All Roads Lead Home
Chapter 7
Christine wasn't totally shocked when Mike walked back into her house, carrying the box of Lucas' items. Without a word, she put it in her bedroom, figuring it needed to be kept safe, and he didn't feel he could do that at his apartment. It did make her wonder what was going on with Breanna, but it was not her business. She could only hope that he would find his way back to her and especially, the girls.
The first stop was the home décor store. Mike didn't want to decorate Hannah's room in garish teen items. He wanted a room that would grow with Hannah and so they picked a pretty floral bedspread, curtains, a rag rug, and pictures and accessories to go with the room. Mike was not opposed to spoiling either of the girls, and Christine knew that he was trying to compensate for all the missed years. What he didn't realize was that it was best done by spending time with them.
Mike insisted on taking Christine out for lunch at a place that would never be in her tight budget. She was not profiting off of their divorce and was picking shifts up as much as she could for the overtime. She had ended up working the night before and was running on fumes. Thankfully, she was off that night unless she got called in. She might have to just say no. Christine ordered an inexpensive salad and sandwich while Mike ordered a steak and baked potato. She would have to be careful in case he didn't pay for her lunch.
"So, what did you have in mind for jewelry for Hannah?" Christine asked.
"Not a clue. Was hoping that's where you could help me." Mike answered as he took a bite of the steak.
"We can look and see what they have. Perhaps Breanna would like to help you though?" Christine suggested.
"No." Mike told her simply.
"Is she okay with you spending time with me?" Christine asked.
"She doesn't know. She's pretty self-involved." Mike answered.
"Mike…what I said yesterday still goes. Even if you want to proceed with the divorce, don't make yourself miserable by staying with her." Christine told him.
"I know." Mike said.
"I guess I'm not sure what the attraction is. She doesn't sound like your type." Christine commented.
"Honestly, it was to piss you off initially. She is only nine-years older than Katie, and was a looker. The whole fake everything, etc." Mike explained.
"And how's that working out for you?" Christine asked with a smirk.
"Not so well." Mike admitted. Christine reached over and squeezed his hand in response.
"Whatever you need." Christine said simply and Mike nodded.
Not much else was said throughout the rest of their meal, and Mike did pay for Christine's lunch. With her help, Mike picked out a charm bracelet for Hannah and they headed home to begin sitting up the bedroom. Mike made quick work of putting the bed together and they moved the furniture in. It all went perfectly and she made the bed and arranged the accessories while Mike hung curtains up. By the time they finished, it was later in the afternoon but both girls had plans. Katie with friends, and Hannah had a late practice for softball and wouldn't be home until at least six. Christine thought about telling Mike she needed to take a nap, but he seemed to be puttering around the house; fixing a leaky faucet and changing some lightbulbs that Christine couldn't reach. She knew he was hesitating going back to his apartment.
Before she realized what was happening, they were kissing passionately and leaving a trail of clothes behind them. Christine was certainly consenting but she was shocked a bit. It was intense and fast, but extremely good and Christine laid breathless in her bed afterwards. Mike sat at the edge of the bed and looking at his feet, until Christine touched his back.
"Its okay, Mike. It was an emotional reaction and we went through a lot of different emotions yesterday." Christine said.
"It shouldn't have happened and it doesn't change anything." Mike said before standing up. He'd already found their clothes and quickly got dressed. Christine could only close her eyes in pain. She knew not to get her hopes up, but it still hurt hearing him confirm it. "I'll talk to you later." Mike said before walking out of the room and out of the house. All Christine could do was take a shower and hope there was no consequences to their actions.
