Broken Lovers

Episode 18

Although I had him on my mind day and night, I had to admit that I was also attracted to Nathan. I started to let him into my world, and the time spent with him in the office, discussing everything, made me feel very close to him. He was being a good friend, but I wanted more than that. However, I didn't want to raise my hopes because I knew that nothing could ever happen between us. I meant nothing to him and he was just showing me kindness because he felt sorry for me. But on the plus side, having hope was perhaps the best way to get my blackmailer out of my mind for good.

A couple of days later, Nathan didn't show up. I was working as normal, fantasizing about him being naked, when Patricia came in. We were back on speaking terms, so I was pleased to see her.

“Nathan won’t be in today,” she said.

“How do you know?”

“There was a call to reception from his mother. Apparently, it's his sister's memorial day."

“Memorial day? What’s that all about?”

"His mother said it was her two-year anniversary."

"I’m sorry. Was she sick or was she killed in an accident?"

"She overdosed herself."

"That’s horrible. Poor Nathan and poor mother.”

"There is a bright side, though… at least for us. If it wasn't for the memory of Nathan's sister, we wouldn't have this place."

"How come?"

“Nathan and his mother set it up in her memory. Her name was Olivia.”

I nodded. “That makes sense.”

“Anyway,” Patricia continued, “While the cat’s away and all that. How do you fancy going to the mall?"

“Yeah, why not? After all, we aren’t slaves.”

We’d been there about an hour and my feet were killing me. I just wanted to sit and have a burger, so Patricia and I headed towards the food area, although I immediately regretted that decision, as I saw Liam approaching from the opposite direction. He was holding a few shopping bags, one of them advertising a well-known brand of women's underwear. I walked past, hoping he wouldn't see me.

"Maya!" he called out, but I didn't turn back.

"That guy seems to know you," Patricia said, stopping.

"Keep walking."

"Maya!" Liam called again, only louder. I turned round and looked at him. I didn't smile or try to be polite. I just replied, "Yes?"

He walked towards me. "How are you?" he said, leaning to kiss my cheek.

I pulled back. "Fine, thank you."

He looked at my belly. "I see you’ve moved on with your life."

"Yes."

"You didn't introduce me to your friend.” He turned to Patricia and proffered a hand. “I’m Liam," he said.

Patricia looked confused, but responded to the gesture. "I’m Patricia, Maya's roommate."

"Roommate?"

"Yes. We live at Olivia's House for single mothers." I could have killed her. She was always prone to saying more than she should, but that was the worst thing she could have said in that situation.

"We have to get going," I said hurriedly. As I turned to go, Liam grabbed my hand.

"Get your paws off me!" I yelled. I even surprised myself with the venom behind my words and people turned to look at us.

"Can I have just two minutes with you, please?"

"No."

"Please, Maya."

"Let him talk to you. He obviously has something important to say. Where’s the harm?"

"Keep your nose out, Patricia. This doesn’t concern you."

"Fine! If that’s how you feel, I’ll see you in the food court."

"House for single mothers?"

"After you ensured that nobody would offer me a job again, there was nowhere else I could go."

"Look, Maya, I can change all that with a phone call."

"I don't need or want anything from you."

"That’s rich! You think you have a problem with me, after you were the one who cheated?"

“Says who? Cynthia?"

"She opened my eyes."

"Cynthia wanted you for herself. She lied to you."

"You cheated on me."

"I was forced to, I was being blackmailed. I passed through hell." I was becoming very emotional and tears were coursing down my cheeks. Liam looked shocked, but he didn't say anything. "Anyway, it doesn't matter now. You’re getting married to Cynthia,” I said, adding with as much irony as I could muster, “and I hope the years ahead will be filled with everlasting joy." I turned to take my leave.

"Wait! Don't go!"

"What?"

"Is this baby…?"

"Yours?"

"Is it?"

"No, it isn’t."

I left Liam standing there.

Patricia had already eaten, so I rushed her to the far exit and we returned to the house, where I dived straight into the shower. I wanted the hot water to wash all the things that were torturing me down the plughole and out of my life.