Guarded heart

Chapter 21 letting fate decide the plans

CHRIS POV

I could see the torment Lisa was having so I no longer wanted to do what I originally planned. It could wait for a later date. Instead I just wanted to see Lisa, just relax and be herself with no stress or worrys. We own a nice little lake house not to far from Devon so that's where we are just exiting off the motorway to. Me and Lisa had been singing along to the radio, but I finally see how Lisa doesn't sing love songs like her family said. But it's still been a fun random road trip so far.

First stop was the shops first though. We needed some basics and we also needed to buy a change off clothes as well.

"I hate to break the peaceful silence, but stop by some kind of drive through or something for a drink please?" Lisa asks.

"Of course we can, I was just thinking first stop somewhere we can buy some clothes. Then grocerys but a drink definitely sounds appealing first to" I say

"Thanks, what clothes shop do you want?" Lisa asks.

"Anywhere that sells clothes even if it's just some pj's and clean underwear for tomorrow that's good enough for me" I say

"Then if your planning on food shopping just go somewhere like asda or Tescos there clothes sections are not bad. It's not like we are shopping for a whole new wardrobe or anything" Lisa says.

"That's a good idea" I say

Then I notice one of my fravote songs because it has a catchy tune comes on the radio and I think it seems fitting as well to. I start to sing the song and knew Lisa wouldn't sing it because it's sorta a love song in my opinion.

Baby, lay on back and relax

Kick your pretty feet up on my dash

I take a look at Lisa out the corner my eye as I sang that line and see she puts her good foot up on the dash on my car while laughing

No need to go nowhere fast

Let's enjoy right here where we at

Who knows where this road is supposed to lead

We got nothing but time

As long as you're right here next to me

Everything's gonna be alright

I see Lisa is watching me out the corner of my eyes still but she is smiling.

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, just let it be

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, just let it be

So, won't you ride with me, ride with me?

See where this thing goes

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, if it's meant to be

I don't mean to be so uptight

Then Lisa places a hand on my upper arm then she starts to sing the next part making me shocked that I stay silent a minute while she sings the next few lines.

But my heart's been hurt a couple times

By a couple guys that didn't treat me right

I ain't gonna lie, ain't gonna lie

'Cause I'm tired of the fake love, show me what you're made of

Boy, make me believe

I place my hand over Lisa hand on my hand and bring it down to my hand to gold while driving and I continue to sing while Lisa stops singing.

Whoa, hold up, girl, don't you know you're beautiful?

And it's easy to see

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, just let it be

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, just let it be

So, won't you ride with me, ride with me?

See where this thing goes

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, if it's meant to be

Then Lisa starts to joining me singing and I can't help smiling. The song just kinda seems fitting to us I think as we sing it.

So, come on, ride with me, ride with me

See where this thing goes

So, come on, ride with me, ride with me

Baby, if it's meant to be

Maybe we do

Maybe we don't

Maybe we will

Maybe we won't

But if it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, just let it be

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, just let it be, let's go

So, won't you ride with me, ride with me?

See where this thing goes

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, if it's meant to be

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, if it's meant to be

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be

Baby, if it's meant to be

"I like that song. Always have. Don't go telling Summer and the others about this otherwise there expect all them love songs at karaoke sessions. Plus today is a fill in the moment kind of day" Lisa says smiling looking out the window.

"Don't worry your secret is safe with me" I say pulling up in front of a little cafe.

"A drive through would of been fine" Lisa says as I turn the engine off.

"It's nearly 10:30am I don't know about you but I fancy a fry up with a decent brew" I say.

"I must admit, it sounds alot better than drive through drinks" Lisa says as I open the door to get out. I hurry around to Lisas side of the car and open her door.

"Okay do you want the crutches or do you just want to hop with my support?" I ask.

"leave the crutches in here there to annoying, plus tjey hurt my hands" Lisa says.

"Your hands are still sore?" I ask as I help Lisa out the car. "Yes, but the cream prescribed by the doctor is helping heal my hands as well" Lisa says.

"That's good then" I say as we make our way towards the cafe door. Lisa has linked her arm around my neck while I wrap a arm around her petite waist as support while she hops alongside me.

LISAS POV

As we walked into the little cafe straight away I got the 80's retros feel. Bright colours. Neon lights. Duke box and booth style looking tables. I could imagine a waitress on skates coming our way anything second with a small skimpy checker dress and white waist apron on, chewing gum like the movies. Except there was no waitress like that. Just ordinary people wearing any type jeans with red t-shirts and name badges on.

We decided on a free booth& near the table and I sat on one side while sliding myself across the seat before putting my feet up to straighten out my foot.

"I will go order us breakfast" Chris says seeing I'm all settled at the table.

"Okay, let me know how mine is" I say.

"It's on me" Chris says then walks off before I could argue it out. Looks like it's on Chris then I think to myself.

I then look at the menu and the table around me. I suddenly realise the other side of the table seems like it's not much gap between the booth and the chair. I wonder if Chris can even fit in there. I'd be surpised if a small child can fit into it. I look around and see all the tables are like this and I wonder why they did such a thing. I mean we are not all size zero after all.

"Lisa do you want any black pudding?" Chris says loud enough for me to hear.

"No thankyou, I don't like it" I say

"me neither" Chris says smiling at me before he continues to put our order through. I watch as he finishes his request with two glasses of orange juice and two cuppas. Then he pays for the food while coming back to the table.

I watch as Chris goes to sit the other side but stops in his tracking frowning "I don't think I'm going to fit in there" Chris says looking a puzzled as I am with the small gap.

"It's okay you can sit next to me I say putting my feet on the floor. Chris slides in next to then he lifts my feet up from the lower legs and rests them over his lap." Keep your leg rested" Chris says while he picks the menu up to take a look.

"Didnt you already order?" I ask.

"hmmm mmm, but I'm just curious over there whole menu. It's just something I do whenever I eat somewhere new" Chris says

"Since I've had the cafe if I eat in a different one u always compare the menu's, sometimes it gives me ideas when I update my Ken menu" I say as the drinks arrive. Chris thanks the lady who served them, while I offer a friendly smile. Whe. She walks away I say "Thanks Chris".

"That's okay, it's only breakfast nothing special" Chris says take a slide glance at me just like I noticed he did alot on the trip out here. I've noticed it's not big tall buildings anymore it's more country style and little town type style but not completely country town. It had the odd few big buildings and shopping centres so far where we are. But it's definitely not as jam packed and hectic as London. It's slower pace like people have time to breath and go about there daily life's.

"Are you okay?" Chris asks bri g me back from my thoughts.

"Yeah, I was just thinking how it's quite than London" I say.

"Is that a good or bad thing?" Chris asks.

"I like it" I say as our food arrives.

We thank the lady who served it to us before she leaves us alone again. And I can't believe how much food is on my plate. Its huge. Even Chris's is huge.

"I'm not sure I can eat all of that. It's a mountain" I say quietly.

"Just eat what you can because I totally agree it seems three times larger than your standard breakfast size in London yet its cheaper! And the saugages look like the good kind not that cheap frozen stuff you get in supermarkets" Chris says.

"I know. I wonder how they make any money of it" I say.

"Don't forget everything is cheaper her compared to London" Chris says

"Good point" I say picking up a slice of toast.

I don't know why but the more away from London and my life back home the more I feel calmer today. I don't know if it's because I just get on well with Chris or if it's because I'm doing something different refreshing. Of maybe it's a little of both. The only real thing I'm missing from being away from home is Emma. She would of loved a road trip singing then breakfast. And we are barely getting the day started I think to myself. When my foot is better I think me and Emma should do a girls road trip weekend away somewhere I think to myself. I love having mummy and daughter time.

"I can't eat no more" Chris says managing half his breakfast.

"We should of brought one a d asked a spare plate then none would of gone to waste" I say looking at my own half eaten plate.

"It's alright, do you want a drink before we leave?" Chris asks.

"No but I need the lady's room. Could you help me to the door of the bathroom I should be fine from there please" I ask feeling a little stupid now for leaving the crutches in the car.

"Of course I can. I can use the mens room before helping you back" Chris says.

"Thanks" I say as Chris gently lifts my legs so he can slide out the booth before me.

CHRIS POV

After we left the cafe we stopped of at the first supermarket we came across. It was a pretty biggish one and asda.

"Okay you go food shopping before you go clothes shopping. I shall do my clothes shopping then meet you here" Lisa says point to a bench outside the store near a taxi rank marking bit.

"How are you going to carry your clothes?" I ask Confused.

"I will have someone help me. Don't worry about that" Lisa says.

"I can help you it's not a problem" I say.

"Chris I don't even go underwear shopping with my best friends let alone men! And I don't plan on starting to that today" Lisa says.

I can't help laughing mentally while trying to keep a straight face and not break into actual laughter at Lisas adorable serious face. "Okay, it won't take me long to food shop so don't be taking forever. I wouldn't want to accidentally bump into you in the clothes section then" I say

"Thankyou. Just give me half hour at least. It's not like I can get around fast" Lisa says.

"I will give you fourty minutes before I e ter the close section in hunt of mens bits" I say.

"Thankyou" Lisa says smile.

"your welcome" I say then we go our seperate ways. I see Lisa has gone to help a female worker for help before she leaves my eye sight. I made sure to take my time going around food shopping, for a small trolleys worth of stuff. Then I headed to clothes section to hunt out clothes. I picked up on set of pj's some boxers and socks. I also grabbed a new t-shirt and was all sorted for my over night stay. I'd already picked toilet trees up for me and Lisa with the food bits. I quickly went to the tills and see Lisa was a few down from mine paying for her items. She had six bags full of stuff. Women they just can't help themselves when they shop I think to myself.

Once I've paid and packed up my shopping bits I head out to meet Lisa where she said for us to meet. She is sat on the bench watching the world go by as people continue with there daily life's around us.

"Hey you ready to go?" I ask.

"Yes, I've got a few more bags than planned though. I couldn't help myself I see loads of cute girls bits and knew Emma would love them" Lisa says.

"It's a good job my car boot is practically empty then" I say as I hold out a hand to help Lisa stand up.

"I didn't even think of that I'm always use to a empty boot or a spare back up vehicle if I over spend" Lisa says.

"Don't fret it, I was just playing around with you" I say smiling.

"Hmm mmm" Lisa says half smiling at me as she looks at me out the corner of her eyes while I put her bags in the shopping trolly I had. We then made our way back to the car. I helped Lisa into the car first before I packed up the boot.

I then drive us to the local fire station where we kept a spare set of keys to the lakehouse before then driving to the lake house. It was a nice short drive and we arrived at the lake house just before one in the afternoon. When I pulled up into the drive I turned to Lisa and she looked like she was amazed by the place.

"It's stunning already" Lisa says

"Wait till you see the other side of the place. The view is a lake" I say

"I can't wait to see it. I bet its a beautiful sight" Lisa says

"Come, I will show you before I get the shopping put away" I say getting out the drivers side of the door. I then hurry around to Lisas side and help her out.

"I bet inside is just as lovely as well. Lisa says.

"It is. I come here at least four times a year even if it's just for the night as a mini escape. It's refreshing" I say as we reach the door and I unlock it.

"Oh wow, it's excaulty how you would expect a lakehouse to look but also modern as well. It's a perfect blend between the two. From the oak wooden stairs case to the modern coloured walls. And the wooden flooring with fluffy modern rugs" Lisa says

"I know. I'm. Glad you like it" I say.

"Like it? I think I've fallen in love with the place" Lisa says.

"I can't blame you. Let me give you the grand tour" I say

"I'd love a grand tour. But just downstairs for now my leg is already achy and tired" Lisa says.

I lift Lisa up without warning and she squeals slightly from shock but she quickly covers my arm with hers steadying her self so I start walking while saying "Let's starts with upstairs I will save your legs for you. Plus this way it will be quicker before the ice cream fully melts in the car"

LISA'S POV

I was amazed by the whole place. It was a lovely size and just amazing all over. Chris left me on the deck out back sat in a swing chair. Chris was right it did overlook a lovely lake. And the scenery with the lake and trees was just beautiful. I was suddenly so happy I took a chance in doing something different today because I feel free, calm and happy in the moment right now. I can't help smile as I gently swing on the swinging chair while taking in my surroundings.

"I brought you a glass of wine" Chris says as he takes a seat next to while passing me the wine. I see he is also holding a bottle of beer in his hand.

"Thanks" I say.

"What would you like to do next?" Chris asks.

"what is there to do?" I ask.

"We can fish, we can sit out here all day, we can watch a movie, we can play board games, we can do whatever you want to do. You could even read a book if you really wanted to" Chris says smiling at me.

"How about a movie? I don't want to spend all day out here. Plus I bet its nice to watch the sunset out here" I say.

"Your right it's lovely to watch the sunset out here" chris says standing up as I pass him my wine to take.

"You can choose the movie since I choose what to do" I say as I get my crutches and myself up from the swining chair. Although Chris steady it the best can his his knee on it for me while say "We can both choose, I wouldn't want to pick something you wouldn't like."

"I'm pretty easy going when it comes to films" I say as we head indoors.

"Okay that sounds fair" I say whole taking in how beautiful the lounge is again. It's literally through the doors and also over looks the lake. It has a big TV on the wall. A wooden coffee table to match the wooden aspects of the ceiling beams, door frames and floor. The table lays upon a cream fluffy rug between the TV and sofa. The sofa is black and a decent size corner sofa. The walls are a pale light yellow. There's pictures on the wall behind the sofa above a book shelf full of books. There's wall lights with dimmer switches. Candles on the coffee table. It's all just beautifully put together.

Chris walks alongside me until we reach the sofa. He places the drinks on the coffee table as I take a seat on the sofa.

"So we can either pick a dvd or nexflix or something" Chris says

"What dvds do you have?" I ask.

"There on the shelf, our only rule to letting out the lakehouse to our collgues and friends ect is actually they bring either a board game or dvd to stay for everyone to enjoy when they come for a break" Chris says.

"That's a nice idea" I say shocked by such a nice thing to do.

"so what ones are up there?" I ask.

"I'm not sure. How about we play a game though as I have a idea" Chris says smiling at me.

"Okay what's your idea?" I ask curious

"Close your eyes. I will run my finger across the dvds when you say stop whatever it lands on we watch. What do you reckon?" Chris asks.

"I think this could be fun let's do it" I say

"Close your eyes and no peaking" Chris says.

"Okay" I say smiling as I close my eyes and I'm excited about what we could end up watching.

"Right tell me when to start and when to stop" Chris says as I hear him walking towards the dvds on a shelf just under the TV.

"Start" I say then I count to six in my head then I say "Stop" I open my eyes and I an see Chris back towards me and he is covering the movie that his finger landed on. "What film is it?" I ask.

"You know how you have love songs what about romantic movies what's your feel on them?" Chris asks.

"I watch romantic movies I'm not totally lost and hopeless" I say

"That's good because we are watching safe haven" Chris says stepping to the side so I can see his finger on the dvd before he picks it up and puts it on. I decided to put my foot up on the side of the sofa with a cushion under it that way I can elevate it since it's aching today. I slip my other leg under the cushion to help prop my bad leg up and make sure my knees are slightly bent so I can stick to a sitting position. After all I can go claiming the whole sofa laying down. That would be rude. Chris comes and sits next to me as he passes me my wine glass while the film starts.

"Thanks" I say.

"It's no problem" Chris says as I take a few mouthfuls of the wine before going to put it on the table. As I reach out my arm and start to move my body forward slightly Chris takes the wine glass from my hand saying "Don't go falling off a sofa again. I can't be catching you olys your wine while holding a beer" I look at Chris and he smiling as he places the wine on the table. "Your right" I say smiling back as I sit back again. Only now I'm not longer comfortable but I try to ignore the discomfort and just enjoy the film. That is until I feel Chris place his hand in top of mine then I figured sod it its caution to the wind day. I rest my head against Chris arm and I slightly shuffled my body so I was a little more comfortable.

"Lisa if your going to cuddle up to me that's fine, but we going to cuddle up where we will both be comfortable the whole film. Not moaning to each other about aching body limbs every 10 minutes" Chris says as she slides the arm around my body resting his hand on my stomach and he leans me closer Into his body as he lays down slightly while resting one of his legs on the sofa next to mine. He grabs a few cushions with his other hand and throws them behind his head. Before looking at me smiling again. I quickly look back at the film and I can't deny that this seems more comfortable I think to myself as I lay my head agaists Chris body. However if this is still a date would Chris try to kiss me more during the film? What if he did what if I freaked out the second he tried to kiss me? I can feel my nerves kicking in. And the same questions keep running around in my head. I'm barely paying attention to the movie. Then Chris takes his hand and holds mine as he says "Lisa?" oh god, oh god what does he want? What could he possibly want now. Does he want to kiss me or more like I've been thinking about?. And I swear my stomach is knotting up in fear and worry on how I'm going to react that's my biggest fear of all right now and it surprises me. But instead I say after a moment "Yes?" then I wait for his reply which seems to take forever. At least it feels that way and I swear my heartbeat went up one more knotch.