Time Marches On

Chapter 11

Christine felt very out of her element. The first dinner she attended with Mike was also attended by the President and his new and very young wife. Mike barely interacted with her but he and the President seemed on good terms. It made Christine wonder if Mike had ever dated. She just didn't want to make him mad, especially since the next day was Lucas' birthday.

He had promised to stay with her the next day and Christine was glad. She was sure there were things he needed to do. There hadn't been a lot of discussion on the way back to the hotel. He helped Christine out of the town car and led her into the hotel. Christine wondered what was on his mind and as they got ready for bed, she lotioned her hands and decided to bring it up.

"The First Lady is very young and pretty." Christine said.

"I suppose so. She's not much older than Katie." Mike remarked as he arranged the pillows.

"Was he married before?" Christine asked.

"Yeah. His first wife died from the Red Flu. Him and Mandy have only been married a few years." Mike answered.

"Do they have any children?" Christine questioned.

"He had kids before. One died but his daughters survived. They don't like Mandy." Mike explained.

"I see." Christine said. She wanted to ask but she knew the next day would be hard and she would need Mike.

"If that is it; I am tired and tomorrow will not be easy for either of us." Mike said as he settled into bed.

"Actually…Mike…did you ever…you know…date…see anyone else? I was gone a long time and it would be understandable." Christine asked. She was taking her robe off and preparing to lay down. She was surprised when Mike sat back up.

"No." He said simply but she could hear the hint of anger in his voice.

"Okay." Christine answered.

"And furthermore; I don't appreciate you insinuating that I would do that." Mike said.

"I was just curious. Forget I asked." Christine said. She didn't like how defensive Mike was being but it was too late to not ask. She climbed in next to Mike, hoping to diffuse him. Instead, he turned on his side; away from her and shut his light off. She shut her light off and then leaned over and kissed the back of his head. "Mike; I didn't mean it as an accusation. I would have wanted you to be happy. Now; get some rest. Tomorrow will be hard enough. I love you." Christine said. He mumbled back at her, so she settled against his back.

She had trouble falling asleep and as soon as she woke up; she realized she was in bed alone. She heard the shower running and a moment later; he stepped out of the bathroom. He was in a suit and getting ready for work.

"Good. You're awake. I need to go in for a meeting." Mike said as he put his watch on.

"I thought you had today off." Christine said.

"Something came up." Mike answered.

"How long will you be gone?" Christine asked.

"Most of the day." Mike answered.

"But its Lucas' birthday." Christine remarked.

"Nothing I can do about that now." Mike answered. Instead of arguing, Christine stood up and gave Mike a hug. She didn't like how stiff he was but he finally patted her back and pulled away. "I have to be going." Mike said.

"Mike; I love you." Christine said before giving him a long kiss.

"I love you too. I left my card on the table if you need anything or for when you get hungry. I hope I won't be gone too long." Mike said.

"Thank you." Christine answered. She gave him another kiss and a smile before he pulled away. He smiled back at her before walking out the door.

It was a lonely day and Christine cried, missing her son. She wondered what Mike was doing. If he was missing Lucas too. She called and talked to Sasha and the girls, got tea at the little café in the hotel and watched TV. Finally about two; Mike walked back into the hotel room. She was actually a bit surprised to see him so early but he seemed to be in better spirits than he had that morning.

"Did you want to go for dinner?" Mike asked as he took his suit coat off and hung it up.

"We don't have to. We could either do room service or eat at the café downstairs." Christine offered.

"Either is fine. I just didn't particularly want to go back out again tonight. The café is one thing, but anywhere else; I just didn't want to." Mike said.

"Okay; maybe room service? Just stay in for the night?" Christine suggested.

"Sounds good to me. Have you talked to the girls today?" Mike asked.

"I have but I told them you might call once you got back." Christine said.

"I might later. I'm exhausted. I may take a bit of a nap before dinner…if you want to lay down with me?" Mike asked and Christine nodded. She was not tired but something about Mike's tone told her that he really wanted her to.

They quickly settled and Mike pulled Christine close. It surprised her a bit and even surprised her even more when the kisses become passionate. She wasn't even sure she was capable of passion or wanting it, but somehow; all their clothes were removed and Mike began dotting her body with kisses.

"Are you sure?" Christine asked.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Mike retorted.

"I…want this with you." Christine said with a moan. Mike nodded in response before pushing into her. It was not a sensation that Christine ever figured she would feel again, but because it was Mike; she felt better. She was just confused as to why he would be doing it. He had been so angry at her the night before but now; he was being very tender and sweet.

Afterwards, Christine leaned up and gave Mike a long kiss before settling on his chest. She could analyze all the reasons why and question him, but she was figuring out that Mike didn't like being questioned on what had happened in the years they had been apart. She was just going to have to assume she had Mike's heart and wasn't having to share it with someone other than their daughters. It was not how she had imagined spending Lucas' birthday, but at least she had Mike with her now.