Fated (A Chris Evans Series)

Insecurities

Exactly one week after Chris accepted the job, he received a package in the mail consisting a hard copy of the script he'd been hired to direct as well as the list of people that was going to be a part of his cast and crew. Seeing the script in all its hefty glory for the first time, made Chris a little nervous. This was his first job in two years. When he'd imagined himself dipping his toe back into the water, he'd imagined himself in a supporting role rather than the director's chair. He was slightly intimidated, knowing it was only his second time as a director and wondered if the job was one he could pull off. "If an amateur succeeded, the professional is going to excel." Denise reassured him with a tender kiss.

On the Friday morning, the next day. Denise took Jack with her and took a cab down to her parents', giving Chris the peace and quiet he needed to get though his first reading of the script. And for the first time, in what felt like forever, Chris was back reliving the days before Denise came along; just a man with a dog, preparing for yet another Hollywood film. The house seemed so empty without his wife and son. It was so quiet that he could hear the ticking of the clock. While he appreciated the serenity, he wished they hadn't offered him the luxury of it.

Every time Chris read something he thought Denise would enjoy, he would look to his right only to be disappointed by her absence. Her absence; what was meant to speed things up for him, ended up slowing him down. After every page, he'd either look up at the clock for the time or check his phone for a text. They were both pointless acts of procrastination as she'd said before she left that she wouldn't bother him until she returned at 7:30PM with a plate from her parents'. He was optimistic that she'd text despite what she'd said; it was rare for her not to text him at least once while apart, but it seemed that she was breaking routine. With another glance at the clock, he realized that time was nearing 7:30PM and that it wouldn't be long till he had his wife and son back.

Dodger was on his feet before the car containing Denise and Jack stopped in front of the house. Chris lowered his script and pushed his MacBook aside as he rose from the dining table. His phone buzzed against the dining table's reclaimed wood surface. The screen lit up and he read the text notification from Denise, calling for Dodger as he walked over to the front door to catch the excitable dog by his collar before he opened the door.

Jack's asleep. Can you grab Dodger before he pounces?

"Thanks," Denise whispered when Chris leaned in to kiss her cheek.

"Hey," Chris released Dodger's collar and smiled at his brother-in-law as he walked up with his fiancée. "Thanks for dropping them home, you two. I really appreciate it." He thanked them then took Denise's purse and Jack's 'Mickey Mouse' backpack from him. Behind Chris, Denise waved at her brother and her future sister-in-law before heading upstairs to deposit the two year old in his bed; Dodger close behind her.

"Oh, no problem. I've been her personal chauffeur for as long as I've had my license," Donovan joked and Chris chuckled. "However, I'd appreciate it if she'd keep her opinions to herself. It's enough having one backseat driver." He looked over at Erica and took her hand in his, smirking. "I don't need two." He quipped then laughed when she pulled her hand from his, rolling her eyes as she tried not to smile. "But hey, at least you drive, babe. My sister doesn't and she has twice the opinions you have."

"She is very observant," Chris chuckled. "She doesn't drive, but she's picked up a thing or two being a passenger. I gotta admit that even if she is annoying with her backseat driving, she can be quite helpful." Donovan rolled his eyes, but nodded in agreement. "Though she would be more helpful if she can split the drive time with me on road trips, but I'll take-" Chris cut himself off when he heard Denise's approaching footsteps and looked over his shoulder, smiling. "Hey, honey." He draped an arm around her, kissing the top of her head.