Chapter 10

Marissa's Pov

Elias took us all out for dinner as was tradition anytime he came around. It was my favorite restaurant and the kids were always so happy to eat out but all through the outing, I couldn't fully relax and enjoy myself.

I was certain now that it wasn't all in my head. Elias was paying more attention to the kids. Waaayy more attention. Like he was avoiding me?

There was something off about his demeanour. He seemed tense and although he was playing and joking around with the twins, he seemed unfocused.

Like something was bothering him.

I rarely pried into Elias's life away from me and the children. He told me about his job and the high rise new York apartment he owned but we never discussed anything more personal to him.

Like his friends, parents, maybe a girlfriend.

I'd asked a couple of times but he would always brush it aside. Start up some other conversation and I'd forget I asked.

If he had problems in his life, he had done a good job keeping me away from them for all these years.

Today though, not so much.

By bedtime, the kids were all tuckered out. Elias gave them a bath and prepared them for bed while I relaxed in the living room watching a game show.

I smiled as I heard him singing the brush your teeth song in a surprisingly melodious voice.

He was so good with the twins, I'd joked about hiring him as a full time babysitter. He said he wished he could but he couldn't leave his job in the city. It was very very important and he was an essential part to the smooth running of activities there.

He'd also never told me what his company was about.

“Oh dear God I'm beat." He groaned as he flopped onto the sofa beside me.

“Are they asleep yet?" I asked, scoohing over to make more room for him.

“Started snoring almost immediately their heads hit their pillows. They were so tired.” He laughed.

" They only get this tired when you come around. Usually they're still up by this time making my life a nightmare.” I groaned and he laughed in response.

"I keep telling you, you just have to learn to channel their energy somewhere else.”

I shook my head, “you need energy to channel energy and I don't have a lot of that."

“You do Rissa. You're stronger than you think." He stared directly at me as he spoke. Sea green eyes boring into mine. I had a feeling he was referring to something other than the kids.

“You've been looking awful worried today. Are you okay?" I asked gently.

He blinked slowly, “Worried"

“Yeah. I don't know. Like something's got you all worked up. You know you can talk to me right?"

He chuckled lightly and I punched his arm, “I'm serious. It doesn't always have to be you taking care of me. I can help you too."

He looked away, wincing as though in pain, " I know. I never said you couldn't. Or can't. And I'm fine, trust me."

“I trust you. But not right now. You're hiding something." My lips scrunched into a pout as I turned back to face the TV.

“I'm not hiding anything that you need to know. I promise." He drew a finger across his chest, “Cross my heart."

“Fine." I grumbled, “how long are you in town for this time?"

“A week. Maybe two." He replied but he didn't sound happy about it. His eyes got that far away look again.

I decided not to say anything about him looking bothered for now. I'll just bring it up later.

“The kids would be so stoked to hear you're staying two whole weeks here.” I said with a wide smile. I was stoked too. Possibly more than they would be.

He coughed and readjusted on the sofa, " um, I wouldn't be staying here Marissa.”

My eyes widened, " why? Did you get a place? Are you moving from the city?”

“No, no. Not moving."

“So, why aren't you staying here. You always stay here."

" Because I'm here on business this time. It's a work thing and we're all staying at the Mason Lodge. I'll come see you as often as I can but…..”

" Work?” I cocked my head to the side, " What exactly is your company doing here? It's a small town.”

" Oh you know…mostly scouting for potential business to turnover." He said slowly, looking unsure. Then suddenly his eyes snapped back into focus and he turned to me, “Actually, your office is one of them."

“My office? I don't get it." I folded my arms across my chest.

“Would you know if your boss, Jack Tinsel, if he's willing to sell the company?” He asked eagerly.

“What? No! Oh come on, you know how he worked so hard to build it up again. He's put so much into the place, I don't think he'll want to sell. Besides it's his family's legacy."

“Everyone has a price." Elias shrugged.

“I for one, wouldn't want him to sell. There's been steady growth these past few months. Things are starting to really take off. And as a way to celebrate, there's an office party tomorrow. A big one. Not like the small get- togethers with cold pizza and soda we used to have but an actual party.” I didn't know why I was trying to defend Jack and his company. I wasn't that loyal to the place and truly I don't think I'd be that bothered if he decided to sell.

But having spoken to Jack one on one. Well, sorta. It was like I had gotten a newfound sense of…perspective on Jack.

“An office party? That's cool. Am I invited?" He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

" Sure. If you're willing to go alone.”

" You're not going?”

" Nope.” I drew my legs up on the sofa and tucked them underneath, " The small get togethers were fine. tolerable. This? No way.”

" Oh come on, Rissa.” He laughed and tossed a pillow at me, " Why do I have to be the one pushing you to have some fun.”

" What do you mean? I have tons of fun." I grumbled.

“Uhuh, do you?"

“Of course! Loads! I just don't want to attend some stupid office party."

" It's not stupid, come on. Don't you want the chance to get to know your coworkers better?”

" Ewww. Hard pass. No thank you.”

" Tell you what, I'll go with you. If that'll make you feel less socially awkward.” Elias offered.

" As my plus one?”

" Errr…. unofficially. Thing is, I can't escape attending the party. I'm going on behalf of my company. But I don't want to go alone.I'll be all sad and lonely.” He turned to me with a playful pout.

The Big fat liar. He didn't need me at social gatherings. He would do just fine. But it was hard sticking to my decision of not attending now. He was going to be there, I worked there. I should go with him.

I groaned, “oh my God." My fingers rubbed my forehead in frustration, “Ok fine. But we leave early. Promise,..no. swear to me. The minute I say I want to leave, you're not going to stop me."

He pretended to consider it for a moment and then nodded, “Deal. We leave early."

I stretched my hand and we shook on it. He held on just a few seconds longer than he should and he was staring at me intently again.

Then his eyes seemed to flash.

It was less than a second. They turned a very deep green and then back to normal. I could've sworn it didn't happen.

He got up suddenly but he wasn't staring at me anymore, he was looking out the screen doors.

“Everything ok?" I asked, getting up with him. I followed his eyes but I couldn't see anything.

“Yeah. It's fine." He shook his head and smiled but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He looked even more bothered than before.

" I'll come pick you up tomorrow ok?” He gave me a light side hug and walked away very quickly.