Chapter 10: LIAM

"Mum, did you have to?" "Did I have to do what?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Liam I know you. The last time you spoke about Cara, you had resentment written all over you. I'm trying to decipher what I witnessed not too long. A few weeks back when I raised the issue of you seeing someone for your sake and that of Laura you flared up saying you don't need any woman in your life right now and then I walk in to find you in a comprising position with Cara. I hope you don't intend to make her your go-to woman for pleasure?" mother blares angrily.

"Compromising position? Mother, what's your definition of compromise?"

"You sniffing her neck and asking her how she feels about you is my definition of compromising!"

"I wasn't sniffing her neck and how much did you hear?"

"Well, I heard that part and her response. Cara is an innocent young girl and I don't want you taking advantage of her!"

"Advantage?"

"Yes! Advantage. I get that both of you are adults and all but I do not subscribe to the idea of you sleeping with her except you've taken her to the alter."

Ok, it's high time I put an end to this conversation. Alt what? Cara is the last person I'm taking to the alter. Why would I even want to do that? A wedding she might not even show up. I don't know why mother supports her like she's the one she bore and not me.

"Mother, I thought you said you had to rush back to work?" "Are you sending me out?" she asks raising one eyebrow.

"No mother. I'm just reminding you in case you've forgotten." "If you say so. My regards to Laura. She’ll soon be here right?"

"Yes. Veronica will pick her up in an hour time. I have a meeting scheduled for 4 p. m."

"Get yourself someone to fill your executive assistant spot as soon as possible and let Cara be transferred to where she rightly belongs."

"Yes mother. Sometimes I wonder if she's your biological daughter but then again her striking resemblance with her mother makes me revert the idea."

"Be Wonder man for all I care. I became her mum the instant she lost hers. Enjoy the rest of your day."

"And you to mother," I say giving her a quick peck on the cheek."

Just as she's about to leave, she spreads her index and middle finger in front of her eyes and then points them at me to demonstrate that she's watching me closely. I raise both hands in a manner to show innocence. Mother is the real drama queen. Madea has nothing on her.

I call the human resource department to fix up Cara's office and head to the board room. Despite Cara's persistence to help me take the minutes of the meeting, I disagreed. She needs to rest those fingers for a day or two. You do know it's not her ten fingers that are affected right? I don't care. Is someone going soft on Cara already? Soft is the last thing I'll be towards Cara. She doesn't know what's coming for her.

Now I know the effect I have around her. Cara Bloom, you just watch out and see you won't know what hit you. By the time I'm finished with you, you'll hate yourself for coming back.

"Sir?"

"Come again?"

This is a very important meeting and distractions are the last thing I need.

"Tonia was done with her pitching on the expansion benefits."

"Oh. Great. Send a rundown to my email. I'll look into it. Good job everyone. That will be all for the day. It's past six already."

I pick up my tab and phone and walk out of the room. I see Laura from a distance and decide to hide.

"The big bad wolf approaches, where is the last piglet?"

I tiptoe towards Veronica's office and howl while doing that. "Hide," Cara tells Laura.

"You can't hide from the big bad wolf!"

I stand in front of the door she hiding behind and shake it vigorously. I hear her giggle for a while and then stop.

"With the hair on my chin... I'll huff and puff." I open the door and playfully pounce on her.

"I'm going to have you for dinner."

"Let go of me you big bad wolf," Laura says playfully kicking at me. "I can't baby. How was your day princess?"

"Fine Daidi. I like Miss Cara and I want to be her friend but I told her I have to ask daddy first since you said she's a stranger."

"You can be Miss Cara's friend and she can be yours. She's not a stranger."

"I told her you were spying on her house this morning." she says laughing while covering her mouth.

"Baby I wasn't spying on Miss Cara or her house," I say looking at Cara who was acting like she didn't hear what Laura just said.

"I told Veronica to deliver a package that's why she had to leave before 7 p. m." I turn toward Cara.

"Yes Sir, she told me."

"It's time for us to head home baby," I say carrying Laura on my head.

I look back to find Cara still seated in her sit. Besides, why hasn't she moved into her office?

"Why are you still seating? You are coming with us. If you recollect in the morning I said I'm dropping you off today. I wouldn't want to wake up tomorrow and see my face all over the news with the caption 'Liam Johnson is responsible for the death of his new staff."

"You really don't have to. I drove to work this morning and I got here in one piece."

"That was in the morning. Now pack your things and meet me downstairs. Don't keep me waiting." I say giving her my serious signatory look.

"Miss Cara you are so pretty." "Thanks Laura. I'm grateful."

I'm not pleased with Laura's fast bonding with Cara.