“You and he are not a match,” Rita told her sister. “He’s younger and suits me better. The wedding should be called off.”
Daisy lived in a spacious three-bedroom flat located in a nice part of London. She had inherited the apartment from her grandmother. Besides her younger second cousin, Rita, Daisy had no close family. But she and Rita weren’t particularly close.
For some reason, Daisy found herself unmarried at thirty-five, but at least she had a place to call her own. She knew she could rely only on herself, so she did well in her studies, graduated from a prestigious university, landed a well-paid job in a large firm, and everything was going well for her, except for one thing…
“You need to get married, Daisy,” Rita would say whenever she called to check on her sister’s wellbeing.
At thirty, Rita had given birth to three children and had two divorces under her belt. She lived with her sons in a suburban area, relying on child support, but struggled to get her life in order.
“I know I should, but there’s just no one suitable,” Daisy would reply. She focused on her job and had little free time. But fate had a surprise for her in the form of a new neighbor upstairs. They met when Daisy accidentally scraped his car in the parking lot, and sparks flew between them.
William was five years younger than Daisy, but the age difference didn’t bother the love-struck pair. Daisy was quite traditional and didn’t want to live with a man before marriage, so within two months of their relationship, William gave her a ring.
Instead of a wedding dress, Daisy opted for a white suit, and instead of a grand reception, the couple planned a getaway trip. Everything was going as planned until Rita intervened with a phone call one week before the wedding.
“Hey sis, how are you… Can we stay with you for a bit? Renting a place is too expensive and we’re out of money. It’s urgent.”
“What’s happened?”
“I need an urgent and costly operation. I’ll explain everything,” she said mysteriously.
“Well, if it’s that serious… come over,” Daisy sighed unhappily, but couldn’t refuse. She knew how hard it was when you had no one to turn to.
The next day, Rita arrived with suitcases and her three kids, each younger than the last. Daisy wasn’t particularly fond of children; she could tolerate one but struggled with three noisy children.
“Let’s decide right away how long you’re staying,” Daisy said, taking an eyeliner from the youngest, who was already scribbling it on the walls.
“I don’t know… are we unwelcome?” Rita pouted. “Sorry… we should have stayed at a hostel. Couldn’t afford a hotel. We’re really strapped for cash… hospitals and tests, you know…”
“Sorry, it’s not a problem at all. What’s wrong with you?” Daisy blushed, feeling guilty for being inhospitable. After all, they were family.
“Well… it’s complicated,” Rita waved her off. “It’s my eyes.”
“And what’s wrong with them?” Daisy was used to seeing Rita with glasses but hadn’t thought it was serious.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s my issue. I found a well-reviewed specialist. So, tell me, what’s new with you?”
“I’m getting married,” Daisy announced proudly.
“And you didn’t say a word!”
“We decided not to make it a big thing.”
“How could you?! With all your money, you’re skimping on a wedding?!”
“Rita…”
“Sorry, I’m sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong again,” Rita bit her tongue. “So, who’s the lucky guy? Will you introduce us?”
“Actually, he lives nearby and wanted to pop in for tea.”
“Great! You set the table, and I’ll go wash my hair. That train ride was a mess.”
“Towels are in the bathroom.”
“Got it. I won’t be long. Just keep an eye on the kids.”
Daisy frowned. She planned to bake William’s favorite chocolate cake, not babysit three boys.
Rita left, and noticing the kids playing quietly with toys, Daisy began baking with flour, eggs…
The peace didn’t last long. Baking was a disaster. One boy spilled the flour, another stole the prepared chocolate, smearing himself and the walls. The third was silent, quietly stripping leaves from her favorite plant and digging out the soil.
“Rita! Your kids…” Daisy began, entering the bathroom to hand them over to their mother. But Rita didn’t hear. Eyes closed and earphones in, she was soaking in the bath instead of quickly showering and returning to her children.
“Rita!”
“Why are you yelling? What’s the matter?”
“Well… you’ve been in there for an hour and a half. I need to get ready for a guest, and I’m covered in chocolate and flour. The kitchen’s a mess! I don’t know where to start!”
“Not my fault you can’t manage kids,” shrugged Rita. At that moment, the doorbell rang, and Daisy had to answer it in a dirty apron.
“Hi…” William appreciated her state. “What happened?”
“My sister arrived. At just the right time.”
“I see. Should I leave?”
“No, please stay. We’re almost like family,” Daisy smiled, taking the cake he brought, grateful he didn’t come empty-handed.
“As long as I’m not in the way, that’s fine.”
William was a good guy. He helped Daisy tidy up the kitchen and even managed to keep Rita’s kids entertained.
All the while, Rita never left the bath.
“Where’s your sister?”
“Hiding from the kids,” Daisy joked. Just then, Rita entered the kitchen in a towel.
“Hello… William,” she struck a pose flaunting a leg. Daisy was shocked at her sister’s behavior. Why come to the kitchen barely dressed?
“Evening,” he replied politely.
“My favorite cake!” Without shame, she swiped some cream with her finger and licked it, leaving Daisy startled.
“Rita, we’re planning to have tea. Join us if you like. Just not in a towel.”
“Take it off?” She smirked, ignoring Daisy.
William was as surprised but pretended not to notice Rita’s antics. Daisy saw his silence as interest and felt hurt.
They drank tea quietly. Rita behaved oddly, and Daisy was vigilant, ensuring the kids didn’t ruin things.
“Thank you, I should go,” William said as the atmosphere grew tense.
“Why leave? There’s room here for everyone,” Rita offered.
“William and I are not like that,” Daisy interjected.
“What nonsense! That’s so old-fashioned. But don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to handle men. The wedding’s soon, and you haven’t a clue.”
“Goodbye, was lovely meeting you,” William paled.
“And I was happy too! We’ll see each other again,” Rita called after him.
Daisy didn’t speak to Rita the rest of the evening.
“You and William aren’t a match,” Rita stated the next day.
“Really? Why’s that?”
“He’s young, and you’re not as young.”
“There’s not much of a difference.”
“But noticeable.”
“So what are you trying to say?”
“Well… he suits me better.”
“Really?”
“And he instantly clicked with the boys. He looked at me a certain way… and wanted to stay with us!”
“Not us. Me!” Daisy snapped, glaring at her sister.
“Alright, alright! I was just joking. Testing you.”
“How about your surgery?” Daisy changed the subject.
“It’s scheduled for tomorrow. I’m off to the doctor’s today for a checkup. Can you manage the kids?”
“I’ve got work.”
“But you’re a manager!”
“So?”
“You’re your own boss. Take a day off,” Rita looked at Daisy as if the problem wasn’t obvious. “And after the surgery, I’ll need a few days to recover. You’ll need to handle everything for me.”
What Daisy replied astonished Rita.
