Keep Left

I woke up to an empty hotel suite another morning. Yanis has been spending a lot of time with Machen. I couldn’t bring myself to leave knowing he wanted to be near his dad. I was working remote for my clients in the States. I would fax or email my sketches for approval. I was paid via money apps.

I didn’t want to buy a home here until I knew for sure that I wanted to stay. Luckily, Jacob owned the hotel I lived in and told them I would be the only tenant for the room I was in. He said that no matter the nature of our friendship or relationship it would be mine. He even drafted documents to support this claim. He said it was compensation for a job well done.

I had just showered and was going to read since I had nothing else to do when my phone pinged, alerting me of a message. It was Jacob.

“Get dressed, we’re going out tonight. I know you have declined my advances, but as your friend I need to show you what Paris has to offer. You will not waste away in your apartment.”

I messaged him back right away before he showed up and actually dragged me away.

“Jacob, while the thought is nice, not tonight. I’ve been up to my eyeballs in requisitions and completing orders from the States, all I want to do is relax with a good book.”

He replied just as fast

“Let me bring the food to you then and before you say no I already anticipated you saying no, so I ordered takeout. I just want to be in your presence.”

I took a moment to think about his offer. He was always nice to me. We had worked on several of his businesses together. He chose me to design them. I finally convinced myself in the past that I was afraid to take a chance on someone else for fear of being hurt again. I thought about all the times I turned Jacob down and he accepted my declination. He messaged again.

“I’m sorry Chloe. Have a good night. Enjoy your book.”

I decided I wanted to take a chance again. I hoped I wasn’t making a mistake. I messaged him back.

“Give me a ten minutes to change into appropriate clothes. I accept your invitation.”

“Really? I’ll see you soon beautiful”

I pulled myself out of the chair and wondered what I should wear. I decided on a red dress and black heels. I put on a necklace and a puff of perfume. I ran my fingers through my hair after dabbing it with water. My curls appeared and I gave attention to my lips. Just as I was finishing up the doorbell sounded.

I opened the door to find Jacob in casual wear and bags of food. He had a bodyguard with him. I hadn’t seen him before. I guess he was Machen’s replacement. I welcomed them in and after the food was placed on the table the bodyguard turned to leave.

“Chloe, this is Martyn. He will be working with me to compensate Machen’s part time schedule.”

“Nice to meet you miss Chloe”

“Likewise, Martyn. Thank you for all this food. You and Jacob brought too much.”

“Well, I didn’t know what Yanis would like to eat, so I got some of everything.”

“Oh... He’s with his father tonight. He usually stays with him on his off days. It’s just me.”

“Oh, okay then. I guess we do have too much then. I’m sorry, I’ll get Martyn to take it away after we have had our fill.”

“We can save it for tomorrow unless you’re busy”

“I’m free for you anytime, Chloe. So, what made you change your mind about the book?”

“The fact you’re so nice to me and I’ve not given you a chance to prove me wrong about why I have chosen not to put myself out there. Thank you for thinking of Yanis.”

“No problem, and what is the reason you were afraid of putting yourself out there again? I mean I think I know why.”

“That and I’m just afraid of being let down again. My heart has been broken by all the men I loved-“

“Let me be the first, to not break your heart. Chloe, I’m thankful for this opportunity. Let’s eat.”

We ate and continued talking. We settled into talking about our upbringing. We laughed about him making a water slide on the stairs of his mom’s home. He had gotten pasta sauce on the side of his mouth. Out of instinct, I wiped it away and he stared at me deeply. I blushed under his intense gaze. There was silence for a few moments before he spoke again.

“I haven’t felt the care of my mom in the three years she’s been gone. When you wiped the sauce off my face, it reminded me of my mom. When I was younger, I always got food in my jaws. She focused on cleaning me up, the same way you just did.”

“That’s sweet. I hate I’ll never get to meet her.”

“She would’ve loved you. I blamed myself for the longest for not settling down and giving her grandkids so she could know I was going to be okay without her.”

“I’m sure she knew the son she raised. You’re a prized possession. I’m honestly shocked you don’t have many women in your arm”

“I don’t get why some men like to casually have sex with women. I guess knowing my mom gave herself to my dad and got me in return instead of the love she thought they shared. I rather my wife know that I’m all hers. I mean don’t get me wrong, I partied too hard after mom passed away and found myself trying to numb the pain. I slept with a woman for the first time in my life after she passed. I liked the rush of it all, but I felt bad when she got up and left me, telling me it was just sex.”

“I’m sorry Jacob.”

“No, it’s okay. I just didn’t want you to think I was innocent.”

“I didn’t think that.”

She winked at me and I smiled. I had ordered dessert as well and offered her some, but she declined. She told me she was full, stuffed. I helped her clear away all we had consumed and refrigerate the remaining cartons of food. She has decorated nicely and I expected nothing less from an engineer as great as her. She offered me a seat on the couch.

I honestly thought she was getting ready to put me out. She offered me a glass of wine, but I declined. She told me she ordered it because she thought I drank. I told her I did, but I didn’t want to ruin a perfect evening.

She asked me about my goals for the future, changing the subject.

“I hope to have all of my projects completed within the next five years or so. I hope to settle down and maybe start a family of my own.”

“That sounds amazing. How many projects do you have pending?”

“15! Thanks to you.”

“Glad I could help.”

She smiled and before I could ask her about herself the doorbell rang. It was after midnight so I was curious who was coming over this late. She excused herself to answer the door.

I went to answer the door completely oblivious to who would be coming over this late. I was kind of angry my happy time was being interrupted. I opened the door to see Machen holding Yanis with a casted arm.

“Oh my gosh, Machen what happened?”

“He fell at the park. He and another kid got into a pushing match and his arm lost.”

“Where were you when this happened?”

“It’s my fault, Chloe. I took Yanis to the park and Machen met us there. By the time I got up from the bench, the other kid had shoved him to the ground. Machen took him to see the doctor right away.”

“Lena! Why were you out with Yanis by yourself. I know you’re his grandmother but you’re up in age and even you need help with an active child like Yanis. In the house he’s contained so much assistance may not be required, but I definitely need an extra set of hands when we go out. It wasn’t my place to tell Machen that as he has Ava, I only assumed he knew a small child is no cake walk!”

“Your anger is expected and justified. I’m sorry Chloe, he kept asking for you, but fell asleep on the way here. Oh I see you have company. I do apologize. Mr DeSantis.”

“Hello, Machen. I can take Yanis to his room if you need a minute Chloe.”

“No it’s fine. My poor baby has a broken arm. I wasn’t there. I’m such a bad mom. I’m so sorry Yanis!”

“It’s no one’s fault Chloe, he was just being a kid! They get hurt some times. It’s apart of growing up. He thinks the cast is cool.”

“It isn’t! He’s never been injured before. You didn’t even call me and let me know he was hurt! Why not Machen?”

“Because I’m his father or did you fucking forget?”

“Hey man, don’t speak to her that way. Chloe are you okay?”

“Machen, language your son can still hear you. Obviously, you’re upset so why don’t you leave Yanis with his mother and take a breather.”

“How could I forget you are his father, Machen? He looks every bit of you with my eyes. I’ve nurtured and cared for him for years and not once did he sustain an injury. I leave him with you and he comes back with a cast. That’s eye opening and alarming. But what’s got me ticked is you thinking I’d be okay with it because he’s a kid and kids get hurt. He’s not just any child, he’s mine! Get out of my apartment!”

“Ch-“

“Out!”

“Mommy! Why are you yelling? I hurt my arm and it’s hurting a little. Can you make it all better?”

“Of course I can, buddy. I forgot I was inside for a moment. I’m sorry I yelled and woke you.”

“Mommy, who’s that?”

“Oh, this is Mr DeSantis. He and I work together. He came over and brought us food.”

“You did? Thanks, Mr DeSantis.”

“You already ate Yanis are you hungry again? I would’ve got you more to eat.”

“No need, Jacob brought plenty for us to eat.”

“Can I have some mommy?”

“Ye-“

“No!”

“Machen, if you’re upset because I brought food don’t be. I brought it for the three of us. And Chloe and I-“

“You don’t owe him an explanation! This is my home and what I do in it is none of his business.”

“My son lives here so it is my business, Chloe!”

“Is Jacob bringing us food going to cause harm to Yanis? We ate well over 5 hours ago and I feel more energized than I did when he first got here. I was having a good time until the door bell rang and I discovered my son was hurt. You’ve caused more harm to Yanis than Jacob has.”

“Mommy, don’t fight with daddy. I hurt my arm because the other kid was being mean. He said neither you or daddy wanted me that’s why my grandma was the one to bring me to play. All the other kids were laughing at me and then he pushed me. I pushed him back and he shoved me.”

“Oh Yanis, mommy is so sorry he was mean to you. If I was there I’d of shoved him back for you”

“It’s okay mommy. I got a cool cast, but my arm is hurting now.”

“Let me get you medicine”

“Where is his medicine?”

“I didn’t pick it up yet as the pharmacy was further away than your place. I wasn’t-“

“Our son is in pain and you’re standing here picking a fight with me because your ego is bruised?”

“Ch-“

“Can you go and get his medicine? Or do I need to do that too?”

“I’ll fucking get it!”

“Daddy! You swore! Mommy he has to go to timeout!”

“You’re right Yanis. Machen, go sit in the corner!”

“W-wh-“

“Now! I’ll go get his medicine.”

“Mommy I’m hungry now that we talked about food.”

“I’ll warm you up some. You can stay with daddy and Mr DeSantis until mommy comes back. Wait, how did you have him treated I have his insurance cards?”

“Am I allowed to speak in time out?”

“You’re going to be there awhile with that attitude!”

“I added him to my plan when you told me about him. I got his info through my lawyer when I put him in my will.”

“I’ll use mine then to get his medicine. Yanis make sure your dad stays seated until I return.”

“Yes mommy”

“Grandma Lena do you want some of my food? Mommy gave me too much.”

“Sure my little prince. Nana will help you clear your plate. You need to eat before you take the medicine”

“Grandma Lena is right, Yanis. Jacob, I’m sorry but I-“

“No, I would go for you but I know you would rather do it yourself. I will stay out until you return.”

“Thank you. Then, we can finish our date.”

“I look forward to it.”

I turned to leave after grabbing my purse and keys.