When Christopher paused deliberately, my heart almost stopped beating. If we weren’t in public, I would’ve leaped onto him and pinched him forcefully.
After shooting me an assuring look, Christopher replied, “Mom, you know her too. Why are you so forgetful? Ms. Tanner gave you your favorite walnut cookies on Dad’s birthday. I remember you only shared it with Dad that night and refused to spare me one. I would never forget that.”
“I’m old and forgetful,” came Julia’s cool reply. “Can’t you hold your stuff yourself? Stop bullying her. Put the shopping bag in the car instead of asking her to hold it.”
“Chris, you shouldn’t bully women, especially a married woman. If someone else finds out, they will mock us,” said Shelley. Her unkind statement sounded like she was insinuating that Christopher and I were involved in an immoral relationship. Frowning, I racked my brains to recall when did I offend this woman.
“Shelley, don’t worry about it. I paid Ms. Tanner to carry my stuff. Who dares to mock me? I can help that person carry their stuff as long as they can offer me what I want, right?” Christopher replied nonchalantly while lighting up a cigarette.
“Chris, you’re smoking again. How many times I’ve said that smoking is bad for your health? You always like to smoke in front of me, huh?”
“See? Monica cares so much about you. What an ungrateful brat,” reprimanded Julia as she tugged on Christopher’s earlobe. “I’ll ask the driver to send Ms. Tanner back home. Let’s go to Clove Eatery now. Monica has two movie tickets. I don’t have time to watch the movie with her, so you should go with her.”
I realized Monica had retreated backward while frowning at Christopher. There was a hint of tenderness in her gaze as she stared at Christopher adoringly. I felt uncomfortable with her action. After all, the man she was staring at was my boyfriend, yet I could not and dared not admit it.
I was nothing compared to Monica. Clearly, Julia adored her and treated her as a future daughter-in-law. It was obvious by the way she kept trying to match them up. As her love rival, my only advantage was that Christopher loved me.
Monica was born into an influential family and had graduated overseas. She was also a famous pianist. On the other hand, I had nothing to boast about.
“Mom, are you seriously asking me to watch a yucky romance movie? I’ll fall asleep during the movie. Ask Shelley to watch the movie with Monica. Darius is busy inspecting some upgrading work in the city, so he’s too busy to spend time with her. Alright, that’s enough. I need to go now. Zachary is waiting for me,” declared Christopher hastily.
He wagged a finger at me. “Well? Why are you standing there? Hurry up and bring the stuff to my car.”
Finally, the ordeal was about to end. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and gripped the huge bag in my hand, about to leave. Suddenly, Shelley stopped me and asked, “Chris, what did you buy? This is such a huge bag.”
She reached out promptly to open the bag. My mind went completely blank. Shit. It’s full of condoms and random mysterious adult stuff. How should I explain and pretend I know nothing about them?
Christopher grabbed her arm to stop her. “Shelley, some men’s stuff isn’t suitable to show women.”
“Huh? You’re being secretive.” Shelley’s interest was piqued.
“Of course. Only Zachary and the others can go through the bag. Are you sure you want to take a look?” In return, Christopher folded his arms and gestured for Shelley to go ahead.
“Shelley, stop it. Some things are better left unknown.” Julia gave a dismissive wave and ordered, “We’ll be waiting for you at Clove Eatery. If you don’t show up, I’ll tell your dad tonight that you bullied me and Monica.”
“Mom, you’re no longer young. Don’t you feel shy saying that in public?” Christopher seemed exasperated.
Seeing that, I finally realized where Christopher got his childish and coy actions from.
