"No you can’t come!” Eve said irritably.
Blake's expression became grimmer. "I won't let her meet other men dammit! She is mine!" he rasped.
She sighed heavily." Look cuzz! You can’t come on this state! You are drunk and I am afraid that you will make a scene there! I can’t have that! This night is special for Stacey and her family you can’t ruin it! You can talk to Heather some other time! Maybe it will be better if you give each other space. You need a lot of hard thinking if you ask me! Set your priorities straight and don’t wait until our business get affected! Do something with yourself for Pete’s sake!”
***
The three women were in the verandah of Nick and Stacey’s house. They just got back from Nick’s parents’ home. Amara was already fast asleep. Nick also gave them time to have their girl’s talk. Stacey asked him if they could go to a coffee shop but as expected her overprotective husband said no and they all just sighed. Eve would sleep over while Heather would stay for a couple of days. Anyway she won’t start her job until next week. And she told Stacey that she wanted to avoid seeing Blake. Stacey and Eve were looking at her while she had her eyes on the pool.
“Okay where should we start?” The former asked. "
Eve sighed. “Let’s start with the present. Blake is all messed up. What is happening Heather? Are you two in a relationship or not?”
She had no choice but to look at Blake’s cousin for a few seconds before looking at the water again. It took a while before she responded that’s why the two women exchanged looks.
“Heather? You can tell us. We will listen. “ Came Stacey’s voice.
"I don’t know. Whatever we had I ended it hours ago.” She replied in an emotionless voice.
"That’s why he was drinking like a fish when I left him. He wanted to come with me but I said no.” Eve said with a shake of her head.
Heather’s brows furrowed but she didn’t say anything.
"I hope you don't mind my question but did you already sleep with him?” Asked her sister.
She wanted to be honest. She directed her eyes at her before she nodded. “A couple of times already.”
Stacey gaped while Eve clucked her tongue.
"With protection?" It was Stacey.
She nodded and the friends sighed in relief.
"I know we got off the wrong foot Heather, but I really want us to start anew." Eve said sincerely.
She looked at her. "Thank you I also want that. I have been a bitch before and I want to say how sorry I am."
Stacey stood up and hugged her while she was sitting down.
"That’s alright. It's all water under the bridge now." Her sister murmured and Eve came to her to hug her too. They were all teary-eyed. It was Eve who straightened first.
“Let’s cut this out. We aren’t auditioning for a soap. “ She joked and the sisters laughed lightly. "Now that we are okay Heather, let’s talk about my cousin. He hasn't yet fully absorbed it but I am sure that he had fallen for you. ."
Heather shook her head. "I don't think so. I feel he still loves Kristel." she said bitterly.
Eve sighed and threw Stacey a glance ."Girlfriend! I think it's high time that we tell her about Kristel."
***
Blake was still in the bar drinking with the other two members of Axle’s band, Tom and Arnold.
“What’s the problem dude? You made a mistake on the stage a while ago. We noticed it!” Tom said with a shake of his head.
"I have a feeling that it is a woman! Shit dude! Are you in love?” Joked Arnold.
He shook his head from side to side. “It’s all my fault. I am so damn stupid!” He rasped.
“Wait is it Heather?” Tom asked.
He nodded then laughed bitterly. Arnold hit the table with his fist.
“Dang dude! Axle also likes her!” The latter revealed and Blake cursed.
."That’s right! It was a good thing that he lost his phone! He had been wanting to call her since they exchanged numbers!” Arnold said.
Blake clenched his fists and swore angrily. Arnold and Tom exchanged worried looks. They both regretted telling him.
“I will talk with that bastard tomorrow!”
“Don’t tell him we told you!” Tom requested. He just nodded and gulped more beer.
“What is the problem between you and Heather? Is it the same problem you had with Kristel?” Tom asked.
Blake shook his head. “No I am at fault this time. I couldn’t give the commitment she wanted. I couldn’t bear being cheated again!” he said through gritted teeth.
"Look dude love is like a gamble! You have to take a risk! Why not work things out? I feel that this time it’s different. You seemed territorial unlike before!”
"The problem is there are too many assholes around her. I am afraid if I turn my head one of them will snatch her from me!”
"Well I agree that it’s a big problem! You lost trust in women and Heather is very attractive . I know how you must feel dude!” Arnold said with a shake of his head.
“Can I say something?” Interrupted Tom, “ My wife said I make sense when I’m a bit drunk so I will say my piece now before I become hammered and lose sense. But please Blake don’t be angry okay? I will just give my honest opinion. Well if you feel that you can’t live without Heather, make an effort to woo her and get her back. According to you there are too many assholes who want her, don’t let them get a chance to come close to her while you drink yourself to death! Do something now before it’s too late! Besides Kristel cheated on you maybe because she felt that you didn’t really love her. Kristel is not Heather. Not all females are the same. Take a risk and get Heather back now dude! Once you have her again take care of her and show her your love.”
Blake was poker-faced while he gulped more booze.
"Don’t be too paranoid dude! That’s not healthy in a relationship! Hot looking men like you should keep it cool. Don’t be insecure!” Arnold said.
***
Heather released a heavy sigh after knowing the reason for Blake and Kristel’s breakup. If he told her everything they could have solved the problem. Now she knew why he had a soft spot for kids and why he was afraid of commitments.
"His ego was shattered. He didn’t love Kristel. He wanted to be a good father to Kurt. What hurt him most was losing the boy.” Eve said.
"Blake is a good man. In time, the old Blake will come back." Stacey said.
"And it’s you who can make him change again. “ Eve said with a smile.
"I am not sure about that. It’s hard to change a womanizer.” She snorted.
"You sound jealous!” Stacey giggled and she made a face at her.
"Since I like you for my cousin, let's join forces and make him realized that you were meant to be together."
"What do you have in mind?" she asked curiously.
“Just leave it to me!” Eve winked and smiled.