9 - I Felt Like Sticking Up For Myself

 We made our way toward the elevator, and Chris wasted no time filling me in on some of his family gossip. 

“So my dad has actually been married three times, yet he thinks he’s the world’s foremost resource on relationship advice. 

I am from his first marriage, my mom lives in NYC. That’s where they were for a long time, we lived there until I was 16, then they split. He was sleeping with his lawyer, the classic story you know. 

They didn’t have a prenup though, I mean he didn't have much when they first met. My mom ever imagined he would screw her over like he tried to do. My mom got a lawyer that wasn't afraid of him, and really fought him, he was horrible to her, there’s a lot there I don’t get into but it’s touchy for me. 

In the end she got what she was owed and I don’t think they have spoken since. He remarried a few years later, but that didn’t last too long but they didn’t have kids. 

As it would happen, my dad had many affairs while he was with my mom, and one was with his now wife, Helen. Helen was the daughter of one of his business partners and they had a son together, but it was all kept under wraps.

I didn’t even know until I was 23 that I had a brother, and by that time he was 14 or 15. They wanted us all to be one big happy family but I wasn’t really having it. I hated Helen intensely, still pretty much do. I just make nice for the sake of keeping the peace, I mean ... you'll see how she is.  

I wanted to do my own thing, I didn’t go into dad’s business, I wanted to prove myself and stand on my own. My brother has shown a bit of interest in the family business but they have intense disagreements about it all and I just stay out of it. I don't care much about whatever they do,” Chris explained.

We reached the front of the restaurant and I really wanted to continue our conversation, I loved learning more about him. I loved just listening to him really.

“What’s your family's business anyhow,” I asked curiously. 

“Transportation, we own an airline that does cargo freight, trucking companies and several shipping companies, logistics and stuff. 

I don’t have any interest in it all. My current interest is standing in front of me,” he said, kissing my cheek with a smirk. 

He interlaced our hands and it made me warm all over. I was pleased that he was still being affectionate with me in public, it wasn't like he was just trying to hide me behind closed doors.

I blushed as the hostess said, “right this way Mr. Maxwell,” staring daggers at me. Yeah honey, he's TAKEN!

The hostess led us to their table and there was an older man that could easily be Chris’ twin, with an additional 25 years or so. 

The woman looked bored and like she would rather be anywhere else. Her eyes immediately went to me and looked me up and down with great curiosity. 

“There he is,” boomed Chris’ father. 

“I’m right on time, not even late,” Chris protested. 

I definitely noticed that they didn't even hug. I certainly hugged my family when seeing them. I guess not everyone was like that though. 

Chris held out my chair. I sat down and he helped scoot me to the table. 

“Eve, this is my dad Phil and my step-mom Helen. Dad, Helen, this is my girlfriend, Eve,” Chris said with a smile. 

WHOA girlfriend huh?! I was stunned.

I didn’t know we were going there, I expected to be “friend” or “date.” I tried my best not to show my shock and kept it moving.

I smiled, “pleasure to meet you both.” 

The hostess was still lingering and Chris ordered drinks for us since his parents already had theirs. 

“Well Chris you said you were bringing a date but I didn’t know you were serious with someone already,” Helen said, matter of fact. 

Chris looked at me and took my hand, he kissed the back of it. 

"Well when you know, you just know.” 

I blushed and looked up to gauge her reaction. She looked positively repulsed and gawked at Phil, expecting him to speak. I felt like she even kicked him under the table. 

“Well the chef’s special tonight is what I’m having, he only does it a couple times a year so you have to jump at the chance,” Phil said, putting down his menu. 

I glanced at the menu to see it was some type of seafood dish, and I hated seafood. 

“The steak is amazing here baby, that’s my old stand-by. They have these little potatoes that are just--” 

Chris was cut off by Helen. 

“Have you spoken to your brother lately,” she said with proud eyes. 

“He’s really taking an interest in the business lately, we’re so proud of him.” 

Oh boy, just jump right into it, I thought. 

“Good for him, I’m up for partner, and I should find out by the end of next week. I don’t think it’s really a competition though, I’ve got it in the bag,” Chris said, grabbing the drink that just arrived. 

Helen cleared her throat obnoxiously. “And Eve … what do you do,” she asked. 

I'd say she was just making conversation but I could tell she was a nosy bitch.

Put on your best polite face Eve!

“Well I’m finishing my undergrad, I’m studying international relations at American University. I’m from upstate New York but I’m likely going to stay here once I’m done, seems like D.C. has by far more opportunities. 

I’m still on the fence about whether or not to just keep going and get my masters but I still have time to decide,” I said, sipping my wine. 

Damn, that’s delicious. That's rich people wine for sure.

“You’re still a student? That's a nice bracelet, is Chris paying your tuition, in addition to the gifts,” Helen asked, without a second thought, half laughing. 

Wow, really?

I looked at Chris, but he quickly answered.

“Are you serious Helen, that’s what you want to know, are we really going there? That's rich coming from someone who hasn't worked a day in her life,” Chris said, angry. 

Helen looked at Phil again expecting some help but Phil didn’t want to be bothered. However, I felt like sticking up for myself.

“No ma’am, I have a scholarship and a grant. My parents cover some and I make up the rest myself,” I said, keeping eye contact with her. 

Phil cleared his throat and chimed in, “so I hear Caleb could barely keep up on the court this morning, was dragging ass all over the place. Just like his father! He always used to drag me out to watch him play, how dreadful. I don’t envy you there!” 

Okay, so this is awkward.

I glanced at Helen and she was people watching, and made little comments about other women's outfits, or purses. 

Chris held the menu in front of us both and spoke in a whisper about different things on it.

The waiter finally came, perfect timing! 

We all ordered, and it was immediately awkward again. 

Helen brought up the wedding of one of her cousins and I felt Chris’ hand on my thigh, just mindlessly caressing it. I could tell he desperately wanted to be anywhere else. 

I put my hand on his thigh as well and he smiled. 

The rest of dinner went much as expected with Helen getting in a few more jabs and Chris clapping back. Chris seemed defeated and like he could only keep up the banter for so long. 

All the while his father just sat back like he was used to it. 

I hated that he didn’t stick up for his son. Maybe it was because my dad was my best friend and we never had a cross word for each other.

The ride back up to our room was totally quiet, I didn’t want to break the silence. We held hands, our fingers interlaced. 

Chris had pulled his tie apart so it was undone and he looked so damn sexy. 

“Would you … can you stay here with me tonight,” he asked, stroking my cheek with his free hand. 

“Of course,” I said softly, rubbing his cheek with my thumb.

Honestly, I'd be pissed if I had to leave actually. He turned his face into the palm of my hand and I put my head on his chest. We walked down the hall to our room like that, walking as one. 

We stepped into the room and Chris removed his tie and dress jacket. 

He scooped me up and I giggled softly. It seemed like he just desperately needed a distraction and I was going to give it to him, not because he was paying me. Because he was a great guy, and I fucking wanted him.