“That’s sweet,” I said.
“Thank you, Doc.” Tuck glared at Chris. “Just wait. It’ll be your turn one day.”
“One day?” Nevaeh laughed. “I’m sure that ship sailed.”
Lamont and Tuck stared at Chris, then looked at me. My face heated. They all seemed to think Chris was gone over me. My breath hitched. Was it true? Did he feel the same way? I wasn’t just a passing fancy but something more? I wasn’t sure what to think since I’d been keeping my feelings close to me, and Chris had said nothing. It wasn’t real unless it was spoken, right?
Chris changed the subject, and I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. I remained quiet as the others joked back and forth. Observing their dynamics was pretty interesting. Fortunately, they didn’t let me stay completely silent. Each made sure to ask me a question here or there.
By the time we finished eating and Cheye had a dessert, I was ready to close my eyes. Driving up here had taken a lot of my brain power between Ash crying from being stuck in her car seat and Cheyenne’s endless “Are we there yet?” I just wanted to lay my head down and sleep before one of the kids woke me.
We waved bye to the others as we neared our hotel rooms.
“Give me Ash,” Chris murmured.
Ashlynn held out her hands the minute he said her name, and I let her go from the wrap I had around her. She snuggled against Chris. Guess she was as tired as I was.
I said nothing as Chris followed me into the room and got Ash ready for bed while I wrestled Cheyenne into pajamas. Soon the room filled with tranquility as the kids surrendered to sleep. Chris opened the connecting door, then turned to look at me.
“Erykah?”
“Yes?” I watched him in the dim lighting.
“Could you come in here so we can talk a moment? I don’t want to disturb the girls.”
I nodded. “Sure.” But immediately my stomach churned. Was something wrong?
Chris gestured toward the chair in front of the desk. He sat on the couch near it and leaned forward, elbows resting on his thighs. “I think it’s time we talk about the subject you’ve been avoiding.”
I swallowed.Lord, help.“W-what do you mean?”
“I can tell there’s something you want to tell me, but something’s holding you back.”
Hurt flashed so quickly in his eyes, I almost missed it.Almost.“I know I can talk to you about anything,” I rushed out.
“Do you?”
“Of course. You’ve been there for me since day one.” I bit my lip, trying to grasp the words. “I simply don’t knowhowto tell you.”
“If I turn around so you can’t see my expression, would that help?”
Would it?I shook my head. “No, that feels too weird.”
He studied me, then his lips slowly curved into a smile, his blue eyes darkening with excitement. He pulled out his cell phone, not saying a word, and began to type.
I startled when my phone chimed but breathed a sigh of relief when I realized what was going on.
Chris
How about this way?
I got up, walked into my room, and sat on the nearest chair before typing my reply.
Erykah
This is perfect.
Chris
