The Elaborate Parent Trap

Chapter Seven

"I don't see why you made me buy this stuff Echo." Chris sighed as they left the mall, Jadelyn happily holding her mom's hand.

"What? It's good to be prepared Tink." Echo told her smirking.

"Prepared for what? To be uncomfortable in itchy lace all night?" Chris laughed. "I don't see THAT happening Gecko," Chris said shaking her head.

"You never know Chris." Echo smirked.

The girls went home, and Chris dropped Echo and Jade off before heading home. She made sure to shower and clean herself up nicely before getting dressed. She kept her make-up light and decided to take Echo's advice to be prepared. When she finished, she drove herself back to Echo's where she was meeting Matt to drop off River.

>> Three Hours Later <<

"It was nice to meet you Echo, thanks for watching both of them tonight," Matt said kindly as he and Chris were getting ready to leave.

"It's no problem. Chris is my best friend. She needs to get out and be an adult now and again too." Echo told him, smirking at her friend.

"Um, are we taking separate vehicles, or should I leave my truck here and just ride with you?" Chris asked.

"Just leave your truck here, I don't mind driving us." Matt shrugged.

"Have fun guys." Echo smiled bidding them goodbye as they left. "Use protection!" Echo yelled making Chris stiffen and shake her head.

Matt laughed hysterically as they climbed into his truck and Chris was a brilliant shade of firetruck red in embarrassment. "I am so beyond sorry." Chris groaned hiding her face.

"Don't be. Your friend is funny." Matt laughed smirking at her as he backed out of the driveway.

Chris smiled and sat back as a comfortable silence fell over the two. "So, if you don't mind my asking, what's the party for?" Chris asked.

"We finished recording the new album. We're gonna take a year off after the release before we start touring, but we always celebrate the end of the recording." Matt explained.

"Oh, yeah you told me you guys finished. Congratulations again." Chris told him.

"Thanks." Matt smiled at her as they pulled into a driveway.

Chris met Matt near the front of the truck. He surprised her when he reached out grasping her small hand in his. He escorted her to the door and didn't bother to knock, opting for just entering the home. There were a lot of people and Chris could feel her anxiety spiking, but Matt's hand in hers kept her grounded as they made their way out the back door and over to a cooler.

"Did you want a drink? We can go to the bar or just grab a beer from here?" Matt asked.

"Just beer please." Chris smiled as Matt let go of her and grabbed them each a beer.

"Come on, Bri, Johnny, Zack and Brooks are over there," Matt said pointing.

Chris followed, looking doe-eyed and nervous. Matt must have noticed because he took her hand again. Bri noticed their linked hands and smirked at the tiny blonde who blushed and pulled her hand away from Matt. Matt looked down slightly disappointed but greeted his friends and introduced Christina as his friend.

"Nice to have you around Chris." Brooks greeted her kindly.

"Thank you." She said meekly.

The group conversed and for the most part, Christina remained silent sipping her beers slowly. Brian noticed the blonde looked off and moved to sit next to her. "You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, sorry. I just not used to parties and large groups of people." Chris laughed.

"Oh sorry, Chris. If I'd known I wouldn't have suggested Matt bring you here." Brian apologized. "Matt was just saying that he liked you, so I suggested he bring you along to get to know you better without the kids around," Brian explained.

Chris just looked at him puzzled but Brian merely smirked at her and walked away as Matt came over. "You okay?" He asked concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Chris told him.

Just as the words left her mouth someone was screaming and yelling. Matt and Chris made their way to find out what the commotion was only to see a wannabe tattoo artist about to get slugged. "Wait! I can fix it!" Chris said just as the guy drew back.

"Oh yeah how do you figure?" He asked her pissed.

"I'm a tattoo artist. I have been for fourteen years. I can fix it, but I need better supplies and sanitization." Chris told them.

She gave a list of items and everyone gathered to watch the tiny woman work. She hated working in this environment, but at least she knew what she was doing. Matt, however, the moment the machine was buzzing in her hand she was so calm. She set to work immediately, and Matt noticed she became a different person. When she finished, the guy was so happy he hugged the tiny woman and thanked her profusely.

As Chris cleaned up Matt sat down beside her. "That was amazing. You become a different person when you tattoo." Matt told her.

"I told you, it relaxes me," Chris smirked with a soft shrug.

"How did you even get into tattooing?" Matt asked handing her another beer.

"Well, when I was getting my back piece done, I had brought my sketchbook to calm my nerves. The artist who was doing it saw some of my drawings and was impressed when he saw how quickly I relaxed by the sound of the machine. So, he offered me an apprenticeship immediately." Chris told him.

"Your work is impressive," Matt told her.

"How would you know? You only saw one piece." Chris laughed.

"I looked you up." Matt shrugged. "You've won competitions, done conventions. All your work is pretty flawless." He smiled.

"Thanks." Chris blushed.

"Come on, let's go so we can talk more." Matt grinned.

"Okay..." Chris nodded letting Matt take her hand and lead her out to a bonfire pit.

Matt sat down and patted the spot next to him for Christina to sit with him. Christina sat down and it was like the flood gates opened. The two of them talked about everything, from their childhoods to their exes to their friendships. A lot of laughs were shared and almost tears, but one thing was sure. Christina was certain now that she had a crush on Matt and Matt knew he definitely had a crush on the tiny blonde next to him.

By the end of the night, the two were pretty far gone. Christina was falling asleep against his shoulder so Matt lifted her bridal style and carried her up to the last open bed. He laid the small blonde down, watching the way her hair surrounded her head like a halo.

Matt couldn't help it as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. She hummed contently in her sleep as Matt made his way over to a chair and leaned back, before he knew it, he was out like a light.