One Long Flight 💙

Boston

Aisling looked around the temporary apartment that Tara had managed to secure on short notice. It was a month-to-month arrangement while she searched for houses in Boston. "Thank you, Tara. This place is perfect until I find something more permanent."

Tara offered a warm smile. "It's my pleasure. I'm glad I could help. Chris is a good friend, and I'm happy to assist him. Nice to meet you, Aisling. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I've set up a few house viewings for you in the coming week, all within your desired area."

Aisling caught the hesitation in Tara's voice towards the end of her sentence. "Is there something wrong with the area I've chosen?"

Tara shook her head. "No, not at all. I just thought you might want to consider being a bit closer to Chris. His house is only about 25 minutes from the college. You don't have to live right in the heart of the city."

Aisling pondered this for a moment. "You're right. I guess I'm just used to it, coming from places like London and New York. I've always lived close to the center of the city."

Tara nodded understandingly. "Ultimately, it's your decision and your money. I work for you, so whatever you prefer is perfectly fine with me, Aisling."

Aisling sighed, appreciating Tara's respectful approach. "No, you're right. Could you expand the search to a ten-mile radius around Chris's house?"

Tara chuckled. "Absolutely, consider it done."

"Thank you. By the way, how long have you been friends with Chris? Since childhood?"

Tara nodded. "Yeah, we've been friends since we were around 12 years old."

Aisling laughed. "Was he as much of a dork back then as I imagine?"

Tara chuckled. "Probably even more so."

"Can I ask you something in confidence, off the record?"

Tara nodded reassuringly. "Of course."

"I understand the complexities of his career, but is there any other reason why Chris hasn't settled down before? I'm fairly sure I'm madly in love and I need to make sure I'm not being blinded by that."

Tara's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, besides the whole actor's life complicating relationships, there's the fact that his relationships with people not in the industry tend to struggle. They can get jealous over co-stars, interviews, and his general work environment. Plus, being away for extended periods is tough. Women within the industry tend to understand that better."

Listening attentively, Aisling urged Tara to continue.

Tara sighed. "Then there's the fan aspect. Some fans develop an unhealthy sense of entitlement to his attention, and they're not afraid to voice it on social media."

Aisling shook her head, brushing off the fan-related concerns. "Honestly, I don't care about any of that. My main concern is what his family and close friends think of me. Your opinion matters a lot more to me."

Tara's smile turned warm. "I consider Chris a brother. I see how serious he is about you. Just make sure you're equally committed. He's incredibly sensitive and emotionally invested. When he's in love, he's all in. He needs someone who's just as invested."

Aisling nodded, reaching out to hold Tara's hand. "I am. I'm just a bit overwhelmed. I don't have a large family or any siblings."

Tara reassured her with a smile. "You'll be fine. Chris loves you, and that usually speaks volumes."

Aisling groaned playfully. "Usually?"

Tara laughed. "Yes, usually. You're joining the family dinner next weekend, right?"

Aisling nodded, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Yes, it'll be the first time I'm meeting his family."

"Don't worry, my husband and I will be there too. So you won't be completely alone."

Aisling sighed. "Thanks, that's a relief."

Tara offered a comforting nod. "Chris can be easily spooked when it comes to emotions. If he senses any hesitation from you, he might pull away. Just remember that."

Aisling sighed once again. "Alright, thanks for the heads-up, Tara."

Before she could say more, there was a knock on the door. Before Aisling could react, Chris walked in, accompanied by his brother. She greeted him with a smile. "Chris!"

Chris pulled her into a warm embrace, lifting her off the ground momentarily. Aisling playfully groaned as he set her down. "I thought we'd have some alone time when I saw you," she teased.

He laughed, "Scott insisted on coming to meet you." He motioned towards his brother, "Scott, this is Aisling." He watched as they shook hands and then gestured for Tara to step aside with him into the hallway. Closing the door behind them, he asked, "So?"

Tara shrugged, "She's really great, Chris. She's a bit apprehensive about meeting your family, though. Are you sure it's a good idea to introduce her to them for the first time at Lisa's birthday?"

Chris shrugged in response, "Why not? Did you manage to convince her to look for houses closer to mine?"

Tara smiled and nodded, "Yes, she agreed to consider properties nearer to your place. Are you sure you don't want her to just move in with you?"

He let out a sigh, "I've suggested that, but she wants to find her own place. You know how stubborn she can be."

Tara chuckled, "Indeed, she has a strong will. Well, I'll see you next weekend. Take care." She leaned up and planted a kiss on his cheek before heading off.

Returning to the apartment, he found Aisling and Scott sharing laughter. "Great, I knew you two would hit it off. Makes me happy."

Aisling laughed, "Well, I had to get confirmation from Tara and now Scott that you're every bit the dork I imagined."

He laughed in mock protest, "I'm not!"

Scott chimed in, "Don't lie to the lady, Chris."

Aisling chuckled, "It's alright. I'm well aware."

Chris playfully grabbed her waist, and she responded by wrapping her arms around him. Scott, feigning annoyance, teased, "You guys are gross."

Aisling laughed and turned to Scott. "Sorry, it's been a week since I've seen my boyfriend."

Chris grinned, "And I promised her a date."

"I was promised dinner and a movie at his place. Clothing optional," Aisling added, eliciting a groan from Scott.

Chris chuckled and looked at her. "Alright then, let's drop off Scott first."

Aisling nodded. "I'll be ready in a minute."

"Sure." Chris escorted Scott out to the car and asked, "So?"

Scott shrugged, "She's lovely, Chris. You've got it bad. I've never seen you look at a woman like that before."

Chris nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I really do. Now, backseat." Scott scoffed but complied, climbing into the back as Chris laughed. Aisling soon appeared with an overnight bag. "Presumptuous," he teased.

She smirked and leaned in as the backseat door closed. "I need you."

Chris let out a low moan as she pushed him back against the car, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. "Alright, let's get you back to my place. We'll start with dessert, then dinner," he suggested, hearing her giggle as he opened the front door for her to slide in.