Chris ran out and bought a few groceries, he didn’t want to be gone long. He stocked up on fruits, vegetables, and meat. With those supplies, Beth could create many meals. He also bought a deli chicken and the sides for their supper. Rushing through check-out, he was back to her house shortly.
After he carried the groceries into the house and put them away, he called up the stairs for Beth to come eat. Before she came downstairs, Chris snuck over to the thermostat and increased the temperature so it would be more comfortable for the baby.
The meal between them was a silent affair, Beth trying not to fall asleep at the table and Chris trying to figure out what to say to JC. Finally, Beth pushed back from the table and instructed Chris to just leave everything, she would get it in the morning.
She embraced Chris hard, “Thank you for being here. You’re the first person to actually listen. I’m sorry for rambling. I know you’re really close with JC, but please, please keep this to yourself.”
Chris leaned back, “Beth, you take care of yourself. Anything you need, I’m just a phone call away. I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, but I’ve got to get back to the band. You take care of my niece or nephew in there alright? Now get to bed, I’ll lock up.”
Beth smiled and headed upstairs to bed. Chris watched her climb the stairs before he started cleaning up the table. After putting the kitchen to rights, he pulled out his wallet and took out all the cash he had on him. Mentally chewing himself out for not getting more cash while he was out, he stuck the money into her purse that was sitting on the counter.
Looking around to see if there was anything else he could do, Chris again felt a surge of anger at JC. What kind of man would put the woman he vowed to love and take care of forever would do this?
He was about to find out.
***
JC was standing in the kitchen leaning on the counter as he sipped the drink in his hand. Joey was digging in the refrigerator for something to eat when the front door slammed against the wall as it opened. Hurried footsteps rushed through the house to the kitchen as JC and Joey looked at each other. Only someone with the security code could get in so it must be someone JC knew.
Chris rounded the corner in a fury. JC straightened and turned his body toward his friend expecting to be handed his guitar. JC looked around for his guitar as Chris approached him.
“Hey man, where’s the guitar, I –” He never saw the left hook that had him doubling over or the right hook immediately after that met his jaw. He crashed down, his glass shattering over the tile floor, his hand coming up to make sure his jaw was still attached.
“What the hell was that?” Joey demanded as JC tried to stop the world from spinning. Joey made his way from the fridge to stand between the two men, not sure what was going on.
“That was because he is the lowest form of scum on this earth. He doesn’t deserve to call himself a man. You disgust me.” Chris spat the words in revulsion.
Slowly JC clamored to his feet, ready to fight. With arms spread toward each man, Joey physically separated the two.
“Dude, what the...?” Stammering, JC rubbed his jaw soothingly.