14

Quinn's pov



I can't believe it is over a month since the wedding. Life has been crazy, what would have been or perceived as a honeymoon by the public was just a business vacation.

Courtney spends her days shopping and the evenings posting what she shopped for. I spend my days in meetings one after another and my nights going through the reports from the meetings.

Only occasionally I would steal a peek in the social media. I would click to a specific profile. She was dormant in social media but I was hoping she had posted something. Ryan had stated his intention so I stalked her to see if she agreed. Later I would log out and feel like the biggest scum on earth to be stalking another woman even when my wife was in the room. I would secretly send flowers to Courtney to ease my guilt.

Our nights in bed we spend talking of old days and how our days were. Sometimes we fell asleep with our clothes on. I never initiated any intentions of sexual activity. Somehow I found myself relaxed and contented to desire it. That is why found being married to Courtney was easy. The familiarity was soothing. Being with Cara was different, she was unpredictable. She made you forget who you are and take risky decisions. She is the type to make you watch a fast-moving train coming right at you but you will be conflicted if you should jump to save yourself or wait for it to know how it feels when it hits you.

The last day of our 'honeymoon'. We got drunk, we kissed and ended on the bed. But that wasn't where it ended. In fact, that is where it all started. No matter what or how hard we tried I couldn't get it up. It just remained flaccid which led to Courtney almost exploding in anger.

"It is her fault." She shouted.

"Sometimes Alcohol isn't a good libido boost," I answered.

"I can't live like this so you better fix it." She said and stormed out.

****

Present-day

Courtney hasn't been talking to me. She is still furious. I have tried watching pornography something I am not a fan of. It erects but when am with it never does. She just scheduled an appointment with a fertility doctor. She is convinced I might be sterile. However, I know that is not the issue. Some girl in red jinxed it.

It must be some sort of magic because when I look up, she is the first thing I see. She is in black trouser, a white shirt and a black windbreaker. She is dressed like a waitress. Our eyes lock but look away when some talk dude walks up to her. I am a guy and I know the kind of look he has. He is smitten by her.

Who is he? I don't like how tall he is.

She is smiling at him. It must be a pity smile. He doesn't look funny. Tall guys aren't funny.

"Smile for the cam, babe" Courtney nudges me. I zero my attention back to her. "Here wear the cap." She pushes the oxford cap at me. "Remember, we are other people a couple of goals."

I don't argue. I am a Nickel we have very limited words. When I look again the guy is gone and she is walking towards us. Something is different about, she looks tired but that is not it. She has changed on a personal basis.

Roxanna, Courtney's new best friend stops her. She is with her boyfriend, Chad. I don't like the guy, he gives thug vibes. She broke Jermaine's heart when she got together with her ex.

I pretended not to be interested in whatever they are talking about until I hear. Roxanna irritating voice announces to everyone she is a cleaner. I am impressed that no matter what she has held her head high. Although, that feeling is short-lived when I read where she is working. I realise this her scheming again. She can never change. I can't help but wonder what she is playing at? What is her endgame at that hotel? Stephen Cooper is a dangerous over-ambitious man. I don't think he will be pleased to share the wealth he has.

I watch her walk in the room.

"We should set a double date at La Cooper Hotel," Courtney suggests to Roxanna.

"Why?" I ask. Courtney's family owns several hotels and La Cooper is one of the rival hotels so the only reasonable explanation I have as to why they want to go go, is to harass Cara.

"I need someone else to clean my mess for a change." Courtney answers. Roxanna laughs at her comment.

Cara walks out with her gown hanging on her arm. She barely looks at me. Just as she passes in front of me. I find my body seeking hers and my hand brushes her body. If she feels it, she never acknowledges. She takes longs strides disappearing out of sight.

"I can't believe I was friends with her." Roxanna spits.

"She is just too ordinary." Courtney agrees and looks at me, "I can't comprehend why people find her fascinating."

"It is very hard to tell, people are just naturally drawn to her" At least Roxanna has spoken the truth.

"Thank God, I saw what she really is." She adds.

Chad draws her closer to him and nuzzles her earlobe. I am not choosy but I am uncomfortable having the guy hang out with us.

"That is not just it. She is more than what she lets us see. I want to uncover what is under that mask she wears." Courtney retorts.

I am surprised by the sudden interest in Cara. Seconds ago she found her ordinary now she is intrigued by her?

I find my feet moving, following the direction she disappeared to. It is like my body is invaded by something else ever since I saw her. Scratch that, ever since I met her. I never realised that cause I spent a lot of energy avoiding her but also seeking her. Our association is the most confusing one.

"Where are you going?" Courtney asks.

"Home," I answer as I walk away.