Chapter 3: More Problems?
--------------------------------------
The next day and Mac and Stella walked into the conference hall. They took a seat near the back and waited for the speaker to arrive. They hadn't really spoken to each other since yesterday. The speaker walked in and introduced herself as Dr. Louise Jenkins. Rachel divided everyone into teams of four. Mac and Stella were with a lovely couple. Mac glanced at Stella and sighed. The couple they were paired with were John and Linda Matthews.
"Hi I'm Linda" Linda said to Stella
"Hi Rachel" Stella said shaking Linda's hand.
Linda looked over at John who was talking to Mac. "That's my John," She said smiling. "What's the hubby's name then"
Laughing Stella replied "Matthew. You know I'm being to understand why my sister forced us to come here"
Linda looked at her questioningly
"We kind of stopped talking yesterday" Stella replied looking down.
Linda nodded "Ah" She was about to say more when the guys came over with Louise. Louise smiled at the two couples and sat down.
"So Rachel and Matthew tell us why you're here first"
Mac looked down at the floor and Stella smirked suddenly thinking of something.
"Well Louise" Stella started, "It was actually my sisters idea we come. Even though she's not a big fan of Matt's she wants to see me happy"
Louise nodded "So what's the problem then"
Stella smile sadly "He always works overtime and always has his secretary with him" Stella brought a hand to her face and wiped her eyes making it look like she was trying to cry. "It's just that cause he's never home for me and our one year old Ann-Marie. I keep thinking he's having an affair you know. I don't want it to be true but the longer he spends away the more I start to believe it" Stella had started to fake crying by now and Linda had an arm around her shoulders.
"Thank you Rachel" Louise said she turned to Mac and asked, "Matthew what do you have to say"
Mac was still in shock at what Stella had said. "This is her sister's doing. Sam never liked me in the first place." He turned to Stella. "I keep telling you that it's only business nothing else. How many times do I have to say that? How many times have I told you I loved you?" He knew that this was getting more personal. "How many times have I showed you how much I love you only for my actions not to be welcomed. Yeah after Claire died it took me ages to get back to normal but you helped me Rach." He glanced at Louise. "Rach hon I love you so much if you can't accept that then…" He took a deep breath, "Then I don't see any point in continuing this marriage." He stood up and turned to Louise, Linda and John "It was nice meeting you" He turned back round and walked out glancing and Stella.
Stella was in shock she knew that it had turned personal. She watched Mac's retreating back and sighed. She stood up and turned to the three. "It was nice meeting you all" She followed Mac out.