Sense Of Restraint

Chapter Ten: Solitude

10

Chris and I are supposed to go away tomorrow night and I haven't mentioned it to Max yet. I don't know how to mention it, Max isn't exactly Chris's biggest fan right now. I understand why he isn't but, it's only been more complicated.

Tonight I'm gonna try buttering him up, I'm making his favorite dinner and I'm gonna watch sports with him, even though I'll have no idea what's going on. I'm hoping this'll go well, I don't want anyone angry.

I left work early so I could be home to cook dinner. I just hope Max doesn't have plans with Ben after work. He didn't mention anything going on so I'm gonna hope he's coming home after work.

While I cook, I FaceTime with Chris. I'm bummed I'm not seeing him tonight but I'll have him all weekend. I look at him and he's in the SUV on his way to see Mark. He's typing away on his MacBook. I smile at him "Hard at work I see."

"Sorry, I'm working on an email. I won't be in the office tomorrow so it needs to be done now."

"You're not working tomorrow? I figured you would've gone in for a little while."

"No, I'm taking some personal time for myself. I've never done that so it'll be nice. I assume you're going to work?"

"Yeah, I have too. I left early today so I could be here to cook. I hope you're okay with leaving later?"

"Yeah, that's fine. I'll wait for you."

"Is Malcom driving us?"

"Not sure yet. I'm kinda thinking of driving us up myself. Give the old man a break, he's certainly earned it."

"Speaking of driving, remind me to pick my car up from the shop on Tuesday."

Chris looks at me "You have a car?"

"Yeah, you knew that."

"I must've forgot? You always ride with me or walk home. Why haven't you been driving it?"

I start cutting up some tomatoes "Well, I used to drive it all the time. When I was engaged to Mason, I had to drive to work we lived to far for me to walk. Now it's in the shop because it's old and I haven't had the money to fix it."

He looks at me and I quickly say "No Christopher, this isn't me asking for money."

"It's not a big deal, Char. Let me help you."

"You already help me. You do way more than I would ever expect you too. Please let me figure this out."

"You're my girl, Charlotte. I don't wanna sit idly by and watch you struggle. Plus summer is gonna be over before you know it and it'll be to cold to walk."

"That's when I'll ride with you and Malcom. As if I don't do that already."

"Charlotte."

I look at him "Christopher."

He gives me a look "Behave."

"Or what? You'll spank me?"

"I just might, remember I'll have you all weekend."

I sigh "Christopher, I'm asking you as your girlfriend. Can I please do this myself? I'm almost completely done paying the bill. Please don't butt in."

"Fine, just answer this one question? How long have you had this car?"

"Hmm, good question? When did Obama start his second term?"

"Good god, okay."

"Not all of us are billionaires, darling." I remind him

"No but some of us are dating them."