Working It Out 💙

Chapter 7

********************Normal POV********************

I came downstairs in the morning to find Kahlan already up and dressed, "coming with me to yoga before school?"

Kahlan nodded, "if it's okay."

I shrugged, "of course it is. You do know that Chris won't be there though, right?"

Kahlan laughed, "yes mom. I know." She crossed her arms, "I like Steve Rogers, not Chris Evans. Besides, didn't you ever have a crush on someone too old for you when you were my age?"

I laughed, thinking for a moment, "yes. Rob Lowe."

"Eww." She placed her hands on my shoulders, "but seriously mom? I don't want you to not give him a chance because of me. I just want you to be happy mama."

I sighed, nodding, "I appreciate that. I'm just not sure yet. Let's just go."

**************************************************************

I walked into the yoga room, greeting everyone, noticing a new face in the back next to Kahlan. Once class was over, I approached her, "you're new." I held my hand out to her, "I'm Natalie Whitaker." I motioned to Kahlan as she stood next to me, "this is my daughter Kahlan."

Kahlan smiled at the woman before turning to me. "I have to get to school. I'll see you later." She kissed me on the cheek.

"Sure." I turned to face her, "you need money or anything? How are you getting to school?"

Kahlan shrugged, "I told daddy I was doing yoga with you, he's waiting for me outside. And no, I don't need money."

I nodded, "okay. Have a good day sweetie." I turned back to the woman as she smiled at me, offering me her hand.

"Tara Testa. Nice to meet you. I really like your class, I look forward to more."

I nodded, looking at her, "Tara." I groaned, "wait." I took a step towards her, lowering my voice, "Chris thinks I'm an idiot? I'm from Boston, as if I have never heard of Chris's best friend Tara? Ugh." I started to walk away but felt her grab my arm.

"I'm sorry. For the record, I was against this." She shrugged, "but he paid for the yoga class, so I'm not going to say not to that."

I sighed, crossing my arms, "I told him I wasn't interested so he sends his best friend here to what? Find out stuff about me?"

Tara nodded, "yeah. I already told him I wouldn't though. I'm sorry."

"Is this what he does? Sends you to scope out women?"

Tara chuckled, "not exactly, no. I don't normally get involved in his... women."

"Ugh." I shook my head, "his women? If you're supposed to be his wingwoman, I have to say that you are not doing a good job of getting me to want to date him."

Tara laughed, "no. I'm not trying to be his wingwoman. I'm just trying to be honest. And honestly, I know he really likes you. I don't want to get involved, but he's all up in his head. He's only like that when he likes a woman."

I nodded, "yeah, me and how many other women?"

Tara sighed, "as far as I'm aware, only you. He might sleep around simply because he can, but underneath the persona he exudes, he's super sensitive and a genuinely sweet guy. He goes about things the wrong way to please other people. Like when a woman he likes insists on keeping their relationship only physical."

I groaned, "it wasn't just me who insisted on just physical. But I also have a teenage daughter. I'm worried about getting attached and involved with someone like Chris. I won't apologize for doing what I feel is right when it comes to my family. And I'm not sure any of this is any of your business."

She shook her head, "it's not. But that doesn't change the fact that Chris is still my best friend and I'm worried about him getting hurt. Intentionally or not."

I sighed, nodding, "I appreciate that. But we don't really know what we are doing yet. I really don't want anyone else involved either."

Tara smiled, "I know. Just.. give him a chance. he may surprise you."

I scoffed, "that's what I'm afraid of." I watched her half smile before walking away. Once I had the room all cleaned up, I went to the front counter and found a message from him on my phone.

>I see you met my friend Tara. I'm so sorry
Give me a chance to explain<

I sighed, shaking my head as I set my phone back down as some clients came into the building.