Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! the wife said with a grin to the stranger whod just turned up at her door.
Hold on a sec, Emily! Someones at the front. Ill call back once I know who it is and what they want, Kate said, ending a chat with her old schoolfriend. Emily had just been babbling about her motherinlaws birthday party, cracking jokes that had Kate laughing nonstop, as if she were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Kate walked over to the entrance, peeked through the peephole and was taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour, because strangers dont usually wander into their secure block. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before was standing there.
She decided not to open the door better to steer clear of strangers, especially these days with all the scams around. Kates rule was simple: no chatting with unknown people. Con artists thrive on gullibility, but she wasnt about to fall for it.
She grabbed the phone to finish her talk with Emily, but the doorbell rang again. The lady outside was persistent, convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Kate was alone; her husband, James, had gone round to help a mate in the garden. She went back to the peephole, this time eyeing the visitor more closely.
There was something odd and a bit pitiful about the woman, but Kate didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to go away? Then I can enjoy the weekend in peace, she thought. Maybe shes lost or trying to sell something.
She swung the door open. The woman straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hi! Are you Kate? she asked, fiddling with the scarf around her neck. Of course you are why do you even ask?
Kate raised an eyebrow. Scammers are getting clever these days. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Kate said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Kate off guard.
Thats something, Kate mused, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name she must be a professional fraudster.
Are you here for James? Kate asked, though she intended to say something else.
No, I just wanted to talk to you. If James is around, itll be harder for me, the woman replied casually.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Kate wondered, curiosity growing.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Kate finally asked.
Maybe we should go inside. Its tough to discuss this in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
No way! I dont let strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Kate snapped.
You really want to discuss the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Kate shouted, louder than she meant to.
Just then, Mrs. Newman, the downstairs neighbour, stepped out of the lift.
Kate, love, whats all that shouting about? she asked.
Oh hi, Mrs. Newman! All good, just a bit of rain on the way, isnt it? Kate tried to change the subject.
It looks like it might pour, Mrs. Newman replied, eyes still on the scene.
Come in, Kate said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger forward.
Inside, the woman started eyeing the flat, lingering on various bits of décor.
Youve got five minutes, speak, Kate said, blocking the way to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Maggie, the woman said, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Really? Thats so cliché! Couldnt you think of something more original? Kate replied with a sardonic grin.
Whats cliché about it? People fall in love, it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Maggie answered confidently, trying to slip past Kate.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? Kate asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be standing here, Maggie replied boldly.
My husband knows nothing about love, so youre wildly mistaken, dear, Kate said calmly.
Mistaken? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr James Turner cant take his eyes off me. Hes confessed his feelings, Maggie declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So, what do you want from me, Maggie? Kate asked, genuinely curious.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy with me, Maggie announced, standing firm.
So youre asking me to let my husband go, even though he never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Kate said, now genuinely amused.
Before Maggie could answer, the front door opened and James walked in, clearly surprised to see a stranger in the hallway.
Maggie? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, bewildered.
No, Im here for you, Kate said, delighted by the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something at work? James repeated, still puzzled.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Kate said with a grin.
Maggie, looking flustered, hastily threw on her coat and backed toward the door.
Leaving already? And what about James? You didnt come for him? Ill gladly give him back to you, Kate joked.
Maggie was already out the door.
What was that about? James asked, totally confused.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman turn up demanding a divorce and claiming youll move in with her? Kate asked, arms crossed.
Seriously?! James blurted, looking stunned. I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to that rubbish.
Alright then. You know Im not one to joke, James. Women today will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Kate said, shaking her head.
James looked at her unsure, then let out a sigh. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all so strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Youre right, Kate replied with a faint smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling her into a hug. Thanks for having my back, always. You know I dont want any trouble. Im with you and only you.
Kate returned the embrace, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Well get through anything together.
In that moment they both realised that, no matter what unexpected hurdles popped up, their relationship was rock solid. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
