Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Tarquin was still basking in the glow of his daydream about confessing his feelings when his phone buzzed again. It was Lowell-again! Tarquin's good mood evaporated instantly. Nobody likes getting calls about work, not even CEOS! He picked up the phone and snapped, "If I end up single forever, it's on you!"

Lowell was taken aback, muttering to himself, "Good Lord! Did I just cross some divine line?"

After hanging up, Tarquin didn't call his driver back. Instead, he slid into the driver's seat and started the car, heading towards the south gate.

Blossom's car was off-limits today due to city restrictions, so she was planning to catch a cab to school. Tarquin pulled up beside her and rolled down his window, "Let me give you a lift."

Blossom was surprised, "Oh?"

"I'd like to talk," Tarquin admitted.

Blossom quickly nodded and hesitated for a few seconds before getting into the passenger seat. She was worried sitting in the back might give him the wrong idea, as if she was treating him like a chauffeur.

Tarquin, usually sporting a chilly demeanor except around Elysia and a few kids, revealing a gentler side, was intimidating to most. Blossom, fearing him, didn't dare refuse his offer. She buckled up, sitting straight and proper, more so than she ever had in school.

Tarquin reached into the glove compartment and handed her a sealed bottle of water, "Don't be nervous. You're Elysia's best friend; I wouldn't dare upset you. She'd have my head."

Blossom took the bottle, slightly dazed by his words. She unscrewed the cap and took a few gulps to calm her nerves. It was only after drinking that she noticed the brand of the water-Iluliaq, a premium brand priced at over $40 a bottle, touted as the most eco-friendly water in the world with a very limited annual production. A luxury few could afford.

She glanced at Tarquin, thinking the luxurious water seemed out of place with the car but matched his aura perfectly. But wasn't he supposed to be bankrupt, as Elysia mentioned? A bankrupt man, driving an ordinary car, drinking $40 water? It had to be a facade!

Blossom decided not to call him out, just as she was pondering over his words, he suddenly said, "Elysia asked me if I liked her."

Blossom, surprised, "Elysia asked you?!"noveldrama

"Yeah. Does she like me?"

Despite her fear, Blossom didn't answer outright, concerned about her friend's privacy and happiness. After a moment of hesitation, she probed, "Do you like Elysia?"

"I do."

Her eyes lit up, "Really? You really like her?"

"A lot. Have for a long time."

"Then why haven't you told her?"

"I thought about it. But back then, she said she'd avoid me if I did. So, I never dared to say anything. Today, when she asked, I couldn't answer directly. I wanted to know how she felt first."

Tarquin glanced at Blossom, "You must know how she feels better than I do."

Blossom asked, "Can't you tell at all what she's thinking?"

"I think she likes me too. But I'm not sure how deep her feelings are. If I confess out of the blue, could it scare her off?"