NADINE
~Pronounced: Nay-Deen~

ᥫ᭡

I wake up to the sound of Ria giggling in the next room and the faint scent of coffee wafting from downstairs.

The sun is just starting to peek through the curtains, casting a warm glow over everything. I stretch and sit up, glancing at Marcus’s side of the bed. It’s empty, but still warm. He must’ve left early again.

Throwing on my robe, I head downstairs, following the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Thanks, babe.

For some reason, there's an extra pep in my step this morning.

You know the reason...

The thought causes the heat to rise in my cheeks as I descend the stairs.

In the kitchen, Jaden is already munching on a bowl of cereal, his hair sticking up in every direction.

“Morning, Mom!” he says with a mouthful of cereal, milk dribbling down his chin.

“Good morning, sweetie,” I reply, ruffling his hair as I pass by. “Slept any better lastnight?”

He's been having difficulties sleeping over the past few weeks, but I got some prescription from the doctor yesterday that he said would help.

“Yep!” he says, nodding vigorously. “Am I gonna have to take more medicine tonight?”

See him face, tek him nuh want tek no more eno...

“We’ll see,” I say, smiling. “Let’s get through breakfast first though.”

He goes back to eating.

With the smile still on my lips, I pour myself a cup of coffee and take a moment to enjoy the peacefulness of the morning. The rhythmic drip of the coffee maker is oddly soothing.

Soon I hear Ria’s footsteps thumping down the stairs, followed by her cheerful voice.

“Mommy!” she exclaims, running into the kitchen and throwing her arms around my legs. “Can we have pancakes for breakfast?”

I laugh and scoop her up into a hug. “Sure thing, pootus. Pancakes it is.”

Placing Ria to sit on the stool, I walk over to the cupboards and pull out the utensils I'll need.

As I start mixing the batter, I can’t help but think about Marcus. About the fact that he’s been so distant lately; always caught up in work, coming home late, missing the kids activities ——which I must admit is odd as he's always been the engaged type.

It's even starting to creep into our sex lives. Except for last night.

Last night was the most intimate he's been with me for days, and I honestly hope it was a turning point. For both of our sakes.

Yes, he claims it's due to pressure at work, but, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more going on than he’s letting on.

Sighing beneath my breath, I push the thought behind me before I can start blowing things out of proportion.

“Mom, can I help?” Jaden asks, pulling a stool up to the counter.

“Of course,” I say, handing him a whisk. “You can stir the batter.”

Ria climbs up onto her stool, watching intently. “Can I help too?”

“You can help me pour the batter onto the griddle,” I say, kissing the top of her head.

As we work together, the kitchen fills with the smell of pancakes cooking. The kids’ laughter is infectious, and for a moment, everything feels perfectly normal. We chat about their plans for the day, school projects, and the latest playground drama.

Ria is a piece of work. Just like her mama.

I giggle at the thought.

Just as we’re finishing up breakfast, my phone rings.

“Mom, your phone!” Jaden calls my attention to it.

Walking over to the counter, I pick it up from where it has been charging, glancing at the caller ID.

It's Simone. I swipe to answer, putting her on speaker.

“Hey, Sim-simma!” I say, flipping the last pancake onto a plate. “Wah mi do fi deserve yuh call so early?”

If anyone knows my sister, they'll know she hates mornings just as much as she hates calling people.

Yet, here she is doing both.

Must be my lucky day.

She chuckles. “Hey, Nads! My mind just ran on you and I decided to check in. How are you and my favourite niece and nephew?”

You mean your only niece and nephew.

“We’re good,” I say, glancing at the kids as they dive into their pancakes. Jaden belly long eno! “Just having breakfast. What's up with you?”

“Oh, you know, same old. Just wanted to see how you’re holding up. You sounded a bit stressed last time we talked.”

I sigh, leaning against the counter. “Yeah, it’s been a bit rough. But I'm holding up.”

For the most part, I guess.

“How come? Weh Marcus deh fi help yuh?”

“Honestly, Marcus has been working late a lot, lately. So everything deh pon me alone, as yuh can imagine.”

“So how yuh cope wid that?”

“Knowing you,” she adds.

I sigh, stepping out of the kids' earshot, removing the call from speakerphone. “Girl I don't even know. I guess I've gotten used to it.” I sigh again. “But sometimes it just get pon top a mi nerves. Especially when Ria starts badgering me about his whereabouts and why he's not here and there. And the whole nine yards. Mi cyaa even blame her. They miss their father...and honestly, so do I.”

“No sah, that doesn't sound like the Marcus I know.”

“Tell me about it...”

Simone’s voice softens. “Have you talked to him about it?”

“I’ve tried, but he keeps saying it’s just work and the pressure that comes with it.” I tsk. “I don’t want to push too hard, yuh understand, but I also can’t ignore the feeling that something’s off. Yuh know dem way deh?”

“Definitely.”

Before I can speak, she follows up with, “Listen, I don't mean to be that person, but...yuh think him a...do things?”

I know exactly what she's implying.

I won't lie and say my mind hasn't gone there a few times.

But I don't want to jump to conclusions.

“Mi not even waa go desso, fi tell yuh the truth, Sim. Sometimes, mi just feel stress out and nuh know wah fi do. Worse mi nuh waa start accuse him and noth'n nuh go so.”

“I get you.” She clears her throat. “Mi feel like it's best yuh sit down and talk to him 'bout how yuh feel though.”

“Same. But by time him reach home a night time, mi mash up after struggling with the kids all day. Worse Ria dance recitals have started again. And then there's Jaden's practice...”

“Maybe plan a date night then?” Simone suggests. “Get a sitter for the kids and just spend some time together. Mi nuh know, it might help.”

“That’s a good idea,” I say, smiling. Why didn't I think of that? “I’ll suggest it to him tonight and hear what he says.”

“Let me know.”

I sigh. “Mi doubt yuh call mi so early fi mi a unload mi problems pon yuh, don't it?”

This makes Simone chuckle. “No sah, mi glad mi call. Because yuh did a run pon mi mind hard.”

Aww...

“Thanks, big sis...” I grin.

Assuming she senses the smile in my voice, she says, “Move, because yuh only nice mi up when mi can do sum'n fi yuh.”

True.

I can just tell she rolled her eyes. I mock gasp. “That's not true...”

“Suck yuh ma' and gweh.”

Waiii.

“Hear the respectable Politician's wife!” I laugh.

Which causes Sim to join me.

The irony, as everyone who knows Sim knows she has no behaviour whatsoever.

Of the two of us, I'm the more decent one. So you can imagine.

“Make Dave come nyam mi!” she adds when we quiet down.

“Ooop ——” I instinctively cover the speaker part of my iPhone, as if the kids can hear. “It's too early fi yuh let out eno, gyal.”

“Sorry fi yuh, when mi come out just come put mi back in...”

I laugh at the way she says so.

Daring yuh fuck.

We chat a bit longer, catching up on family news and sharing a few laughs. It feels good to talk to Simone, she's always a voice of reasoning. And excitement. Gyal extra yussi.

After we hang up, I turn back to the kids, who are now happily finishing their breakfast.

“Alright, you two,” I say, clapping my hands. “Time to get ready for the day. Jaden, don’t forget your football practice this afternoon, and Ria, we’ll practice your dance routine later, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy!” they chorus, scampering off to get dressed.

I watch them go, feeling a heaviness settle in my chest.

As I clean up the kitchen, my mind drifts to Marcus again. Whatever is going on with him, I guess we’ll figure it out. Eventually.

I hope.

For now though, I’ll focus on the small moments of joy, the laughter of my kids, and just getting through the day with little to no hiccups.

After all, today is a new day, and I’m ready to face it head-on.

Like I always do.

.             .                     .

With the kids ready to go, I start preparing for the day. I pack Jaden’s gears and Ria’s dance bag, making sure they have everything they need. Despite the rush, this has become a comfortable little routine.

“Mom, where’s my shin guards?” Jaden calls from the living room.

Why this likkle bwoy can never know weh him t'ings dem deh?

“Check the laundry room nuh!” I shout back, slipping on my sneakers.

A few minutes later, Jaden appears, triumphantly holding his shin guards. “Got them!”

“Good,” I say, smiling. “Now, let’s get moving. We don’t want to be late.”

We pile into the car, and I drop Jaden off at school first, since his school starts at eight o'clock. He hops out, giving me an enthusiastic wave. “Bye, Mom! See you after practice!”

“Have a great day, baby!” I call after him. Ria and I then head to her kindergarten which is also in the area. As usual, she uses this as her opportunity to chat away in the backseat, telling me all about her plans for the day.

But I don't mind.

As I pull into the school's parking lot, Ria turns to me with a serious expression. “Mommy, are you coming to my dance class today?”

I smile, reaching back to squeeze her hand. “Of course, sweetheart. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

She beams at me and jumps out of the car, her little feet tapping a quick rhythm as she runs inside. I watch her go, my heart swelling with love. These moments are what I live for.

With both kids dropped off, I have a few hours to myself.

I have an hair appointment in a few hours.

But first, I decide to swing by the grocery store to pick up some ingredients for dinner.

Thank God the place isn't as packed as I expected, so I get around comfortably.

As I walk down the aisles, I think about the date night Simone suggested. It's really been ages since Marcus and I had some time alone.

It wasn't so bad when it was just Jaden, but since Ria came into the picture, we started drifting.

That was around the time when the business had picked up momentum, so Marcus got busier day by day, and, now, with me juggling two hyperactive kids, I just don't have the time or the strength sometimes, honestly.

It has been that way for the past five years.

And it's only getting worse.

But maybe this date will be for the best.

Rekindle the flames that have burned out...

That thought brings renewed excitement to me, so I reach for my phone and pull up Marcus's chat.

That too has gone dry, saving for brief updates on his work schedule and me reminding him to run one and two errands for me when I'm unable to.

Pushing the heaviness which settles over me, at the realization, to the back of my mind, I type out a quick: 'Hey.'

It doesn't take long for his response to come back.

Hussy💋: Hey. Everything good?

Me: Yeah. Just checking up on you.

Hussy💋: Ah. Where are you?

Me: Just dropped the kids off and now I'm at the supermarket.

Hussy💋: Want money?

Me: No. I have the cards.

Hussy💋: Oh OK. Please be safe.

Me: I will.

Hussy💋: 😘

Me: Before I forget, I wanna say sumn to you.

Hussy💋: Wah that? 👀

Me: When u get home.

Hussy💋: A sumn bad? 👀👀

Me: No big head. 😁 It can stay til yuh get home tho.

Hussy💋: 👍

Liking his message, I lock my screen and put my phone away.

But I can't wipe away the smile which sits on my lips as I push the trolley down the aisle.

🔸🔸🔸

It's minutes to four when I get back home.

Since the day had flown by after running errands, I'd just picked the kids up from school on my way back.

As soon as I close the trunk, the kids rush to meet me at the back of the car. Jaden grabs a couple of bags from my hands while Ria hugs my legs, continuing to chat excitedly about her day. As if this little girl never just chat off mi ears the whole drive here. Her energy is infectious though, and I can't help but smile as I open the door and they pile through.

“Alright, you two, help me unpack,” I say, herding them toward the kitchen.

Jaden starts pulling out items and lining them up on the counter while Ria takes charge of the pantry. It's noisy and chaotic, but I love these moments with them. They're my anchor, my peace.

If I've done anything right in my twenty nine years of life, it's becoming a mother to these two.

I sigh as my eyes drift to the clock. It’s almost dinner time, and Marcus should be home soon. He said he would, at least. The thought makes me anxious.

“Mom, can we have spaghetti tonight?” Jaden asks, breaking my train of thought.

“Yuh nuh tired a spaghetti, big head?” I tease. What a boy fi nyam noddles. And mi sure mi never breed fi nuh Chinese.

He shakes his head, a gigantic grin stretching his cheeks.

“Yuh wouldn't tired,” I reply, ruffling his hair, then turn to his sister who's busy kneeding gummy bears between her finger. “Ria, want to help me make the sauce?”

“Yeah!” she says, bouncing on her toes. “I’m the best sauce maker!”

I laugh, grabbing a pot and setting it on the stove. “A hear yuh. Go wash your hands.”

Stuffing her fingers into her mouth, she rushes upstairs, returning a few minutes later showing me her hands which are all clean.

As we cook, my mind drifts back to the conversation I had with Simone today. Her suggestion about a date night keeps echoing in my head. I hope Marcus won't shut the idea down.

My heart skips a beat at the thought.

Just as we’re finishing up dinner, I hear the front door open. Marcus walks in, looking tired but managing a smile when he sees us.

“Who deh yah,” he says, setting his attache case down and joining us in the kitchen. He kisses me on the cheek, and I feel a small spark of warmth.

“Hi, babe,” I reply, tasting the pot one last time before killing the flames under it. “Yuh time mi pot?”

This makes him chuckle.

The sound is deep and refreshing to hear.

“The pot pick up the rake say mi a starve.”

Smiling now, I take his shirt from him as he shrugs it off, leaving only his trousers and marina on. His tattoos move as his muscles flex. I bite my lip and turn to put the clothes away as a way of distracting myself from the smutty thoughts which spring into my mind. “How was work today?”

“Work,” he says, his tone sarcastic, but there’s a softness in his eyes that I haven’t seen in a while.

“But mi nuh waa talk bout that right now. A my time now...”

OK, sir. I hum.

“Ago hold a fresh and forwud. Yuh want mi help with anything?”

“No, I'll manage. Gwaan and come before the food gets cold.”

He places a chaste kiss on my lips. “Ah.”

“Ew!” Jaden and Ria chorus causing me and Marcus to laugh.

A few minutes later, we sit down to eat, the kids animatedly discussing their day, Marcus eating up their every word. It feels good, this semblance of normalcy.

His eyes meet mine every now and again, causing the heat to rise to my cheeks from the way he looks at me.

It's been so long since he has looked at me with those smouldering eyes. I feel a little trickle between my legs. Sigh.

Feeling guilty for feeling this way with the kids at the table, I dip my head and focus on the plate before me.

After dinner, while the kids are watching TV, and he's helping me with the dishes, I decide it’s time to bring up Simone’s idea.

“Marcus,” I start, clearing my throat. “I was thinking about something Simone suggested today.”

He looks up from where he stoops in front the dish washer, raising an eyebrow. “Wah that?”

“She thinks we should go on a date night,” I say, trying to sound casual but feeling the nerves spreading throughout my body. “Just the two of us.”

Marcus raises an eyebrow, looking surprised. “A date night?”

“Yeah,” I nod, biting down on my lower lip. “She said it might be good for us to have some time alone, away from the kids and the stress of everything else.”

“And quite frankly, I agree,” I add. “It's been so long since we've gone anywhere just the two of us.”

He takes a deep breath, as if considering my words. He then stands and shrugs. “A long time we nuh do that, yes. I guess we can start it up back. Yuh have anywhere in mind?”

“Well,” I say, feeling a bit more hopeful. At least he seems interested. “There’s that new restaurant downtown. I thought it might be nice to check it out. Jess went there recently and said it wasn't bad...”

He smiles, and it reaches his eyes this time. “Oh. When yuh did a plan fi go?”

“How about this Friday night?” I suggest, pausing my task of wiping down the stove. “Simone said she can watch the kids, if anything.”

No she didn't, but I know she won't object if I ask her to.

“That nuh sound bad,” he agrees. “Mi can make the reservation if yuh want.”

I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. Awww. I squeal, feeling the excitement return. “Thanks, boo. This means a lot to me.”

Marcus goes quiet until I feel him come up behind me and tuck his hand between my legs. “Anything for my beautiful...” he kisses my collar bone, “sexy...” he presses his body on mine and I can feel his erection grow, “amazing wife...”

The heat immediately rushes to my cheeks at the same time as it spreads between my legs.

I dip my head to hide the blush.

For the first time in a while, I feel a real connection between us. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.

“I love your haircut, by the way,” he adds, taking me by surprise.

He noticed?

“Thanks.”

“It makes you look...” He grunts.

Damn.

I don't know what has gotten into him. But all I can say is, 'damn'.

“Tell mi say a horny yawh get horny, yasso, Marcus,” I tease.

“So wahpn to that?” I can hear the smugness in his tone.

“The kids are literally in the next room...”

“Watchya, so how them think dem reach yah?”

His comment and the way he says it makes me guffaw. This is the Marcus I'm used to.

“Eee? Yawh gimme some tonight?” he asks, his tone low and his breath fanning my ear.

Goosebumps clothe my skin.

And I sigh a moan.

“Maybe.”

.               .                .

Later that night, as I’m getting ready for bed, after putting the kids to sleep, I can’t help but reminisce about the night before. It’s been so long since Marcus and I were that close. That intimate. The way he touched me, kissed me… it was like he was fucking me for the first time.

My clit throbs at the thought.

I want more of that, more of us.

I sigh.

When Marcus joins me in bed, after talking to one of his clients, I snuggle up to him, feeling his warmth. “I missed this,” I whisper.

“Me too,” he replies, wrapping his arm around me.

With one flex of his arm, he pulls me closer, my back pressing against his abdomen and my ass brushing against his crotch.

Not even a second later does his hand cup my breast, tweaking the nipple through the thin material of my shorts set.

I moan, basking in the sensation as tingles spread within my body at his touch.

“The kids are sleeping now eno. Yuh ready fi gimme some now?”

His voice is husky, summoning a single moan as my response.

He takes that as his confirmation.

It is.

Resting his chin in the crook of my neck, he begins to move his hips, gyrating against my ass.

I can feel his erection pressing against the softness of my flesh.

Lifting my hips, I allow him room to pull my shorts down.

He does, breaking free from where our bodies are intertwined to pull his own boxers below his knee.

I inhale a deep breath, a moan escaping my lips as I feel Marcus slide his hand between my legs and run his palm over my clit, before finding my hole and sinking his finger in.

He pulls it out slowly, circling my clit with his thumb simultaneously, then sinks it back into my heat.

He repeats the action a few times until he is full on finger-fucking me.

“You're so wet already,” he whispers in my ear and I shudder.

I've been wet from the moment he stripped out of his shirt before dinner.

Without another word, he spreads my legs, keeping me on my side, and shuffles closer to me.

I wait with bated breath, until I feel him guide his now rock hard dick between my folds.

His hand then moves back up, snaking under my blouse, to cup my breast.

I moan against his touch.

Marcus hoists his hips and kisses my neck as he wraps his legs around mine, locking me in.

“Fuck,” we both moan as he slowly pushes his way into my wet and throbbing pussy.

Oh...God!