Stripped - By Brenda Rothert Page 0,72
Audrey and Sara. You helped me see what I needed to see. And this … it’s a fresh start. The girls will be at a really good school, and it’ll be nice to be closer to you.”
“Do you want to talk about it? How did your Mom take it?”
“She was mad, but she went anyway,” Abby shrugged.
“And she just gave you the girls?”
“I offered her money.”
Chris nodded knowingly.
“How much did it cost you?” he asked.
“Nothing. When the time came, she refused the money. She…cried, actually, and thanked me for taking them. Said she knows she’s a bad influence.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with it?”
“I am. It was time. I’ll never stop hoping she’ll get it together. But this is what’s best for me and Audrey and Sara. And Justin, too. He needs to break away from us and be a normal 20-year-old.”
Chris smiled as he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it.
“Have you made a deal on one of these yet?” he asked.
“No, but I hope to tomorrow.”
“Before you do, there’s another place I think you might like. Will you look at it?”
“Sure. Is it closer to your apartment?”
“No, it’s a little further out, actually, but I think you’ll like it.”
“I’m freezing, let’s get back inside. Justin’s got the girls all afternoon. What are we going to do?”
“I’ve got a few ideas,” he said, grinning. “I’ll warm you up in a hurry.”
Reed was animated and happy as he related an anecdote about his shift the night before, and Chris smiled, though he wasn’t really listening.
Charlotte, who was grating fresh parmesan cheese onto the Caesar salad she had made, was also smiling at Reed but watching Chris from the corner of her eye.
“Something on your mind, Chris?” she asked as he stared down at the dark wood table.
“Hmm? Oh, no.”
“You seem preoccupied.”
“Yeah, you do, what’s up?” Reed said, serving Charlotte’s salad into bowls for the three of them.
“I don’t know,” Chris said, shrugging. “I guess it’s this nagging feeling I’ve got. Things are finally good with Abby, and it’s what I’ve wanted since I met her, but something’s bothering me.”
Charlotte and Reed looked at him expectantly, and Chris sighed. He paused, trying to think of the best way to say what he was thinking.
“What is it?” Reed finally asked.
“Irony, I guess. She’s always been insecure and felt like she wasn’t good enough for me. We’re past that, now, but the truth is, I’ve realized I’m not good enough for her.”
“How so?” Charlotte asked, looking puzzled and soon after, worried. “God, Chris, tell me you haven’t cheated on her.”
“No, no, nothing like that.” He looked back at the table, lost in thought for a few seconds. “The thing about Abby is … she’s the best person I’ve ever known. I’m not just saying that because I’m sleeping with her or because she’s beautiful. She’s smart, resilient, and just so … good. She’s been supporting her deadbeat mother and taking care of her brother and two sisters for most of her life, and she doesn’t even see it as a sacrifice. I’m selfish. What have I ever done for someone else that was a sacrifice? I’m so shallow compared to her.”
“Where is this coming from, Chris?” Charlotte asked. “You’re a great person.”
“I get what you’re saying, man,” Reed said. “I felt the same way when Charlotte and I started getting serious.”
“What?” Charlotte turned toward him, looking shocked.
“Yeah, I did, but I never said anything. I had everything I ever wanted growing up, and more. You know, you seemed embarrassed about taking me home to your Mom’s little three bedroom ranch, but honestly, I was embarrassed about taking you to meet my parents on their yacht. It felt so pretentious, especially after meeting your Mom, and having her make us meatloaf and chocolate chip cookies. She worked hard when you were growing up, and she made you into a hard worker, too. You worked your way through medical school. What have I ever had to work for?”
“Reed, I never knew you felt this way,” Charlotte said, covering his hand with her own. He shrugged.
“I guess I got past it.” He turned back to Chris. “I got past it when I realized this was the real deal. This was the woman I wanted as my partner. I wanted her to be the mother of my children. And I try to be deserving of her by being a good husband.”
“Reed …” Charlotte squeezed her husband’s hand as his words sank in.
Though Reed had his