“I’m okay baby. It’s sore, but I have medicine that’s helping me.”
“Ya’ll don’t touch it though, okay? You gotta be very careful around daddy,” Jade added.
“But, I still need some hugs. Lots of hugs.” Cam held out his arms.
“Gentle hugs,” Jade reminded them.
As they reached up to squeeze Cam’s neck, he kissed their heads.
“Alright, up to bed you two.” Jade shooed them up the stairs.
“Not before Uncle Chase gets his hugs,” Chase chimed.
“Gotta get me Case!” Banjo didn’t quite have the “ch” sound down, which made him even cuter.
“You better run, mister. You too Delilah Jayne.” Chase proceeded to clomp after them into the kitchen, up the stairs, and into their rooms. After Uncle Tickle Monster completed his mission, Chase left the riled up kids in Jade’s hands.
“Thanks so much UncleCase,” she said sarcastically.
“Anytime.” Chase saluted as he sauntered out.
Chase joined his mom and brother in the living room. Settling in on the sofa, he rested his feet on the coffee table and turned on a basketball game.
“So Chase, mom told me you’re a manager now… Good for you, bro. A bar manager, but a manager.”
Chase glared at his brother.
“Now boys. Ya’ll be good. Let your momma enjoy havin both her sons home.”
“Yeah, Cam,” Chase retorted.
Ignoring them, Cam continued, “Now all you need is a girl and you’ll be at my level.” Cam cocked his head toward Chase.
Norah sat up. “You know sweetie, I could set you up with Betty’s daughter, Ruby. You remember her, right? She’s beautiful, single, and ready to settle down. What do you say? How long are you plannin to stay? I could actually call her right now.” Norah Smith made a move toward her phone.
No, no, no… I do not want to go on an awkward date with one of mom's friends' daughters–especially Ruby.With panic rising in his chest, Chase blurted, “I have a girlfriend. In LA.”
“Yeah right… you just don’t want her to pimp you out to all her friends.” Cam sneered.
“Cameron James Smith, hush your mouth!”
“Sorry ma… but c’mon, what’s this so-called girl’s name?”
“Maggie, her name is Maggie. We met at the bar. She’s actually been helping me at my gigs.” Chase hated lying to his mom.It’s not a lie,he justified to himself.We’re… pre-dating. That’s something, isn’t it?
“Yeah, right,” Cam challenged.
Alright, sorry mom.He internally apologized.Gotta step this white lie up a bit…“She actually wanted to come, but… she couldn’t get out of work.”
“Prove it,” Cam challenged.
“I’m so glad you guys have so much faith in me.” Chase pulled his phone out of his back pocket. “Is it really so hard to believe that I’m dating someone?” Swiping through his photos he found the selfie Maggie had taken of them at Santa Monica Pier. He held his phone out for his mom and brother to inspect.
“Aw, isn’t she precious?” his mom cooed. “You look so happy. I still can’t get over the fact that you were gonna bring her home. You haven’t brought anyone around since…”
“Since Amber… you can say her name, mom. That was a long time ago. I’m over it. She’s moved on. I’ve moved on. It’s all good.”
“I’m glad to hear that. It’s just that you weren’t good for a long time. I’m happy for you.”
