TO HAVE AND TO HATE

CHAPTER 6

“Most people cheat because they are paying more attention to what they are missing rather than what they have.’’

I stare at myself in the mirror and smile, feeling good about myself. I am wearing a short checkered white and black patterned skirt with a white silk shirt and a fur coat. I have knee high boots on my feet. I went all out with makeup today because I want to impress Nico and look like the girls his age. My hair is tied up in a perfect bun secured by a headband. After I spray a bit of perfume on the nape of my neck, I grab my small back, recheck myself in the mirror again and head out.

Tessa who is watching TV lifts her head up and stares at me when I walk into the living room, ‘You look beautiful, where are you heading?’ she asks.

‘Dinner with Petra and some friends. Why are you in your pajamas this early on a Friday night? Aren’t girls your age out there partying? Where is your friend Gabby? I haven’t seen her in a while.’

‘She is around. She is obviously out, she wanted us to go out together but I said no. Exams are starting next week, I can’t be going out at such a time. Maybe when I am done, I will take Gabby’s offer.’

‘There is more to life than books Tessa, go out and live a little.’

She rolls her eyes, ‘Get going mum, you will be late for your dinner date with aunty Pat.’

I smile, ‘I love you dear girl. I am always grateful to God for giving me a child like you.’

‘I love you too ma but I know you would have preferred to have a party pooper for a child. God has a great sense of humor, giving an introverted child to an extrovert, how perfect.’

‘You are perfect the way you are. God knew what I needed.’

‘Okay bye.’

‘Your father will be coming home a bit late; he is attending a business dinner. Please lock up the house and my phone will be on the whole time, don’t hesitate to call when you need anything.’

‘I am an adult mum and this place is safe. Don’t worry about me.’

My phone rings before I am able to respond. ‘My ride's here; I will see you later.’

‘Bye.’

I don’t feel like driving myself tonight plus I wouldn’t want to park my car in a place that would raise suspicions since I am meeting up with Nico. When I get into the cab, I tell the driver where I am heading. Nico sent me an address.

My heart beats fast with a mix of nerves and fear the entire drive. Honestly, I don’t even know why I am doing this but it feels right. If anyone had told me I would be meeting up with my young student for an intimate night I would have laughed in their faces, this is not who I am, I love and respect my marriage. I love my job and I wouldn’t want to lose it but Nico he makes me lose focus, he makes me forget everything I stand up, he brings so much light to my life, I just hope when I get to sleep with him this urge will go and we can both move on with our lives.

An hour later, I finally get to his place. I pay the driver, get out of the car and head for the door. The minute I knock, he opens the door and pulls me inside the kitchen. Then he leads me down a small hallway that opens to the Living Room. For a man his age, this house looks neat and well decorated. There is an L shaped sectional couch against one corner of the living room with a big TV hanging on the wall. A small coffee table sits at the center of the room.

‘This is a beautiful place. How are you able to afford it?’

He smiles, ‘I am a man. I have my ways. My friend and I share this apartment but he is out for the night so feel free and comfortable. I am so glad you could come and before I forget, you look hot in this outfit. Just staring at you makes me my manhood twitch,’ he winks.

I blush a little at his words because I can feel the heat on my face.

‘Don’t say things like that.’

‘What?’

‘You know.’

He laughs, So, I have something special planned for us this evening.’

‘Which is?’

‘I will lead you to it my love.’

‘Don’t call me that.’

‘Would you rather I call you Mrs. K?’

‘No.’

‘Then my love it is.’

‘Come.’

He holds out his hand and I put mine in his before he leads us to his bedroom. When he opens the door, I gasp when I see the romantic picnic setup in his room. There is a blanket on the floor with a number of pillows placed around it. There are assorted food items in the middle, two plates and a bottle of wine. Then on his bed, there is a bouquet of flowers and rose petals. I don’t remember when my husband last did something like this for me.

‘This is beautiful Nico.’

‘You are beautiful. You deserve this and more,’ He gets the flowers and hands them to me.

‘Thank you.’

‘Come.’

I sit on the blanket and place the pillows behind my back, leaning against them. He sits across from me and pours us wine, soft music plays in the background as we eat and drink quietly. I honestly didn’t expect this, I underestimated Nico, I keep blushing and feeling like a teenager in love.

*EllaB

The August Girl

🌺