Closer

*JAMIRA*

I left feeling satisfied and relieved. I had planned to leave earlier to return before Chris discovered my absence for the entire night. Upon arriving home, I found his car was still missing. This raised suspicions, but I needed to enter the house to create the illusion that I had been there when he arrived.

Upon entering, I decided to take a shower and freshen up. I realized I should have packed an overnight bag for such situations. Returning in the same clothes was not an option.

I put on some sweatpants and an oversized shirt that hung off my shoulder. I wrapped my hair and headed to the kitchen. Before cooking, I checked my phone for any messages or missed calls. Surprisingly, there were none from Chris. At this point, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting.

Shortly after finishing my omelette, I heard a click at the door. It was Chris, stumbling through the door slightly unsteady. He had a strong alcohol odor. I watched him almost fall over and struggle to get up the stairs. Once I finished eating, I went upstairs to check on him.

I found him sprawled out on the bed, snoring loudly. I instinctively drew my hand back and slapped him so hard that he woke up. He appeared disoriented.

“What the hell, Mira!” he exclaimed.

“You’re drunk!” I replied.

“So what?” he retorted.

“Where were you?” I demanded.

“Why?” he asked.

“Since when did you start coming home at almost 12 in the afternoon?” I pressed.

“It’s just 11. Stop being so dramatic.”

“It doesn’t matter! Where are you coming from?” I insisted.

“I’m hungover. I can’t do this right now.”

He was right. His mental state was impaired, and while we have issues, I should wait until he was sober. It was a rare sight at this point.

I went downstairs and cleaned up to cool down.

An hour into my cleaning, a message came through.

I miss you already.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. There was no way this man was real.

I haven’t been gone that long, Eric.

I enjoyed last night and this morning.

I did too.

Is it bad that I want more?

Eric, I’m sore.

Let me lick the pain away.

Seriously, what is with this guy?

You have a problem.

But you’re the only one who can solve it. But that’s not why I texted you.

Ok?

My parents are having dinner at their house, and I wanted to know if you’d like to come.

Damn, Eric, you’re trying to take up all my time.

Absolutely. So, what do you say?

When is it?

Today at 7 p.m.

I didn’t respond right away. Instead, I called Ayana.

“Hello?”

“Hey, girl.”

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Eric wants me to meet his parents.”

“You’re going?”

“I’m thinking about it.”

“Ew, girl, you like that man. You might as well go.” She teased.

“I think I will, but what’s been up with you? I’ve been so caught up in my drama that I forgot to check on you.”

“And I’m here for you every time,” she laughed.

We spent the next hour catching up on everything that’s Ayana and planning to meet up again soon. I didn’t tell her about last night. Not yet. I wanted to focus on her for now.

Once we hung up, I realized I hadn’t responded back to Eric.

Yeah, sure, am I meeting you or are you picking me up?

Almost immediately, he responded.

I don’t know how far you live from both places, so I’ll be there around 6 so we’ll have time to get there.

I sent him the address.

I don’t know why I asked that. Or why I even considered that an option. Chris was drunk, not stupid, although I was banking on both at the time.

Let’s not forget he’s upstairs.

I had to get creative when getting ready to avoid making too much noise. Chris had been out cold this entire time.

It didn’t take long to get ready, and it was already close to 6, so all I had to do was wait outside. Soon, he’d pull up, open my door for me, and help me inside. I blushed at his thoughtfulness.

He drove off, and we were on our way.