A huge thanks to everyone for your comments. Your guess is as good as mine on the direction, so we all wait and see!
As always, thanks to Kenjisato, editor extraordinaire! As before,
any 'mistakes' are mine. I tend to disregard a few edits, hopefully not spoiling the story.
Thanks, also, to Paolo for his unstinting support and ideas. Again, I may not adhere to them but...
This story is becoming a real rabbit hole for me, enjoyable, yes, but a rabbit hole nonetheless.
Again, thanks for all your comments. It may not show, but I take all of them on board.
Chapter 26
Tom POV
Chrissie and I stirred at the same time. I could feel her slender arm around my waist. I groggily grasped her hand, just to be certain this was real. My life was full-on at this moment. Work, my newfound relationship with my sister, my parents, somewhat alienated, a
potential new partner in Emily, two kids. Anything else, God?
Tuesday. Already. Just three more days and I'd be back in London, with Chrissie. I lay in our bed, holding her hand, and tried to think back eighteen days to the life I knew.
I'd rather have this one, I thought.
I carefully turned over. I felt Chrissie move as I slid my arm over her back. My fingers went to her copper-red hair, moving it away from her face. I Iooked at her and smiled. It felt as my life was finally
beginning. Yes, I'd rather have this life.
My hand slid down to her slender waist, basking in her gentle curves, like the way her chemise accentuated her lithesome body.
My hand drifted below the hemline of her nightwear and rested on her panty-covered ass. This was all worth waking for.
I felt Chrissie stir, and she unconsciously swatted my hand away.
I laughed silently as she mumbled a sleepy, "No..."
I put my hand back.
Her eyes slowly opened. She looked at me with heavily lidded eyes.
"You're creepy," she muttered, and a little smile crossed her lips.
"And that's why you love me," I whispered.
"Hmmm," she sighed, and brought a lazy hand to my body.
"Four days, darling..." I breathed.
"Mmmm," was her coherent reply, her smile a bit wider.
I let her sleep and headed to the shower. I washed and shaved in relative peace. I threw on a robe and headed to the kitchen, putting the kettle on and started David and Chloe's breakfast. I set the
table, poured the juices, and waited. Any time now, I thought. I played some soft music, not enough to wake anyone, but enough to take the edge off the silence.
Ten minutes later, a sleepy-eyed Chrissie walked into the kitchen.
"Morning, darling," she mumbled, shuffling along in her thin robe and fluffy slippers. She looked adorable.
"Morning, sweetheart. How're you feeling this morning?" I asked.
"Ughh," was the only word she could come up with.
I made her a coffee, and let her wake.
"Tough day ahead?" I asked.
"Yes, I think so, unfortunately. My stomach hurts," she moaned.
"What can I get you for it?"
"Nuthin', I'll sort it, thanks, though. Thanks for the coffee, Tom," she weakly smiled. "Would you...sort the kids out, for me?"
"Betcha, darling. Go back to bed and I'll sort them, okay?"
Chrissie stood and shuffled her way down the hall. She ran into David and Chloe as they made their way to the kitchen. I sat them down, fed and watered them both, David talking the whole time. There was no squabbling, so that was a plus.
I had some fruit, and went to finish readying myself.
Chrissie reappeared, showered and dressed. I gave her a loose hug and kissed her forehead. I didn't think any more affection would be welcome.
I went back to our bedroom, and she had laid out a tie for me. I smiled.
"You going to be fine to work today?" I asked.
"I'm feeling better, thanks. The first day or so can be tough but I'm fine, thanks," she groaned. "You look good today."
"Just today?" I joked.
"Get out of here, all right? I'll see you later. C'mere, gimme a hug," she slurred.
We hugged and kissed. I hugged the kids, kissing them, too.
I arrived at the office a bit early. Nothing new there. Arthur called me in and I took a seat. He handed me the airline tickets. I pulled out my wallet to pay for Chrissie's, but he motioned me to put it away.
"We've got this, Tom," he said.
"Arthur. Really. I'd need to pay for my friend. It's...it's not fair," I asked.
"Tom. We've got this. Thanks, though."
"That's very kind of you, Arthur. Thank you."
"So, where are we at? Martin Russell?"
"I've set a meeting with you and Martin, Thursday, noon. He knows I won't be here. Nick and I just about finished with the preliminary report. We should have it on your desk, mid-afternoon tomorrow. I've emailed the names, numbers and relevant
information of two new prospective clients. There's some personal info wrapped in there, too. I've talked with them both, so they are expecting your call, at some point. I think today, Nick and I will crack on with Martin's. He's a big player, Arthur. I believe he could be good for the company," I reported to him.
"So, last day tomorrow, eh? Again, Tom. We're very pleased you'll be back with us. Now, I've heard back from the board and from
Jeremy. We propose to have you here for the next six months. We'll see how it works for you. If you are still intent on a return to
London, we'll work with you on that. Sound good?" he asked.
"It sounds wonderful, Arthur. I can't thank you enough for your support. It means a lot to me. Thanks," and we shook hands.
Well, I thought. This part is falling into place.
I ordered lunch for Chrissie and Emily from a wonderful soup place downtown. I thought the Lemon Roasted Vegetable soup would soothe Chrissie, and the Chicken and Lime soup for Emily. Again, I asked for the order to be delivered to the front desk, twelve-ish, and have them ask for either Chrissie or Emily in Exhibitions.
Nick and I carried on, again, working well off each other. He was
interested in the work I was doing in London, so I gave him the abridged version.
