Smoking Mirrors

Chapter 6 comedy material

Michael and Jack were lounging in their sprawling estate, enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. Michael was reading a book on the couch, while Jack was playing with his Legos on the floor.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Michael's heart sank, knowing that he hadn't scheduled any meetings or appointments for the day. He got up to answer the door, hoping it wasn't a paparazzo or a nosy neighbor.

But to his surprise, it was an old family friend, Rachel. She was a woman in her mid-30s, with long blonde hair and a bright smile. Michael hadn't seen her in years, but she had always been a close friend of the family.

"Rachel! What are you doing here?" Michael asked, trying to hide his annoyance. He hadn't invited her over, and he wasn't in the mood for company.

"I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by," Rachel said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I heard you had a son now, and I just had to meet him!"

Michael's instincts immediately went on high alert. Rachel had always been a bit too interested in him, and he didn't want her around his son.

But before he could protest, Rachel had already pushed her way past him and into the house. "Oh, Jack! You're so adorable!" she cooed, scooping up Jack in her arms.

Jack, sensing his father's tension, clung to Rachel's neck, looking up at Michael with wide eyes.

Michael's mind raced with annoyance. How was he going to get rid of Rachel without being rude? And why was she really here, anyway?

Rachel continued to fawn over Jack, asking him questions and playing with his hair. Michael watched, feeling a growing sense of unease. He didn't want Rachel around his son, infact he didn't want any outsiders around his son.

"Rachel, thanks for stopping by," Michael said, trying to sound casual. "But we're actually in the middle of a lazy Sunday afternoon. Maybe some other time?"

Rachel laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" she asked, her voice dripping with innocence. "I promise I'll only stay for a few minutes. I just want to catch up with you, Michael."

Michael hesitated, unsure of how to get rid of her without being rude. But before he could come up with an excuse, Rachel had already settled herself on the couch, Jack still clinging to her neck.

"So, Michael," she said, her eyes locked on his. "How have you been? It's been ages since we last spoke."

Michael shrugged, feeling trapped. "I've been good, Rachel. Just busy with work and taking care of Jack."

Rachel's eyes never left his face. "I bet," she said, her voice low. "You're such a good father, Michael. I always knew you would be."

Michael's skin crawled at her words, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why. Was she flirting with him? And why was she really here, anyway?

Michael walked into the coffee shop the next day, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling his senses. He joined the line, his eyes scanning the room for a familiar face. That's when he saw her - Rachel, sitting in the corner, her eyes fixed on him.

Michael's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. He felt a shiver run down his spine, but he tried to brush it off as mere coincidence. He ordered his coffee and glanced around the shop, trying to distract himself from Rachel's intense gaze.

But as he waited for his coffee, he couldn't help but sneak glances at her. She was still watching him, her eyes never leaving his face. Michael's skin crawled under her scrutiny, but he tried to stay calm.

Finally, his coffee was ready. He took a deep breath and made his way to the other side of the shop, trying to put some distance between them. But as he sat down at a table, he noticed Rachel getting up and walking towards him.

"Michael, what a coincidence!" she exclaimed, sitting down across from him. "I had no idea you came here too!"

Michael forced a smile, trying to hide his discomfort. "Yeah, just needed a coffee fix," he replied, trying to keep the conversation short.

But Rachel kept talking, asking him questions about his day, his work, his everything. Michael's anxiety grew with each passing minute, feeling trapped and unable to escape.

As they talked, Michael noticed Rachel glancing at her watch, her eyes flicking back to his face with an intensity that made him squirm. He tried to politely extricate himself from the conversation, but Rachel seemed relentless.

And then, just as suddenly as she had appeared, Rachel stood up and announced, "Oh, I have to go! Nice running into you, Michael!"

As she left, Michael let out a sigh of relief, feeling like he could finally breathe again. But as he looked down at his coffee, he noticed a piece of paper on the table - a note, written in familiar handwriting...

Michael's eyes widened as he read the note. "I know what you like," it said, followed by a phone number. His mind raced with questions. How did she know? What did she want from him? He felt a mix of emotions: curiosity, unease, and a hint of intrigue.

He looked around the coffee shop, wondering if Rachel was still watching him. But she was nowhere to be found. Michael's eyes returned to the note, and he hesitated for a moment before stuffing it into his pocket.

Michael seat in his office and slammed his fist on the table, his eyes blazing with annoyance. He took his phone and dialled.

"Alex, you won't believe what's been happening," he growled, his voice low and irritated. "Rachel's been showing up everywhere, and she even left her number on a note in the coffee shop."

Alex chuckled, looking at his friend on the video call, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh man, that's awesome! She's got it bad for you, buddy!"

Michael's scowl deepened. "It's not funny, Alex. I don't know what she wants from me." He paced back and forth, his agitation evident in every step.

Alex leaned back in his chair, a grin still plastered on his face. "Oh come on, Mike. You know she's had a crush on you for ages. You're just too blind to see it."

Michael's eyes flashed with defensiveness. "That's not the point. Even if she did like me, which I highly doubt, she's not my type." His voice was firm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

Alex raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh yeah? What is your type, then?" He asked, his tone playful.

Michael's jaw clenched, his silence palpable. He shook his head, his eyes avoiding Alex's gaze. "Look, it doesn't matter. Just drop it, okay?" The tension in his voice was evident, a clear indication that the topic was closed for discussion.

Alex laughed

"This is not a joke"

"Alright, alright. But you're missing out on some great comedy material here!"