Reasons Why - 19

Chapter 19

When she got back with the sleeping children, Chloe found Chris sat on the doorstep. She wasn’t surprised, but she was weary, too tired to deal with this confrontation now. Sighing she swung the car on to the driveway and opened the door.  

                “Hey.” He offered, looking up at her from the step.

She inclined her head slightly, “hey.”

                “You’re not answering your phone?” It was more a statement than a question. And was greeted with a nod from her. “Will you talk to me?”

She shrugged again, “I’ve got to get the kids in...”

                “I’ll help.”

In silence they carried the two sleeping children into the house and settled them in their beds. She’d let them both have a nap until their parents came home. As she closed Mikey’s door, Chris grabbed her wrist and tried to grab her attention.

                “Ssh!” She whispered, “downstairs.”

In the kitchen Chloe started to fill the coffee machine, anything to avoid a deep and meaningful with Chris. But he was hovering just over her shoulder, and as she fired the machine up, he pulled her around.

                “Don’t do this Chloe, don’t block me out. Don’t hide and run away!”

It was always the same, everyone wanting to help, to share her burden, no one seemed to get the fact that her guilt, her load was her own cross to bear, and she had no desire to share that, as it was almost like a key to her undoing. If Chris had this insight into her, saw her deepest darkest secrets, then he’d have power over her, have a control that would damage her.

Turning to him, she pasted on a fake smile and wrapped her arms around his neck, “sorry, I’m not good dealing with stress, I shouldn’t take it out on you!”

As her lips flew to his, Chris knew she was playing him, she wasn’t the sort of person who changed emotions so rapidly, but as her mouth covered his, her tongue delved in his mouth, he could feel his body start to harden, she had that immediate effect on him, her breasts thrust against his chest, and he was lost. Pulling her close, he reciprocated, ignoring the niggle in the back of his mind that warned him to stop.

Lifting her, he perched her on the edge of the work surface and with a groan against his lips, she curled her legs around his waist. Chris was drowning, her hands were under his shirt, teasing his hot skin, and she kept writhing against him, drawing him in like a siren on rocks that even the strongest boat couldn't resist.

                “Chloe!” He breathed against her lips, “what are you doing to me?”

Smiling she lifted her head, and placed a finger over his lips, “ssh. I want you!”

It was a calculated move and it hit the desired goal. Chris dragged her back to him, biting at her neck as he pulled open her shirt, then dragged the lace of her bra cup down freeing her breast, her hard, inviting nipple. With another groan he dropped his mouth to it, sucking and biting more aggressively than he intended. But Chloe only thrust her body further towards him.

                “Shit!” He had to finish this, and Chloe loved the desperation in his voice. Without removing any more clothing, they managed to find each other, dragging fabric, tearing when it didn't give, and when he finally sank into her, Chloe could do nothing more than moan.

Despite their urgency, Chris didn’t rush, he took his time watching every inch of her face as he buried himself deep inside her. Chloe gyrated, met every thrust of his with her own, but as Chris finally felt his body verge on the brink of an almighty explosion, he could tell she wasn’t there with him. Changing the angle of his invasion, he snuck a hand between them, and teased her that extra amount, and he was rewarded with her igniting in front of him, around him, and then he joined her.

His head was resting against her body, her dragged free breast, still framed in her un-removed bra, next to his cheek, her body still wrapped around him, him still inside her. And for a moment he wanted nothing to change, no talking, no moving, nothing, because this is where he wanted to be. Forever.

The thought stunned him. He knew that she’d got under his skin, he’d spent more time with her in the last month than he had with any other woman ever. The thought of not waking with her, not seeing her illuminating smile over breakfast, to not tease her over her accent, or to debate the merits of US versus UK sports, to never be like this, replete, satiated, deep inside her, scared him. She was leaving in ten days, and he was powerless to stop that.

Stretching under him, Chloe kissed the top of his head, “we should..." She giggled, "Phil and Didi will be home soon!”

Nodding, he reluctantly lifted his head, and took in the sight before him, Chloe half exposed, half dressed, lounging against the work surface, a smug look on her face as he remained still in her. Pulling apart, he addressed his dishevelled clothes, his eyes not leaving her, as she did the same.

Sliding past him, she dived in the bathroom and took a moment to compose herself, Chris copied her, and she was pouring them coffee when the front door opened and Phil called a “hello!”

Chris, lounging against the doorframe watching her move, grinned, “nice diversion Chloe!” Despite the humour in his voice, Chris was hurt, she’d do anything to avoid sharing her feelings with him. He was here wanting to tell her how desperately he wanted her to stay, but she was using cloak and dagger tactics to avoid any emotional intimacy. Shaking his head in disappointment, he turned to smile at Chloe’s brother, glad of the distraction from his wallow in self pity.

Phil was unaware of the tension in his kitchen, but he was glad to see that Chloe was at least talking to someone. He’d spoken to their father earlier in the day and heard more details of the impending court case. Nothing had brought relief, but at least she wasn’t on self destruct mode again, that had been his real fear.  

Chris was on a two day trip up state the following day, and Chloe was glad of the breathing space. But, it wasn’t to be, the CPS prosecutor linked to her brother’s case called and wanted to pick through all that had happened with a fine tooth comb. Her past, her fears and her nightmares were invading her safety zone, and that was worse than anything else.

By the time Chris returned she’d already made her decision, she was heading home to face the music. If her problems invaded this place any further then her memories of this place would be spoilt forever.

Phil and Didi were devastated, and one knew how the boys were going to take it. Then there was leaving Chris...

                “You’re leaving?” It was a gasp of surprise than a question. And Chloe was glad that she’d chosen a restaurant for this conversation.

Nodding, ignoring the emotions ravaging his face, she picked at her seafood, “there’s  too much to organise there. And this was only ever an extended holiday Chris.” She couldn’t give in, process this too much, as it was just as hard for her to leave. But the emotion, his devastation...she reached out and placed a hand over his. “I’ve loved this time, and you’ve helped me more than you’ll ever know Chris.”

                “Helped you?” he tried not to raise his voice, but he was getting angrier by the minute. “Is that all this was?”

She shook her head, “of course not. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this happy and that’s due to you. But I always had a life to go back to, it was always inevitable that this moment would happen.”

Their main courses were delivered and they ate in silence for a moment, until Chris threw down his cutlery and a few notes to cover the food.

                “Suddenly I’m not hungry anymore.”

She had to run to catch up with him, and he finally stopped at a small green between buildings. Storming to a bench he sat and dropped his head in his hands.

Chloe stood beside him and waited until he lifted his eyes, and the sight of them, filled with tears almost broke her heart...if it wasn’t already broken and traumatised.

                “I can’t believe you can just leave after the summer we’ve had together.”

She sighed, “Chris, I have loved every minute with you, but I never said I would stay forever, I always had to go.”

He was shaking his head, “we can work something out, it’ll be hard, but I can visit, you can come to New York when I’m back then...we can do something, anything.” It was a desperate plea to his own ears, but he didn’t care. At that moment he knew he was willing to make a complete fool of himself if that was what it took.

Chloe slowly shook her head, “I have to rebuild my life darling, I have to get over the last eighteen months and start again. I can’t do that if I’m living here on a holiday!”

                “You can start again, find a career here, live with me, we can see where life takes us!” He grabbed her hand.

                “If only things were that easy! I can’t get a green card, I have no insurance, I can’t work, if you’re even suggesting I’m sort of kept woman then you don’t know me at all Petrakis!”

He dropped her hand, “I wasn’t suggesting that, I don’t know what I’m suggesting, but can’t we just try? There must be a way. We can visit each other...”

She smiled, “as nice as four weekends a year together sounds, there is no future on from that, is there? I mean you’ll never be able to come to the UK with me, not playing lacrosse.”

                “I can do more than that!” He was indignant, “I am more than just a sportsman!”

The outburst was more effective than anything else he’d said,  she really felt for him, for her, and this impossible situation. Cupping his cheek she ignored the flinch and smiled at him, “you are so so so much more than a sportsman, you’re a very good sportsman, and I know you’re intelligent, quick, there is nothing you couldn’t do. But you live for lax, you’ve let your family head off without you to protect that. So there’s NO way I’d let you consider ending all that for me.” She sighed, “I’ve thought about this Chris. I’m screwed up, really screwed up, and I need to go home to change that. I have to end this here. I hope you can see that.”

                “I’ll never agree to that. But I can’t stop you. Can I?”

As she watched him walk away, tears fell. She hated the thought of losing him, but everything she’d said was the truth. She had more baggage than so many people, and she had to sort her mind out, and bury the past finally. The logistics of things working in the future was slim for all the reasons she’d said, and she couldn’t imagine they’d see each other again. But that was something she’d learn to deal with. After all she’d dealt with losing Owen, it couldn’t be as bad as that. A voice somewhere deep in her head, reminded her quite blatantly that the mess she was in was because she hadn’t been able to deal with losing Owen.

She could only pray that this would be an easier parting to deal with.

Reasons Why - 18

Chapter 18

                “Nothing, just my father...he wants to scatter Owen’s ashes...suddenly it’s urgent!” Chloe lied. It was all she could do to protect herself.

Chris looked puzzled, “so he wants you home?” He wasn’t convinced by her explanation. She’d looked terrified during the call, hardly warranted from a plea to come home.

She was trying to gulp at air without being too obvious, wanting to regain control of her rolling brain, and the shifting room she seemed to be in, “they need to let go, move on, but I’ve put it off, for as long as I can.”

                “Shit! Chloe, I didn’t even think...”

She smiled, leading him back to the sofa and the film they were watching, sinking onto the seat gratefully. “It’s inevitable, not something I want to dwell on now, whilst I’m here. But I know I have to face the music when I go home.”

It was a sobering thought, not just her leaving, but going home to that...he really wanted to say the right thing, do the right thing. But she was distracted and flighty since the call and he couldn’t help but note the anxiety and apprehension rising in him like a toxic illness.

He left that night and it was the first night in over a week that they’d slept apart, but she’d asked him to go, to give her some space. And whilst he didn’t want to, wanted to stay with her desperately, he had to respect her wishes, and give her a little space.

Chloe woke in a cold sweat; her dream was so vivid, sat in the court opposite that animal, facing accusations and questions that she couldn’t answer. Her parents sat shaking their heads, embarrassed, people judging her.

There was no chance of anymore sleep, so she got up and headed downstairs, thinking that just maybe a glass of milk, tea...anything might help her sleep. Sat on the sofa, she curled her legs up underneath her and flicked on the TV. At this time of night she had the choice of dubious made for TV movies, or European news, she opted for the latter, watching floods hit Cornwall in the UK, and a heat wave in the Mediterranean. Then there was the start of the football season. She was trying to sleep, but every time she got tired, she saw the ugly distorted face of her brother’s killer, and the nausea and fear returned.

                “Hey? You ok?” Chloe looked up to see Phil in the doorway. “Can’t sleep?”

She shook her head, “no. I’m in a bad place tonight Phil, hoping the news of worse tragedies will brighten me up!”

                “What happened? Why are you so down?”

She sighed, “Dad phoned earlier. The trial date is set...” When he groaned and reached out to squeeze her shoulder, she added, “and I’ve been called as a witness for the defence!”

As she dissolved into a silent sob, he swore, louder than she’d ever heard him swear.

                “How the fuck did that happen?”

Shrugging she allowed him to pull her close and hug her. And they sat in silence for a moment, long moments.

Eventually Phil spoke again and they discussed the issue at length. Could she refuse? No. Could she be ambiguous in her answers, maybe? But she assured him that if she lied that it would disrespect and dishonour her brother’s memory. She just hoped that her testimony didn’t skew the jurors’ decision.

                “So is that why you sent Chris away?”

She nodded, “I can’t sully what we have with this Phil. He doesn’t need my shit.”

Phil shook his head, “the man is crazy about you. Relationships are all about the bad as well as the good times. He’ll understand, and maybe what you need is to be a little more honest, open...trust him!”

She turned to Phil, feeling her whole world caving in, “how will he understand? How can I tell him all that I did, all that I am? This last month has been a lie, I’ve played a game where there aren’t dark clouds in my mind, I don’t have a bleak past. But both here, and in real life I don’t have a future Phil. I’m tainted aren’t I? Who the hell would want me?”

Phil tried to comfort her, but instead of upset, she became angry, pushing him away. Storming out of the room she changed into her running gear and left the house, the ground passing under her pounding feet until she’d distanced herself from everything she knew. Sat on a rock overlooking the swirling early morning sea on a coast line miles from home, she glanced at her watch; it was still only five am. There were a couple of hours until she was expected to have the kids, so she had time to sit, catch her breath, and wonder how she told Chris that she was leaving, going home.

By the time she got back to the house, she was exhausted, physically and emotionally. She’d run miles along the street, then there was the barrage of emotions she’d had to deal with. Owen, his death, her role in it all. Guilt was such a destructive emotion.

Phil rushed into the hall when she opened the front door. But she kept her head low and barged past him, upstairs to the shower. She wished the jets were knives as the pain of them would take away the pain that bombarded her every thought. As she was drying herself, and sliding into her pyjamas, the door opened and a bleary eyed Carter stood there.

                “Bad dream!” he mumbled.

Putting aside a retort of ‘tell me about it’, she squatted down to his level, “oh no! Give me a hug!” He wrapped his arms around her and as she carried him downstairs, she listened to his stories of monsters in cupboards. SO glad to lose herself in something so normal, so glad that it defeated her nightmares. These two boys were the greatest tonic for her. By the time they reached the kitchen he was smiling and brave and had defeated dragons and goblins in his exaggerated tale, and she could deposit him in front of his parents and avoid any confrontation.

Sipping black coffee, she avoided the eyes of her brother who flashed looks of concerns over the head of his son, she didn’t need that now. They left for work and finally she relaxed. She didn’t want Phil telling her she was crazy, didn’t want that analysis and judgement from him. Didi was always easier, she let her talk, didn’t push issues, but Phil wanted to confront everything directly, head on, and that just wasn’t her way. With the amusement of the boys, she didn’t have time to wallow in self pity.

She’d arranged to take them to a pool that day, and they loved it. It was an hour out of town, with slides, play pools, and most importantly slides. Carter was a confident swimmer, but Chloe was still a little nervous at the thought of him leaving her side, so it was a little chaotic to allow him to ride slides but still be there to catch him, Mikey on her hip. But she managed.  When she loaded them into Didi’s car after a few hours of play and lunch, they both immediately fell asleep, exhausted.

Chloe drove in silence, shaking her head she had to snap out of this low, she’d fought so hard to come back from the edge, she couldn’t let this send her back. She’d had so many text messages and calls from Chris through the day and she’d not replied to one of them. He’d helped her heal more than he’d ever know. But she’d lied to him so much, she’d been someone else in his arms, as the centre of his devotion, friendship and oh so much more. But she only had one more week here, then she was supposed to be travelling for ten days. Then home to face the music. Chloe knew she could enjoy the time with him, but Phil was right, he did care for her, and she was hurting him more with every moment she spent with him.

The last four weeks had been heaven. A million memories created for the rest of her life, she’d never had such an attentive lover. He had more creativity, more imagination and more desire to please her than any man she’d ever met. And then there was her response to him. She blushed as she remembered the way she’d teased him, the way he’d rescued her when they first met, so romantic, and how she’d ridden him, tasted him, been explored, all with a wild abandon that was a zillion miles from the prim lawyer in London. He’d brought out the hidden siren in her and she loved him for it...she jolted, pulling the car to the side of the road.

She didn’t love him, she couldn’t. This was a temporary thing, a fling, a romance, someone, and something to make her feel human. Chloe knew she wasn’t ready to love. Her broken heart was a long way from healed.

And for the first time in a while she let her mind wander back to Owen. It was where she’d seemed to drift so much in the beginning, but for a long time she’d been able to keep away from it, no since she’d met Chris she’d been able to control her recessions into the past. But here she was there again. Stood looking down at her brother’s cold grey body. The image was more vivid than any photograph could be, from the purple bruise that marred his cheek, to the glassy appearance of those grey eyes. Guilt that it was him and not her, guilt that her parents weren’t coping, and devastation that she’d lost him forever and all because he was coming to her to apologise.

Her fault, her grief and her guilt. As it had been all her taking those pills, needing to end those feelings in the only way she could imagine.

Reasons Why - 17

Chapter 17

Chloe didn’t see his family again, they flew home the following day and Chris threw himself into his training. There was however, a real change in him, and it worried Chloe. In the time they’d been together he’d not held back, was never reticent, but in the days after his parents left he was quiet and distant.

After the third night of his ‘late training’ and avoiding of her, she borrowed Didi’s car at seven o’clock and drove to his house. He wasn’t there, but had every intention of waiting. Eight pm a car pulled into the drive behind her and she jumped out.

Chris emerged from his vintage car looking baffled, wary and possibly a little angry, “what are you doing here?” He was too polite to sound angry, but there was no humour in his voice.

Chloe crossed the ten steps to stand in front of him, “I haven’t seen you since Sunday night. It’s Wednesday. I miss you!”

Groaning he rested his hands over his face, “I can’t...” Shaking his head he dropped his hands, “I think you should leave!”

As he made for the house she refused to let him do this, “Christos Petrakis, are you running away from me?” When he didn’t answer, she added, “or are you struggling to deal with the fact that your family aren’t perfect? Because I can tell you that no one is, and we all have shit like this!”

He turned back to her, “my Dad gave me an ultimatum, give up lax, go back to the East Coast, toe the line, take over the business, or lose my family.”

                “Shit!”

Chris nodded, “shit indeed. So I have to make a choice, and accept that the man who supposedly loves me can force me to make that choice.”

                “I didn’t help that cause.” Suddenly Chloe could imagine that this was a backlash at her outburst, she’d wanted his parents to appreciate him, not disown him. But he was strong, independent, and VERY good at what he did. Looking at his lowered eyes, the haunted look on his gaunt face, she wanted to make him better. But she was leaving in two weeks; she’d be deserting him too.

Jumping up the steps, to join him at the door, she cupped his face and smiled at him, “but I was incensed at the way they treated you. You are such a wonderful man; I meant every word I said to you...and them.”

His eyes studied her face, but he couldn’t find the words to portray how he felt. So she continued, “I’ve lived in the shadow of my brother all my life, he was the funny one, the good looking one, vivacious, vicarious - you name it, it described him. I know how you’re feeling...Your sister! What a spoilt cow! Have you spoken to your other sisters? Don’t you get on with them?”

Chris shook his head, “I know you mean well Chloe, but can you honestly tell me that your parents ever disregarded your feelings, your future for him?”

She nodded, “I can! All the time! He was a great sailor, went on a course when he was about ten, after that every holiday involved boats, for him. My horse riding lessons were overshadowed, my music lessons put on the backburner. Then at sixteen he gave it all up to chase girls. We were close, but I was forced to go to the same university as him, as it was cheaper for them to have us in the same house. I wanted to go to Liverpool...he wanted London. This is the unfair nature of families!”

                “But you don’t hate him for it, or them?”

She laughed, “I gave in to his every whim too. We all loved Owen. I admit he wasn’t the most considerate, and he wasn’t as spoilt as Tiana seems to be, but he did rule the family.”

Chris slid an arm around her shoulder, “and that’s why he leaves such a void?”

It wasn’t a question that warranted an answer, and the waft of emotion that overwhelmed her caused her to lean into him, and fight a few tears. Chris kissed her forehead, and led her into the house.

Sitting together on the sofa he took her hands, and tried to contemplate all that happened, this week with his parents, but also the last month. She’d burst into his life in a ball of passion and colour, and he doubted he’d ever feel the same again. He cared more about this woman and what the future would bring than any trauma with his family. That was the real problem here he realised as he pulled her into his arms, when the shit had hit the fan with his family, that disgraceful scene in the restaurant, he’d sided with Chloe, run to be with Chloe, snubbed his family...for Chloe. And she was leaving, and suddenly couldn’t think about that, try to imagine his life without her in it.

Their lips finally met, and for both of them there were so many emotions behind the contact. For Chris there was all that he felt, and all that he feared he’d lose, but for Chloe there was the turmoil of her own past, and the insecurity of the future. Both of them wanting to live in this moment and not think about anything else.

Chloe opened her mouth to Chris’ invading tongue, it was a possessive gesture on his part, controlling, dominating. But she wasn’t intimidated, she wanted to be controlled, at that moment the thought of more rejection like the last three days was too painful. She wanted him, and was happy to be swept along with his need, his desire.

Not that she was a passive party in this relationship. Nipping at his bottom lip, snagging it between her teeth, she reminded him that she was here. Her reward was a moan, sliding out of his mouth, and she used the opportunity to push him back onto the sofa. Straddling him, she revisited his lips, and his arms tugged her flat against him, their bodies touching along their lengths from toes to nose.

                “What are you doing to me Chloe Palmer?” His voice was hoarse; a rumble against her skin, and it was sexier than anything Chloe had known.  Wriggling her hips against his groin, she was rewarded with both another moan, and his erection swelling even more against her.

                “I’d say turning you on...if this is anything to go by!” She added another wriggle and he groaned. Rolling over they both toppled to the floor, but he was over her now, back in control. Very slowly, and deliberately, he tugged at her clothing, until she was tantalising and tempting naked and waiting for her. As his fingers explored her, delved into her, teased her beyond belief, she fought the wafts of pleasure and tugged at his clothing, and as he lowered his head to replace his fingers tipping her into the abyss of an overwhelming orgasm, she gave into the sensation, knowing that he was halfway to undressed too.

As she tried to recover, Chris scooped her into his arms, and carried her upstairs. In the bedroom she watched as he removed the jeans that she’d managed to at least loosen, his t-shirt was long gone, the slinky sporty boxers he wore were extremely attractive but they disappeared too. As he strode towards him, she turned onto her knees, and with a glint in her eye that made him gasp, she reached for him, guiding him into the recesses of her mouth. Her tongue swirled, her hands raked his thighs, and Chris anchored his hands into her hair, not wanting the moment to stop.

Chloe had another early start, and hated leaving Chris in bed. Since the first time she’d slipped out without waking him, and hurt him so much, she’d promised not to do it again. So when she leaned across the bed to give him a gentle kiss, the last thing she expected was his arms to slide around her and for him to kiss her back.

                “I’m free today, so I was wondering if you and the boys wanted company?”

She grinned, “We were planning on a picnic at the beach?”

                “Perfect!”

The rest of the week was blissful, Chris joined the family frequently, Chloe spent every night with him, and it just got better. Phil loved having him around, the boys loved him, he helped Didi with the dishes after dinner, and made Chloe laugh so much. He was perfect, and she loved every minute of it. So many times she found her mind drifting, imagining times in the future, them together in a nameless place, neither his home nor hers, with no outside world. Because that was what it would take and the bubble would burst with the realisation that it was just a dream.

One evening they’d gone for a jog together, pounding the boardwalk pushing each other to run further and faster. Stopping for a breather at the bridge that led into town, she stretched her calf as Chris leaned over the bridge and watched the water swirl.

                “You know half the team have been taking about this hottie jogger that treads these boards. And none of them know it’s you, and that I have the pleasure of seeing below the hot running gear!”

She glanced over her shoulder, “you perving Petrakis?”

Moving behind her he brushed against her buttocks in a very suggestive way, “let’s just say I’m waiting for the shower when we get home!”

Straightening her running shorts, she shook her head, “you sir, are one helpless man!”

Laughing he slapped her backside then started running back in the direction they’d come, “last one home is on foot massage duty!”

As he disappeared into the distance she smiled to herself, she had every confidence that she could tempt the reverse out of him, he was putty in her hands, she knew that much.

Sunday evening, Chloe and Chris were babysitting for the boys, Phil and Didi were at a golf dinner when the phone rang. It was never for her, but she always answered out of courtesy, and as she lifted the handset, she instantly recognised her father’s solemn voice.

                “Dad? How are you? I haven’t spoken to you in ages!”

He sighed, and Chloe could imagine him pacing the kitchen with the phone in his hand, he could never keep still, “Chloe, Max Bremmer called earlier.”

The World stopped moving, Chloe felt as though she was falling rapidly through an endless hole. There was no end, no one or nothing to stop her. Max Bremmer was her old boss, or rather the senior partner at the law firm she’d worked at for five years. And the defending lawyer for Malcolm Pinker, her brother’s murderer.

                “Chloe are you there?” Her father was concerned at the silence the lack of response from his daughter, and his voice got louder, “Chloe?”

                “Mmm.”She managed to mutter, then listened as he informed her she was being called up as a witness in court, by the defence.  She was being subpoenaed to support Malcolm Pinker’s defence.  It didn’t make sense, it confused and scared her, and all she could do was acknowledge the fact, then hang up, before she broke down.

By now Chris had turned around to see what she was doing, and as he watched her pale in front of his eyes, he rushed to catch her as she stumbled away from the phone.

                “You ok? What is it?”

Chloe looked up at his concerned face, knowing that explaining the phone call would take a weight off her mind, but then he’d need to know why they’d called her up, how she could possibly be able to over any support to that man...and there were places that she couldn’t go...wouldn’t go. 

Reasons Why - 16

Chapter 16

 

Chloe fought the urge to scream, but in her haste to pull herself to her feet, she misjudged the floor of the pool and slipped under the water, emerging with a splutter. A hand wrapped around her arm and she was almost lifted out of the water by Chris, who stood watching her intently.

As she coughed and wiped the water from her eyes, Chris’ concern gave way to humour and he could barely fight the laughter that was rising in his throat. His father was stood beside him looking a little stunned, and convinced that Chloe was an intruder.

                “You ok?” he finally asked her, tilting her chin to meet her eyes. When she nodded, he grinned, “I thought you were going back to Phil’s!”

                “I was,” she hissed, “but I got really hot doing YOUR work, so I had a quick swim. It was so pleasant I relaxed for a bit...I must have fallen asleep!”

Handing her a towel, he couldn’t stop grinning, “Looks like you will be meeting my parents after all.” Turning, he smiled at his father who was still looking confused, “Dad, this is my friend Chloe, Chloe this is my father, Spiros Petrakis.”

Chloe moved towards the older man and shook his hand, “pleased to meet you Mr Petrakis, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

There was a hint of suspicion as his eyes glanced between Chris and Chloe, but then he relaxed slightly and offered, “I wish I could say the same about you!”

Chloe chuckled, pleased that the attention had been thrown back to Chris.

               

                “Dad, I had no idea that Chloe was here, I would’ve warned you otherwise. Have your swim; I’ll take Chloe in to meet Mom. We can talk later.”

They’d not made it to the door when there was a splash that signified his father diving into the cool pool. In the kitchen stood a woman, obviously cooking.

                “Mom?” His mother turned then jumped in surprise to see someone else in the kitchen. “This is my friend Chloe; she fell asleep out the garden and scared Dad half to death! Chloe, this is my mother, Kassandra.”

                “Nice to meet you Mrs Petrakis!” Chloe once again offered her hand, despite her pleasantries, neither parent had been gushing in their greeting, but then she was a rather unannounced surprise. The older woman nodded her head, she was glamorous in a middle age Sex in the City kind of way, her black leggings and white top were both gold trimmed, then there was her matching shoes. Her hair and make-up were immaculate, a copper bob that tucked neatly under her chin with perfect light make up. Chloe had never looked that perfect in her life.

As Chris, aware of the slight awkwardness, tried to explain with as little fuss as possible how Chloe came to be asleep in the garden, a whirlwind appeared through the door from the hallway.

All three glanced at the commotion, and were rewarded with a young girl depositing a whole set of bedding - sheets, pillows and duvet on to the work surface.

                “Mama! It smells! I can’t have this on my bed.”

So this was the infamous Tiana Petrakis, the nineteen year old youngest sibling. Chris had warned her about the spoilt nineteen year old, and as Chloe studied her she was stunned, she was beyond beautiful, with her rich long chestnut hair, deep chocolate eyes and beautiful tanned complexion. But her beauty was shadowed by the grotesque scowl plastered across it.

Chloe could feel the tension in Chris as he took a deep breath, “Tiana! This is my house, if you have a problem don’t squeal to ‘Mama’, speak to me. It’s detergent. That’s all you can smell! That bedding was fresh on an hour ago. Grow up!”

                “Christos! Please!” His mother placed a hand on his shoulder, and Chloe almost gagged at the expression on her face as she gazed adoringly at her youngest child. “You know your sister had allergies. She needs to sleep, we all do. Don’t be hard on her!”

Despite all that he’d said, she’d dismissed Chris’ comments about his youngest sister, but here it was harder to ignore and quite honestly she was shocked, and disgusted.

Chris shook his head, “hard? Yeah right! There is no alternative here. Unless you want to buy some from Wal Mart or something!”

Talia nodded and for the first time looked at him with a smile.

                “Oh no Tiana. I am NOT going for you. If you have the issue you go. I’m taking Chloe home. It’s up to you!”

His mother interjected again, “we don’t know where the shops are darling.”

He groaned, “I knew this would happen. Jeez! Welcome to my home all!”

Storming out of the house, Chloe had to trot to keep up with him, “shall we take Didi’s car?”

                “Shit.” His anger deflated like a popped balloon, “I forgot that was here. You drive home, I’ll follow...will you come with me?”

She nodded with a smile, “Of course.”

There was something very intimate about shopping for bedding as a couple. Linked hands strolling up and down aisles of the shop. She couldn’t help but chuckle when he finally selected a Disney Princess set, all pink and diamonds. Childish fabrics for a childish girl. She wasn’t in a rush to be there when he handed that over.

                “I still can’t forget my father’s face when he found you in the pool!”

They were sat on the veranda back at Phil’s drinking diet coke from ice cold cans. Chloe couldn’t help but blush, she’d been party to more than she imagined when she fell asleep in the water, and now she had more insight into Chris’ life than she had a few hours earlier.

                “It was all a little ugly...” her face still heated at the memory of the discomfort that situation had caused.

He shook his head and placed a finger over her lips, “hauling you out of the pool, all wet and almost naked...” he grinned, “put it like this, it was all a bit awkward trying to hide my hard on from my father!”

She glanced sideways at him, “really? For that?” She ran a finger up her side, lifting the light cotton vest to reveal firstly her trim stomach, and then that vivid red and blue bikini top that instantly brought a groan to his lips. “May be I’ve got a cure for that?”

With her sexiest grin she stood and made for the door, but had barely reached the stair case when he caught her, and dragged her down to the floor...neither of them could make it any closer to her attic bedroom.

Chloe refused to dine with his family that evening, despite his pleas; she had no desire to make small talk with them. It was only ten pm when Chris was rapping at the door. They spent a few hours curled up in her attic bedroom, reacquainting themselves with each other, and Chris forgetting about the hell he’d left behind.

The next evening, Sunday, Chloe was going to Chris’ game with Phil and Carter, and of course the Petrakis family were all in attendance. Chloe again kept her distance, though she had agreed to meet them all for dinner that evening. Phil dropped her off at the restaurant giving her a nudge of encouragement.

Chris had chosen the best restaurant in town, a speciality fish place that overlooked the harbour. Chloe was there first and followed the maître’d to the table on the veranda. She ordered a white wine and sighed a deep breath. She wasn’t looking forward to the evening.

Hearing a noise across the room, Chloe turned her head to see Tiana burst into the quiet dining room dressed in what could only be described as a bra, with a low slung long skirt. She stood out like a sore thumb in the conservative restaurant; this was what Owen would have deemed a posh place. Eyes all around the room darted to the girl as she sashayed through the tables in an almost pornographic way. Chris followed behind with a scowl on his face; he’d never looked so uncomfortable.

The parents brought up the area, beaming around the room as they followed.

Chris slid into the seat next to her, stooping to kiss her cheek. As his lips touched her skin, he breathed, “I’m SO glad you’re here. I need you!”

Turning her face, she met his lips with hers, and gave him a swift kiss, hoping that he could read her support in the gesture. 

His parents sat opposite them either side of the Princess Tiana like a lopsided board meeting. The atmosphere was tight, so after ordering drinks everyone consulted the menu.

                “So, Mr Petrakis, Chris tells me you love golf?” It was an immediate hit. Spiros Petrakis seemed to be equally as enthralled with the sport as her father. Soon he was describing his favourite weekend trips in the Garden State. Chris smiled on appreciatively as the merits of various drivers gave way to exploits at the driving range. Chloe was never more grateful for those torturous trips over the years with her father and Owen to a variety of local courses.

                “Daddy,” a whining voice came from the opposite side of the table, and Tiana, who'd spent the last few minutes scowling, drew attention back to herself. “Did Mama tell you that Lebrun Lipstick called me back after the audition?”

Spiros smiled his face suddenly bisected by a proud smile, “she did Petal, and we are SO pleased!”

Chris groaned, he’d obviously heard this story a dozen times. Kassandra turned to Chloe with a gloating grin; she was starting to hate this family. “Tiana is on the verge of a modelling career she’d so beautiful it’s only what she deserves!”

It’s a pity that beauty is only skin deep she thought as she linked her fingers with Chris’ under the table.

The meal was delivered to the table, and finally the in depth discussion about Tiana’s fifteen minute interview had stopped.

                “So Mrs Petrakis, do you get home to Greece very often? I’ve only been to Athens once, and I loved it. The Acropolis is beautiful; I don’t think I’ve ever been somewhere that has made me feel so at one with history!”

Kassandra’s eyes widened in surprise, “we went last year. There aren’t many family members left anymore! And you’re right about the atmosphere there, I always think you could almost see the Greek God’s of Mythology there. It’s amazing!"

Chris laughed, “Do you remember taking me there when I was about ten and I cried I was so scared!”

Chuckling Spiros laid down his glass, “you’d spent weeks reading all about it but then thought that every breath of wind was a ghost as all the stories were about Gods from the past! You were white as a sheet!”

He groaned, as all four burst into laughter. “Is this all laugh at Chris day?” But he wasn’t self conscious and laughed as hard. Chloe noticed the sour face of his sister, but ignored it.

Chloe’s sole was beautiful and she had to pause from talking to devour the pale delicate fish.

                “So when are you coming back to New York?” Spiros asked Chris. “I want to finish work now, take your mother off on trips...but I don’t want anyone but you to step into my shoes.”

Chris groaned, this was obviously a common bone of contention between him and his father. “Dad you know I won’t be doing this forever, but I enjoy it. I don’t want to argue with you over this, but I’m not interested in giving up my dreams...you know that!”

Spiros scowled, and Chloe realised this was his ploy, to pin him down in front of others, bully him in to doing what the older man wanted. Tantamount to bullying in Chloe’s eyes.

                “He’s very good at lacrosse,” she offered, “and more than a celebrity around here. It’s great!”

Chris squeezed her thigh glad of her support, but Spiros was determined to berate the fallibility of playing sport against the reliability of his diverse business. Chloe wanted to laugh, to point out that Chris was not just living his dream, but he was damn good at it...and he was investing heavily for the future. He had properties, had ideas for his future. It just seemed a little sad that they didn’t appreciate all that he was.

                “So what do you do Chloe?” Kassandra was looking at her intently, and she was pleased that she seemed interested in her. The meal had been hard work but it was obviously paying off, the coolness of his family had eased.

                “I’m here visiting my brother at the moment, looking after my nephews. I’ve been working as a junior lawyer back home. But I’m between jobs at the moment.”

                “What law?” Spiros asked, his awkward conversation with Chris forgotten.

                “Criminal.” She replied reaching for her wine. She hated looking at the older couple because sat between them was the sullen face of Tiana.

As she named the company she had recently left, a crash preceded Kassandra’s full glass of red wine falling over shattering and spraying thick red liquid all over Chloe’s meal, and pale silk blouse. Chloe gasped, but as Chris reached for a napkin to dab at her ruined top, and Kassandra looked absolutely stunned, Tiana did a poor job of hiding her grin.

She had done this on purpose, Chloe was convinced of that, after all she’d tried to sabotage any attempt at conversation that didn’t involve her, and whilst Chloe was there she was another person to take attention away from her.

                “You did that on purpose!” Chloe looked down at her ruined top and sighed. “What a bitch!”

Kassandra gasped, “Excuse me! That was an accident, and I don’t appreciate you accusing like this!”

Chloe sighed, “People don’t grin at accidents.”

                “Mama?”

Chloe groaned as the older woman reached out a hand and laid it over her daughter’s in sympathy, “you know how people act when they’re jealous of you!”

                “Jealous?” She fought not to raise her voice. Chris was desperately trying to calm her, but she had no obligation to these people, and they didn’t deserve him either. “You are a spoilt brat, and you tipped that wine deliberately. You hate not being the centre of attention! SO immature!”

                “Now hang on young lady!” Spiros was half stood, trying to defend his daughter.

Chloe shook her head, “it’s ok Mr Petrakis, I’m leaving! I’ve seen enough of this farce.” She reached for her bag, then shook her head as Chris made to stand, she wanted him to stay. “You have a wonderful son Mrs Petrakis, one of the most charming, beautiful and successful men I’ve ever met. It’s just a pity you can’t appreciate him a fraction of the amount you do that brat. It’s scandalous! It really is.”

Then with her head held high, she marched out of the building. She’d barely reached the road when Chris’ arm wrapped around her from behind.

Turning in his arms she shook her head, “You should’ve stayed.”

He shook his head, “I saw her hit over the glass...intentionally. That’s typical Tiana behaviour.” He pulled her into his arms, “but no one ever stands up for me normally.”

She thrust her lips on to his as a waft of emotions threatened to cause tears to fall, poor Chris. He deserved so much better. And as the realisation hit her that he'd chosen her over his family, she knew she’d eventually desert him and hurt him when she left more than they had.