“People in the South are very confident in their food and drink.”
Chase shrugged, “We know what’s good.”
Maggie raised the glass to her mouth and took a sip. “Uff-da, thatissweet.”
Chase spewed some of his sweet tea out.
“What?” Maggie laughed.
“Uff-da? Really? You sound exactly like the girls inDrop Dead Gorgeous.”
Maggie covered her mouth to keep from spitting out her next sip. She recovered, still chuckling. “You’ve seenDrop Dead Gorgeous?”
Chase shook his head. “Guys do crazy things when they’re in love…”
“Oh yeah? Tell me more about who Chase Smith was in love with.”Who would give up a guy like Chase?She couldn’t deny her growing feelings for him, but there was no point in giving in to them. Moving back to Minnesota was what she had to do in order to get on with her life as a responsible adult.
Chase opened his mouth and then hesitated.
“Sorry… you don’t have to tell me.”
“No, it’s fine. Amber and I started dating my sophomore year of high school. We had a deal where we took turns picking what movie we watched. I usually chose a mystery or thriller and she always picked a chick flick. I worried my friends would find out… thankfully, I don’t think they ever did.”
“Drop Dead Gorgeouswas my first experience with Minnesota accents. Since then, I’ve also seen the movieFargo,and I can confidently say that you are a walking billboard for Minnesota. I still can’t believe you said ‘uff-da.’ I kinda thought they made that one up.”
Maggie chuckled. “Nope, that’s a real saying. But, don’t even get me started on you. I feel like Reese Witherspoon inSweet Home Alabamahere.”
“Ooh that’s a good movie.” Chase gazed comfortably out at the land.
A gentle breeze blew in. Maggie found herself rocking comfortably in silence until her curiosity finally got the best of her, “So, what happened with you and Amber?”
Chase set his sweet tea down on a small table between them. He leaned forward and rubbed his hands together. “Well, let’s see… we dated throughout high school. The night after graduation, I proposed. She said yes, and we started planning a wedding. Then, we realized there was no way we could afford a traditional ceremony. My family didn’t have much at the time, and her family had even less. We decided we would just do a courthouse wedding. She seemed okay with it…” Chase leaned back in the rocking chair.
“One day, Amber and I were at the department store. Even though it was just gonna be at the courthouse, I still wanted her to have the experience of picking out a dress. I happened to ask her if she would ever consider moving to Nashville. She asked why, and I told her that being in Nashville would give me a better chance at making a living as a singer. I could tell it took her by surprise, but she said she’d consider it.”
Chase stopped talking and stood. He walked over to the railing and leaned against it, looking out at the darkening sky.
Maggie rocked slowly in her chair waiting for Chase to continue.
“A few days later, she broke up with me. So, I moved to Nashville… on my own. Two months after that, I found out she was engaged to Lawson Porter—my best friend.Formerbest friend, I should say.”
“Chase…” Maggie's stomach formed a knot.
“Want to know the worst part?”
Maggie braced herself.
“I have her name tattooed on my chest.” Chase pointed to a spot above his right pectoral.
She stared at his well defined pec. “Oh no…”
“Yep… regret that one. I was a stupid, lovestruck teen.”
“I’m so sorry… that’s rough… all of it…” After a moment, she spoke, “So… Delilah’s nut shot to Lawson had to be a little satisfying then, right?”
Chase snorted. “I wouldn’t wish that on any guy… I gotta admit though, it was a little funny.”
Maggie laughed. “Seriously though, look at you now. You went for it and moved to Nashville, and now you’re going for it in LA. I’m sure Amber regrets letting you get away.”
