Patrick strolled back and sat close to her. She sat with her feet on the couch, hugging them.

“I am sorry baby. Something happened at work,” he said softly.

Cherry remained silent. He pulled her to make her face him. His face showed remorse and he looked down.

“What did you cook? Let’s eat, I am hungry,” he said, smiling.

“What did you clap me for?” she asked.

“I took my anger out on you. I am sorry,” he said.

She hugged him and whispered, “Don’t do it again!”

“I promise!”

She heated the stew and they ate, talking about their future together.

Cherry was back to her normal self and the next day Patrick prepared breakfast in bed for her. It was on a tray with a glass of juice, a rose, some toast, eggs, bacon and a sausage. She smiled and ate before going to bath to prepare for work.

Roy had been sending messages but she didn’t see them because her phone was on silent. Who even put it on silent? She wondered. Maybe Patrick did. He always complained that her phone beeped at night, disturbing his sleep. She saw that Roy was checking on her as if he felt she was in danger.

Hi, how are you?

Cherry please talk to me.

I miss us hanging together.

I saw Luna, she has a baby and send her greeting.

Are you okay?

Come on Cherry. Don’t keep me in suspense.

“Hey, I am fine. Thanks for checking on me,” she said on the phone in a squeaky and pretending voice.

“You don’t sound OK?”

“I am fine hey. I will visit you sometime after work,” she said gently.

“I will be waiting,” he said smiling.

Patrick had sent her flowers and a gift wrapped in a velvet box. She smiled and thought she was lucky. Everyone in her office told her she was lucky. She opened the velvet box and found a stunning blue dress.

“Wow,” she murmured.

She saw the note.

Join me for dinner tonight. Love P.

She couldn’t wait for work to end. She kept checking the time until the day was over. She rushed to the flat and dressed quickly. The dinner was at Jackal Diners. Patrick rented the whole restaurant for her.

“It’s all for me?” she said happily.

“Yes, my love,” he said, pulling a chair for her. “I love you and I will do anything for you, even to kill for you,” he said smiling.

***

Tell us: Why do you think Cherry is still staying with Patrick?