Chris spent the rest of the week showering Larissa with gifts and attention. He had hoped she didn't think he was trying to buy her affection because that wasn't it at all. Chris loved acting, but he loved Larissa even more. He was more than happy to be able to splurge a little on her with the money he was receiving from all of his recent projects. He tried to respect her desire to make her own money, there was far too much sexism still evident in their society still, but he felt obligated, no, wanted, to be able to provide for her for the rest of their lives as her husband.
Chris would be lying to hisself if he said he didn't have ulterior motives with some of the gifts. Tuesday was a gift card to Michael's, the craft store. Wednesday was a cookbook he knew she had her eye on. The journal on Monday. Her mental state seemed to be improving drastically, but he still hoped to keep her busy while he was gone. How could he not worry after the episodes they had been through over the past several months?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAphEhWUF8h
The whole week had been a success, though, with, luckily, little sadness from Larissa. He had taken great care to hide his own remorse for having to leave so suddenly and soon again, and, especially his lingering feelings of worry. Chris knew they would check in on her, but he made sure to emphasize the point when he spoke to his mother on the phone while planning Thursday's event.
"Hey, mom," Chris greeted.
"Hey, Christopher. What are you up to?"
"I was wondering if you could do me a favor."
"Sure, if I'm able to, sweetheart. What is it?"
"Sooo the thing we talked about Sunday?"
"Yah?"
"Well, I'm trying to make up for it before I leave Sunday. I've got the whole week planned out. We went hiking at Wilacre Park yesterday, I'm taking her to that seafood restaurant we love over in Santa Monica tonight, we're going to look at wedding rings tomorrow. You get the idea. But Thursday I have a meeting with my agent early afternoon. I had an idea, though, and that's where you come in, if you're free."
"On Thursday? Let me look real quick," Chris heard his mother shuffling around for her appointment book.
"I have a few appointments in the morning, but only a couple in the afternoon. I can reschedule them if it's really important. What did you have in mind?"
"Well, I wanted to surprise her with trying wedding dresses on. Since I couldn't go with her even if I were free and it would be kind of weird to send her own mother out here on such short notice without even having met her yet, I was wondering if you would take her?"Chris asked hopefully.
"Oh, Chris. Of course! I would be delighted to!"
"Really? Are you sure I'm not asking too much? You said you have work."
"Don't be silly. Of course not."
"Awesome. Thanks so much, mom. I just, I really want her to know I'm taking this whole wedding thing seriously. I don't know when or if we're even going to be able to visit her parents beforehand, but I really don't want her doing all this stuff by herself. I don't want her to be alone."
"Goodness, Christopher. How much time is this new project of yours going to be taking up?"
"I don't know exactly. I'm going to be gone for at least two weeks in Utah. Other than that, it's anyone's guess. It's JJ Abrams," Chris shrugged, not thinking about the fact that his mother couldn't see his body language.
"At least after that we will be shooting everything here in town in the studio. I'll still be able to come home, but I'm sure it's going to be long, miserable, hours." Chris paused. "Mom, I'm still worried about her, he finally spilled the beans.
"I know, sweetheart. We'll check in on her. She's still welcome to come over for dinner on Sundays too. You did tell her that,right?"
"Yah, mom. I know you guys get along great, I just don't know if she would come over by herself. I think she still feels kind of shy around you," Chris paused again. "I don't expect you guys to be babysitters, but can you check in on her...more frequently?...Unless she acts like she's getting annoyed by it?" He suddenly felt tired and wondered again if he was asking too much of his parents.
"Chris, it's my job to check in on people, make sure they're ok. Besides, your father and I adore Larissa. We'll make sure she feels welcome while you're gone, but...Should I be more worried than I am?"
"No...no. I just don't want her getting lonely and sinking back into her depression," Chris practically whispered, though Larissa wasn't at home to overhear him. "She seems to be doing a lot better. I want to keep it that way. I missed happy Larissa these past few months," he sighed.
"Christopher, I hope you know I mean this in the best way, but maybe you should think about taking a bit of a break after this movie wraps."
"I know, mom. I know," he agreed solemnly, rubbing a hand across his face.
"So, what time and where am I meeting Larissa Thursday?" his mother changed the subject.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCW6UGd123
