Chris joined his father, Larissa, and Donnie Arnosky at court bright and early the next morning. He could tell Larissa was nervous, but knew she was also eager to put this chapter of her life behind her.
The man, her former boss Yuri, had absolutely no shame. In front of the judge, he did everything in his power to make it seem like he was just protecting his business and that he was in the right...Including blatantly lying under oath about how many days Larissa had requested off and her work ethic, amongst other things. Just for that, the judge ended up tacking on $100,000 to the fine Larissa was to be awarded, which added up to $200,000 altogether.
"Oi, what a meshuggeneh!" Donnie Arnosky exclaimed as they all exited the courtroom. "I've seen my fair share of idiots, but I think Mr.Grigoryan might take the cake!"
"I'm just glad it's over with," Larissa looked visibly relieved. "Thank you so much," she shook Donnie's hand. "Now, who wants to go celebrate over some brunch? Mr.Arnosky, will you join us?"
"Oh, thank you, my dear, but I've got to start getting my 11 o'clock case ready." He turned to Chris and his dad. "Robert, Christopher, it was good seeing you again. Take care," Donnie excused himself and walked the opposite direction down the hall.
"Thank you both so much for coming," Larissa hugged Robert and Chris, giving the latter an extra peck on the cheek, still embarrassed to kiss him on the mouth in front of his father.
"Of course," they replied in unison. "I'm just glad you don't have to deal with that dick anymore," Chris grabbed the side of her head, pulling her to him for a kiss on the temple.
"Me too," Larissa drug out. "Now, where do you guys want to eat? My treat."
Larissa spread her arms out and flopped against the couch when they got home that afternoon.
"So, what do you want to do today?" Chris chuckled, already having a good idea.
'Be lazy," she closed her eyes and smiled.
"That's fine, but..." he drug out the last word.
"But what?" Larissa asked, unmoving.
"I have an early Christmas present for you."
"You're as bad as a kid," she laughed, eyes still closed.
"No, no. I have a good reason. It's time-sensitive," he insisted."Stay there. I'll be right back." Chris felt eyes on him as he walked to the kitchen and pulled open a drawer, pulling two tickets out.
"Chris, what are those?" Larissa's face grew serious as he held them out to her. She took them and studied them for a long second.
"Chris, why are we flying into Omaha in three days?" her eyes grew wide.
"Come on, Lars. What other reason would I have to fly us out to the middle of nowhere, especially right before Christmas?"
"Chris, are you serious?" tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.
"Yah, babe. I didn't really know what to get you. I thought it would be the perfect gift."
"It is," she whispered as she hugged him. "I haven't seen my parents in over a year," Larissa gave a short laugh as she swiped at her tears. "Sorry," she pulled away from Chris and fanned her face.
"Don't be sorry," he hugged her again. "I'm glad we could do this."
"Oh my God! I was so caught up in my own excitement to see my parents, I didn't even think about this being the first time you've met them! Chris, I'm so excited!" she grabbed his hands and jumped up and down. He couldn't help but laugh.
"I don't think I've ever seen you so excited about anything."
"Oh," she drew out. "I was pretty excited to meet Alan Rickman and Bill Pullman."
"What about when I proposed?" Chris grew incredulous.
"That was ok too," Larissa teased. "So how long are we staying?"
"Well, that's where it gets kind of complicated. I have to be back to work the day after Christmas..."
"Awww," Larissa groaned with a sneer.
"I know. I'm just trying to be happy JJ's at least giving us a break over Christmas."
'Yah, me too. So what's the deal? We have to fly back Christmas afternoon or night?"
"I do. You don't."
"Chris..." she tried to argue, but he put a finger to her lips to shush her.
"You're staying as long as you want. I insist."
"But then you'll be home all by yourself. Plus, what if I never come back? What if I decide I've had enough of LA and want to stay in Iowa forever?"
Chris lowered his eyes at her. "I'm a big boy. And I would like to think you love me enough to come home," he emphasized the last word. "Even if you did stay, I would hunt you down, you know. Don't underestimate me. I have resources." They both laughed."Enjoy this time off...Just not too much. We have a wedding to plan when you get home, you know." Chris winked.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pIQpmPHGA
