Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Elysia steadied herself and said, "I didn't expect the kids to be so immature. They saw us getting along lately and jumped to the conclusion that you like me. Kids don't understand the complexities of adult relationships. Don't overthink it, and definitely don't blame them. I've already cleared things up with them, and they..."

"How did you explain it?" Tarquin interrupted her.

"...I told them there's nothing going on between us."

"Nothing going on?"

Elysia instinctively swallowed. They had been intimate and even had a child together; it was hardly 'nothing going on'.

And just a few hours ago, they were kissing in the study...

Elysia felt her cheeks burning, "...I meant 'nothing going on' as in you don't like me. You don't like me, do you?"

She sneaked a glance at Tarquin, her eyes probing.

She wanted to hear his answer...

Tarquin's eyes narrowed, catching every bit of her nervousness and shyness. Was she testing him?

He watched her, hesitating for a moment before deciding not to take the risk of being too direct, changing the subject instead, "I didn't overthink it, and I'm not upset with the kids for banding together with Keith to test me."

The kids wanted to confirm his feelings for Elysia, which he could understand. After all, Elysia was their cherished treasure, and they obviously wanted to figure things out.

Elysia frowned. Why wouldn't he give a straight answer?

If he did, she could understand his thoughts and stop driving herself crazy.

"What exactly did the kids tell you?" he asked again.

Elysia pushed her thoughts aside and answered, “The kids were honest with me, saying it wasn't your fault."noveldrama

Tarquin was touched and told her, "Those kids are sharper than you think, smarter too."

Elysia knew he was nudging her about her attitude toward Keith and immediately clarified, "He's their teacher, so of course, I'm going to be decent to him. And even though I haven't spent time with him outside school, Blossom and the kids always mention how handsome and nice he is, that he..."

"Is he more handsome than me?" Tarquin interrupted, clearly annoyed.

Elysia took a quick glance at him...

Truth be told, both he and Keith were handsome, but in different ways. Tarquin had a cold allure, while Keith's charm was more gentle. Their vibes were different.

But if push came to shove, he might just be the more handsome one!

Elysia decided not to entertain his trivial question and continued, "First off, my respect for Keith isn't the same as liking him. Asking you about the fight wasn't about taking sides or defending him. Secondly, I trust my kids. If they say it wasn't your fault, then I stand by you! But fighting, especially in front of the kids, is not okay!"

Tarquin felt a wave of relief wash over him. She might be naïve, but she was loyal!

She blindly trusted her kids, who were smart enough to discern right from wrong. Importantly, they were good-natured and morally sound, which meant they wouldn't lead her astray.

Tarquin apologized proactively, "I was out of line today. He got under my skin, and I lost it for a moment. I promise I won't snap at you again." "...What did he say that got to you?"

Tarquin frowned, knowing Keith's words would upset her if she heard them.

No doubt Keith had banked on him keeping quiet, which is why he had been so bold.

Elysia probed further, "Are you angry because he said he likes me?"