A visitor

DAY 6

Saturday is the day. After getting up at his usual time, Patrick read and worked out before reviewing his new assignment. His wife and best friend were expecting him. 

Despite Phina's introduction at the party, Phil had been adamant about seeing her in person, and he was allowed to have his way. It didn't bother him. 

He didn't hesitate to inform Phina of it. He decided to send Sara to tell her when the visitors arrived. 

When Phil texted him from his gate, he was still reading in the sitting room. He left the home and went to the balcony to await his guests. 

He observed as he stopped and parked his car in front of the house. He exited the vehicle, opened the rear door, and pulled a duffel bag over his shoulder. 

A smile pulled at his lips as he noticed his friend standing on his balcony with his hand folded across his chest. 

"Hello, dear friend," Phil greeted. And he gives his friend a shake before giving him a gentle shoulder pat. 

"Happy you managed to make it. I assumed you were joking." Patrick said. 

"You know I don't joke with things like this." He grinned as he stated. Patrick gave a nod. 

They observed Eva fumbling with the baby and her bags as they exited the car. 

"I'll be there. Please let me assist her. Saying this, Phil hurried to meet his wife. 

He assisted her in carrying the infant, who chuckles as he does so. Patrick observed the pair from a distance. With that, Phil shut the car door, and they started moving toward him. 

"Hello, Patrick, right?" said Eva. 

Indeed. "How are you doing?" With his trademark smile, he inquired as he embraced her. 

"I'm good." She spoke to him through his arm before they withdrew. 

It's good to know that. Greetings from my house." 

"This is magnificent!" When they got to the living room, she said. "It's beautiful." 

"Thank you." Patrick was grateful. 

"Hey, don't worry about him. He refuses to share his architect with me," stated Phil. 

Eva said, "Don't mind him." 

"I never do," smirking, Patrick remarked. Eva laughed as Phil gave him a fake scowl. 

"This is fantastic. The décor appeals to me. Honey, we can do something similar in the sitting room." Eva said to her spouse. 

He answered, "If that's what you want." 

"Is this Rose?" Patrick spoke as he took the baby from his friend's grasp. 

"Yes, indeed. How would you know when you didn't visit?" 

"So you are still holding that against me?" 

"Why not?" Eva grinned as Phil said. 

Patrick held the infant, and he had his little finger. At first, it was a little strange. However, he relaxed and grinned back when the infant smiled and pulled his pinky finger. 

"How are you gorgeous?" 

Eva grinned and said, "She says fine," pointing to her daughter. 

"Don't be like your dad." Speaking to the baby, he said. 

"Hey, hey. My future daughter will resemble me." When Phil said it, they made fun of him. 

Patrick gave the infant back to her. She picked her up and sat her down on the chair. 

Patrick sat down next to his companion. 

"Sara." He spoke up. He was aware of her presence. She's in the kitchen or maybe the second living room. 

"Sir." They heard footsteps and heard a voice from inside. And there she was. She greeted the responding couples. 

"Tell Phina we have a visitor." The woman nodded to him before turning to leave. 

"So, how are you doing?" Patrick enquired about his closest pal. "How's work?" 

"Work is doing well. Where is your girlfriend now? You mentioned that she will stay with you for a while, right? Phil stated. 

He acts as if he is unaware of the arrangement for his spouse. Patrick's eyes lit up, showing her complete ignorance. 

"Mr. Patrick..." 

"Please address me as Ricky or Patrick. We are family." Patrick interrupted her, saying. 

"If you say so." She says. "So, is it your girlfriend whom you introduced to us at the dinner on Wednesday?" 

"Yes, Eva. It's Phina. He responded. 

"Oh!" She shouted. "She has good looks. Additionally, I appreciate the dress she wore to the dinner party. I thought it looked great on her." 

Patrick shrugged. "She will appreciate hearing that, I'm sure. However, Eva, thanks." 

"It's nothing." She gestured with her hands. 

*********** 

After breakfast, Phina headed to her room to read a novel. That morning, she hadn't seen Patrick. She nodded off while she read. The sound of laughter coming from downstairs woke her up. Subsequently, loud voices began speaking. 

She recognized the voice as being male. Jack and the other security guards wouldn't dare speak that loudly inside Patrick's home; thus, they can't be the culprits. 

She was curious as to who it was. She was unaware that Patrick would be hosting a guest. 

She hastily stood up to find appropriate clothing. She wished to avoid appearing foolish in front of Patrick's guests. She then chose a black, form-fitting, elastic gown with an off-the-shoulder cut that ended above her knees. 

To wash her face, she strolled to the restroom. She also appreciated that she didn't appear to have just woken up. 

She wanted Patrick to have informed her that they would receive a guest so she could have been ready. 

God grant me success with this man. To herself, she said. When she heard a knock and realized it was Sara, she returned to her room. She followed her instructions and entered. 

She said, "You've already picked a dress." She sounded pleased. 

"I knew he had a visitor when I heard the sounds downstairs. All I wish is that he had told me. As she pulled her shorts up, Phina murmured. She dressed in tights. 

"Well, it is not like you two were in a good mood yesterday," Sara responded. Phina can't blame her—she sounded pretty amused. "However, his wife and closest friend are the guests. They brought their daughter along as well." 

"Really! Sara, thanks for the tip." As she put on her gown, she was grateful for it. 

"You aren't wearing makeup?" 

"Not at all. All I'll do is apply lipstick and powder. I didn't anticipate this, and I would like to know if Mr. Arrogant will approve of my time applying makeup. As if he gives a damn." 

"You two are hilarious. Oh, don't tell him that I said that. Sara stated. 

Phina grinned. "Why would I do that? Please assist me in zipping up." And she moved in closer to assist her with zipping. 

"Thank you." She was grateful. 

"No issue. Could you allow me to return to the lower level? I must offer them some refreshments." Phina nodded in agreement as she applied powder to her face. Sara leaves the room during this time. 

She applied lip gloss after drawing an eyeliner line over her eyes and lower eyelid. She thought everything seemed OK as she looked in the mirror at her face. She sighed and got into her chosen flat shoe before leaving her room. 

She descended the stairs and entered the living room to view Patrick's guests. She was taken aback when she saw one of his friends, whom he had introduced to her at the dinner party on Wednesday. He and his spouse were seated, and she had a baby in her arms that was most likely six or seven months old. 

Grinning, she walked over to the couple. 

"Good afternoon." She gave a warm greeting. 

"Whoa! My closest friend's gorgeous girlfriend is here. "Good afternoon." Phil grinned broadly and replied. 

The remark caused Phina to blush. 

"Sorry I keep you guys waiting." As she spoke, she cast a glance toward Patrick. He was silently staring at her. "I think Ricky forgot you were coming." It was ironic. And Patrick grinned, knowing that. 

They all said, "It's not a problem." 

"Your gown is beautiful," Eva remarked. 

"Thank you." Phina was grateful. 

I hope he is taking good care of you. Tell me if he's not, please. I'll take care of him." stated Phil. 

Patrick then struck him in the arm. And they both chuckled. 

Phina grinned and said, "OK." "I won't hesitate to do that." 

"Good," Phil grinned and gave his friend a quick look. 

Sara arrived carrying a tray with an opener, wine glasses, and a bottle of wine. She lets it fall to the centre table. 

"Should I open it?" She enquired. 

"Go away from it. We'll take care of it." Patrick said. 

She gave a nod and left. 

"What would you like to eat?" Phina enquired. 

Eva replied, "We're alright." 

"No, I'll prepare you some food. It's my first time providing you with entertainment. It is not important. Says she. "I'll be back. Please pardon me." 

Before they could argue, she exited the room. 

"OK." Even though she had already left the room, they all joined in. 

As Rose started to cry, her mother attempted to comfort her. The girl won't quit, though. 

Eva apologized, saying, "Sorry, she's hungry," and Patrick nodded in agreement. 

"No problem." 

"Is there a place I could breastfeed her?" Still caressing the kid, she inquired. 

Patrick gestured to the other sitting room, saying, "You can go there."

"I'm grateful. Please pardon me." She said she was carrying the infant away in the direction Patrick had indicated. 

"Ricky," Phil whispered to his friend. 

"What is it?" Patrick queried. 

"I've just caught sight of her. The woman is stunning. I can see why you decided on her." He smirked foolishly as he spoke. 

"You are sick," Patrick remarked while rolling his eyes. 

"She has good looks. It would help if you appropriately asked the girl out. She's even polite." He stated. 

"Knock it off," Patrick remarked indignantly. 

"So, what are the plans for  tomorrow?" Phil enquired. 

"Your brother's birthday party?" Patrick queried. 

Yes. Will you be attending?" 

"Not at all? You want me to be eaten by brother Liam." He grinned. "I'm attending." 

"All right. Oh, bring Phina along. When Phil informed him, he shrugged. 

*********** 

"It was a pleasure meeting you again, Seraphina," Phil stated. 

They were prepared to go. After eating, they conversed for some time. Phina and Eva sat together to discuss matters about women while the males left to discuss business. 

"Identical situation here. I'm grateful for today. Regards, Eva. She says. 

"Thank you so much. I also enjoy spending time with you," said Eva. "We should go out together some other time." 

"Not a problem," Phina responded. 

With a "bye," Patrick said. And before they move apart, he gives his friend an embrace. "I appreciate you being here. I'll see you later. 

"So, tomorrow. Good luck with your evening. Good night, Phina. 

"Good night." She waved at them and said. After giving his wife the kid, Phil opened the door to the backseat. He let go of the duffle bag behind the wheel of the vehicle. Eva climbed into the driver's seat and sat with Rose on her thigh. Phil spun around to face the driver. 

They then departed the compound by car. 

As Phina walked into the sitting room, she heard her phone ring. She hurried to grab the telephone. She didn't realize Patrick was there when she took the call in the living room. 

"Is that the phone you are using?" He enquired. 

Indeed. Why not?" Phina enquired. Is the broken screen the cause? My sister's siblings broke it. Later, I'll fix it." 

Patrick gave her a look as she peered at her. 

"Why do you ask?" 

"Nothing." He responded. "We have a birthday celebration when we get back and church tomorrow. Thus, you had better get ready tonight." 

She replied, "OK." 

He rose and walked out of the sitting room. It had taken him only a few seconds to change. He was animated and beaming when his best friend was around, but suddenly, his expressionless face and grumpy demeanour had returned. 

She hoped to grow accustomed to the demeanor. She sincerely hopes.