ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 98

" So ," Matilda said as she and her sister sat side by side on her white leather sofa. Matilda was drinking gin and juice while Margaret had  rejected an alcoholic beverage for tea since it was still too early in the day. " So. I assume you are staying at a hotel? How long are you staying? "

Margaret smiled faintly at her. " Of course. I'm residing at a quite lovely little bed and breakfast in College Park. Near the University of Maryland. I'm here as long as I need to be. Maryland is close to Pennsylvania where I have.... certain interests. And I wish to get to know my newfound nephew. Nigel reminds me of my Peter Jr. "

Matilda thinned her lips. " I can't see how. Peter Jr. is quite the troublemaker. Is he still in jail for trying to blow up the castle in Dublin? "

Margaret smiled coldly. " Unfortunately yes. He is more mature as he ages. My son , unlike some in the family, realizes the error of his past life. Ma tells me you told that poor boy he was kidnapped. I should tell him the truth."

Matilda cut her eyes at her sister. " What did you tell Nigel? "

" Don't worry. I never corrected your lies. Yet. I told him we didn't know he existed as a baby. Why hurt the man with the truth ? He really does seem very sweet. And he is in hospital. "

Matilda placed her half empty glass on the coffee table, uncaring of any water spots it might make. Let the housekeeper clean it when she got in tomorrow. She needed to earn her money after all. " Why are you here? Really? You always have a plan in that head of yours. By the way I heard you had a mobster in your bed now. "

" Jealous? ," Margaret laughed. " I may be older now but men still find me very attractive. My Tony is no different. Why am I here? Why am I here ? I don't know. I wanted to meet my nephew. I had a craving for the famed Maryland seafood. And I heard Nicholas was making a home here now. "

Matilda stared at her coolly. " Stay away from Nicholas Volkouv. He is mine. I will be the next Mrs. Nicholas Volkouva. "

" Maybe. You really are a rude hostess. Shouldn't you be offering me refreshments or something like that? As Ma would say I could just murder a bacon butty about now. "

Then the front door opened and in ran Race with his bulging backpack to the living room. The young eleven year old boy stopped in his tracks at the sight of his aunt whose smile beamed radiantly at him. Then he raced over to her and jumped on her lap , giving her a big tight hug. " Aunt Margaret! I haven't seen you in so long ! Wanna see my handcuffs? "