Murphy's Law

I hear voices talking outside in the hallway. Thomas and...

Oh, God! Sina is here.

I break out in a new sweat. As if I wasn't sweaty enough already. I push Dirk away from me. He laughs deeply and throaty.

“Quiet,” I hiss, “my daughter's outside. She mustn't hear any of this.”

His eyes flash with pleasure. He shows his teeth—I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a smile or if he's baring them like a predator. At least he's quiet.

I desperately need something to cover myself with. I've been walking around topless all day. There's a huge dark stain on the crotch of my shorts. I could never explain that to my daughter.

In Sina's closet hangs a kimono that she desperately wanted years ago. She wore it once or twice for Carnival, and since then it's been gathering dust. I scurry over, throw it on, and tie the belt in front of my stomach. Damn, the size is suitable for a teenager, not for an adult woman with a considerable bust. No matter how much I fiddle with it, I can't get it to close properly at the front. My neckline plunges down to my belly button. The hem ends above my knees.

Dirk has pulled up his boxer shorts. Is he going to walk out like that? I hiss at him.

“Put something decent on! How is she supposed to feel about you?”

I keep the addition “What will she think of me?” to myself. She mustn't see us both coming out of her room. Especially not at the same time. Especially not dressed – or rather, undressed – like this.

Holding my breath, I sneak to the door and peek out. The coast is clear. Thomas and Sina are talking around the corner. Blood rushes noisily in my ears, so I can't understand what they're saying. That's not necessary, though; it's enough for me that they're too busy to notice me. I only need a few seconds; it's no more than five steps to the master bedroom. I can get some clean clothes and disappear into the bathroom. I'll think of some excuse for why I need to take a shower urgently. I sprint off.

“Mom?”

Shit.

That single word hits me in the back with such **** that I stumble.

I put on a fake smile and turn around.

Sina blinks rapidly, as if she can't believe her eyes.

Subconsciously, I gather the silk fabric over my breasts, which doesn't improve the situation much.

“Oh. Hi, Sina. You're here already?” What kind of nonsense am I talking? I have to get out of here. “I... um... I have... uh... I really need to take a shower. We can talk later.”

She shakes her head almost imperceptibly, incredulous. I can almost see her thoughts racing behind her forehead.

It's Dirk, of all people, who saves me. He steps out of the room. Red polo shirt, white jeans, sneakers. Beaming. One hand in his pants pocket. The epitome of casualness.

“Hi! You must be Sina. Your parents have told me a lot about you. Nice to meet you at last.”

She stares at him like he's a genie who suddenly appeared out of thin air. I'm horrified to see that it's not just surprise reflected in her expression. Curiosity and admiration are also spreading.

Damn, they should never have met. This is all my fault. Why did I get involved with that bastard? I should have kicked him out of the apartment this morning at the latest. I have to end this. Once and for all. No matter how embarrassing it will be for me and how many explanations and apologies I have to give Sina. As her mother, I have to throw myself between them to save my daughter.

Thomas beats me to it. He grabs them both by the arm and pulls them toward the living room.

“Come on, let's sit down and have a drink. Then Jessica will have a chance to freshen up.”

I'm left speechless. Murphy's Law has struck again. I'm in such a mess.