At the sight of Keir, the first emotion that painted Katrina's face was shock and then it went to confusion as she saw that he wasn't alone but in the company of a beautiful, exquisitely dressed woman. It was an outfit that she wished was in her closet, it probably was. Behind all the maternity clothes she purchased herself through the third trimester. The woman's crop top fitted loosely while hanging off one shoulder and the mini skirt kissed her thick thighs making one guess if it was good genes or squats. The only thing Katrina was wondering was, is Keir on a date?

That would be bold given that they were at her best friend's bookstore and from the determined way he strided to her she was sure her answer was a word that was the same in three languages; that she knew of.

******

From the way Katrina hugged him back, arms hooked around his neck drawing his body closer to her as she placed a soft kiss to his cheek albeit quick he knew his statement to his sister was right. She was being cordial. The anxiety that swelled in his chest evaporated into a pool of bliss as he inhaled the aroma of shea butter and argan oil that blanketed her tresses giving it a glossiness under the dim lighting of the bookstore. He let the rich hibiscus and coconut scent sheathing her skin quell his worries as he pulled away from the inviting warmth of her embrace.

He was raised to be a gentleman although in this moment he wanted to be rude as hell, he fought the urge.

"Keir and this lovely lady is Hazina, my older sister." He gestured to her at his side.

She waved eagerly with a wide smile, "Hello. Happy to be here."

Katrina matched her smile, "I like you."

"Most people do." Hazina replied, combing her hand through her silken locks free of the curl pattern her brother totted with the help of her trusted flat iron. "But coming from you it means more."

The women laughed and Keir extended his hand out to the man that claimed the seat next to Katrina, a spot he would've had if this was a weekday. "You must be Terrence."

"Yes." He started with a nod of his head instead of shaking his hand. A pleasant smile donned his face as he scrutinized him from head to toe and then back again, "The husband."

There was a humorous snort at Keir's side and he fought the urge to smirk. Keir didn't miss the subtle shift of Katrina's energy from those two words Terrence uttered. She went from excited to see him to a state of uneasy displeasure from the way she abruptly inhaled a deep breath that she blew out slowly.

"Well, this just got awkward." Hazina sounded as her brother and Keir held each other's gaze. She linked her arm with Katrina's, "I'm parched. What's the best drink here?" She asked leading Katrina away from the table not taking no for an answer and toward the line that was forming being the coffee bar during the intermission.

The new barista concocted a magical matcha and taro latte that was like a parade to his taste buds but Keir knew Hazina's question wasn't for him to solve.

Once the women had claimed their spot in line, Terrence stood up and sidled next to him with his arms folded. Keir didn't pay the man any mind, keeping his sight trained away at the stage as where Imani was conversing with a deejay that abandoned his post while a playlist of eclectic tunes streamed through surround sound. Keir didn't look at the man no because he was intimidated or threatened but because he didn't think he needed to. He didn't owe Terrence anything; not an apology or an explanation.

Terrence placed his eyes on him, "So, you're the man fucking my pregnant wife."

"What Katrina and I do..." Keir started, peering stoically ahead. "...is between us."

"Us." Terrence dryly chuckled as if he was told a joke. "We're separated. Not divorced. You two aren't an 'us'. And once our baby gets here—"

"You think a baby is going to remedy how you treated her." Keir cut him off, facing him and giving him the attention he sought. "You're a doctor. A surgeon. You're supposed to be intelligent.

Terrence rolled his shoulder back with a smug grin lifting his lips, "I'm intelligent enough to know that babies strengthen bonds, rekindle emotions and repair marriages."

"Your marriage is beyond repair."

"Is that what she told you?" Terrence chuckled. "Because tonight she just told me she still loved me."

Keir eyed the erect finger Terrence had pointing to himself as he digested the statement he was told. He glanced at Katrina in the line having an expressive conversation that had them both giggling like school girls. The hug she gave him didn't feel like a friendly one and she told him several times that her divorce was final in her eyes but here was her husband boasting about her still loving him. He didn't know whether to believe Terrence or not but he wasn't going to bestow the man with his uncertainty.

"And tomorrow I'll be making her breakfast." Keir shrugged, as if the man's statement didn't faze him one bit. "While being mindful of things that bring her joy which isn't this lame game of marking my property. Katrina is a person, a friend that I want the best for and you're not the best for her."

"And you are."

"That's for her to decide." Keir coyly grinned, Katrina wasn't near so he didn't have to be a gentleman anymore. "Like she decided to divorce you because you couldn't keep your dick in your pants and at your  age...." He shook his head. "That's embarrassing."

Terrence eyed him hard as his jaw clenched and nostrils flared. "And at your young age..."

Keir held up his hand stopping him. "I may be young but I'm wise enough to know I don't need your advice. Now, I'm going to go pay for your wife's drink."

Terrence started to say something but Keir didn't wait around to hear anything else that the man had to say. He didn't care to hear empty threats and posturing but he did want to know something from Katrina; he just had to wait until tomorrow to ask her.  

What do you think Keir wants to know from Katrina?

Is Terrence right, do babies repair marriages and do you think that's a tactic that will work for his?

Is Keir right for ending the conversation with Terrence?

What do you think Katrina and Hazina are laughing about?