Thirty-Day Lover

Thirty Day Lover - Chapter Eight

“Tell me again why we have to shop on the weekend.” It was the nth time that Christina has groaned out that question as they stood in line waiting to get into the freaking store! Just imagine how long they would have to wait when they want to get out of the store!

“Stop whining, a little patience won’t kill you.”

“It might.”

Hank gave her a look and shook his head as if she was a misbehaving child. If anything, she was just a pissed off adult. She was debating the chances of this line-up giving her back some of those PMS symptoms that she had suffered for the entire week. Hank had dragged her out because he needed a female’s advice on wardrobe.

Bra and panties?

That was what she was tempted to tell him, but when he showed signs of wanting to body check her into the hotel wall, she complied immediately. On the way to this city’s most populated mall, he had mentioned that it was for a Christmas wedding. Most of his relatives were females and he didn’t want to leave them a bad impression of him or something.

So they don’t think all hockey players are slobs or something.

Yeah, cause people will generalize like that. They’d mostly just think that he alone was a bad dresser. Despite that, she still agreed either way. Christina appreciated the fact that he was at least making an effort to please rather than just selfishly proclaiming that whatever he thinks looks good will be the judgement of everyone else.

However, she never anticipated this crazy flood of people. Especially not in front of a male tuxedo store. Though she will be fair and say that just about every store seems to have a long line-up. It’s like Boxing Day has arrived early. With the slow shuffle of the line forward, she eyed those who just came out with bags of purchase.

Che, wait ‘till she gets in there. She won’t come out unless the sun’s already set!

“Hey, I never got to thank you for what you did that night.” Hank started the conversation once again, this time drawing on a more serious note.

“Which night?”

Then he gave her that usual strange look. “What other night has there been?”

“I don’t know, every other night?!”

Why the hell was talking to him so stressful on her mind?

“You know what I’m talking about.”

“Do I?”

“What do you think?”

“What do you think I think?”

But slowly she was getting the hang of this, and she knew she had him at a weak spot. The macho exterior that he insists on keeping will prevent him from describing the night in detail and she watched him give her a look of warning, which she dismissed easily.

“You can be such a bitch.”

“I know.”

And that was the end of that conversation, she grinned in a silent triumph over the younger boy besides her. Only for a tolerable amount of time though, she may be a bitch, but she liked to think that she was a diplomatic bitch. Therefore, manners needed to be adhered to.

“You’re welcome, it was really nothing. You don’t have to mention it.”

Expectantly, he gave her the silent treatment. She supposed she couldn’t say child after she had pulled such a childish stunt as well. Hanging out with him is like willingly declining her own IQ. The last time she did a standardized IQ test was when she was in university, in one of those psychology classes. It took hours –literally- to take, and she managed to score an exact 130, now, she feels like she’s in the second standard deviation pile to the left of the normative curve.

“How are you feeling in that shoulder? Was last night’s game pushing it?”

“Nah, it’s all fine now. Just a hit from a bad angle. Then again, I should have kept my head up in the first place.” He shrugged and the line made a significant step forward. On the other end, they’ve practically just let out half of the store. Apparently, they were of the same family.

“So tell me, who’s getting married?”

“A cousin of mine, I’m not too close to her, but we keep in touch regularly enough to warrant an invite.” Or perhaps she just wanted some star power in her wedding ceremony; although that was a thought Christina kept to herself. “She’s been dating this guy for practically her entire life, so it was no big surprise that they decided to get married.”

“Then, all the best to them!” Christina could think of many congratulatory words that she could utter in such a situation, but she didn’t feel like it. Perhaps it was because her patience has ran out after so long of waiting and some kid from that large family was crying and wailing and making a fuss. Her eyes couldn’t help but tick back to the child and think many sinful thoughts.

“I heard that every girl dreams of wearing a wedding gown and walking down a line of red carpet.”

Christina shrugged as an initial response, her attention half on the conversation, the other half focused on the still wailing child. Of course, the grown-ups aren’t doing anything at all about the noise. “Wedding gowns are pretty, I’ll give you that. If ever there is a reason for me to get married, wanting to be in a wedding gown is probably the top reason.” In fact, when she was younger, she used to want to get married monthly just so she could wear all sorts of different wedding gowns.

Hank snorted up a short laugh besides her, and from her angle, she could clearly see the dimple on the side of his cheek. “Then what? Marry the right man, have the perfect dress and raise lovely children?”

“It’s nice to find the right man, definitely essential to have the perfect dress, and may hell freeze over on children part.”

“You know, if childbirth pain is your worry, you can always get a C-section.”

“I don’t like children.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“I don’t like children.” Besides her, that annoying kid finally stopped her noises and Christina looked at Hank with all seriousness in her eyes. You know, in this day and age, there are those people who say they don’t like children just because they think it’s an in-thing. However, when Christina says that she doesn’t like children, she really doesn’t like children. In fact, just a moment ago, she wanted to suffocate that annoying kid to death.

So bearing something like that in her own stomach might as well mean suicide for her.

Hank’s expression changed to a solemn gaze, she knew that he was getting her point and she wasn’t just saying that to be cool or whatever. Thankfully, before he had a chance to ask anything further, the door opened in front of them and they were ushered in.

The change in setting triggered their eyes and feet to move at a pace quicker than they imagined possible. Quickly, they split up and pulled out suits that each thought was fitful. In the end, there has to be an agreement by the both of them. Kind of like a jury verdict, it’s either unanimous or a hung jury and everything is started again.

At the entrance to the dressing rooms they met up with one another, Christina had no words to describe some of the things that he picked. For the first couple, she worked hard to describe what were wrong with them; afterwards, she just discarded the following ones without a word. Hank didn’t seem like someone who would understand either way.

In the end, he was ushered into the change room with a few different suits.

The dressing room area was large and nicely fitted with large sofa chairs that she could dump herself in. Her legs were killing her! But her feet were killing her more! She could hear the mad rush outside in the store and the almost running pace of clerks from left to right. Ah, December is the craziest month for malls. And… is it just her or did Christmas shopping start earlier this year? What part of this scene looks like there is recession?

In front of her, the change room door opened and Hank strolled out in confidence. Christina lifted an eyebrow to show that she was not impressed by his extravagance.

“What do you think?”

“I’ve seen better.”

“What’s wrong with this suit?”

“You don’t want me to get started. However, I will say that it is one of the better suits in this store.” Pushing herself up from the sofa chair, she walked over to him and stood behind him. This way, they could both see the reflection of him in the full length mirror. Her hands reached up to his shoulders and flattened out the hinges, soothed down the sides and tugged to straighten the edges. “I must say, you look much better in formal wear.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah… well, in my opinion, yes. I prefer men in business suits.”

“I wear business suits!”

“Only on game days.”

“So? What else do you expect? You want me to wear a suit every single day?”

“Not every single day, I’ll give you weekends off.” She replied cheekily. “But yes, for working days and meetings, I prefer men in suits. I find a man who can look good in a suit to be extra attractive.”

Hank looked at his reflection for a moment, apparently deep in thought, before he looked at her in the mirror. “Someone like Ron?”

Christina wasn’t sure whether her face betrayed anything, but she willed all of her outwardly expressions to remain composed. “What about Ron?”

“You know, someone like Ron. Or Author. Or Mike.” Mike, being the team’s coach. And Christina mentally sighed in relief.

“Yes, people like them. Although Mike doesn’t wear suits all the time either.”

For a second there, she thought that was a prodding question directed at her relationship with Ron. As much as she would have no problem telling others that she’s fooling around with someone almost twice her age, she had a feeling that Ron would be less than pleased if it was ever leaked out. Then again, she shouldn’t have thought that Hank would be someone who would snidely poke at something like that. He’s always struck her as someone who will be direct when asking about such things.

“It doesn’t look too bad, go in and try the other ones.” She hurriedly patted his back and stepped away from him. Christina hoped that the sudden change in topic wasn’t too… obvious. It was better that he didn’t know anything.

He scrunched up his nose and followed her words with a sigh. Typical. She wanted to laugh as she sat back down in the sofa chair again. She hasn’t met too many men who enjoyed shopping and her bone-picking attitude when it came to purchases.

Today, Hank was about to get a first hand experience at that.

As she had anticipated, she didn’t really like any of the suits he tried on in that store. Much to Hank’s horror, she shamelessly dragged him out and into another line for another store. By the fourth store, he was the one who lacked the patience and energy to even talk to her. And if she wasn’t looking, he would even try to sneak to the front desk by himself and pay for something just to get this over with. Ah but, what he didn’t understand was, even if he did buy something, she will make him buy another one if she wasn’t satisfied.

So really, it was the best to just find one that matched her standard.

Perhaps both of them had long forgotten that it was his cousin’s wedding that he was attending and not hers. So technically, as long as he found a piece suitable, then it would have been all fine.

By dinner time, thankfully they made it out of the mall in one piece and with a purchase that satisfied both of them. Mainly her though. In the taxi, Hank had already been informed of the location where the team was having dinner. They just have to waltz in, sit down and blend right in with the rest of the hockey team.

This much needed rest gave their tired legs a chance to refresh themselves and both groaned at the thought of having to get out of the taxi, walk across a side walk, into the restaurant and to the table. However, when they did manage that life threatening task, Christina was surprised to find that Ron and Author have joined the team for dinner.

What a crappy day!

Christina couldn’t help but lift a mocking smile inside her head and added a scoff as well. Apparently, Ron was just as surprised to see her. She wondered if she needed to explain why she was out with Hank alone, but that was taken care of as the said person started complaining as soon as he laid eyes on the table of people.

It was verbal vomit, really.

She caught Ron’s eyes and they shared a small smile quickly. He was conveniently seated at the very edge of the table and thus shifted over one to give her room. Christina almost wanted to tease him and ask whether he was waiting for her. However, she knew that it would be inappropriate in front of so many people.

“Oh quit your whining, Hank. Man up.”

“Thank you Nik, I concur.” Christina raised her hand across the table and Nik gave her a high-five without a second thought. Hank stopped but gave them that long, silent, brooding stare as if the entire world was conspiring against him. And if his world consisted of her and Nik, that is a sad world.

“I’m telling you guys, this woman is the devil! Whoever marries her will die twenty years earlier!”

“My wife is the same when she’s shopping. I think there is just something intrinsically evil about malls.” Brad, married for seven years now, agreed whole-heartedly from another end of the table.

“Oh please, you just don’t have the stamina to keep up with us girls. If you could get your lazy asses off the couch and start moving, maybe then, walking from one store to its neighbouring store wouldn’t feel like a marathon.” Christina retorted back easily, moving back when the waitress came by and placed their plates of food in front of them.

Another great thing about technology and friends is that they had already placed their orders –via the team members- en route. So within minutes of having just sat their asses down, hot food was already prepared.

“And you girls prefer older men, why? What? You think stamina picks up as we age?”

“Now that’s a two way street. Why do older men like younger girls? Huh?” She looked pointedly at the players across the table from her, holding each of their eyes for a second.

“Why are you looking at us?!” Hank immediately cried the song of injustice. “I’m the youngest on the team! Ask someone else!”

He has a point.

Without her brain taking a turn for the better, she unwittingly turned around and looked at Ron. The question clearly stated in her eyes. The CEO had told himself to stay out of this bicker by remaining silent. Kids these days were too quick with their tongues than he could care to catch up with. However, when he registered the snickers around the table and felt Christina’s eyes on him, he knew he couldn’t get away.

Are you doing this on purpose?

He placed down his fork and placed a hand on Christina’s cheek –he felt her jump a little in surprise- and turned her head back to facing the players across the table from him. “Please keep me out of this.”

And the snickers turned into solid laughter.

“But Ron, you are the oldest one sitting here.” Kevin just had to point out. Ron looked up at him sharply and wondered if he could threaten to cut down his salary. However, one glance told him that even Author was looking at this with amused eyes.

He was clearly enjoying this, all because Author was a few years his junior.

Maybe he was just taking this a little too sensitively. Other than that little jump of uncertainty from previously, Christina hasn’t showed a sweat of discomfort with this topic. Clearly, she felt that she could conceal their relationship even if such a dangerous topic was posed.

So then, why not him as well?

“Truthfully, we’re a little scared of younger women. Intimated.” Ron spoke matter-of-factly, between bites of his food as if they were discussing about the weather outside. Which was chilly, dark and damp, by the way.

“Intimated?” A few guys quipped up together.

“Sure, why not?” He shrugged and out of the corner of his eyes, even Christina looked over at him in mild surprise. Yes, there were things that she didn’t know about him as well. Many things. However, since their relationship so far has been marked by physical contact for the majority, there hasn’t been the time to sit down and have a heart-to-heart conversation. “I mean, they look at you and you think one thing, but in reality, they could be thinking of totally different things. If you don’t yield to their hints, they call you an old bastard. However, that’s only because we’re trying not to initiate a possible law suit. Which then brings me to the idea of expressing interest; one, it could be the best relationship of your life. Or, she may have completely been being friendly and slaps you in return. Either way, in this situation, it seems we lose.”

And voila, the story of his life.

There was a brief silence where no one quite knew what to say in response to that, until Christina laughed and leaned on her elbow to make a show out of checking Ron out. “I don’t know, if the older man had your looks, it would be a yes no matter what.”

Before Ron could even be mortified at that publicly announced, blunt remark, half the guys around the table groaned.

“That’s not fair. He was practically the cover boy for hockey back in his days.”

And this was precisely why Christina could pull off such a remark without anyone taking it seriously, even if it was after that long confession. Ron was known as the heartthrob of hockey back in his days. He changed the stereotypical notion of what a hockey player looked like. Back in his days, he truly was the cover boy for many magazines. Some even jested that he would give up hockey to become a model instead.

Of course, that didn’t happen.

“Oh yeah, you should see the line of girls that he left behind, broken-hearted.”

“… Author, you are not helping.” Ron sighed when his colleague decided to pick up the ball tossed into his court and rolled on with it.

Whether anyone took any of the conversation seriously, perhaps no one would find out. The rest of the meal continued without many interjections that would be bad for Ron’s heart. Somewhere in between all the conversation, Christina stealthily moved just a little closer to Ron and pressed the length of her leg against the side of his. The CEO had been in a conversation with someone else across the table, and she felt him tense just for that split second but carried on as per usual.

He understood the meaning behind that. What he had said hypothetically to the rest of the table tonight was in reality his own debates when that exact situation was presented to him. Of course, they’ve never had the chance to talk about it, but that one little gesture told him that she appreciated his honesty and the thought that he put into it. Ron wanted to say that he did a lot of thinking and debating, but with the way things are now, whether he did or did not would be negligible.

Perhaps it was for the benefit of his own conscience.

The group filed back into the hotel after dinner, having experienced the advantage of being able to take a nice stroll from place of dining to place of sleeping. The players turned one way and the staff members turned another after having exited the elevator. Ron kept himself at the very back of the pack, as if busy checking news on his phone while Christina walked at the head of the pack and chatted with the nurses who came on the trip with them.

At Christina’s door, the three women said their own goodnights and the other two disappeared back into their rooms. Christina stood at her door for a moment longer before unlocking it and left it open for the one who will follow right after anyways.

“How was shopping?”

“Fine. Hank said it was for his cousin’s wedding.”

Ron shut the door behind him and put his cell phone on the nightstand instead. It was almost natural and definitely routine ever since they decided to indulge in this little secret of theirs.

“Did you hear when the wedding was?”

“Christmas, so that everyone will have the time to attend her wedding.” Of course, the league found some humanity and had always given every team Christmas off.

“Yeah, but, in the future, if she gets divorced, then isn’t Christmas going to be a terrible day for her?”

Ron gave her a look and Christina rolled her eyes after finally having taken off her boots.

“If, if! I’m not saying that she is going to!” She strolled over to him and titled her head back several degrees just to look at him in the face. “Wouldn’t that suck?”

“Then they’re just going to work extra hard on their marriage.”

Yeah, unless one of them decides to cheat. Seven year’s itch, heard of that? Christina impulsively wanted to spring that from her tongue but caught herself right in the nick of time. If she had actually said that aloud, she knew that Ron’s nature would allow him to continue the conversation unhindered. However, she also knew that inside him, there will a surge of guilt that will rise and then perhaps he’ll bolt from this room. It was already hard enough to see each other as it is, she didn’t think that his guilt trips were going to do them any good.

Did she have her own guilt? Of course. However, she’s long pushed that back because she knew that if this thing ever gets uncovered, she will have to play the role of the slutty woman who seduced him into bed.

“Hey Ron,” she rose onto her tiptoes and wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, “thank you.”

“What for?”

“What you said at dinner.”

“That was just hypothetical.”

Christina didn’t say anything but continued looking at him, he did the same. Then, he sighed and kissed her forehead. “It was the least I could do.”

Could this ever progress into love? She wanted to ask, but once again, she held herself back. Instead, she smiled and leaned her face up in search for his lips. Ron understood and the two of them met halfway in a chaste kiss.

“You know, I’m not on my period anymore.” Christina whispered against his lips.

“I know.”

To be continued...