Chapter 10 – The Weekend

A few days later, after Eric got used to the routine and new home a bit, he got changed and waited around for Timo.

He looked at the calendar. Maybe he doesn’t work on the weekend, even though he seems to be around all the time. He probably misses his family because I'm eating his time, though... Maybe I should tell him to go home early since I don't need too much help. He seems to stay later to help Char out; he almost feels like her guardian more than a butler or assistant.

Knock, knock.

I guess he was just a little late. Eric opened the door and his eyes widened. “Hey, Char, good morning.”

“Good morning. How are your ribs? Are you well enough to walk without pain yet?” Charlotte asked.

Eric rotated his spine, stretched out, and cringed. “Hurts if I turn or stretch out too much, but I seem to be doing well, considering. I guess all this rest and awesome food has been helping me heal. I honestly didn't expect any improvement yet, so this is surprising even me,” he chuckled and groaned again. "Add laughing, sneezing, and probably yawning to the things I don't want to do too much of right now."

“How would you like a day out of the house? We can stop by the Pancake House for breakfast, go shopping, grab lunch whenever, go see a movie, and then have a fancy dinner.”

She’s got the whole day planned? Wait, doesn't this sound like a date day or something? “Uh… Shouldn’t you rest for today? You’ve been so busy lately, you must be exhausted.” Even though we live together, we haven't had too much time together yet.

Charlotte touched under her eye, wondering if the bags were showing. “I don't need any extra rest; I’m fine. I'm raring to do something non-work related with you while I have a day off.”

“Are we really allowed to go outside together?” I imagine it could cause problems. Well, Timo made it quite clear it could cause problems. I seriously don't think he wants me here, and I can't blame him. I'm extra work for him, and I haven't made myself useful other than making cookies and welcoming her home. Although, she seems to like the 'welcome home'.

“Of course we can. Timo didn't try to tell you otherwise, did he?”

“Well… What about the media? If we're noticed, there could be a big blowup, right? I always hear about the media coming after famous people to see who they're with and whatnot.”

“What has Timo been telling you? Most of the time, people don’t notice me while I’m out in public. I'm big in the business world, but I'm not a movie star or anything like that. It’ll be fine; don’t worry.” She grabbed his hand, staring into his eyes with hope. “So, will you spend the day with me?”

Oh gosh, how can I say no when she’s giving me such a cute look? I can't believe I even get to have those gorgeous brown eyes staring into mine. “S-sure,” Eric swallowed hard, his hands already getting clammy.

“Yay! I’ll meet you at the front door in fifteen minutes.”

“Okay…” Super serious to cute at the drop of a hat.

Charlotte smiled, biting her lip as she walked away. It had been a long time since she'd been excited about something other than work.

“Do you think it’s a good idea?” Timo asked as Charlotte waited for Eric at the front of the house.

“I’ll be fine.”

“You haven’t gotten behind the wheel since you hit him, and quite frankly, I don't think you should yet. You haven't been sleeping enough, and I think that's part of what caused the accident in the first place.”

“If I don’t force myself to get behind the wheel again, I never will drive again.”

“Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing."

Charlotte glared at him. "I've been driving since I was a teenager."

"At least let me come with you. If anything happens, we can switch out.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“If you have an anxiety attack while driving, I don’t think Eric will be well enough to take over for you; he has a license, but as far as I can tell, he hasn’t driven in years. It’s not safe.”

“Timo… I’ll call you if something happens, but I want today to be just us.”

Timo eyed her dress, a stark contrast to her normal power suits, and definitely not what she would lounge around at home in. “Is this a day out of the house or a date?”

“It’s… both. A day date,” she bit her lip and smiled.

“I haven’t seen you this giddy since…” he trailed off, wishing he hadn’t gone down that train of thought.

She froze, her expression dropping as her past crept into her mind.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean anything by it. Please don’t—”

“I’m fine. It was a long time ago…” But sometimes, no matter how much time passed, some things still haunted you. “I’m way past being over him… and the things he did.”

Time eyed her skeptically. “Ahem, well, I hope so, because your date has arrived.”

Charlotte turned around to see Eric coming towards her, neatly dressed in a shirt and tie, holding onto his jacket.

“I wasn’t sure what to wear…” his eyes widened and jaw dropped when he saw her. “Wow… You look stunning.” A hint of red flashed on both their cheeks.

“Thanks. You’re looking handsome yourself.”

“Thanks,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.

They walked out to her convertible red sports car together.

“You’re driving?” Eric asked.

“Yup,” she opened her door and glanced over at him. “Is that a problem?”

You hit me last time! “Uh… No…” he swallowed hard.

Charlotte laughed. “I promise I’m normally an excellent driver.”

“Sure…”

“Sure? Does that mean you don’t believe me?”

“Well… I mean…” Eric scratched the back of his head as he averted his gaze, at a loss for words.

“Guess I can’t blame you, given the circumstances. I’ll prove to you how good of a driver I am right now.”

“Okay,” Eric swallowed as they both got in.

“Buckle up.”

No way I wouldn’t.

Click. He held onto the seatbelt, worried as they took off.