"I'm not saying be cold Robert!  All I'm saying is for the last few weeks all we've been getting from her is these false alarms.  She's wasted our time over and over again.  Catch a clue!"

"Look, you're the one that told me to be more sensitive to her needs!  You're the one that said 'sex without a condom, holds me responsible until a test proves otherwise.  This is the consequence Nancy!"

"Whatever, continue being her pawn.  I refuse to allow her to turn me into a toy."   Nancy threw herself back on king size bed in Robert's room.  She adjusted the pillows roughly and turned on her side.  Before she closed her eyes she looked at the time.  "It's 3 am Robert.  Everytime you leave at this time you risk your life, nothing but racist cops and drunks out at this time in the morning."  She added as a punctuation to the conversation.  Robert had to smile at her thought process.  He dragged on his jacket and kissed her on the cheek. 

"When you come up with a solution on how to deal with this issue I'll consider it." 

"I did, "  Nancy said without opening her eyes.  "see her in the morning."  Robert kissed Nancy's cheek again and headed out the door.  

She wanted him to be a part of his childs development and life, but she can't help but to feel as if he was being taken advantage of.  Nancy knew he was taking advantage of by Karen.  Nancy's thoughts weren't complete before she fell asleep. 

"Karen?"  Robert shouted her name from the front door.  

"Yes I'm in here!"  Karen replied from the bedroom.  Robert entered the bedroom to see Karen laying completely naked across the bed.  The indication of her pregnancy starting to show in her stomach.  

"What are you doing?"  

"The doctor told me I'd have a lot of sexual urges I just didn't know they'd be this powerful."  Karen said as she slipped out of bed and walked towards Robert.  She slid her hands up his chest and cupped his face.  

"You said you weren't feeling well and needed a ride to the hospital."  

"I know I know.  I was wrong, but that's the only way I can get you out that heifer's arms and over here where you belong.  She doesn't have to know Robert."

"You are sick you know that.  Your mother ever told you the store about the boy who cried wolf?  I'm tired of these sick games you play and for some reason it seems like Nancy is the only one that could see through it.  I'm tired of your bull Karen.   I'm going to find you someone that can help you twenty four seven.  I can't anymore, you've been taking my kindness for weakness.  Don't call me unless there is a baby."  Robert said as he turned to leave the room.  Karen chased after him still naked and not really caring.  

"What is it about her, what all of a sudden turns you into this caring, faithful man?"  Karen said emotion building up in her chest.  "For years I've done everything for you and not once did you look at me the way you look at her.  I  bent over backwards for you!"

Robert returned home and slipped between the covers and kissed Nancy on her shoulders.   "Is she okay?"  Nancy asked groggily.  

"Yes she's fine.  I've been thinking about what you said.  I'm going to get her a live in Nurse for awhile.  That way if there is any true emergencies the Nurse will contact me.  What do you think about that?" 

"I like that, baby.  Now get yourself some rest we have a busy day tomorrow.  Well I have a busy day, yours is planned to run smoothly."

"Ha ha you got jokes."

"Not a joke reality.  Your spoiled.  If I were to leave you with your planner for a whole week you wouldn't make it."

"Is that what you think?"  

"That's what I know.  I have to train the new hire to handle you on my vacation otherwise you will have a mental breakdown."

"Yeah yeah whatever.  Goodnight."

 The next morning Darren sat at The Grille at the Ritz Carlton downtown waiting for Lisa.  She promised to meet him here for breakfast, but she was already running a half an hour late.  He was wondering if he should just leave and meet Robert at the office with some food.  Just as he was about to give Robert a call, he saw Lisa entering the balcony of the restaurant.  He stood to help her with her chair.  "So, punctuality is your weak point?"  Darren said as he slid in her chair and kissed her cheek. 

"Actually I would have been here on time, but I refuse to pay valet thirty dollars so I drove around until I find something reasonable."

"So you're Ch-." 

"No no, I'm frugal.  There's a difference."

"Really?  What's the difference?"

"Cheap people buy dog food when it's on sale and don't have a dog.  Frugal people look at the quality of what they're buying and figure if it's worth it.  For instance, this place parks your car outside anyway, I can do that myself for five dollars."  Lisa said with a light chuckle.  Now that's the difference."

"So what will you like to start out with?"  Darren asked as he looked over the menu.  He already knew what he wanted, he searched the menu nervously when she failed to show up on time.  

"I want two Belgium waffles and  eggs benedict."  Lisa said without looking at the menu. 

"Wow big appetite you got there!"  Darren laughed. 

"Yea well, it hits all the right spots and I believe in eating heavy now and having lighter meals throughout the day."

"Well, you know what.  I'll have the same."  He said as he changed his mind.  "If that meal fills me up, I'll call you frugal and hungry.  

"Whatever!"  Lisa said as the waitress walked over.  When the waitress walked away Darren thought it would be the time to bring up the subject that's been killing him since last week.

"So have you put any thought into what I suggested last weekend?"

"Yes actually I have.  Yes, I think working towards something serious is something I'd like to do with you.  I have to let you know this though.  I don't want any bull.  If you have a girlfriend let me know now, this will go no further.  If you choose not to let me know then makes sure you get rid of her by the end of the week.  I'm done with drama and have no time for it.  I also want to let you know that if you have curiosity of the same sex, we might as well stop talking now.  If you like to collect women like prizes.  I'm the worst prize you'll ever come across, because I'm revengeful and I'm not ashamed of it."  Darren stared as she continued with the 'possibilities' that can occur, he was shocked and impressed by her style of being direct.  

"Wow, what kind of relationships have you been in?"

"Ask any woman in Atlanta, it ain't easy." 

"Well all I ask is that you trust me."

"Well in addition I want you to earn that trust. Deal?"

"Deal."  Darren got up from his chair and sealed it with a kiss.

"Robert why are you acting like this?"  

"Because you didn't tell me that this Roni is a dude!"

"Why is that important,  he skills and expertise surpassed all the girls that I have interviewed.  he seems very efficient and like he owns some common sense.  I like him and he works for me not you."

"Not without my approval!"

"I already have your approval Robert I'm keeping him."  Nancy said and folded her arms. 

"I don't know about that man working so close to you Nancy."

"Oh but having your ex lover after you replaced her with me work closely seemed kosher?"

Robert had nothing to say.  He sat at his desk and let out a long sigh.  "I understand your concerns Babe, but you have to trust me.  You think when I see you leave in the middle of the night to see Karen it doesn't bother me?  It does, but I have to keep reminding myself your not the same jerk that I originally met.  So let me keep my Roni and you keep a sound mind knowing that you have a good lady!"

"Yeah I guess you're right."

"Of course I'm right."  Nancy said as she opened the door.  She looked down the hallway and watched as Roni walked into her office with two mugs of coffee.  "I do have to admit he's quite a looker. Damn!"  She closed the door in time as Roberts pen flew through the air.