The End

Chapter 43: Predictable

Patrick was suddenly aware of the warmth on his skin and the bright light shining in through the window. The combination alluding to the fact that they had slept long passed their normal wake-up's. His eyes slowly revealing his surroundings.

Ellen's body was still tangled in his. The sweet scent of her hair filling his nose. The realization that this hadn't been a dream filling him with both excitement and uncertainty.

The iPhone on the nightstand buzzed loudly. He glanced to see whose it was and saw Chris' name on the caller id. It made his stomach turn but he knew it would be something he'd have to grow to accept.

He hadn't planned on waking her until he watched it pop up as the 5th missed call. "Ellen," he said softly, "your phone is ringing."

She groaned and covered her face with the sheet. Her hangover a nauseating mix of emotions and wine.

Patrick reached across her to grab the phone as it rang again, "I'm serious," he said, "Chris has called 5 times."

That brought her to attention. She cleared her throat and sat up to answer it. "Hello," her voice groggy. The sheet now wrapped under her arms like a strapless top.  He brow furrowed with concern. 

"Are you sleeping," he could hear Chris' voice on the other end. "It's noon."

"Please," she said firmly, "Is everything ok?"

"Stella left her backpack at the house this morning," he said, "I'm going to drop it off."

That was Patrick's cue to get dress. He quickly twisted out of bed and started to collect his clothes. The scene would have been obvious to anyone. Wine glasses on the nightstand. Clothes on the floor. If Chris had to come in this room he would read it like a book. Patrick listened to the phone call to see how much time they had.

"You don't have to do that," a hint of panic in her voice, "I can pick it up after I grab them from school."

"It's fine Ellen," Chris spoke, "I'm almost there."

"Ok," Ellen resigned and quickly hung up the phone. She stood immediately to gather herself. Patrick tossed her the robe on the hook behind the door. He'd already tucked his striped button down into his dress pants.

"Should I go," he started, "Should I hide?"

"I mean your signature Porsche is kind of a give away but," She smiled, "I don't think you have time to go."

"I'll just go get us coffee," Patrick said, "he can't be that close..."

"He is allowed to see you," Ellen shrugged.

"Coming clean to one of our spouses this week is enough for me," Patrick grunted.

"Fair enough," there was a tinge of disappointment in her tone. She said tightening her robe and padding down the stairs towards her front door.

He leaned in to kiss her quickly but when his lips touched hers, he was instantly intoxicated by her. Their kiss building from a soft goodbye to something uncontainable. He pulled her waist closer to him their lips still lost in perfect rhythm.

"Patrick," she groaned knowing they'd have to stop as his hand traveled down her back.

"Right," he sighed pulling away from her, "Coffee..." 

He  pecked her on the lips and turned to head to his car. He froze mid step and turned back to her just as the gate was opening behind him. "On second thought," he said firmly, "I've been wanting to do this for a long time." He paced quickly back to Ellen and pulled her into his arms planting a romantic kiss on her lips.

She laughed, shaking her head knowing he'd done it only to be seen. "So much for just one of our spouses."

"Uh," he shrugged, "You're basically divorced." a smile pulled at his lips,  "Hot or Iced? " he shouted to her as he hurried to his car before he made the moment even more awkward.

The truth was, Ellen had to watch Chris cheat on her for years. Have it thrown in her face by the press, by the woman he'd slept with, he was sure there were times she'd paid them to keep quiet. To spare her image. Now, he'd have a taste of his own medicine.

"Iced," she shouted back.

Chris passed Patrick in the driveway as he opened his Porsche door.

"Going so soon?" Chris' voice was filled with sarcasm.

"Coffee run," Patrick spit back confidently. "Late night," he said knowing he was playing with fire now.

"Fucking predictable," Chris said as he met Ellen's eyes and listened to Patrick's car zoom out of the driveway.

Ellen would have been lying if she didn't admit that it gave her a tiny bit of joy seeing the way it ruffled his feathers.  "Yeah well," she shrugged, "some things are." Her plainly stated words were loaded with truth.

Chris paused, desperately trying to recover. They both wanted to co-parent well for their kids. He passed her Stella's dance bag, "Eli seems like he might be coming down with something. His nose was running this morning. Sienna is having some kind of girl drama..." His eyes met Ellen's again, she watched his frustration fade into curiosity.

"Ok," she nodded, "I'll take care of it."

It had been less than 24 hours, and she already looked different. Something inside of her that had been in survival mode, been clinging to the past, holding on for dear life... finally settled. A spark returned to her eyes that he hadn't seen in a long time. He exhaled, "Predictable," he said again, this time a little less bitter, a hint of amusement crossing his eyes. He turned to leave and then waited, "they're doing ok. All things considered."

"Yeah," she nodded, her voice trailing off, "thanks Chris."