Wanted For Pleasure: vol 2

Chapter 18: you're exposed

"I am there waiting, watching, keeping to the shadows. But when you need me I'll step out of the shadows and protect what's mine."

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𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔

It's one o'clock, where is my girlfriend?

I'm sitting outside of the Italian restaurant on fourth and not wanting to get out and have to tolerate her parents alone. They're in town for the weekend on business. By that, I mean, they're investing in Morgan's skincare line, but I think they just wanted to smother their daughter and interrogate me.

Minutes continue to pass so I finally call her instead of waiting for a text back.

No answer. I'm not leaving a fucking message. She's the one who texted me this morning not to forget about our lunch plans.

Seeing Owen and Kelsey seated inside, I just head in to entertain them. Morgan will probably be here any second, I figure, I can hold a conversation with my future in-laws.

The Italian opera music is loudly playing from every angle of the restaurant but I suppose that's part of the appeal.

It's a beautiful place; I've heard the food is good. For as expensive as it is, it better be, right?
Who picked this place, anyway?

"There you are, hi!" Kelsey greets me. She stands after her husband and they both hug me.

The hug is new. I don't know how to feel about it but if this means we're getting closer, then I guess.

"How's it going, son?" Asks Owen. They're both so smiley, it bugs me.

For two people to be so open and spirited, it always makes me wonder how they ever kicked out their children?

"It's going." I answer, folding my arms.

"And work?"

"I can't complain."

"Oh, come on, no one likes work." Owen cracks.

"I love what I do," I reply. "just not where I work, I guess."

"Uh-oh. Trouble on the job?" Kelsey wonders, waving the waiter off for more time.

I continue looking down at my sneakers and answer, "No, it's nothing."

"Right," she changes her tone. "no one wants to discuss work over lunch. How's your mother, your father?"

I pick my head up to properly acknowledge Mrs.Bennett. "She's good, I guess. Haven't really talked to her or Dad in a while."

They both looked shocked to hear that. "What, why not?" Asks Kelsey.

I shrug, leg shaking under the table. "Just haven't called her in a few weeks."

"Well, that's not like you."

"Might just be the distance, you know?"

Kelsey keeps her icy blue eyes locked on mine and gives me that motherly, kind of psychologist, look. "That's why you should call her."