"Hey, Babydoll."
Chuck closed the door behind him and dropped his keys on the counter.
"Ang," he called out again. "You here?"
He peered around the partial wall dividing the kitchen and living room. Angelica looked up from where she sat on the sofa, a cup of coffee in her hands and a smile on her face. "Hey." she said cheerfully.
"Listen," he said, "I've been thinking about things and—"
Chuck stopped mid-sentence as the distinct cough of a man interrupted him. He stepped into the living room. Next to Angelica sat her millionaire ex-boyfriend. Peter looked up at Chuck, his face plastered with that stupid perfect smile. "Hi, Chuck."
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Charles," interjected Angelica, coloring. "What is your problem?"
Peter stiffened. "It's fine. I completely understand what this must look like. No wonder he's upset." He turned to Chuck. "If I were in your position, I'd feel threatened, too."
"Yeah, well, you're not in my position. Angelica's with me, not you."
Angelica practically slammed her mug down on the coffee table.
"You're absolutely right." Peter replied calmly.
"And I don't feel threatened."
"Of course not." Peter rose gracefully. "Well, I suppose I better be going."
"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."
Angelica gave Chuck a dirty look and also stood.
"It's been a pleasure, my dear, as always, but I've got to go. Dinner with potential clients tonight. Don't forget what we talked about."
"Of course not. Thanks so much for coming by. Let me show you out."
"No, that's quite alright. I'll find my own way out." He gave Chuck a smile as he left.
"What the hell was that about?" asked Angelica as soon as the door closed.
"I could ask you the same question. I come home, wanting to apologize, and Perfect Peter's here, on my couch, drinking coffee out of the mug I made you for Valentine's Day!" He gestured toward the mug in her hands.
"Oh, whatever, you just painted it!"
"Yeah, well, I put a lot of effort into it, ok. I painted all those little hearts. Ok, it's a lot of detail."
"Just shut up about the damn mug!"
"I bet Peter wouldn't bug you about having kids."
Angelica sighed and put the mug down on the table. "Is this what this is about?" She paused. "Chuck. I love you. I chose you. I only want you, even when you're acting like a total ass. So, first off, you're going to have to trust me. There's nothing going on between me and Peter, ok?"
Chuck let out a breath. "Yeah…ok." he said sheepishly.
"So, now that that's settled, you have to decide, once and for all, what's more important to you. I don't want kids and that might never change. So, you're going to have to weigh your priorities and choose: me or kids. If you choose children, I'll understand. You shouldn't have to give up something so important to your happiness."
Chuck lowered his arms. "Babydoll..." He brushed a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "the only thing important to my happiness is you. Nothing else matters. I choose you."
She smiled and cupped his hand with hers. "I'm Glad. I love you, Carrot Top...Now, don't you want to know why Peter was here?..."