Sense Of Restraint

Chapter Five: Compromise

5

Tonight I'm supposed to go with Chris to some art gallery. I invited Max and he said he was interested in coming along. He said he'd meet us there after work. I didn't wanna stop home after work so I decided to just wear what I wore to work. I wore an orange sundress that has white peonies printed all over it. The sleeves hang, showing off my shoulders. I hope it's appropriate for the event.

Chris and I plan to go to Oculus tonight, after the gallery of course. I'm nervous but, I'm also getting curious. I just hope I'm able to handle whatever he does with me. I'm still unsure of my choice. I just keep telling myself I'm doing it for Chris because I love him.

While I'm work I find it hard to actually focus. I just wanna finish up the day. When I woke up this morning I had a text from Mason, which shocked me. I haven't heard from him in so long, I figured he was done with me.

I haven't seen Chris much since our fight, I've been sleeping at my apartment lately. I see Chris in the morning and then on the ride home. I don't think he's mad anymore, I think he's just enjoying some alone time.

When it was time to leave work, I gathered up all my things. I text Chris "On my way out. See you in a second." I press send then put my phone in my bag. I quickly switch my shoes from some white Vans to a pair of gold strapped pumps. I felt like I should wear heels tonight, it makes my dress look more together.

I walk out of work and I see Chris there, per usual. He grins at me "Evening, love." He holds me in his arms. I smile and put my hands on his chest.

"Hi there." I grin

"You ready to go?"

"Mmhm. We're meeting Max there so we can just head straight there."

"Okay. Come on." He opens the back door

I climb and I say hello to Malcom. He grins at me "Miss Montgomery. You look lovely."

"Thank you, Malcom." I buckle my seatbelt

Chris slides in and shuts the door "Malcom we're going to Exile Art. Do you remember where that is?"

"Yes sir." He nods and merges into traffic

I look at Chris and he presses the privacy button on the panel. I clear my throat "Does Malcom ever get a day off?"

"When he requests them, yes. He likes to work, it keeps him busy."

"So you donated to this art gallery? Do you know the artist?"

"I do, he's an old friend from college. His name's Benjamin Foster. He moved back home to England for a bit, haven't seen him in maybe five years?"

"Is he nice?"

"He is, yes." He puts his hand on my knee

"Then I'm thrilled to meet him."

"I think he'll love you and I think he'll get along with Max as well."

"Max gets along with everyone. It'll be fine."

When we got to the gallery, I saw Max waiting for us on the sidewalk. We all go inside and after a while I lose Chris in the crowd of people. A waitress passes by and Max takes two champagne flutes off her tray. He hands me one and I smile "Thanks Maxy."

He grins and nods "Thanks for inviting me, Char, this's really cool."

"It was all Chris, he thought you'd like to come."

I hear Chris's voice from behind me "Charlotte!" I turn and see Chris walking towards me. He's accompanied by a tall, slender man, with brown hair and pretty hazel eyes, shielded by large, thick, black prescription glasses. I smile at the man and Chris says "Charlotte, this is Benjamin Foster. Benjamin this's my girlfriend Charlotte Montgomery."