Cindy shook her head. Alex thought for a while and asked, "Is it because of me?" Cindy looked at him in surprise, she wondered, 'how did he know that Matthew likes me?'
Cindy laughed it off, "Why would it be for you?"
Alex: I don't know... just a guess?
Cindy looked at Melissa, " Can you check up on kids for me? I need to ask him something".
Melissa: Alright, have fun you two.
Melissa got up and left the room as she wondered why did Matthew leave like that?
As soon as Melissa left, Cindy rushed to Alex, "Don't say these stuff in front of her!" Her face was so close Alex could feel her breath on his skin. His cheeks got crimson red as he moved his face away, "Pour me a glass of water first".
Cindy: Oh, wait.
She hurriedly poured the water in a clear glass and handed it to him.
"Why can't I talk about Matthew in front her?", said Alex as he took a sip.
Cindy: I think she likes Matthew.
Alex abruptly spit out the water making his blanket wet, he looked at her and thought, 'How stupid are you!?'
Cindy: I KNOW RIGHT!? I REACTED THE SAME WAY! Except I didn't spill any water, wait I'll get a tissue.
Alex looked at her dumbfounded, 'Why is she casually talking about her bestfriend liking her husband!? Or maybe he isn't...'
Cindy brought few tissues and tried to dry the blanket. "Even I couldn't believe it but after connecting the dots I'm sure she does."
Alex cleared his throat, "Umm, isn't... isn't Matthew your husband?" Cindy stopped what she was doing and looked at Alex flabbergasted, "NO HE'S NOT WHAT THE F*CK!"
Alex: All this time I thought you two were married...
Cindy burst out into a laugh, "HAHAHA seriously!? Omg, no I'm not his wife. You're the only husband I have". As soon as she said it, they both froze, Cindy looked at Alex embarrassed and awkwardly corrected herself, "I mean you're the only husband I had, I didn't marry anyone after the divorce".
Alex: I see...
There was this faint happiness that Alex felt in his heart making him smile unknowingly.
Cindy: Why are you smiling?
Alex: huh? Oh I was thinking...
Alex quickly thought of an excuse to not make her even more awkward.
Alex: I was thinking that now Melissa can take her chance and be with Matthew.
Alex thought how stupid it was as they were siblings but Cindy didn't know that. He told to himself, "Sorry Mel, gotta use you a little for my love".
He smiled at Cindy making her awkward, "Why are you smiling?"
Alex: I'll help you to get them together.
Cindy: Really!? That would be great! I know Matthew well, he can keep her happy.
Alex: I think so too.
.
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, Melissa dialed Matthew while checking up on the kids.
Melissa: Hey, why did you leave without meeting Cindy? She asked me about you.
Matthew: She seemed fine when I saw her so I didn't bother much and left.
Melissa: You saw her? Where?
Matthew: In Alex's arms.
Melissa: What? When?
Matthew: Forget it. Today onward I'll stop chasing her. I can't stop loving her this instant but I'll stop showing it and be a friend which she wants me to be.
Melissa: I see...
She didn't know what else to say, it was first time she saw him this vulnerable.
Melissa: Will you be okay with it?
Matthew: I will have to be.
***