TO HAVE AND TO HATE

CHAPTER 24

I have been in a foul mood today. Nico did the most to irritate me with his stupid gifts. I kicked him out of class today for pressing his phone. I know I went overboard but I couldn’t have him in my class acting like everything is fine between us. If Nico keeps playing with me, I will make sure he fails this class, that should teach him a lesson.

I sigh in relief when I finally make it to the end of the day without causing havoc. I wouldn’t want my students to look at me in a different way. I have built my reputation in this school for a long time and Nico won’t be the reason I lose it.

‘What’s your plan now?’ Patra asks on the other end of the line.

‘I am driving home right now. I need to prepare dinner, freshen up then meet up with Nico at Radisson Blu hotel like he wants me to. I don’t know what he has up his sleeves but I must find a way to shut him up.’

‘Do you think seeing him tonight is a good idea with the way things are going between you and Darius? Shouldn’t you be home with D at that time? What excuse will you give him about going out?’

‘I don’t know. I will tell him we have a work function or something. I have to do this otherwise Nico will send more gifts to my house. I don’t want to imagine what will happen if he sends the photos. It's not only D that has been suspecting I might have a lover. My daughter too and she confronted me this morning. I was so humiliated; I couldn’t even look her in the eyes. This boy is out to get me Patra, what should I do?’

‘How old did you say this man is?’

‘I didn’t want to tell you because I feel you will judge me. He is very young Patra.’

‘I would never judge you and you know it. How young is he?’

‘He is nineteen. He is one of my students and Gabby’s boyfriend, I found out at the birthday dinner.’

‘OMG! That young and your student? Penny?’

‘I know I shouldn’t have gone that direction but he was on to me. The attraction was amazing and he gave me good sez, I just couldn’t resist and now I am regretting because if this comes out, it will mess up my life and everything I have worked so hard for.’

‘Okay, now is not the time for blame games. I think this boy is just obsessed with you and you know how dangerous obsession can be. I think for now, go along with whatever he tells you, that will buy us some time to find ways on how to deal with him.’

‘Okay. I have just gotten home; I will call you later.’

‘Sure.’

I pull up in front of the house, step out of the car, grab my bag and walk into the house. I head upstairs and before I get to my room, I head to Tessa’s and open the door. She and Gabby are on the bed, watching a movie.

‘Hi girls.’

‘Hi,’ they say in unison.

‘What are you girls up to?’

‘Movies and pizza,’ Gabby says, ‘I am camping here tonight so that this girl can relax, she is always studying.’

I laugh, ‘I agree, she needs to relax so camp here for as long as you can.’

‘Is your father back Tessa?’

‘No, he is not.’

‘Okay. I have a work engagement this evening, I will just prepare dinner and leave.’

‘Okay.’

‘I will leave you girls to it.’

I leave their room for mine, change into something comfortable and head into the kitchen. I spend almost an hour preparing dinner before I start getting ready to meet up with Nico. I don’t bother dressing up this evening so as to avoid any suspicions. I wear a simple floral dress and sandals and a cardigan draped over my shoulders.

Walking out of the house, I bump into Darius at the door.

‘Hi.’

Silence.

‘Babe.’

‘Where are you going?’

‘I have a work engagement. I will be back as soon as I can.’

‘A work engagement and you didn’t tell me about it? When did this one start, Penelope?’

‘I have been trying to get in touch with you babe, you haven’t picked any of my calls. I texted you and you didn’t respond, how was I supposed to communicate?’

He eyes me from head to toe, walks past me and enters the house. I should follow him and sort out this issue but if I do, I will not be able to go and see Nico and this whole thing will blow up in my face so I get into my car and drive off. I don’t plan on being with Nico for long, just an hour or so and I will be back home.

I get to the hotel and head straight to the room Nico said I would find him. I knock and he immediately opens the door.

‘Hey my love.’

‘What the hell is wrong with you Nico? I am a married woman; you keep sending gifts to my house and now my husband is angry. My daughter can barely look at me, this was supposed to be a one-night stand. I didn’t sign up for this.’

He laughs, ‘You need to calm down.’

‘How do you expect me to calm down with everything that has been happening?’

‘Can we have a drink and talk about this later.’

‘Nico?’

‘I just wanted to see you because I missed you. Can we have a drink and talk then you can go back to your husband.’

‘Fine.’

*

EllaB

ForeveryourAugustGirl

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