Harry walked into his apartment to find it empty, he dropped his briefcase
by the door and walked through the apartment finding it empty and with no
note anywhere.
"Hello." No answer, just the sound of his voice echoing through the apartment. Just then he heard a loud crashing sound outside in the hallway and the door being unlocked. He headed towards the door to inspect it.
"Goddamn you Kyle,"said Amanda as she followed Aiden into the apartment loaded with bag,"You better not have ruined anything." Amanda walked past Harry as he stood looking at Kyle who was outside the doorway surrounded by boxes and bags. He looked at Harry with a defeated look on his face.
"This is why I am not married,"said Kyle.
"What is all this?"asked Harry still staring at his cousin that was gathering up boxes.
"Stuff, stuff your wife insisted she needed, stuff she swore to God she couldn't live without,"said Kyle,"Tell me Harry what woman can't live without five different pairs of black heels? Harry they are black heels how many can she need? And then I got, Kyle you're the man you can carry this, she carried a child for nine months and I have to carry the boxes for her."
"Well that's women for ya,"said Harry.
"Hey stop standing there, help me,"said Kyle. Harry shook his head and grabbed a few boxes and a couple of bags, he was acustomed to Amanda's shopping sprees, Paris was her heaven. On a few occasions it got so bad Harry would have to make trips home through out the day to drop stuff off so they'd have room in the car. He'd try to talk her out of it, but she always won, she told him it was her money, from her job and she wanted to buy stuff. And still even though he knew she had money left, this was not in her budget.
"Mandy." Amanda whipped around glaring at Harry, he only called her Mandy when he knew he was going to piss her off and he tried to be sweet by using that annoying name with her.
"Yes?"asked Amanda pasting on a smile for the sake of Aiden and Kyle.
"Isn't this a little excessive?"asked Harry.
"Yeah, what in God's name is this?"asked Kyle chain link belt from one of the bags he had brought in.
"A belt,"said Amanda,"And I'm not being excessive, it's not like we're poor."
"Keep shopping like this and we will,"said Harry.
"No we won't I'm taking my mother's money,"said Amanda,"I could shop like this for the rest of my life and never go poor."
"Well don't be sad Harry, she bought you pants,"said Kyle,"Odd though, never had a woman pick out pants for me." Harry shook his head as he sat on the couch next to his son.
"So how was school?"asked Amanda sorting the bags.
"Good, awkward to be back, some people looked like they had seen a ghost,"said Harry.
"Maybe it was just that stupid look Ronie has on her face all the time,"muttered Amanda.
"Actualy I didn't see Ronnie,"said Harry.
"Good,"snorted Amanda picking up some bags and taking them down the hall to her room.
"Meow, those claws still out after all these years?"asked Kyle.
"Apparently,"shrugged Harry.
"Well you gotta admire it,"said Kyle,"She loves ya, and how many guys get girls who would rip another woman's face off for ya."
"According to some people at work my time is just waiting with Ronnie,"said Harry.
"Just remember if the cow gets too nasty just send dollface in, her and dad could straighten her up,"said Kyle snickering. Amanda came back out and picked up some more bags taking then to the kitchen table.
"Did my dad say anything to ya?'asked Amanda.
"Nope, why?"asked Harry.
"Just making sure,"said Amanda.
"Well I'm off I've got myself a date with the lovely Angie Loveheart tonight,"said Kyle.
"Stripper?'asked Amanda.
"Exotic dancer,"said Kyle correcting her. Amanda rolled her eyes as she rolled Aiden's clothes and removed the tags. He leaned over and kissed Amanda's cheek before turning to Harry.
"Talk to ya later,"said Kyle nodding to him.
"Yeah have fun tonight,"said Harry as Kyle was letting himself out.
"Mom,"called Aiden from his place on the couch.
"What's up hun?"asked Amanda.
"Car,"said Aiden climbing off the couch, on his wobbly youthful legs he walked over towards where Amanda was. Amanda looked around at the remaining bags and plucked one up.
"Here it is hun,"said Amanda taking his new car toy out of the bag and packaging for him,"You go show Dad your car." Amanda handed him then car and watched as he made his way to to Harry who was waiting for him. She grabbed the pile of clothes and took them down to Aiden's room to put away. She grimaced slightly as she put away his clothes, she knew eventually Harry was continue their dicussion about her spending habits, he was always on her about it. When they had been in Paris, her bank took care of their financial needs, their bills and rent were taken out of her bank account at the end of the month and her pay cheques were always deposited directly into her account for her, so Harry had no real idea of the money they had. He had expressed his concerns about money when they decided to come back to America, but she just shrugged him off, she had her mother's money coming to her soon, her own money she had earned modelling and Christian was good at making deals, so good she still had large royalty coming to her every month, another financial means Harry was clueless about.
*****
Amanda walked out of Aiden's room and back into the living room where Harry was watching TV. Sighing she flopped down on couch next to him. She watched as Harry reached over to the remote and lowered the volume on the TV, Amanda rolled her eyes it was another sign he wanted to discuss something and she exactly what it was.
"Ya know I was looking at some of the receipts from today,"said Harry,"You easily spent over a thousand dollars today."
"Yeah,"said Amanda shrugging as she picked up one of Aiden's toys from the coffee table and idly played with it.
"I'm not lecturing or anything, but you can't be making purchases like that,"said Harry,"We've got bills to pay and such."
"I know that, what do you think I was doing in Paris?"asked Amanda.
"But it's not like Paris here,"said Harry,"You're not making the same money."
"Look don't worry about it,"said Amanda,"Everything is okay."
"I know I just want to make sure you know that,"said Harry. Amanda sighed and got up, she walked to her bedroom and grabbed her suitcase. Opening it she found a large envelope with all her financial papers, her pay stubs, her bank statements. She walked out to the living room and dropped the envelope on the couch next to Harry and crossed her arms.
"What's this?"asked Harry looking at the envelope.
"Proof that this is nothing to worry about,"said Amanda,"I know what I am doing with my money." She turned and walked back to the bedroom. Muttering to herself about Harry she got ready for bed, he did this all the time, whenever she went shopping he was there lecturing her, in his eyes she was going to send them straight to the poor house.
Crawling into bed she flipped on the light and looked down at her suitcase, she leaned down and flipped it open and observed the remaining contents, there were pictres of the family, their marriage ceritificate, Aiden's birth certifiticate, and a few other papers she needed. She picked up a stack of envelopes she had carried around with her for five years. Flipping through them she knew what they were, opening the nightstand drawer she tossed the envelopes in and went back to see if there was anything else in the suitcase that got her attention. Shrugging slightly she close the case and turned off the light. She rested back into the pillow hoping Harry wouldn't bother coming in before she fell asleep.
**********
Harry sat looking at the bank statements feeling stupid. She had more money then he expected, way more, definately more than he had in his account. He had never seen any of her bank information, it never really attracted him but now that he was looking at it things were different. What surprised him the most was she still had money coming to her. He put the papers back in the envelope and set it on the coffee table. Leaning over he picked up the phone and dialed in Kevin's number. After a few rings the phone was answered.
"Hello."
"Hey Kev,"said Harry flipping through the channels on TV.
"Hey man, you back in the states now?"asked Kevin.
"Yeah we're staying at Kyle's old place,"said Harry.
"So how is the missus?"asked Kevin.
"Mad at me I think,"said Harry.
"Aw, what did Harry do to piss AJ off?"asked Kevin mockingly.
"She went shopping today with Kyle and came over with over a grand in stuff,"said Harry,"I got on her about it and then I got her bank statements thrown at me."
"And let me guess, there were some nice round numbers,"said Kevin.
"Nice round, big numbers,"said Harry.
"Well you got family money,"said Kevin.
"Oh so does she,"said Harry,"Her mother is leaving her money."
"Okay, well what's the big deal?"asked Kevin.
"Nothing really,"lied Harry, he felt awkward slightly, financially Amanda didn't need him, she didn't need him to go to work to support the family, he hated that. He didn't want to control her or hold her down, just wanted to be needed to a certain degree, that's what husbands did, they took care of their wives.
"So I'm back at Winslow,"said Harry.
"Really Guber let you back in the doors?"asked Kevin.
"Actually he was kinda supportive for me,"said Harry,"But that was probably Amanda's doing."
"Well you are dating his daughter,"said Kevin,"He can only piss her off so much. So hey how's the kid?"
"Good,"said Harry,"He's with his mom all day so he's happy."
"Well anyone who got to be with AJ all day would be happy,"said Kevin.
"Thanks, that's great to hear,"said Harry sarcastically.
"Face it Harry, out of a buncha single men you got married and you married the hottest thing on two legs,"said Kevin,"No one can say they're not jealous. Just stop pissing her off."
"Well I try,"said Harry.
"So Guber got anymore daughter, maybe I'll marry one and get my job back,"said Kevin.
"It's been over five years, do you really want that job back?"asked Harry.
"True enough, but you took it,"Kevin pointed out.
"I was bored, I need something to do,"said Harry.
"And what does Ms.Senate do all day?"asked Kevin.
"Takes care of Aide,"said Harry.
"That girl worked it out Harry, first she's a model now she doesn't work at all,"said Kevin,"Almost tempting enough to consider a set of tits and a better ass."
"Sounds like a plan there,"said Harry,"And as your best friend I will be there a hundred and ten percent to support this decision."
"You're fucking hilarious,"snorted Kevin.
"Well I'm gonna go see if she's mad or not,"said Harry.
"Good luck,"said Kevin.
"I may need it,"said Harry.
"All right well talk to you later man."
"Later," Harry hung up the phone, he reached over to the remote and shut off the TV. He sat back and thought about going to bed, Amanda was there and he didn't want her to be mad or upset with him. Getting up he sighed and walked down the hall to the bedroom. He could see Amanda in bed, presumably sleeping. Silently he stripped down and crawled into bed, Amanda was sleeping or mad at him because at this point she'd be rolling into his arms. Leaning over he looked down at her, she was sleeping. Harry nudged her slightly, Amanda groaned and dug her face into the pillow.
"Aje,"Harry shook her slightly harder, rousing her.
"What?"moaned Amanda rolling on to her back. She blinked as she looked up at him.
"Are you mad at me?"asked Harry.
"Yes, you just woke me up,"hissed Amanda wiping her eyes.
"No, are you mad at me because I bitched at you about shopping today?"asked Harry.
"Can we talk about this later?"moaned Amanda.
"I just wanna know if your mad at me,"said Harry persistantly.
"No,"huffed Amanda rolling back on to her side.
"Really?"asked Harry.
"Yes,"groaned Amanda looking over her shoulder at her,"Do you honestly distrust me to the point you'd think I'd do something stupid, if I didn't think we had the money to spend I wouldn't spend it."
"Okay I'm sorry,"said Harry,"I didn't know. Don't be mad at me."
"I won't be if you let me go to sleep,"said Amanda.
"Okay,"shrugged Harry settling down into the pillows. Amanda sighed and closed her eyes. Harry looked over at her as she tried to go back to sleep.
"Wanna have sex?"asked Harry.
"Harry can I just sleep?"whinned Amanda.
"Okay,"said Harry. Harry leaned over and wrapped his arm around her midriff and pulled her over to him. Amanda let him and rested her head on his chest.
"Yes?"questioned Amanda.
"You always sleep here,"said Harry.
"Sorry,"muttered Amanda as she drifted off to sleep.
"Hello." No answer, just the sound of his voice echoing through the apartment. Just then he heard a loud crashing sound outside in the hallway and the door being unlocked. He headed towards the door to inspect it.
"Goddamn you Kyle,"said Amanda as she followed Aiden into the apartment loaded with bag,"You better not have ruined anything." Amanda walked past Harry as he stood looking at Kyle who was outside the doorway surrounded by boxes and bags. He looked at Harry with a defeated look on his face.
"This is why I am not married,"said Kyle.
"What is all this?"asked Harry still staring at his cousin that was gathering up boxes.
"Stuff, stuff your wife insisted she needed, stuff she swore to God she couldn't live without,"said Kyle,"Tell me Harry what woman can't live without five different pairs of black heels? Harry they are black heels how many can she need? And then I got, Kyle you're the man you can carry this, she carried a child for nine months and I have to carry the boxes for her."
"Well that's women for ya,"said Harry.
"Hey stop standing there, help me,"said Kyle. Harry shook his head and grabbed a few boxes and a couple of bags, he was acustomed to Amanda's shopping sprees, Paris was her heaven. On a few occasions it got so bad Harry would have to make trips home through out the day to drop stuff off so they'd have room in the car. He'd try to talk her out of it, but she always won, she told him it was her money, from her job and she wanted to buy stuff. And still even though he knew she had money left, this was not in her budget.
"Mandy." Amanda whipped around glaring at Harry, he only called her Mandy when he knew he was going to piss her off and he tried to be sweet by using that annoying name with her.
"Yes?"asked Amanda pasting on a smile for the sake of Aiden and Kyle.
"Isn't this a little excessive?"asked Harry.
"Yeah, what in God's name is this?"asked Kyle chain link belt from one of the bags he had brought in.
"A belt,"said Amanda,"And I'm not being excessive, it's not like we're poor."
"Keep shopping like this and we will,"said Harry.
"No we won't I'm taking my mother's money,"said Amanda,"I could shop like this for the rest of my life and never go poor."
"Well don't be sad Harry, she bought you pants,"said Kyle,"Odd though, never had a woman pick out pants for me." Harry shook his head as he sat on the couch next to his son.
"So how was school?"asked Amanda sorting the bags.
"Good, awkward to be back, some people looked like they had seen a ghost,"said Harry.
"Maybe it was just that stupid look Ronie has on her face all the time,"muttered Amanda.
"Actualy I didn't see Ronnie,"said Harry.
"Good,"snorted Amanda picking up some bags and taking them down the hall to her room.
"Meow, those claws still out after all these years?"asked Kyle.
"Apparently,"shrugged Harry.
"Well you gotta admire it,"said Kyle,"She loves ya, and how many guys get girls who would rip another woman's face off for ya."
"According to some people at work my time is just waiting with Ronnie,"said Harry.
"Just remember if the cow gets too nasty just send dollface in, her and dad could straighten her up,"said Kyle snickering. Amanda came back out and picked up some more bags taking then to the kitchen table.
"Did my dad say anything to ya?'asked Amanda.
"Nope, why?"asked Harry.
"Just making sure,"said Amanda.
"Well I'm off I've got myself a date with the lovely Angie Loveheart tonight,"said Kyle.
"Stripper?'asked Amanda.
"Exotic dancer,"said Kyle correcting her. Amanda rolled her eyes as she rolled Aiden's clothes and removed the tags. He leaned over and kissed Amanda's cheek before turning to Harry.
"Talk to ya later,"said Kyle nodding to him.
"Yeah have fun tonight,"said Harry as Kyle was letting himself out.
"Mom,"called Aiden from his place on the couch.
"What's up hun?"asked Amanda.
"Car,"said Aiden climbing off the couch, on his wobbly youthful legs he walked over towards where Amanda was. Amanda looked around at the remaining bags and plucked one up.
"Here it is hun,"said Amanda taking his new car toy out of the bag and packaging for him,"You go show Dad your car." Amanda handed him then car and watched as he made his way to to Harry who was waiting for him. She grabbed the pile of clothes and took them down to Aiden's room to put away. She grimaced slightly as she put away his clothes, she knew eventually Harry was continue their dicussion about her spending habits, he was always on her about it. When they had been in Paris, her bank took care of their financial needs, their bills and rent were taken out of her bank account at the end of the month and her pay cheques were always deposited directly into her account for her, so Harry had no real idea of the money they had. He had expressed his concerns about money when they decided to come back to America, but she just shrugged him off, she had her mother's money coming to her soon, her own money she had earned modelling and Christian was good at making deals, so good she still had large royalty coming to her every month, another financial means Harry was clueless about.
*****
Amanda walked out of Aiden's room and back into the living room where Harry was watching TV. Sighing she flopped down on couch next to him. She watched as Harry reached over to the remote and lowered the volume on the TV, Amanda rolled her eyes it was another sign he wanted to discuss something and she exactly what it was.
"Ya know I was looking at some of the receipts from today,"said Harry,"You easily spent over a thousand dollars today."
"Yeah,"said Amanda shrugging as she picked up one of Aiden's toys from the coffee table and idly played with it.
"I'm not lecturing or anything, but you can't be making purchases like that,"said Harry,"We've got bills to pay and such."
"I know that, what do you think I was doing in Paris?"asked Amanda.
"But it's not like Paris here,"said Harry,"You're not making the same money."
"Look don't worry about it,"said Amanda,"Everything is okay."
"I know I just want to make sure you know that,"said Harry. Amanda sighed and got up, she walked to her bedroom and grabbed her suitcase. Opening it she found a large envelope with all her financial papers, her pay stubs, her bank statements. She walked out to the living room and dropped the envelope on the couch next to Harry and crossed her arms.
"What's this?"asked Harry looking at the envelope.
"Proof that this is nothing to worry about,"said Amanda,"I know what I am doing with my money." She turned and walked back to the bedroom. Muttering to herself about Harry she got ready for bed, he did this all the time, whenever she went shopping he was there lecturing her, in his eyes she was going to send them straight to the poor house.
Crawling into bed she flipped on the light and looked down at her suitcase, she leaned down and flipped it open and observed the remaining contents, there were pictres of the family, their marriage ceritificate, Aiden's birth certifiticate, and a few other papers she needed. She picked up a stack of envelopes she had carried around with her for five years. Flipping through them she knew what they were, opening the nightstand drawer she tossed the envelopes in and went back to see if there was anything else in the suitcase that got her attention. Shrugging slightly she close the case and turned off the light. She rested back into the pillow hoping Harry wouldn't bother coming in before she fell asleep.
**********
Harry sat looking at the bank statements feeling stupid. She had more money then he expected, way more, definately more than he had in his account. He had never seen any of her bank information, it never really attracted him but now that he was looking at it things were different. What surprised him the most was she still had money coming to her. He put the papers back in the envelope and set it on the coffee table. Leaning over he picked up the phone and dialed in Kevin's number. After a few rings the phone was answered.
"Hello."
"Hey Kev,"said Harry flipping through the channels on TV.
"Hey man, you back in the states now?"asked Kevin.
"Yeah we're staying at Kyle's old place,"said Harry.
"So how is the missus?"asked Kevin.
"Mad at me I think,"said Harry.
"Aw, what did Harry do to piss AJ off?"asked Kevin mockingly.
"She went shopping today with Kyle and came over with over a grand in stuff,"said Harry,"I got on her about it and then I got her bank statements thrown at me."
"And let me guess, there were some nice round numbers,"said Kevin.
"Nice round, big numbers,"said Harry.
"Well you got family money,"said Kevin.
"Oh so does she,"said Harry,"Her mother is leaving her money."
"Okay, well what's the big deal?"asked Kevin.
"Nothing really,"lied Harry, he felt awkward slightly, financially Amanda didn't need him, she didn't need him to go to work to support the family, he hated that. He didn't want to control her or hold her down, just wanted to be needed to a certain degree, that's what husbands did, they took care of their wives.
"So I'm back at Winslow,"said Harry.
"Really Guber let you back in the doors?"asked Kevin.
"Actually he was kinda supportive for me,"said Harry,"But that was probably Amanda's doing."
"Well you are dating his daughter,"said Kevin,"He can only piss her off so much. So hey how's the kid?"
"Good,"said Harry,"He's with his mom all day so he's happy."
"Well anyone who got to be with AJ all day would be happy,"said Kevin.
"Thanks, that's great to hear,"said Harry sarcastically.
"Face it Harry, out of a buncha single men you got married and you married the hottest thing on two legs,"said Kevin,"No one can say they're not jealous. Just stop pissing her off."
"Well I try,"said Harry.
"So Guber got anymore daughter, maybe I'll marry one and get my job back,"said Kevin.
"It's been over five years, do you really want that job back?"asked Harry.
"True enough, but you took it,"Kevin pointed out.
"I was bored, I need something to do,"said Harry.
"And what does Ms.Senate do all day?"asked Kevin.
"Takes care of Aide,"said Harry.
"That girl worked it out Harry, first she's a model now she doesn't work at all,"said Kevin,"Almost tempting enough to consider a set of tits and a better ass."
"Sounds like a plan there,"said Harry,"And as your best friend I will be there a hundred and ten percent to support this decision."
"You're fucking hilarious,"snorted Kevin.
"Well I'm gonna go see if she's mad or not,"said Harry.
"Good luck,"said Kevin.
"I may need it,"said Harry.
"All right well talk to you later man."
"Later," Harry hung up the phone, he reached over to the remote and shut off the TV. He sat back and thought about going to bed, Amanda was there and he didn't want her to be mad or upset with him. Getting up he sighed and walked down the hall to the bedroom. He could see Amanda in bed, presumably sleeping. Silently he stripped down and crawled into bed, Amanda was sleeping or mad at him because at this point she'd be rolling into his arms. Leaning over he looked down at her, she was sleeping. Harry nudged her slightly, Amanda groaned and dug her face into the pillow.
"Aje,"Harry shook her slightly harder, rousing her.
"What?"moaned Amanda rolling on to her back. She blinked as she looked up at him.
"Are you mad at me?"asked Harry.
"Yes, you just woke me up,"hissed Amanda wiping her eyes.
"No, are you mad at me because I bitched at you about shopping today?"asked Harry.
"Can we talk about this later?"moaned Amanda.
"I just wanna know if your mad at me,"said Harry persistantly.
"No,"huffed Amanda rolling back on to her side.
"Really?"asked Harry.
"Yes,"groaned Amanda looking over her shoulder at her,"Do you honestly distrust me to the point you'd think I'd do something stupid, if I didn't think we had the money to spend I wouldn't spend it."
"Okay I'm sorry,"said Harry,"I didn't know. Don't be mad at me."
"I won't be if you let me go to sleep,"said Amanda.
"Okay,"shrugged Harry settling down into the pillows. Amanda sighed and closed her eyes. Harry looked over at her as she tried to go back to sleep.
"Wanna have sex?"asked Harry.
"Harry can I just sleep?"whinned Amanda.
"Okay,"said Harry. Harry leaned over and wrapped his arm around her midriff and pulled her over to him. Amanda let him and rested her head on his chest.
"Yes?"questioned Amanda.
"You always sleep here,"said Harry.
"Sorry,"muttered Amanda as she drifted off to sleep.