The truth has a way

**Dayle**

Still, Chriss’s concerns rang a bell for the second time. It left me hanging and at the same time worried. 

Trying to focus on work the entire day was one thing and thinking about my girlfriend’s concerns was another thing. 

“Hey, earth to you!” Dom snapped me out of my thoughts by tapping my arm.

The pen in my hand was suffering for a thought it didn't know about, constantly swiping it in between my fingers. 

“What's the matter?” Dom asked as Dad approached with a major investor. “Here, Mr. Wilkerson was just expressing his gratitude. He thinks we did a great job with the spare parts,” Dad said with a broad smile. 

“Oh, I'm glad that you love it. Well, it serves us well to put your prioritize your taste,” I said, stretching for a handshake. 

“By the way,” Mr. Wilkerson chimed in gleefully, his full mustache complementing his face. “I would really like to invite my friends to come work with you. I almost thought that this was a bad investment,” he admitted and I just managed a firm smile. 

“C’mon man, with my son, nothing is a bad investment. He's the man for the job, and for any investment…” Dad stated, keeping the atmosphere was less jaded.

“I would really love to introduce you to Ari, she's my daughter. Very intelligent and tech savvy, she’ll make a good lifetime partner and business partner,” Mr. Wilkerson didn't give up pitching in for his friends and… daughter. I scoffed very lightly, almost invisibly. 

Fuck! Can these guys stop trying to hook me up? Like, I have a beautiful woman in my crib. 

“Oh, Mr. Wilkerson, that's kind of you but I’m getting married in the coming months,” I lied. Although it is not entirely a lie. Chriss and I would get married very, very soon, I told myself. 

Dom and Dad’s smiles were forced knowing that I lied while the man plastered a fucking fake smile.

“Shoot! That means you're engaged—I see,” Mr. Wilkerson said. 

“Technically married, sir!” I added a bit of sarcasm climbing the air. “By the way, sir, I'll have the rest of your shipment sent to your company ASAP. It was really nice doing business with you,” I said as we shook hands again.

The man was escorted by Dom and he shortly returned to us. 
“How’s my girl?” Dad asked.

“Doing very well. She's probably caught up in whipping up an event that's coming pretty soon,” I explained proudly. I mean, everything that Chriss does makes lots of sense to me. I couldn't be prouder of her. 

“I know! We had a FaceTime two days ago and she told me everything. Ain't no way I could miss that,” Dad snapped excitedly. “And well, thanks to you for being a big dickhead by letting your best friend live with you…” 

“Dad, really?” I rubbed my face across. 

“Kids these days don't even know what they want. Their relationships look like clickbait,” he casually blurted out as Dom laughed it off. 

“It's not even funny. Dad, that's you disrespecting what I share with Chriss, okay?” I barked at him but sad will always be my dad, he didn't give a fuck. 

“Oh yeah? So, what is Egan doing in your house? You couldn't even let your uncle pass the weekend at your crib and suddenly Egan is living with you. I couldn't wrap my head around it when your mother told me,” he snapped, drinking whisky from his flask while I held my work for tightly. 

“Wow! Fucking awesome Dad, your joke is totally expensive and absolutely not funny!” I snapped almost angrily. Dad was right, we made the dumbest decision ever. 

“Im not trying to spite your son but don't come when it turns ugly. And don't be surprised when you hear that Egan slept with Chriss. Guys like him don't give up,” as bad as it sounded, it was the flat truth. 

“Dad, I don't know if it's the whisky or just… your thoughts but I can't hold the conversation anymore. And hey Dad, I’m not going to hear bad news today!” I snapped, totally uninterested even in his words ate me deep inside. 

“Sir O, it couldn't be that bad,” Dom chimed in for the first time. 

“Yeah, let's hope so…” Dad forbly said as he placed a kiss on my head even though I was taller than he was. “Take charge of your home, son. I love you by the way. Gotta head home to my wife and twins,” he said, walking off. 

“Love you too Dad,” I said calmly. 
Dom patted my arm lightly and I nodded appreciatively. 
It takes a lot to grow up, I used to think that he was very harsh and simply a wannabe before my dad. Rather, he had my interests at heart and our relationship smoothed over the years. 

I was left alone—to my thoughts. 
I walked to my car, putting my thoughts in order as I entered my car. 

…
Driving through the highway, the city’s night ambiance syncing with the typical New York story elated my spirits. 

To some point, I wanted to convince Chrissy again that she didn’t have to leave NY to go to med school but that would be damn selfish of me, right?

I wish I had many options to present to her, I wish that she could stay back at least—we can find a way around it. 

I saw a stall selling fresh flowers and I thought getting one for Chrissy would be great since she loved them. 

After I had gotten it, my phone began to ring. I took a peek and saw an unknown number. I was hesitant to answer it until I finally did. 

“Yeah?” my bove flat and uninterested. 

“Hey, I see that you couldn't be decent enough, you have to strike a deal with my maid? A fucking low life?” 

That was Amber and before I could hang up, she continued. “I swear to you, Dayle, stop making it harder than it ever was. I'm in love with you but don't make this dramatic. Leave Cynthia out of this ‘cause you won't get anything tangible. Or… I do it my way,” she hung up. 

Wow. 

The guts. The audacity. I blame myself for listening halfway through. 
I tried to squeeze out some information from Cynthia because I just wanted Chriss to know that I didn't sleep with Amber even if she believes me.

I finally entered my car to go home. 

…
It was already some minutes past 7 PM and I had already received a text from Chriss, checking in on me and to know when I'd be home. 

I pushed the door and walked in proudly with the bouquet of roses in my right hand. 

Chriss rushed to me, jumping on me as though she had been waiting all day to do that. I embraced her tightly as we kissed, also sharing a deep, lingering kiss. 

“How did it go?” she asked, taking my bag even though I tried to protest. 

“Successful, baby! We got in, baby!” I said as we squealed excitedly and hugged me ago but then something felt off.
I know Chrissy, she doesn't try to impress anyone or force a mood. This moment? It seemed forced and it worried me. 

“By the way, I forgot you this!” I revealed it to her. She received it with a small and open genuineness. 

“Thanks, baby! You're so thoughtful!” She leaned in for a quick kiss and then sniffed the flowers. “Gosh, they are so fresh!” she said, walking to the kitchen to place them into a glassy bowl where she stores them. 

I remained planted in my spot, sensing thine oddity even if she was acting normal. 
“Is everything okay?” I asked before I could take it back. 

Her face squeezed swiftly, “Absolutely! Come eat! I made your favorite. I'll just heat it,” she said as she turned to leave.

Egan, descending the stairs with his luggage, caught me by surprise.

“Hey buddy!” I let out. Somewhat relieved that he was leaving since it was causing a strain in my relationship with Chriss. 

He smirked and said; “Hey. I have something to tell you,” he let out. 

“Oh, can it wait until after dinner? Can’t miss Chrissy’s cooking,” I teased while his face remained blank. 

“Oh, yeah? Even we after we almost fucked?” he snapped and the nuts in my head loosened. 

“Wait, what?” 

I didn't fucking hear that correctly, did I?