Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

At 4:00 p.m., Wendy and I sat in the car, waiting for Tabitha to finish school.

I had taken Tabitha to the daycare for a visit that morning. She was far more composed than I was. When the teacher asked her to stay for observation, she didn't cry or make a fuss.

I called the teacher almost every hour. Each time, they assured me that Tabitha was adjusting well. Still, I couldn't help but feel anxious.

As Wendy and I stared through the car windows, a shade suddenly dropped over us. It was blocking our view completely and dimming the light inside the car.

Wendy was startled. She patted her chest and muttered something under her breath. I wasn't much better. My heart skipped a beat in surprise.

Nicholas stood in front of the car, gently tapping the car window glass three times. His gaze was fixed intently on me, making it clear he had come to find me.

He had his ways. When he couldn't reach me by phone, he tracked me down and showed up out of nowhere.

I couldn't help but find it amusing. What was so enticing about something he couldn't have? Did Claudia fail to satisfy him last night?

the hottest time of the day, but for some reason,

up when she saw Nicholas. She was about to get out to greet her former

the car

but he showed no sign of annoyance. With one hand in his pocket, he calmly waited for me to get out. He seemed confident I would

took me in. He is a good man. Back when he was sick and couldn't eat for days, he still insisted

come back, he didn't hesitate for a second to let me teave, knowing how much you liked

QUMS

anxiously. "Ari, I have to

that. You took care of us for four years, and he ate your cooking for those four years. He kept

because of me."

and didn't want to argue with Wendy about this anymore. Before she could speak again, I

things. They all thought Nicholas had it rough and felt sorry for him.

knew about

I nearly