

‘I want to sleep with you Matt’s.’ 

Drake said and quickly took his eyes off her. 

‘Are you out of your mind?’ Matt’s asked Drake over a hot afternoon ice-cream date.

‘Matts don’t get me wrong, instead of pretending I love you I just want to sleep with you. I heard that’s what you are good at.’ Drake said hiding his thoughts. 

Matt’s was close to tears but she also knew he was right. At first she also thought of sleeping with him instead of building a relationship. 

Now she wants a relationship with a broken hearted man. How would she handle that? She kept thinking for a while and spoke up.

‘Okay I agree!’ Matts said and Drake nearly choked on his saliva. 

‘What’s that Matilda?’ He asked again. 

“I said you can be my bo..oty c..all”. Matt’s said stammering. 

‘That’s fine with me then, we must as well start now. What do you say?’ Drake asked without any emotions. 

Matt’s nodded, he grabbed a few currency notes and dropped it on the table. 

‘Your place or mine,’ he turned around and asked Matt’s who was deep in thoughts but snapped out of her reverie. 

“Your place is fine.” She said shyly. 

‘Oh yes, you don’t want your friend to find out about us huh.’ Drake said mischievously. 

Matt’s just walked pass him and entered her car waiting for him to take the lead.

To be continued

EPISODE 60

Matt’s woke up in Drakes arm fully spent. She was so sure whatever happened a few hours ago was one feeling she never had with anyone.

This was one great love making. She wants him all to herself. He was going to be her last bus stop. Matt’s told herself she is willing to give up sleeping around for him, though he isn’t his taste and she isnt one who could stick to one man but she liked what she felt earlier.

Matt’s was in her thoughts while dressing up when he spoke up.

‘Look into the side drawer, I think we spent three hours.’ Drake said checking his bedside clock. I have a cheque written for you.’

‘Cheque?’ She muttered unsure of what he was driving at.

‘Would have given you cash but then how much do you take for an hour?’ Drake was about to say something else when Matt’s interrupted.

Her smile disappeared, she was smiling earlier and probably was going to go for another round but she just felt embarrassed.

‘Don’t insult my dignity Drake, I don’t need you to pay me for sleeping with you. Yes this is what I do and you just slept with me so how different are you from me.’

‘Bu….’ Drake tried to talk but Matt’s was furious.

‘And if I ever needed money, I must as well work for it. I agreed to this because I wanted to satisfy my curiosity. Now I know whatever I felt for you was just a onetime thing.’

Drake tried standing up to hold her back, but she would have none of it.

“You know what, I think I should pay you rather. You look like you need it”.

She opened her handbag, and emptied all the contents on the bed she graced earlier. Took her empty bag and left not minding what else she might have left behind.

******

Matt’s has been moody and lost since that incident with Drake a week ago and Drake on the other hand hasn’t been the same since then. He wanted to explain himself but Matt’s had turned off her phone since that morning.

He had to talk to someone so he chose Kate, though he was aware she might be angry but he needed to see her and hopefully get to see Matt’s too so he gave her a call to arrange his intention to visit.

‘Nectar are you coming home anytime soon?’ Kate asked her husband over the phone. 

‘I have a few sessions to run but I could postpone if you need me.’ Nectar said with a smiling tone.

‘I can see you smiling, Nectar!’

‘Oh really? But i’m not Love.’ He slapped his face slightly and laughed.

‘Don’t get any silly ideas. I just wants to ask if you would be mad incase Drake comes over.’ Kate said rather with a shaky voice.

‘Is Drake coming over Kate?’ Nectar thought of asking the questions rather. 

‘Yes, he called earlier and i don’t know if you would have a problem with that.’ Kate asked shyly.

‘Kate don’t worry, that’s fine so far as he doesn’t try anything funny with my wife.’ Nectar said teasingly. 

‘Thank you, I would call him right away. I love you.’ She said and hanged up before Nectar could respond. Her hands flew to her mouth when she realized what had happened with their conversation earlier.

‘Did I just say that?’ Kate thought and smiled but hoped Nectar didn’t hear that.

*****

‘Hey, Hey!’ Both friends greeted at the door. Kate hasn’t seen him in a while and his presence was weird.

‘Kate I hope you are not planning on holding onto the door whiles I freeze out here.’ 

‘My bad! Come in Drake.’ Kate finally said to end the weirdness between them. 

After some few minutes of juice and what’s the latest news in town, Drake starts to look around. 

‘Drake you have been looking around for like some minutes now.’

‘Ahuh!’ He exclaimed.

‘Are you looking for something or someone?’

‘Nothing.’ He lied and obviously changed her mind about discussing what happened between him and her friend.

‘Matt’s!!’ Kate blurted out and his composure changed for a second.

‘No Kate, just wondering why your husband isn’t out yet.’ He tried to cover up the main reason he came there.

‘Nectar is still at work and he’s aware you are here so don’t go all righteous on me right now Drake.’

‘Good! So i’m still looking into the emails for you, I have some few leads but I just want to be sure first.’  Drake was saying, just then the door flung open.

“Matt’s is that you. Do you need help?” Kate shouted to her when she heard her struggling and making noise at the door. Drake’s face colored up. 

‘Katie thanks, I just need to pull this luggage through the door. I’m not sure I want to run this errand for your husband again. When he comes tell him he owes me a spa treat.’

‘Will you come in already.’ Kate shouted out again. 

‘You have no idea how heavy this bag is.’ Matt’s said and came in dragging the bag.

She froze at a point when their eyes finally met. She tried to hide either her excitement or displeasure.

Drake on the other hand all along was looking back constantly to set eyes on Matts and now that he has, he wasn’t sure he felt what he wanted to.

Matt’s quickly regained her composure. What they both didn’t know was Kate had already figured out they slept together.

‘Katie, you should have told me you had a visitor so I could stay a little longer at Mom’s.’

‘Uhmmm.’ Kate teased.

‘Drake welcome, enjoy your stay.’ Matt’s said and walked away briskly. 

Drake was surprised she spoke to him rather nicely. 

Matt’s tried to come out so many times but she decided against it until Drake left.

*****

The next few weeks, Kate decided to call Jane as Nectar kept insisting he needed her around. That same week Drake had explained everything to Kate who promised not to say a word of it to Matt’s.

She was still contemplating on how long she would be able to keep all that from her while dialing Janes number.

‘Grams, when are you coming over again! I miss you.’ Kate said at the other end of the phone.

‘I thought you have all ignored me. Neither your dad nor you call me anymore.’

‘Oh Grams.’

‘That mother of yours has brainwashed you all.’ Grand ma Jane spoke angrily over the phone.

Kate was wondering why she was reacting that way, when she sends her enough money every month, more than she even gives to her mom.

‘Grams, i’m sorry but i’ve been sick lately. The pregnancy has been very difficult for me to handle.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes, so why don’t you come over for a few weeks. I’m sure my husband wouldn’t mind so don’t say no.’

‘Don’t bribe me Kate.’ She laughed.

‘I’m not but i will book your flight and let someone pick you up at the airport.’ Kate offered.

‘Kate that’s not necessary, I will handle that. Besides I don’t want a classy flight or drive home. I prefer my low class life.’

‘Grams you are hurting me with your words. Is there a problem?’ Kate asked confused.

‘No my dear, I’m just stressed lately. See you soon.’ Jane said and hurriedly hanged up.

Kate turned to Nectar with a weird grimace.

‘Nectar that was my Grams, I invited her as you asked me to but she is sounding weird. I have a bad feeling about her visit.’

‘Don’t worry, you would be fine.’ Nectar encouraged.

‘Why do you insist on her coming Nectar?’ Kate asked finally.

‘Come here.’ Nectar carried her from the couch where she was laying earlier and dropped her on the bed gently.

‘Nectar, I know you! If you are up to something, you become all mushy. Now tell me why you want my Grams here or I … ‘ She was about to say when nectar interrupted.

‘You will run off again or beat me up. Why do you always have to be so smart in reading meaning into simple things.’

‘But you are hiding things from me.’ Kate mentioned.

‘I just thought whiles you figure out how to handle your mom at least you should have someone around. Since you have decided not to pursue the search for your sister as I asked, why don’t you let your Grams be here for you. Your Dad obviously isn’t a good choice now.’

‘Okay righteous husband, always trying to fix everything. Thank you but can I have my face back now.’ Kate said and Nectar realizing he was still holding her face in his palms gave her a deep Kiss which she broke off after some few minutes.

‘Goodnight!’ She covered herself up and Nectar got off the bed to check his phone.

*********

‘Matts this food is tasteless.’ Kate blurted out over breakfast a few days after.

Nectar just watched Kate rant out but gave out the don’t stress her out gesture to Matt’s.

But when Kate had no plans of giving up he had to come in before Matt’s would run out of patience.

‘Kate, i’m not sure the food is that bad but then it could be your hormones so now what is this really about. You know you can talk to me.’ Nectar asked still laughing at her funny attitude earlier.

Matts was just staring at her food all this time while Kate rants about the taste trying to get her attention.

‘Nectar your sister is avoiding me for some weird reason.’ She finally confessed.

‘Oh that is the real issue here.’ Nectar asked not surprised. He also noticed Matts has been distant lately.

‘Uhmmm.’ Kate hummed softly for a second.

‘Matts, I think Kate is right so is there a problem. Boys issue? I could be of much help.’ Nectar said in a teasing manner.

‘When you two are done reading my mind, then you can clear the table.’ Matts said and just walked out on them.

Kate looked Nectar in the eyes and they both nodded their heads.

******

After breakfast Kate decided to talk to her because Nectar told her it was best that way.

‘Matts, can I come in please?’ Kate said knocking faintly on her door.

‘Katie if it’s about earlier, I don’t want to hear it.’ Matts said walking to open the door.

She glanced at her weirdly at the door.

‘Matts, What is it?’ Kate asked once she was ushered in.

‘Katie I thought I just told you I have no problems, stop bothering me.’ Matts said rather harshly.

Kate stood there for a while hoping Matt’s would just give up and talk like she usually does. She got fed up and just walked to the door and paused.

‘Is this about Drake? You don’t know how to tell me about the fact that you are interested in him or he has probably slept with you and dumped you.’ Kate said grabbing Matt’s attention now.

She raised her head slowly and shyly to meet Kate’s gaze and then back to her pillow.

Matts buried her face in the pillow to avoid answering Kate.

‘You know what I don’t really mind, so far as you know what you are getting yourself into that’s fine with me.’ Kate said and Matt’s expression confirmed what she needed to know so  she just walked out.

*****

The rest of the day was boring as Kate kept planning on how to help Matt’s while ignoring Nectar. After dinner that evening she decided to go in to her room as she had already spent her whole day on the couch.

When she came in, Nectar was trying to get his internet working. She threw herself on the bed angrily.

‘Hey, easy so you don’t hurt yourself and the babies.’

‘Ouuch, i forgot i’m pregnant.’ She frowned and Nectar knew exactly why.

‘You know whatever it is bothering her, has something to do with a man.’

‘I know it’s Drake but i don’t really mind Nectar. So tell her that for me.’

‘Bribe me first.’ He smiled and poked her nose.

‘What do you need?’ Kate asked with a serious face on.

‘Wait, you are really worried about her?’

‘Of course, i want her to stop sleeping around so if it would take Drake to do that why not.’ Kate muttered.

‘Okay, i would talk to her but i’m sure she’s just worried about breaking one of your girls code.’

‘Girls code?’

‘Yes, i overheard you girls the last time.’

‘Gossip.’ She hit him playfully.

‘Just give her time to open up to you but i would speak to her.’

‘Thank you Gentleman.’ She said and suddenly started rubbing her hands in his hair without even realizing it.

Their gaze met and after a few minutes. Nectar tried to kiss her and she obliged. Things seemed heated among them for a few minutes and Nectar thought that was his reward for agreeing to talk to Matt’s so he planned to make that moment work for them before Kate spoke up.

‘Wait.’ She muttered slowly, pulling her blouse down since Nectar had tried pulling it up earlier.

‘Ahuh!’ He exclaimed staring her in the face.

‘Matt’s might be watching.’

‘What?’

‘Yes, she’s probably behind the door.’

Nectar smiled and glanced at the door for a while.

‘Kate, there’s no one there.’ He pulled her nose.

‘That hurts.’ She threw the pillow by her side at him and he did same.

Soon their earlier mood was back with them both throwing their things around.

‘I l…ove you.’ Nectar muttered looking her in the eyes while Kate shyed away.

He was about to kiss her lips when Kate covered her  face with her hands.

‘I’m sorry Nectar.’

She struggled to get out of his grasp still in closed eyes.

‘This won’t happen tonight too right?’ He let her go and located his shirt and pants on the floor.

Nectar grabbed it and was going away when she called.

‘Are you angry right now?’

He turned around angrily but the smile on Kate’s face made him laugh.

‘I know you need time so i’m all good till you are ready.’ He walked closer and kissed her forehead.

Kate smiled and he walked away from her a little.

‘But where are you going?’

He pointed to his waist and laughed. ‘I’m warm so i need a cold shower.’

‘Okay.’ She responded and grabbed her phone by the bedside.

‘Can you work on my internet for me. I’ve been trying all morning.’ He asked smiling.

‘Sure if you stop smiling.’

‘Mmmhhh.’ He hummed and disappeared into the washroom.

She grabbed the phone from the other side of the drawer while Nectar walked away shaking his head.

*****

For close to ten minutes, Nectar was still under the shower and Kate was beginning to feel bad then his phone rang for the fourth time. She didn’t want to distract him the first, second and third time but it seemed the caller had an important information because she kept calling continuously.

‘Nectar, Pearl keeps calling you.’ Kate who paused on getting her husband’s internet up and running said loudly when Nectar quickly rushed out of the shower and snatched the phone form Kate bringing her attention to the image saved with the name.

That single call ruined their whole evening as it wasn’t dark yet.

*****

Nectar had left early the next day to pick up Jane from the airport leaving Kate behind.

Matt’s couldn’t concentrate at home because Kate came down whining about Pearl. She left home earlier than she had planned to leaving Kate to deal with her problems.

She was still in her thoughts about how Kate was left alone at home when her heart skipped.

“Matilda.” A familiar voice called behind. Matts recognizing the voice decided to ignore and walk on to the court room.

‘How dare Drake stalk me at work.’ She muttered quietly and walked quickly thinking she lost him. Matt’s quickly got into her work elevator waiting for the next one to open up.

She was already late for a case so she hurriedly entered into the next elevator and was about to press the next number when he stopped her hands.

She felt the surge running through her veins and his perfume the last time they were together she still recognized.

She managed to raise her head meeting his gaze, as if someone announced silence hour, they both were staring at each other hungrily and lustfully. Matt’s quickly took off her gaze on him.

‘Can we talk Matts?’ He finally spoke up. A lot of crazy ideas were running through Drake’s mind at that juncture but he needs to respect the lady standing before him.

She tried to look up at him but she knew better not to.

‘Matts I asked a question. Can we talk somewhere because you have been avoiding me since our last meeting.’

She felt like slapping him in the face and at thesame time just kissing him.

‘You changed your line too or you just decided to turn it off because you probably knew I would be calling you.’ Drake asked trying to hide the fact that if he had the opportunity he would just sleep with her again.

Matts finally mastered courage and spoke up.

‘I have a meeting, just let me go.’ She said with a shaky voice and with lots of emotions, though she didn’t want him to go. Somehow matts knew Drake had a good heart, he might want to fall in love with her rather than brooding over Katie.

‘Matilda I’m sorry for my behavior the last time, probably I misread our agreement.’ Drake said without any remorse at all.

‘Drake that’s fine, I’m over it already. Now can I go? I have an important case to win and it looks like that’s the only thing I have left not to lose.’ Matts said sadly.

‘Am i forgiven?’ Drake asked.

 She eyed him. ‘I keep losing friendships and love these days but what’s the big deal anyway since we are both adults and consented to what happened. I enjoyed it, if you haven’t, that’s your own loss Drake.’

Just then the door to the elevator opened and the security interrupted. Matts grabbed that opportunity to walk away without looking back hence leaving Drake to find his way out.

******

 ‘Grams welcome.’ Kate rushed to hug her granny who just came in with Nectar.

‘You look bloated already, what has your husband been feeding you with.’ Jane asked her granddaughter.

They both laughed and Nectar tried to smile when Kate gave him a frown. His smile disappeared immediately.

‘Let me show you to your room.’ Kate walked Jane to her room. They spoke for a while and Kate realized all her doubts earlier has been cleared.

‘Thank you my dear.’ Jane replied with a smile.

‘Grams if you need anything let myself or Nectar know but for the meantime, get ready we will be going out soon.’

Jane gave her a high five and she walked out only to meet Nectar waiting for her standing.

‘Is she comfortable?’ Nectar asked his wife descending from the stairs.

‘Why don’t you ask her that yourself? She can speak for herself.’ Kate said and retracted back to their bedroom.

Nectar followed and saw her dressing up.

‘Kate, is this about last night? I can explain.’ Nectar said confusedly.

‘I’ m glad you know something happened last night. And that explanation better be good enough or I will pull this house down.’ Kate tried to lower her voice not to draw her granny’s attention.

‘Kate, stop over reacting! It was just a friendly call.’ Nectar tried to defend.

Really, a friendly call and you could rush out of the shower unclad to just talk to her. A bar attendant for that matter. That’s the most annoying part about this whole issue.’

‘Huh!’ Nectar was surprised she knew Pearl.

‘You think I wouldn’t recognize her from the day we met at the bar. I do Nectar and i may have a messed up mind but I do have a photographic memory.’ Kate hissed.

‘Kate don’t blow this up already, I knew this girl before I met you that day in the bar.’ Nectar managed to say.

‘So why is she calling you at ungodly times. You think I don’t know you wake up when you think I was asleep just to whisper into the night.’

‘Oh come on Kate.’

‘I see and hear it all but I just decided not to react, but your action from the shower last night gave me the impression you are hiding something from me. Don’t let me find out Nectar.’

Nectar just stood there staring in to space.

‘And where are you going to dressed like that?’ Nectar suddenly found his voice to ask Kate who was putting on an oversized blouse.

She hissed. ‘I’m dressed this way because you haven’t noticed my dresses are way too tight these days and I’m taking my granny out for a treat.’ Kate said rather smiling.

‘You are going out with Mummy Jane? Wait for me, i’m coming too.’ Nectar said rushing to get changed.

‘You are coming nowhere Nectar. I thought you brought my Granny so I could have some alone time with her, why are you interrupting now?’ Kate asked knowing very well she just wanted to taunt the poor guy over yesterday’s misunderstanding.

The truth is she doesn’t want to think about Pearl in the picture. She would give him the benefit of the doubt. Jumping into conclusions might just put another strain on her marriage.

Kate thought for a while and walked pass Nectar. She went downstairs to where Mummy Jane was waiting.

She waved Nectar who followed her downstairs with a smile, which confused him the most.

*******

Matts came out of the court room, so pissed off to the extent she was walking into her colleague’s office instead of hers.

‘Matilda you will win the other one. To be honest you were off your game today. That was unlike you.’ Matilda’s colleague announced when Matts mistakenly walked into her office.

‘Let me get going. I will throw an appeal next week.’ Matts told her colleague and went off to her office.

‘You did well in there today.’ Drake said when Matts opened her office door.

‘Drake you startled me,’ She practically had a heart ache seeing him.

‘Come on, you should always close your office door because someone might just steal your precious stuff in here.’ Drake said pointing to one of Matt’s awards she won as the best lawyer in her firm.

“Get your hands off that.” Matts flared up.

‘Take it easy Matilda.’ Drake said smiling annoyingly.

Surprisingly Matts saw herself calming down, she wondered how long she could hold her breath.

‘You look pretty when you are angry.’ Drake managed to say after several minutes of weird silent between them.

‘Don’t flatter me Drake, I’m that same loose girl you embarrassed.’ Matts couldn’t help keeping calm anymore but just had to rub it in.

‘Okay Matts, I can’t exactly say I understand what strange feelings you have for me but I’m really sorry I treated you that way.’ Drake managed his emotions without remorse.

‘Drake you think I’m stupid not to read how you really feel. I maybe a spoilt brat but don’t make me feel more stupid. Now get out before I throw you out.’ Matts said not so sure she wanted him out.

‘Matts it hasn’t come to that besides I’m apologizing here. Can you relax and hear me out please.’ Drake said looking Matts in the eye now.

‘uhm….’ She was saying and paused with her focus elsewhere.

‘Please look at me Matt’s.’ Drake said raising her head up which was down all along probably because of the weirdness between them.

‘What for?’ She finally asked.

‘Matts, I can’t do this.’ Drake finally said choosing his words carefully.

‘You can’t do what?’ Matts asked softly though she knew what he was talking about.

‘I mean whatever you feel for me, I can’t reciprocate that. I might just use you over again.’ Drake said watching her sternly.

‘Okay, is this still about your Katie.’ Matts asked hoping for an answer she doesn’t already know.

‘No, I understand Katie is already taken and holding on to her would just do me a lot harm than good.’ Drake said feigning a smile.

‘Thanks for being honest at least, but can you please get out of here now. I have lots of work to do.’ Matts said barely getting it together.

‘Alright but can we be friends, I would really love to meet you over a drink anytime you want to.’ Drake said almost standing up.

‘That won’t happen Drake, just get going so I focus.’ Matts said hiding her tears.

Drake walked out, paused for a while and looked back at Matts who was near to tears and left.

******

‘Nectar we are on our way back home already, so can you relax! It’s just my Grams and I.’ Kate said over the phone and Jane feigned a smile.

“Why is your husband so over protective?” Jane asked her Granddaughter when she hanged up.

‘Grams, I guess he is doing what my Dad has never done for me.’ Kate said trying not to break down at the thought of a father’s love.

Jane just smiled and taped her on the shoulder which almost threw Kate off the steering but she was quick to get her balance in check.

‘Grams what was that, we nearly hit that gentleman.’ Kate said looking on the road.

‘Sorry dear, I was just carried away by what you said.’ Jane said with a smile.

Kate shook her head though she knew that was no ordinary mistake. She drove on in silence.

******* To be continued.