A DANGEROUS GAME

“But she won’t open up to me, I just hope they can sort this out and stop all these arguments” Kim muttered with a worried look.

Susan was in her office with her best friend; Susan, who came to visit her.

“No way…..gosh, Steve is so insensitive. How can he say such hurtful words to you?” Stella asked

“Do liposuction ... .is he for real?..like does he know the rubbish he’s saying?” Stella asked, looking at Susan in disbelief.

Susan went mute, there was nothing she could say to defend Steve after narrating the incident to Stella.

“If you don’t want to do it then he has no right to force you!” Stella declared boldly.

“I’m just tired of all these…he met me like this before he married me…and now he has suddenly changed. I now look like a stranger to him.” Susan replied sadly.

“I remember then..he’ll say I look perfect the way I am and now all that has changed.

“Listen…you need to fix this by getting separated from him, how can you be with a man that constantly body shames you, insults you, and has no respect for you!!!” Stella shouted.

“That’s not possible…..you know my father is against divorce, he won’t permit me to do that,” Susan answered.

“Wow….just wow…is it until he raises his filthy hands on you before you understand what’s happening?”

“Don’t you know mental abuse and also emotional abuse is worse?” Stella asked angrily.

“I’m…I’m working on it, I’m trying my best,” Susan muttered.

“Then after saying those terrible words to me, he will later apologize to me,” Susan said.

“Wait…is there no one that can talk sense into his head? Like someone we can report him to?” Stella asked curiously. 

“No Stella….absolutely no one, he’ll tell me that he wants his privacy….our family affairs should be private,” Susan said.

“That’s not an excuse please…..he just wants to control you!” Stella declared.

“I’m frustrated Stella…I’m tired of all this!” She said softly.

“Do you know that Steve has stopped making love to me!” Susan said.

“What…but…but why?” Stella stuttered.

“Since when Susan?” Stella asked, still in shock.

“About eight to nine months now,” Susan answered.

“Oh my goodness…and you kept quiet?” Stella asked in disbelief.

“I…I….don’t know what to do…I’m trying my best to make him happy.” Susan muttered softly.

“He keeps telling me he’s tired no matter how much I try to make him touch me.” 

“He even told me that he hates the way I snore….he said it distracts his sleep.” She continued.

“Honestly….I feel bad for you…I was away before but now, I’m back for you.do you hear me?”

“I keep telling you..to always love yourself, always prioritize yourself first. Don't do too much for others and forget yourself.”

 “Always put yourself first, you know I always preach to you about self-love,” Stella said, trying to reassure her and keep her calm.

“Now that I’m back, you are gonna do something for me?” Stella asked.

“Please tell me….I’ll do anything to make this stop, please?” Susan begged.

“I’m gonna register you for a gym class, you are going to start going to the gym.”

“So you can take care of yourself… change your look, change your diet, and eat well!” Stella replied.

“Gym..?” Susan muttered softly.

“Yes, you must do it.” Stella declared.

Later in the day, Steve was in his office when a call suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

“Hello, who's on the line please?” Steve asked.

“Hey sugar…it’s Lucy.” She said,

“Oh…yeah are you good?” Steve asked.

“I’m fine, I just got home this morning, I’ve been discharged from the hospital,” Lucy replied.

“Oh that’s good news, I hope you’re okay…do you need anything?” Steve asked, wondering why Dr Martins didn’t tell him about that.

“Nothing much I was just wondering if we could meet up, I'd like to see you again,” Lucy said.

“Sure… why not…when will you be available or you know what, just send me the address, and I’ll be there,” Steve said, feeling excited about seeing her again.

“Yeah, I’ll text you the address, see you tonight….sugar?” Lucy asked sweetly.

“Yeah…see you tonight sexy,” Steve replied as he dropped the call.

Steve couldn’t understand his feelings at that moment. 

“Why am I so drawn to her?” He asked himself. He suddenly remembered the one-night stand he had with her.

Allowing himself to be in that moment again, remembering the pleasure he had with her. 

“Yeah, I’m going to see her tonight… I must see her tonight.” Steve said, determined.

He picked up his phone to call Susan but suddenly remembered how she might feel, and also nagged if he didn’t come home today.

Rather, he changed his mind. “ I’ll just text her instead.” He said firmly.

He picked up his phone and started typing. “Babe… I won’t be able to make it home early today, I have an important meeting with a client and I’m not sure if I will finish up on time.”

“Just in case I don't finish early, I’ll spend the night at a hotel… don’t be too worried, I’m okay…take care.” 

He hit the send button and breathed in relief. Glancing at his wristwatch, he quickly packed his files, waiting for the address from Lucy so he could be on his way.

“Hmmm, time to make some moves baby!!” Lucy said, laughing out hysterically.

“This is my chance to get what I want…I just need to make him mine…I can’t continue to suffer.”

“And this ... .is my only ticket out of this shackles of poverty.” She said boldly, puffing some cigarettes in the air.

She brought out her phone and typed, “Hey Steve, let’s meet at the French laundry at 7pm. It’s at 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599.” 

Then sent the message. “You are mine Steve!!” Lucy declared firmly as she laughed hysterically again.

Making her way to the wardrobe to pick out a seductive dress for tonight’s date.

“This sexy short brown dress is lit for tonight right?” She asked.