Moving Day

“You know I really can't understand why we have to leave,” states Chloe as she stares out into the gray storm. The thin frame of her companion tensed in anticipation for the coming fight.

                “We've been through this. You agreed it was for the best,” placing his arms on her shoulders as he closed the distance between them, “now I understand it’s a big change. It is for both of us but at least we are doing it together.”

               “I know, Peter, it’s just…,” she turned now to look into his eyes searching for understanding, “you are going to have your work and already know a lot of people from the office. What do I have?”

               Pulling her close and embracing her as if to comfort her Peter began to chuckle, “You will have me and you can join a book club or something Clo.”

               There it was, his irritating way of belittling her. Turning her back on him she tore away from his arms and began to occupy herself with packing up the few items that were left.

               “Really? Are we really going to do this again Clo?”

               “What do you want me to say Peter? I mean… do you think really think I all of a sudden grew this great passion for book clubs? Come on Peter,” Chloe couldn't keep back the anger that was bursting from within.

               Turning to face him with the full front of her own interior storm she was stunned to find an empty room.

               “Uggg! I freaking hate when he does that.”

               Sulking to the covered seat, one of the last left in the room Chloe put her face into the palms of her hands. She couldn't help but think why her life had ended up here. She was so happy the first year of her life that she shared with her husband Peter. Now? He was so far away and it seems that this big city had come between them. They had grown apart and she didn’t know why. She had quietly tendered to the house work, tagged along to all of his important dinner meetings and even hosted parties for all his important clients. Yet, somehow he had grown impatient of her and began mocking every step she made.

               “Mrs. Brighton, ma’am?”

               Looking up into the face of their tall and, dare she admit it, handsome mover. She traced over his lips with her eyes and along his chiseled jaw line, lost in his beauty.

               “Um, ma’am?”

               “Oh, sorry David. All this moving has my mind in a frenzy. What is it?”

               “The truck is all loaded up ma'am except for… well…” questioning his hesitation she looked around and realized she was sitting in the final article. The poor man couldn't bring himself to embarrass her and in the process he had done just that. Chloe could feel the heat in her cheeks and cursed herself because she knew she was cherry red from head to neck.

               “I am so sorry David,” she said in a rushed voice as she jumped up quickly from the chair.

               “No problem ma’am. Oh and Mr. Brighton wanted me to let you know that you are to ride with me to the new place. He has an unexpected meeting and wont be leaving until tomorrow.”

               All Chloe could do was stare after David as she quickly gathered the chair and rushed out. Of course David knew this was unexpected and she could see in his eyes that he felt sorry for her.

               “Of all the lousy no go things to do. I can’t believe Peter would do this. We were leaving this town to go to his new job and he makes me, his wife, travel with the moving man,” she said out loud in frustration.

               Pulling her phone out of her purse she dialed Peter but it went straight to voicemail. He always did that when he went to these unexpected meetings. She couldn't help but wonder if this would continue into the new place. She sent him a quick text and grabbing the last box in the large empty house she went out to the truck.

               David was pulling down the large metal door of the truck and when he saw Chloe coming he ran up to take the box from her hands.

               “Let me get that ma’am.”

               Taking it under his left arm David walked away swiftly to the passenger door of the truck and opened the door up for her.

               “Wow David, I haven’t had a door opened for me in a while. I like it,” she said in a strong confident voice. She had to instill a sense of command so that this man understood she was his employer least he had the urge to strike up a conversation on their long journey.

               “It’s no problem ma’am. That’s what a gentleman is supposed to do and it’s only right. Let me put this box away and we will head out.”

               Chloe couldn't help but sneak a look as David walked to the back of the truck. He sure was good looking.

               "Oh that Peter, this is going to be one long ride. I could just kill him," she hissed under her breath moments before David joined her in the truck smiling awkwardly at her.