Bound By Contract

Chapter Twenty Three

Christina’s P.O.V.

As the wind blows through my hair underneath a shaded tree in Neverland’s unending lands, I unwrap an egg salad sandwich from its napkin wrapping and hand it to Jared. “Tell me a picnic wasn’t the greatest idea I’ve ever had. Like ever.” I say, unwrapping another egg salad sandwich for myself and taking a big bite.

“Ooh, egg salad. How did you know I love egg salad,” Jared asks ogling at his sandwich.

“I pay attention when people say things to me.”

He giggles between bites. He looks like a little kid the way he eats with such enthusiasm.

“I’ve brought something for you,” he beams. Putting his sandwich on the clichéd red and white picnic blanket, he reaches into his jeans pocket and pulls out a deck of cards and hands it to me.

“Oh. Wow,” I say, examining the deck in my hands, “it’s just what I’ve always wanted.” I say with a sarcastic tone.

“I challenge you to a friendly game of poker with the poker master. Me!” he exclaims.

I raise my eyebrows. “The poker master? Really? I’ll have you know I once beat a high roller in Vegas.”

“Shut up.”

I cackle. “Seriously!”

“Okay, then try your luck with me,” Jared challenges, shuffling the deck of cards and we a play a game.

“That wasn’t fair Jared!” I protest, embarrassed at my awful poker skills. I must have just gotten lucky that time in Vegas.

“Ha ha!” he exclaims. “You’ll never beat me!”

After a pause, the smile washes off of my face and I sigh loudly. “I guess I better head back to the house. They’ll be coming home from the trial soon,” I say despairingly, thinking of my in-laws.

Jared recoils. “I hate when the time for you to leave comes. You get all serious and sour.”

“Well yeah, I remember what’s waiting for me at home. At least while I’m with you I can forget about all that for a while.” My mind races with images of Michael’s abundant family members chattering away while a stern Michael heads for his bedroom, not bothering to acknowledge anyone present. My heart burns every time that happens and I am in his wake.

Jared stands up next to me and puts his hands over my crossed arms gently. “Christina, I still don’t get why you don’t get yourself out of this situation.”

“What do you mean? That’s why I’m here with you,” I say satirically with a slight grin on my face.

But Jared’s expression remains unchanged. “I mean, just get a divorce; leave that situation behind you. You should see what I see whenever you start talking about that… place.”

“I know…”

“Why don’t you just stay here with me, or come and stay at my apartment?”

“I can’t stay with you!”

“At least stay here until they’ve all gone,” he suggests shrugging.

I reflect for a moment. “I know some of them stay the night, but I suppose my presence isn’t really needed that much. I guess…”

Jared’s eyes light up. “Good! Now get your behind back here and prepare to be beaten again by the poker master!” he exclaims, sitting down and grabbing the deck of cards to shuffle.

“With pleasure,” I retort, feeling a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders.

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