Taking Chances (WILL EDIT LATER)

Chapter Twenty One.

A few weeks had gone by since the article blew up online and Taron had found himself in a steady routine of filming during the day and wine-ing and dining his new Croatian supermodel arm candy, Natascha De Silva. While she was beautiful and the sex was great, Taron constantly found himself comparing Natascha to Nicola. Both women were strong and beautiful but with Nicola, there was something about her that always made Taron feel at ease and like he could be himself. Natascha on the other hand, made Taron feel like he had to keep up an image that wasn't him and at times, he felt like he had to walk on eggshells.

"Taron love, you sound knackered." Tina noted as she and Mikey called him one afternoon. Taron nodded as a loud yawn escaped his mouth.

"Um, daddy?" Mikey asked as Taron finished his yawn.

"Yes mate?" Taron questioned in reply.

"I love oo." Mikey whispered, making Taron smile.

"I love you too. Are you being good for grandma?" Taron asked as his phone buzzed with a text from Natascha. He pulled the phone away for a split second and rolled his eyes when he saw her name.

"Yeah and daddy, I miss oo." Mikey answered. Taron smiled even wider.

"I miss you so much. I can't wait to see you." Taron said genuinely before his phone went off again with another needy message from Natascha.

"Why don't we talk about you coming home later. You're obviously needed." Tina said with a warm tone. Taron agreed but Tina could hear the reluctance in his voice.

"Mikey, why don't you go see if grandpa needs help setting the table." She said, wanting to talk to Taron alone for a few minutes. She could tell that something was off with him. Mikey did as he was told but not before he said his temporary goodbyes.

"Right, what's with the forlorn tone of voice?" Tina asked. Taron's head drooped.

"I'm just exhausted mam." He replied, even though he knew his mother could tell that he was lying through his teeth. The unsatisfied hum of Tina's voice proved his thoughts correct.

"You work too hard sometimes Taron." Tina told him. Taron playfully scoffed.

"When you come home, bring this woman with you. We'd love to meet her." Tina said, really wanting to see what her son saw in this woman because judging by the pictures Nicola had shown her, this woman was very materialistic among other things.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea mam." Taron answered, feeling unsure of the idea.

"Why not? Don't you think Mikey deserves to know her if you two are dating." Tina said.

"I'll think about it." Taron replied. Tina nodded but still didn't feel happy with that.

"Mikey should always come first Taron. He is your son and he loves you. He deserves to get to know her if you plan on spending the rest of your life with her." Tina explained, even if the words about marriage coming from her mouth tasted like vinegar.

"I know mam." Taron said before being summoned again.

"Let me go and get Mikey before you go, he'll be gutted if you hang up without saying goodbye." Tina said, calling for her grandson. Mikey of course came running to her and shouted down the phone that he missed his father and loved him very much.

After the phone call ended, Taron got up and went to answer the door to his hotel room.

"Why did you not answer?" Natascha whined.

"I was on a call." He answered flatly. Natascha walked over to the sofa and slumped down dramatically.

"Was it about you leaving?" She asked, not even looking at him. Taron nodded and grabbed a beer from the fridge. He chugged it before answering her.