"Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts and return your seat backs and trays to their upright and locked positions. We are approaching Chicago's airport and we'll be landing in just a few minutes".
I was jolted back to the present. I found Steve reading a magazine and I found my phone in my hands.
"So you actually lived in Chicago, Chicago is a pretty nice place", I said
"Yes", Steve said as we reached the baggage counter. Steve even helped me with my excessive luggage even when he had his own luggage. He was really a gentleman, A sweetheart. Damn! What am I saying?
He got his car from the cargo and drove us to his house. It was a beautiful duplex with a huge garden and shutters. The living room was awesome with large blue sofas and a glass centre table. He had a big flat screen TV and a hifi system
"Beautiful place", I commented as I gazed at the living room.
"Thank you. I'll take you to your room", Steve said as he helpfully took the luggages down the hall to the second door at the left.
"Since we're done packing, I was thinking if maybe we should have dinner", I said. "I'm actually hungry so maybe we should go for dinner".
Steve studied me closely
"I'll pay this time", I said watching him. He laughed,"I can handle it _ if you're not a world class gourmand".
I smiled,"you already know me"
He looked into my eyes and said softly,"I think I do".
We dined at a restaurant located uptown. It was a fine restaurant. The menu was so tantalizing but before I met Steve, I was on a strict diet. I had to face it. I ordered only a shrimp salad.
"I thought you said you were a world class gourmand?", asked Steve confused on what I ordered."you are, right?".
"I wasn't when I met you. I'm thinking maybe I should stick to that. If I eat much, I'll gain too much weight", I said politely
"But you don't look like someone who was ever on a diet. Well, now not before though", Steve said
"What do you mean?"
"You've stoutened", Steve said sincerely
"Oh really?", I raised an eyebrow
He was right though but it was as a result of my pregnancy and since I larded, my curves and bulges had increased prodigiously. My hips became a bit wider. Ellen was the one that made that comment and I knew she was right.
"And you're in family way. You're supposed to eat well to making sure the baby grows properly. It doesn't matter if you'll fatten, it's natural for a pregnant woman Charlotte. Please for the baby's sake you can't kill your appetite for that", Steve said doctorly which I kinda liked.
"Okay", I agreed
"Here's the menu", Steve said as he passed the menu to me
After dinner, I and Steve were walking home together. I insisted that Steve shouldn't bring his car and as we walked together to the restaurant four hours ago, that was the same way we walked back home.
"You really are a world class gourmand as you decided on not dieting", Steve observed. I laughed. I enjoyed the warm evening breeze in my hair and on my face.
"I think you should start to exercise", Steve advised
"Walking seems like exercise. It's exercise and I brought it up. You were the one that wanted to bring your rolls", I teased as we both laughed.
"I'm so enjoying this moment", Steve said as he looked down at me. We stopped walking as Steve and I caught each other's gaze.
"So….", I said
"So", Steve said
I yawned,"I'm actually tired right now". I continued walking
"Why won't you be tired", Steve said as we both chuckled.
"I thought doctors were much of a talkative and boring smarty pants but you're different. You're an interesting character", I commented
"Thanks", Steve grinned at me.
We got home and I left Steve to go to his house lab and went to my room. I dialed mom's phone number and instantly she answered.
"Charlotte, how're you. Have you gotten to Chicago?"
"Yes mom. I just called to check on you mom. Don't worry. I'll be back soon", I answered my mom
"It's okay sweetheart. Then you'll be ready for college. Enjoy yourself in Chicago. Be a good girl", my mom said.
"Uhm…..yeah. Okay mom. Bye"
"Bye", she hung up
I tossed my phone away and buried my face in my pillow. I cried till I slept off.