After All This Time: Breaking Point

by Brown, Brittainy

  “Shut the front door!” Daisy shouted excitedly. “Which Club do you play for?”

  Nick frowned and replied with a smile. “How much do you know about basketball...”

  Emily was quiet and she couldn’t but keep quiet as they both went on and on, clearly, they had one thing in common. Unable to take being side lined any longer, she spoke out.

  “Okay, thank You, Daisy, we know you love basketball but isn’t there something you need to go and do?” she asked, giving Daisy all the clues for her to skedaddle

  Daisy must have gotten the cue, because she stood up. “Well, Nick, or should I say, Falcon, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Same here,” Nick replied.

  As Daisy headed towards the entrance, she paused as if she just remembered something.

  “I’m hosting a dinner tonight and some of our friends are coming, you should come too.”

  Emily frowned. What was she doing? What friends were coming to her place?

  “Daisy, I thought I was your only friend here, so what friends are you talking about?” Emily asked with a fake smile.

  “Well, you will meet them once you come, Emily,” Daisy replied.

  Emily was suspicious. What in God’s name was her friend planning? She wasn’t ready to start the game yet. She still needed to get to know Nick for a while.

  “So sorry Dee, I’m, sure Nick’s got some plans ...”

  “No, I don’t actually. I will be there. 7 pm, bring your appetite,” Nick replied, to her disappointment. “Do you mind if I come with a friend?”

  “Oh perfect! The more the merrier.” Daisy replied and rushed out quickly, ignoring the scowl Emily was sending her.

  “Are you sure you really want to go?” she asked.

  “Sure. Besides, your friend seems like a friendly person so, I think it will be fun. Been a while I had someone who seemed so interested in basketball.”

  Emily managed a smile.

  “So did you two meet here?” Nick asked.

  Emily almost grunted aloud. She was so tired of this.

  “Yea, sure we did. So, where are you from?” She asked, changing the topic. Instead, Nick stood up and checked his wristwatch.

  “Wow! Time is fast gone. So sorry, wish I could stay a bit longer but I got to go. I have your number so I will call you once it’s seven.”

  Emily wasn’t pleased so she just nodded and walked him to the door.

  Some minutes later, she was the only one in the house. She was so not happy with what Daisy just did right now. She quickly picked up her phone and dialled her number. To her dismay, her line was switched off. Angrily, she threw the phone on the couch and grunted angrily as loudly as she could. She hasn’t even gotten one thing about him and Daisy just ruined all the time she could have used. Asking him dumb questions, what kind of a woman would like football anyway?

  Later, she was lying in her bed in her room. The first time she had met Liam at the restaurant came back to her. It was so easy with him, in fact, everything was so easy between them. Neither of them liked matches but they enjoyed bowling together and had played many times which had always ended with her beating him.

  She laughed at the memory. Yea, it was indeed easy with him. So often, times she didn’t even need to look pretty with Liam.

  “You are always beautiful to me,” he would always tell her.

  Now, she would have to be spending extra time to make herself more appealing to Nick. She sighed. What had she done to herself?

  It Begins

  The table was filled and even the ordered pizza packs had been delivered. Daisy rushed to the mirror that was adjacent to the table to redo her makeup. This was fun for her, especially when she knew she had an interest in someone who might actually like her.

  As she put on lipstick. She couldn’t stop thinking. What did Emily mean by saying she might date him? Why would she have to say yes when she loved someone else and who actually loved her?

  She frowned. Emily wanted to have it all… she would not allow that.

  Some minutes later, the doorbell rang. Immediately her heart froze. That must be Emily and Nick. Quickly, she went to open the door but to her disappointment, it was Liam and Kate.

  “What’s the look for? Aren’t you happy to see us?” Kate asked, teasing as she stepped in.

  “Not really,” Daisy replied, shutting the door after Liam.

  “I see we came too early.” Liam pointed out and then sniffed. ‘Wow! Something so delicious is in the air. Can I have a bite?”

  Daisy shook her head, handing them each a glass. “No, we need to stay here for the rest.”

  Some minutes later, the three of them sat at the lounge with a drink in their hands.

  “Are you sure they are coming?” Kate asked, checking the clock hanging on the wall.

  “It’s thirty minutes after seven already,” Liam replied.

  Daisy was disappointed. If Nick didn’t show up, then it was Emily who must have convinced him not to.

  “Why don’t you call her?” Liam asked.

  “No, let’s just go to the table,” Daisy replied as they walked to the dining… just then the doorbell rang and Daisy’s heart melted.

  “That must be them. Action starts soon as soon as I open that door. Are you ready?”

  The two nodded, taking their seats at the dining table.

  Daisy walked towards the door and smiled as she saw Nick, who looked happy to see her as well. Yet they didn’t say anything to each other. He looked even more handsome in his dinner outfit.

  “Come on in, I was afraid you wouldn’t show up.”

  “Well, we are here,” Emily replied as she stepped in first, followed by Nick and then another man who was carrying a bottle of wine.

  “Hi, I’m Luke,” the new man said, extending his hand for her to take as well as the wine.

  Daisy gave one of her dashing smiles, collected the wine first and took his hand warmly.

  “I am Daisy, nice to meet you, Luke.”

  “Thanks for having me. I’m sorry, I must have caused the lateness.” Luke apologize. He was cleanly-shaven, brown hair and didn’t look like a gym fan.

  “So, where is everybody?” Emily asked,

  “In there,” Daisy replied as they all walked towards the dining.

  Daisy smiled as she walked behind with Luke while Nick and Emily walked at the front. She was glad. This was finally happening!

  A Surprise For Emily

  Emily walked into the dining room with Nick and stopped in her tracks as she sighted the ‘visitors.’ The woman had a hand on Liam’s lap, while he covered it with his own hand. They both were talking quietly and smiling at the same time.

  They seemed not to be aware of their presence and she gripped Nick’s hand tightly, turning around to send shades at Daisy.

  If shades could kill, she knew Daisy would have died. How could she do this to her without prior notice! Nick hadn’t even asked her yet. Daisy, however, was busy smiling with Luke and was finally announcing the presence.

  “Hello, I guess everyone is here....”

  Just then, Liam and the unknown lady looked up.

  “Hi!” Kate said to them as sweetly as she could. No doubt she was a beautiful woman and she looked familiar. Emily replied with a “hi” before taking her seat.

  Liam stood up shaking hands with Nick and Luke.

  “Hi man, I’m Nick and this is Luke...” Nick started.

  “Hi Luke, I’m Liam, this is my girlfriend, Kate.”

  Something tightened in Emily’s tummy as she heard this. The lady was as smiles as they exchanged greetings.

  “Hi Emily. How are you doing?” Liam asked with a smile.

  That moment it was like everywhere was frozen as the atmosphere was more quiet than earlier. For the first time in a while, she felt like all the eyes in the room were on her.

  “Hello, Liam.” She replied, feeling awkward. She was going to kill Daisy after this night.

  “So, you two kno
w each other?” Nick asked before pulling out a chair for her.

  Before she could respond, Liam beat her to it. “Yes, we were in a relationship until we were not.”

  Emily snapped her eyes shut. That was so humiliating. She took another look at Daisy as she sat down, but she realized she wasn’t even paying attention to it as she started serving them.

  “Oh, so she is the lady you’ve been telling me about?” The other woman said to Liam, placing a hand on his cheek. Emily almost scoffed. This was so stupid. Why did she come here anyway and when did Liam and Daisy become friends that she had to invite them over?

  “Yea.” Liam replied.

  That minute, she felt Kate take a look at her and then smiled.

  “Don’t worry, I will punish him for you. He has been a really bad boy.” She whispered to her, leaning a bit forward but everyone could hear her, some laughed at her statement while others were indifferent. Others like Daisy and Nick who seemed to be talking and smiling at each other.

  Emily felt so stupid; Nick hadn’t even said anything about her. Why would he? They were not a couple yet. This was so wrong in so many ways.

  Some minutes later, everyone was at the table, busy eating while cracking jokes. Emily and Nick were sitting by the sides of the table opposite Kate and Liam who wouldn’t keep their hands off each other, it was making Emily’s stomach churn. Daisy and Luke were both sitting at the edges.

  Emily felt completely like a stranger, it was like she was not even part of whatever was going on and she was putting the blame and the pressure on the bacon and beef in her plate.

  * * *

  Liam kept watching how Emily fidgeted with her food. He wanted to laugh but had to control himself. She always played with her food anytime she was feeling uneasy or out of place. Poor her. He kept looking at her, she looked sad and angry at the same time and Liam knew Daisy would be in a big problem afterwards. Well, at least now, he could be rest-assured that Daisy was rooting for him. Talk about Daisy, she was more excited than usual. She seemed to be conversing endlessly and laughing with Nick. Wow! Sorry Emily.

  “So, how about we start by telling everyone why we each came to the coast and what we do in our different lives, “Liam started. He needed to do something that would get everyone talking.

  “Oh! That’s a great idea baby. I’ll go first.” Kate replied

  At first, Liam frowned. He wondered what she was going to say exactly, definitely not the truth, he hoped.

  “I am Kate Statham everyone.” She began.

  “Hi Kate.” Everyone chorused.

  “Thanks guys. So I recently got divorced and I came here to take some time off and to spend part of the money that I had just earned from my divorce. I am a realtor. I am happy, I am free and you guys are wonderful. Cheers!” she said, raising her glass.

  Everyone raised their glass and later clapped.

  Liam relaxed. It wasn’t what he had been afraid off.

  “I will go second,” Luke said quickly.

  “Alright, go ahead man.”

  “Well, I am Luke, a physician; I recently lost my girlfriend to another man.” Everyone was quiet as he said this. “Anyways, I came here to feel sorry for myself and to hang out with my friend here, Nick. Thanks for having me.”

  Everyone clapped for him as he finished.

  “So sorry about your girlfriend man, don’t worry, you are in the right place to heal and move on.” Liam said to him.

  “Thanks man.” Luke replied.

  “So who is next?” Liam asked, looking around the room, Emily seemed not to be interested.

  “How about you Emily?” Nick asked, poking her on the shoulder. “Why are you here and what do you do?”

  Emily sighed and forced a smile. “Well, hi everyone. I am Emily, I work at the media house and I am here to make some changes in my life. Find a man, have fun and move on.”

  “Wow!” Luke began. “I guess I’m a lucky guy,”

  Everyone exchanged glances immediately. Liam needed some time to process that. Okay, now, Luke thought he was the man for Emily because she just stated she wanted to find a man.

  “Sorry Luke, I’m with your friend,” Emily replied.

  “Oh, no problem, I think you two have lots in common.” Nick replied. “We’re not actually a couple so it’s okay.”

  Emily was quiet and she stood up, to excuse herself.

  “Wow! Is it just me or is that this place just got hotter?” Kate asked as soon as Emily was out of sight.

  Liam sent Daisy a look to go check on her. She scowled at him but still left anyways. Afterwards, Nick said something about wanting to make a call outside and the left.

  “So, Luke, you are a physician?” Kate began, addressing Luke who nodded.

  “How many years have you been in practice?”

  “Ten years Kate. Why?”

  “I have a thing for physicians,” Kate replied.

  Liam laughed, trying to make the whole thing look a bit unserious. What the hell was Kate doing?

  “Well, thanks Kate. You ‘ve got a great guy there,” Luke stated on purpose.

  Kate leaned closer to him. “Don’t worry, it’s an open relationship. Besides, I know a thing or two about losing someone and later realize they were the best thing in your life.”

  “Really?”

  “Yea. “

  Liam stood up. “Don’t take her seriously Luke, she‘s just toying with you.”

  Luke managed a smile. “Okay, I know. Thanks for the heads-up man.”

  “Come with me now” Liam ordered as he left the table as well with Kate.

  The Resolution

  The sky was beautifully adorned with glittering stars. The night was cold, Daisy was glad she had brought her jacket with her. She found Emily outside.

  “Emily, come on, I’m sorry.

  Immediately, Emily swung around with a jerk. “What the hell was that Daisy? What the hell was that?”

  Daisy sighed. “Please if you just calm down...”

  “You just had to bring all of us together without giving a clue, what kind of a person are you? I have not even gotten to know Nick to make my plan work, you made me look like a fool out there.”

  “But, you don’t even like this Nick and you don’t know if he’s interested in you...”

  “Oh! So you can keep him right? Is that it? Because I know what you were doing with the whole dinner thing and all basketball bullshit! You just had to see him again! You are such a....” Emily stopped before she could say something she would regret.

  “I’m sorry, Emily but I don’t know why you will want to ruin a perfect relationship with someone that loves you, why do you need Nick for that?”

  Emily clapped. “I see, this is for your own selfish interest, you want me to go back to Liam so you could have him right?”

  Daisy let out a slight gasp. “But you don’t even like him. He’s not your type, Emily. You know this. Why make things so difficult for yourself?”

  “You are in no position to tell me what is good for me or what isn’t...”

  “Yea, I am, I’m your friend.”

  “Then mind your own business,” She retorted.

  Daisy took a deep breath and moved closer to her friend.

  “Okay, I’m sorry I went out of line and I almost ruined your plan, I will back out and you can go ahead with Nick. Whatever you chose to do is none of my business, I will respect every choice you make.”

  Emily calmed down and then turned around.

  “I’m sorry for lashing out like that. I just... I feel so bad you know. I feel so stupid. With the way Liam and that slut was all over each other...i just got...”

  “jealous?”

  Emily sighed but said nothing. “I’m sorry, Daisy, I just... you are wrong, I like Nick and I think we can have something fun going on between us at least let me try that before I go back to my normal life. I need you to back off, I found him, not you and the way you are all over him is distracting him from focusing on m
e, the plan is to make him ask me out.”

  “Okay. I will back off. I promise.”

  “Can we go back in now?”

  “Yea, I will join you.”

  Daisy returned back to the house. Emily must be the most stubborn lady she has ever known. She was just wasting time trying to make someone jealous with someone who wasn’t even interested in her in the first place. She had earlier decided not to take part in their silly competition, she wanted to be neutral. But now, she was definitely not going to be neutral. She would do everything to make sure Emily went back to Liam and maybe Nick and her could start something. He was the kind of man she had always wanted and she wasn’t going to allow some stupid game or some stupid pride to mess things up for her.

  * * *

  Emily watched as Daisy disappeared into the house. She hated Liam; she hated him for doing whatever he was doing to her. Kate Statham, she knew that name from somewhere but where?

  She also knew that she must have shown some momentary weakness in that room. It wasn’t her fault; she hated surprises, especially those that would torment her like this.

  She needed to come up with another plan. She thought for a while. She was going to act normal and nice, Liam must have found out how disturbed the whole dinner together with that lady was making her feel. She shook her head. She had been so embarrassed. Daisy was so mean to her, why would she do something like that without telling her anyway. She tried to reason why Daisy must be angry with her to have done something like that but she realized, they didn’t have any issue whatsoever, except for one thing. She was always going on and on about why she needed to go back to Liam. Could Daisy be forming some kind of friendship with Liam?

  * * *

  “What the hell did you think you were doing flirting with that guy?” Liam asked.

  Kate scoffed. “Look, Liam, I am doing what you asked me to do okay. You want your girl back and I’m your fake girlfriend, I understand that. But in case you’ve forgotten, I am still single and Luke, I think I like him, okay. Don’t worry, I won’t mess up our plan.”