This is the final chapter in this series. Thank you to all those who've read from start to end!
**Warning/Spoiler Alert** This chapter includes a threesome, which goes against the grain of Couples, but fits in with the story as a whole.
As always, I hope you enjoy it.
*****
"I will. Leave it with me, no problem."
Amelie waited until the line went dead then replaced the receiver. Pushing herself up from the chair, her brows knitted as she reflected on the conversation just ended. The caller had been Veronica, Karl's sister. She'd been trying to reach Karl on his mobile phone but apparently the line was constantly engaged, and his voicemail facility not available.
They'd been at work for three hours now. Two hours ago, Karl had told her not to disturb him. From the moment she'd arrived at work, she'd sensed a tension in the air. Despite this, he'd kissed her and held her close for a few minutes before setting the workplace boundaries again. But now, she was starting to feel her stomach knot.
With fist paused mid-air to knock on his door, Amelie braced herself for being scolded. Karl had shut himself away for reasons unknown to her. His use of his mobile phone, rather than the office line, simply added to the uncertainty. With a deep intake of breath, she knocked and entered.
As she stepped into the office, Karl raised his hand to make her wait.
"Thanks anyway, I'll speak to you later."
He pressed the end-call button on his mobile and gave Amelie a smile that looked forced.
"Sorry to bother you, but your sister's just left a message to say everything is fine. Your mum's spending one more night in hospital, and Veronica is set to spend the next five days with her. She wants to know if you'll be joining them for dinner tomorrow night and would appreciate a call as soon as you can."
"Thanks, I'll call back straight away."
Turning to walk out, she paused at the door to look back to Karl.
"Is everything okay?"
"It's fine."
"Oh no," Amelie shook her head as she laughed, "we women understand the real meaning of that phrase and all its variants. Let's try again. Is there anything wrong that I can help you with?"
"No, really, I've got this," Karl's face softened as he smiled despite himself. "I just..."
"Just what?"
Karl sighed as he ran his hand over his face. Throwing her a wry smile, he shook his head.
"It doesn't matter; I know what I have to do."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Ok then, just let me know if you need anything."
Karl thanked her as she turned on her heels and left.
**
"Karl, it's five o'clock."
"Sorry?"
"You asked me to tell you when it's five o'clock. It's five o'clock now."
"Oh, right, thanks."
Amelie stood in the doorway for a moment, not knowing whether to leave or stay.
"So, anything else?"
"Just wrap up what you're doing, Am."
She threw him a puzzled smile before returning to her desk. As she closed her computer, she shook her head in bewilderment. At that moment, Karl had sounded almost mischievous, which wouldn't have been so worrisome had he not been acting odd all day. In truth, she'd barely seen him, and spoken only twice. The second time had taken place whilst she'd practically chased him down the corridor a few hours earlier.
"I have a lunch appointment," Karl had swept through her workspace as he'd spoken, "I have my mobile if you need me."
Amelie had taken a moment to register the news before scrambling to chase after him as he'd strode towards the lift.
"I didn't have this lunch appointment written down, did I miss something?"
"No, it's last minute, and I arranged it myself."
"Ok," she had faltered, "anything I can help with?"
"No, I just need you to keep working through the list I gave you."
And that had been it. He'd stepped into the lift, and she'd watched the doors close. She'd already had her own lunch, so she'd focussed on working her way through her tasks. But she couldn't help glancing at the clock until he'd returned.
And now, here she was. As she gathered her belongings, she pondered on what the future might bring. She could barely believe that it'd been less than two weeks ago since her affair with Karl started. Her heart fluttered. When he'd left her apartment last night, she'd thought she'd eased his fears. But his behaviour today...
"All ready to go?"
"Almost, just waiting for the computer to shut down."
Karl leaned against the doorframe, with arms folded as he waited. Amelie noticed that Karl wasn't wearing his jacket. Nor was his case in his hand. He wasn't leaving yet. Frustrated concern niggled.