Unexpected

Chapter XIII

I've done everything I could do. I have told him about James. If he wants to hate me after this, so be it, but I have tried.

I feel relieved now and I can finally go back to work. I have a shower, dress up, grab my stuff and get to the hotel. The day goes like any other day. Surprisingly, I manage to keep him out of my head long enough to finish my work of the day around 8pm. I close my laptop, grab my things, wish a good evening to the team and wait for my taxi outside the hotel. My phone rings and it's Aurore making a video call. James comes up on the screen.

'Hi baby! How's my favourite child?'

'Mummy, I'm your only child!'

'Well, you're still my favourite, though' - we both laugh. This is a regular joke that James understands well. 'I miss you like crazy mon chou chou'

'I miss you too mummy. When are you back?'

'Tomorrow honey. I can't wait to hold you in my arms and squeeze those cheeks of yours.'

'I think my taxi is here, mon bebe. We talk tomorrow?'

'Yes mummy. Be good.'

'I will, mon ange. Sleep well and remember, I love you to the moon and back'

'Ti amo a Monza and back, mummy'

'Good night my love. Good night, Aurore. Good night, Louis'

'Good night Alex. Speak tomorrow.' - Aurore says hanging up the call.

The taxi was not for me but for a couple that was waiting before me. That's when I see his Ferrari coming up the driveway. He stops just in front of me and rolls down the passenger window. 'We need to talk, don't we?'

'I think we do' - My chest tightens at the sight of him. He left so abruptly this morning I don't know how to read him.

He tells me to get in and I know I was definitely still drunk when I was inside this car last, because this is the most uncomfortable car ever. But those are problems I really can't be bothered with right now. 'Where are we going?'

'A place where we can talk' - He says.

He drives in silence. We are going towards the mountains rather than the marina or my hotel. He arrive at a well guarded villa. He presses some kind of remote control and the gates open. I will assume this is his new house. He drives through and parks in front of the house entrance. he gets out of the car and comes around to open my door. He helps me out and locks the car.

'Is this your house?'

'Yes, I moved a couple of years ago. Hugo is the man of the house. Don't be scared. He looks mean but he is a fluff.' 

A Pitbull comes out from one of the corridors running towards Charles but once he senses me, he comes to me and sniffs me. He barks and Charles, tells him 'Hugo, be nice. She is the one I told you about last night' - I laugh and he looks at me and winks.

'Would you like something to drink or eat? I have fruit, last night's pasta, overcooked steak, yesterday's soup, water, ice-tea, fresh coffee,...' He directs me to the large seating area sofa while he moves to the fridge.

'Just fruit and water will be fine, thank you.' - I tell him while I take my coat off and place it on the coat hanger I saw by the entrance.

'I'm sorry, I forgot to store your coat.' - He stops for a moment. 'I am quite nervous about this conversation, that's all. I'm sorry.'

'It's OK. I can do it myself' -  I tell him without judgment. I'm nervous too.

'Here you go. Strawberries, bananas, apples and pears. Is that OK?'

'That is fine'

'Are you sure? I can get some cheese, crackers,...' - I grab his arm as he starts moving back to the kitchen. 'It's fine, Charles. Come sit, please.' - he sits next to me and I see his leg bouncing. I tell him: 'Charles, there's no reason for you to be nervous. It's just me. I know that I dropped a bomb on you earlier but, like I said, whatever you decide, is fine by me, by us.

I go to the kitchen to grab a napkin, a plate and knife to cut the fruit. He runs his fingers through his hair and gets ready to tell me what he has been holding back since perhaps this morning.