I’ve been home for a while now, but I keep hearing Samer’s words from earlier about him finding a new love. I’m not nosy or meddling, but I can’t seem to understand myself why I’m so curious to know who the woman is that he’s interested in. Maybe it’s also for the children’s sake that I find it important to meet the potential stepmother for Ameera and Khaleel.
After taking a half bath, I climbed into bed to sleep. I have an early start tomorrow because my vacation leave will begin the next day. We’re leaving with the kids on Saturday, but I still need to do some shopping for things we’ll bring on the trip, like several pairs of rash guards. If only I could wear a bikini in public, then I wouldn’t need to go shopping.
I was starting to feel drowsy when the monitor in front of my bed suddenly lit up. On the screen, I could see someone outside the gate. I felt a chill, and my hair stood on end. It’s already past midnight, and no one in their right mind would be standing outside my property at this hour!
Unless… a ghost? I hesitated before carefully checking the lit monitor. Then, I saw who it was. What is the man doing outside the gate at this hour? Isn’t he tired?
I approached the monitor, pressed the button for the microphone, and spoke, “Why are you here?” I asked my unwanted guest.
“The kids wanted to sleep here.”
Did he come with Khaleel and Ameera? Without hesitation, I went out of my room, ran to the gate, and opened it for the newcomers.
“You should have told me earlier that you’re all staying here, so we could have gone home together.”
“Actually, Miss -”
“Because they were scared that I won’t let them,” Samer interrupted Khaleel, whatever he wanted to tell me.
“I see,” I said to Samer.
I noticed that Ameera seemed sleepy, so I invited them both to come upstairs and rest. I think I can start my vacation a day earlier since I can’t leave the two kids here at home without a helper.
When I came back downstairs, Samer was still there, sitting comfortably on a bench while looking at an outdated magazine.
“Coffee?”
“Beer, if you have any left.”
“Alright.” I passed by him and went straight to the kitchen to get two cold beers. “Let’s go to the patio so we can enjoy the fresh air.” I went out first and headed to the patio.
“I really like your house, it’s so welcoming and calm. It’s relaxing,” he said to me before starting to drink his beer.
“If the price is right, I can sell this house to you.”
“You used to like this house so much. What happened? Why would you sell it?” Samer asked me.
“I still like this house… but it’s just too big for me. I’m alone, and I don’t have a family,” I said.
“I thought that we are family, Jamie.”
“Of course we are. But, you know, everything will change once you get married.” I felt a bit sad thinking that he’s getting married.
“I’m not getting married yet.”
“Didn’t you tell me earlier that you found that woman?”
“Yeah, it seems like it, but I still need to court her.”
“What? I thought you two were already together. So, do you know how to court a girl?” I asked him.
“Not really. That’s why I’m here, to ask for tips from you.”
“And you chose to ask advice from me when you know Brent was my only boyfriend.”
“I don’t know, I’m just confused about what’s happening in my life.” He answered and then looked up at the ceiling as if he was waiting for a gecko.
“It’s probably best to tell me who the woman is that’s making your heart skip a beat now. Hmmm, let me guess – is it Trixie?”
Trixie is Samer’s current assistant in his office. She’s beautiful and has a sexy figure. She’s not dumb either and seems to be intelligent. However, she dresses somewhat conservatively based on her clothing choices.
“Trixie? There’s no way I’ll like that flirt!”
My eyebrows raised at what I heard. “Who’s the flirt?” I asked because I wanted to confirm if we were still talking about Trixie.
“Aren’t we talking about my assistant?”
“Nonsense! How can you call her a flirt when she’s practically covered from head to toe when she comes to work?” So far, I haven’t seen Trixie wearing anything short.
“Hah! Let me remind you, my dear, looks can be deceiving.” He insisted.
“True, but I still can’t believe Trixie is flirtatious. Maybe, you’re just trying to tease me, Mr. Samer Khalifa!”
“I’m telling the truth. Do you want me to elaborate on how she tried to touch my body?”
“My God, stop it! Fine, I’ll believe you that Trixie is a flirt. But seriously, I can’t imagine her being like that. So, who is the woman who’s making your heart beat again?”
“Let’s keep it a secret for now, it might leak to others.”
“Hey, you’re too much. What do you think of me – a gossip? You should treat me differently.”
“Soon, I will tell you who she is!”
“Is she beautiful?”
“Extremely.”
“Good, at least she won’t be mistaken as a nanny when she’s with your kids. Is she kind?”
“Even kinder than a saint!”
“Wow, you’re lucky if what you said is true. Do you think she’ll love your children wholeheartedly?”
“That’s a given,” Samer said, smiling.
“In that case, don’t let her slip away. Women like her are rare!” I replied.
“You said it, but I still don’t know how to tell her that I like her, that I love her.”
“The solution to your problem is simple. Action speaks louder than words, as they say. So try making an effort for her.” I suggested to him.
“What if my efforts still don’t work?”
“If it doesn’t work with saintly patience, then try a more forceful approach!” I suggested.
But I’m sure that Samer Khalifa won’t resort to forceful measures. Anyone who rejects him must be crazy! Because if we’re only looking at appearances, he’s definitely not lacking in that department. His kindness and manners are just a bonus.
“But that’s illegal!”
“It’s illegal if you get caught! Anyway, don’t focus on the forceful approach, start with saintly moves, okay?”
“If you insist, then I will. By the way, why doesn’t your ex show up at Khalifa anymore?”
“Someday, you and Brent will become friends. You are important to me, as well as the kids, so I don’t want our relationship to be ruined just because of Brent. Please?”
Samer didn’t answer immediately. He stared at me for a long time before speaking. “No problem.”
“Thanks, Samer. You’re really kind. One more bottle? I’ll get it for you inside,” I said as his bottle was almost empty.
“Sure, thank you.”
“Alright, wait a moment..”