He put up a hand to pre–empt Austyn’s objection ‘Doesn’t matter what happened. The husband should always apologise first. Trust me, I’m speaking from personal experience.
The phone stopped ringing
Luca continued, “Lovers‘ spats can be a good thing sometimes. They add spice to an otherwise stale marriage. But don’t overdo it. You need to know when to back down‘
Austyn glanced at him. “Go on!
Luca’s chest puffed out with pride.
It was a rare occasion for him to be the teacher and Austyn the student.
He straightened up, cleared his throat and pushed up the pair of invisible spectacles on his nose bridge, like a professor ready to deliver an important lecture.
‘Women are creatures of emotion. They respond to flattery and affection, not cold hard logic. Sometimes, even if they know they are in the wrong, pride will not allow them to admit this. At a moment like this, the man should step up. Be the bigger person. Extend an olive branch, Shower her with kisses and gifts and sweet nothings”
“And then what?‘ Austyn asked.
“And then her heart melts, the fight’s over, and you get a night of unbridled passion.”
Luca winked. There’s no sex like make–up sex, trust me.‘
Austyn looked at Isabel. Does that work on you?”
Isabel crossed her arms and sniggered. ‘Don’t listen to him. He’s an archaic strategist. If you listen to him, it’ll be one blind man leading another.”
‘Hey! Luca protested, feeling his authority status challenged. ‘I practice what I preach.”
Isabel rolled her eyes. “Oh please, 1 was only pretending to be persuaded just to shut you up. If there’s a fight, I’m always the one to yield first!
Luca was unhappy to hear that. “You yield first? But I’m the one who did all the work. I’m the one who bought the gifts. I’m the one who made all the compromises.”
“Yes, yes, dear, you’re.‘ Isabel waved a hand dismissively.
Luca was unappeased.
Austyn’s phone started ringing again.
“Oh will you just answer it?” Luca said irritably. “That bring bering ringtone is driving me crazy.”
Damian wasn’t one to call at such a late hour just for chitchat.
He must have something important to tell Austyn
Austyn answered the phone. ‘Hello.‘
“Finally.” Damian let out a sigh of relief.
He was in the Jeep but kept an eye on Kira, whose head was bowed and knees were drawn up.
The storm was relentless.
“Damian, what is it? I’m not-
‘Old Hill Street. Get over here right now.”
“Why?”
‘Your wife’s here.”
Austyn sat up. ‘What? Kira’s with you?”
He glanced at his phone.
It was almost two am now.
What was Kita doing out?
Big fat raindrops pelted the windows of the Jeep.
Damian had to raise his voice over the noise. ‘It’s a long story. Just get here ASAP. She’s not looking good.”
‘I’ll be right there. Stay with her, please.”
Austyn sprang up from the sofa as soon as the call ended.
Special Halloween Treat More Coins, More Thrills!
Calm
Please Don’t Leave Me
‘Hey,” Luca stood up after him. “There’s a storm outside. Be careful.”
Austyn already disappeared from the doorway.
The door banged
shut.
Luca wondered if Austyn heard him…
When Isabel came out of the bedroom with a blanket, she found just water marks on the sofa.
“Where’s Austyn?‘
‘He left,” Luca said.
‘But the rain. Isabel saw the look on her husband’s face. “Why are you grinning like an idiot?”
‘Come Luca patted the spot next to him.
Isabel didn’t move
He pulled her down onto the sofa.
Isabel gave a surprised yelp.
Luca rested his head on her shoulder, sniffing her hair.
“Damian called. Something happened to Kira, I think Austyn got all agitated and rushed out the door without saying goodbye.”
Isabel pushed his head away with a finger. “Get up. You’re too heavy.”
“Are you calling me fat?
‘I’m calling you heavy,‘ Isabel said. “Your friend’s wife is in trouble. Is that something for you to be happy about?”
“Oh, no, I’m not laughing at Kira. I’m laughing at Austyn.‘
“Why?”
‘It seems t that someone has fallen in love with his wife after all.‘
Isabel sighed in exasperation when Luca lay down on the sofa and put his head on her lap. ‘What do you mean? He married her. Of course be loves her.‘
‘Tsk, that’s not why Austyn married the girl.”
‘Then why?
“Can you keep a secret?”
“I’m not a big mouth.”
“Give me a kiss, or I won’t tell you.‘
“Tell me or not, I don’t care.
“Are you sure? It’s quite a doozy.”
Isabel hesitated, then leaned down and pecked him on the cheek
‘That’s not a kiss. I want a French one.”
‘Then go to France‘
‘Tine Luca sighed. ‘You owe me one, though.‘
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