The Lies That Bind

Chapter 22: TV Night

"If you don't mind," Kazmir says in an even tone despite his anger, "I will show Miss Lima out, I was heading to my car anyway."

"Oh, sure!" Ginger exclaims, "See you soon, Miss Lima! I'll be sure to call you this evening if not sooner!"

"Thank you..." I try to mask my own unhappiness as I exit the clinic with Kazmir.

As soon as the elevator doors close, he cuts the act. "What are you doing?" He asks sternly.

"Getting a job." I answer.

"Why? And why here of all places?"

"Well," I shrug, "I guess I should have realized you'd be here given the clinic and that you work for Norton. But why not? I need a job and we get more time together."

Kazmir stared at me harder as if I had offended him. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder, Devushka." He rumbles as the second floor dings, but no one enters. "And I can provide for you; you don't need to work."

"That, is another thing I wanted to discuss. Kazmir, we're not in the relationship we started with. I don't need you supporting me, I don't want you to. I want to provide for myself!"

"I'd prefer it if you were at home," his tone is a bit calmer, almost somber. "At least then you'd be safe."

"I don't need you dictating what I can or can't do, Kazmir." I hiss back at him, "I got enough restriction as a child." The door dings on the first floor and I hurriedly step out. How dare he! How dare he tell me I can't work, I don't need to work because he "can provide" for me. This isn't the 1950's, and in this day and age, two paychecks are better than one. I make a beeline for my car, unlocking the driver's door and pushing the button to open it. However, just before I get in Kazmir is back again, holding the door so I can't close it.

"Look, I know things between us have changed," He tells me.

"Good, then you'll have no problems with us working together," I offer a smile and manage free my door from him. "See you soon, Doctor."

I receive no calls from Kazmir later that night, nor does he come over which is fine, we could use some time apart anyway. That and he can take the time to realize this is the 21st century. After changing into something more comfortable, Lark and I settle onto the couch to watch our favorite show: Four Month Fling. Basically, people fly to other countries to meet people they met online in hopes of finding true love and getting married. Normally, I wouldn't watch such trash but Erika's has gotten me into it along with Rey. We group chat about it as we watch.

Right on time, the Coast2Coast app rings and the gang's all here on the other end. "Hi Edie!" Erika's cheery voice emits over the app. "Addie's watching too!"

"Unfortunately..." the German replies.

"I know the feel," Rey interjects, his Corgi Loaf barking happily in the background.

"Rey-Rey," his girlfriend Misty chimes in softly, "this was your idea."

I chuckle quietly before letting out a sigh, suddenly feeling a bit lonesome among all the couples. Seeming to sense my plight, Lark waddles over to "cat loaf" in my lap, purring softly.

"You're the only man I need, Lark," I tell him as I run my fingers through his lush fur.

"No Big Red tonight?" my sister asks.

A simple "nope" escapes my lips, not wanting to elaborate on what took place earlier in the day. At least the cat won't try to control my life.

The show starts off with an American woman and her boyfriend from Eastern Russia; he's your stereotypical macho man, determined to provide for his girlfriend and be independent. They are currently in the midst of an argument over whether or not she should be allowed to go to clubs and drink during her bachelorette party. I roll my eyes at the scene, how relatable. I bet Kazmir would do the same.