Chapter 6 Episode 6

Ugggggghhh!!!

Mimie screamed as she stamped her feet on the hard surface of the floor. This was something she did whenever she was upset. She was restless. Things were not going according to her plan. In her line of work, confidence and a strong aura was something that came naturally to her. She had always gotten her way with this, and she was used to this pattern. This was how things were meant to be but not this time. She had no idea how else to navigate through this situation.

"I've never failed and it will not start with Rio!". She made this resolve as she stared at a photo of Rio. The picture was probably taken recently, Rio's hard unsmiling eyes stared at her through the picture. He was everything she wanted in a man.

"What's the fastest way to get to Rio?" She asked herself.

Yes! Mimie smiled as her eyes rested on the second figure in the picture. Rio's two-year old daughter. If she could win over his daughter then he'd naturally come to her.

"Time to get to work", she smiled and muttered to herself.

She had one of the best investigators and it didn't take long till she was done with her homework on him. She found out his home address, where his daughter schools and had even researched what kids her age would love.

"Way to go, Mimie"! She said as patted herself inwardly.

************

"Hello," she greeted Riley's 'new teacher' as she had been told by the sassy daycare receptionist.

"How can I help you ma'am?" the blonde hair teacher asked

"Yes you can" Mimie answered and continued,"I'm here to pick up Riley Allen". "Oh! I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Rio's girlfriend" she chipped in.

"Oh okay" the teacher answered reluctantly but shrugged but she knows Riley's father and their kind of lifestyle. The headmaster had warned them not to be too nosy with these people. She didn't want to seem nosy or rude, especially not to guardians.

She strolled briskly into a classroom and almost immediately she came out with a shy little cute kid and Mimie could see a big resemblance to Sarah, Rio's late wife. No wonder Rio had been drawn to the lady she had seen Rio with because this little girl looked like a combination of Sarah's characteristics and as well that girl.

The lady was definitely out to play games, using her resemblance to Sarah as bait. Mimie scoffed. She was going to beat the hussy in her game. She had always been one step ahead in any game she played and now as well.

"Ain't you such a cutie?" Mimie squatted and asked the doe-eyed kid looking at her eagerly. "Time to go sweetie" she said as she carried Riley and picked up her bag. Yeah! Not what she'd normally do but Mimie could play any role, even that of a caring girlfriend as long as it fits her agenda.

Mimie had selected the best spot of fun for kids of Riley's age. She wanted to create a long lasting imprint on the kid. The girl seemed to be having much fun, not caring who the strange woman was. Riley had been reserved during their drive to the park but all that went away as soon as she got on the merry-go-round. The little girl happily hopped from one ride to the other.

She bought ice cream and cookies for Riley and got a children's movie ticket. She had all the Time in the world, because this was the only thing that mattered to her at the moment.

She occasionally cracked kids jokes and laughed loudly throwing her head back as she laughed, just to amuse Riley. Gradually, Riley's brightness began to spring to life. She could see the kid opening up.

"Just as I thought, I'm a perfectionist!" Mimie thought to herself!

*******

Mimie and Riley approached Rio's house in a cab. His house was far too simple looking for someone of his class. Mimie made a mental note of things she'd change about the place once she made Rio hers. She walked into the gate and rang the doorbell. Almost instantly, an old but sophisticated looking woman who she knew to be Rio's mother opened the door. She raised her eyebrows in concern, as soon as she saw Riley standing with the stranger.

Mimie understood the woman's body language and reacted quickly with a huge smile on her face.

"Good afternoon ma'am," She said, trying to sound as polite as possible. "Sorry to drop by without notice, I'm an old friend of Rio's." Mimie used all the gestures she could think of just so she could show her sincerity. Her charms seemed to work easily on the woman.

Without saying much, Rio's mom asked her to come in and also asked Riley to go to her room.

"What's your name dear? I really didn't think Rio had that many friends." Rio's mother inquired. Curiosity was taking over her because she had hardly seen female friends around Rio.

"I'm Mimie, a longtime friend of Rio, but we got distant after he settled down, established his company. It was really hard to stay in touch, it's just been a long time" she hesitated trying to sound as pitiful as she can. Rio's mom seemed to have bought every word Mimie said, hook, line and sinker.

"But because since I got back into town, Rio has been cold towards me and avoiding me." She said, pouting her lips in the process.

"Hmmmm," Rio mom muttered as she thought of a way to reconcile them. Rio didn't have friends and so no need to make them. This could very well be Rio's last chance to find happiness.

********

Mimie was thrilled but held her excitement till she was alone in Rio's room. She seemed to have earned the trust of Rio's mom as she'd allow her into the house comfortably as well as Rio's room. The luxury of the room was a complete contrast to the outward appearance of the house.

"Yes!" She screamed inwardly as she bounced on his bed, because in a short while, all these would be hers.

Mimie laid down in relaxation and smiled to the ceiling. The bed held his scent and soon it lulled her to sleep.

***********

Rio couldn't count how many times he had laughed today. He was having a good time with Anita. They were seated at Rio's favorite coffee's shop. Anita looked carefree with him and Rio thought he could as well take this companionship to another level. He didn't want to seem forward but at the same didn't want to lose this chance

He waited for the perfect time when they were done talking and in a comfortable silence, then he asked her.

"I was wondering if you could...you know, accompany me to a co-worker's wedding...as a friend" Rio chipped in quickly, in case she was starting to get uncomfortable. But in this case, reverse was the case as Anita's expression brightened up.

"I have schedules, but of course I can! Anything to clear my head from reality" Anita said, trying to sound as naive as possible.

Rio's heart was pounding and he could tell it was a good feeling. He knew he'd want to spend more time with her from the first moment they'd met. He thought it was selfish but as well couldn't help himself. He never knew she could agree so fast. He smiled to himself. This was going to be fun after all.