After fifteen minutes of staring at the natural beauty around him, Chase gave up. Answers to his questions still evaded him.I can’t do this right now. I can’t deal with fifteen years of hurt. I’m done being sad about the past. I’m done wondering ‘what if’ with Amber. I have a chance for something good with Maggie.He stood and stuffed the note in his back pocket.I’m definitely not gonna waste another minute on my not-dead dad.
Chase strode to the house and stopped in to see Cam. “I was thinking of heading back to LA tomorrow. You’re positive you don’t need me to stay?”
Cam shooed him away as a big grin spread across his face. “Don’t let the door hit ya…”
“Alright, alright. I’m gone… tomorrow.” Chase glimpsed Banjo and Delilah at the top of the stairs. “Today, I gotta get my fill of kid giggles. Better watch out… Uncle Tickle Monster’s coming for ya…” Banjo and Delilah screamed while Chase took off up the stairs.
On Thursday morning, Chase barreled down the gravel driveway. Stopping at the pavement, he began to turn right towards the airport. Then, he quickly swerved the wheel left. He didn’t fully comprehend what he was doing, but he had to see his dad for himself.Just a quick stop.Chase pondered what he would say if he came face-to-face with his father.Lord, please give me the words. I got nothing. Also, please keep me from punching his lights out. I know Ma would not be happy about that.
When Chase pulled into Valley View Lodge parking lot, he jumped out of his truck and shoved his hands into his front pockets to keep them from trembling. His legs felt like they weighed a thousand pounds each. Every step took concentration and immense effort. When he reached the door, he opened it slowly and took a cautious step in.
“Howdy, sir. My name’s Amanda. How can I help ya?” a cheery teen greeted him.
“Uh…I’ll just take some coffee please,” Chase replied as his eyes darted around the room.
“Sure thing. Why don’t ya have a seat right here, and I’ll grab that for you. Can I get ya grits, eggs, or a slice a pie with that too?”
Chase glanced at his watch. He had about fifteen minutes to spare. “Ah yeah, I’ll take some grits. I’m just in a bit of a rush.”
“That’s no problem. I’ll be right back with your order.”
Chase scanned the lodge restaurant. There were a few older gentlemen sitting at a low diner counter and two women chatting at a small table near the front window. No sign of anyone resembling his dad.
The perky teenager quickly returned with a bowl and cup. “Here ya go. Coffee and grits. Enjoy.”
“Thank you.” Chase was hungrier than he realized. The grits were slathered in butter and salt, the perfect combination, which made them melt in his mouth.I’ll just eat quickly and head out. Clearly, I missed him. I don’t even know why I came.
“How’s it tastin?” Chase’s thoughts were interrupted by a gruff voice.
Chase looked up to see a man with a wide-brimmed cattleman cowboy hat staring down at him. When he stared into the man’s eyes he felt like he was looking into a crystal ball, seeing his future self.
“Son?” The man clutched the table and slowly lowered himself into the booth on the opposite side.
All Chase could do was blink back at him. He felt an unexpected warmth in his chest that seemed to travel through his body like water gushing through a broken dam. Chase nodded the slightest bit. For what seemed like an eternity, they stared at each other.
“I don’t s’pose there’s anything I can say… I understand that. I want you to know that I am sorry. I was greedy and selfish.” He looked down at his leathery hands.
It felt like a fifty-pound brick was sitting on Chase’s chest. He rose and pulled out cash from his wallet. “I gotta go.”
His father nodded. Chase noticed the way his glassy eyes were glued to the table. After taking two steps, he turned around. “Grandma Lettie reminded me of a verse, ‘Love covers a multitude of sins.’” Chase exhaled. “I believe that… When I get back to town, maybe we can meet up.”
Bud lifted his eyes to Chase. The skin near his mouth crinkled into a small smile. “I’d like that.”
Chase gave a nod in return as he shoved his wallet into his back pocket again. Then he turned and walked toward the exit. When he got to the truck, emotions flooded his brain. He shut his eyes and then blinked them open again to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.I just talked to my dad and even offered him an olive branch.Lord, I know I did not do that in my own strength. I’m gonna need you a lot these next few days and months, but I trust you.
Chapter 38
Maggie
Maggielookeddowntoread a text on her phone. It was from a number she didn’t recognize.
“Hey Maggie, this is Arlo. Chase gave me your number. I have all the performers lined up for Friday. You’re still planning to help out, right?”
Maggie sighed. She was missing Chase. And although she was prepared to go full romcom to get him back—she felt unsettled having not talked to him since the night she ran away.Before I leave LA, I want to give my all to this benefit. For the people in need, for myself, and in honor of Chase. None of this would have been possible without him.
She determinedly texted Arlo back, “Hey Arlo, I’ll be there. Let me know if there's anything else you need help with.”
After hitting send, Maggie requested an Uber and headed down to meet her ride. She was going to New Life Baptist Church.
