“I just can’t believe this is my life,” he mumbles before I’m out the door, causing me to stop my feet and turn to face him.
“You’ll be okay, Chase.”
He scoffs, shaking his head. “Yeah? How do you suppose that?”
I pull the door completely closed and walk to the side of the bed where he’s lying. His eyes are closed and his breathing has evened out. For all I know, he could’ve fallen asleep in the last ten seconds.
“Because I know you,” I whisper. “And I know that you feel really alone right now, but you aren’t. She left and that sucks. Becoming a single parent probably feels like you’re now carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. But I promise you can do this. I’m here for whatever you might need, we all are.”
Without saying anything else I take a few more steps toward the door before Chase whispers when I turn the doorknob.
“Thanks, Kincaid.”
I want to say more. I want to tell him I’d do anything for him. For CeCe. I want to confront Kristen, ask her what the hell she’s thinking. He looks so hurt, so confused, and just helpless. I know he’s hurting more for CeCe than himself, though. Instead of saying anything more, I simply nod my head, smile, and quietly exit the bedroom.
I’ve never been Kristen’s biggest fan. And it has nothing to do with my personal feelings toward Chase and everything to do with how I’ve seen her treat him in general. She always gave the impression that she felt she was too good for him. Like his fame and money were appealing, but Chase personally wasn’t someone she wanted to be with. When Chase told us he was having a baby and Kristen was the mother, I instantly felt sorry for him. I didn’t feel excitement like a normal friend should have, and at first, that made me feel bad. And the more I got to know her, the clearer things became to me. I never voiced my opinion to him directly, I think it would’ve been perceived as jealousy. But I always had my doubts about her intentions. I always wondered if she would walk out on him when she got bored or maybe he lost his appeal.
It’s heartbreaking to see that regardless of whatever her feelings were toward Chase, an innocent baby still wasn’t enough for her.
I played nice, for the most part. I knew they had their ups and downs, but I never expected him to drop the bomb one day that she just up and left. I could see the two of them breaking up, but leaving CeCe?
My heart hurts as I walk back down the hall and leave him in the room. Maybe one day, he’ll want to tell me what happened, but until then I’ll keep showing up for him. He’s been in my life for decades, he’s kind and thoughtful and he doesn’t deserve to be hurt like this.
PRESENT
I feel like I’ve entered the twilight zone. Chase is being playful and fun tonight, like he’s high school Chase all over again and instead of watching him be this way with another girl, I’m the one on the receiving end and I’m chomping at the bit to have more of it.
I meant every word I said, though. Chase has done a great job raising a kid on his own. It wasn’t his choice to do it this way, but he’s built a life for CeCe where she knows she’s loved and cared for. He’s a better man than he gives himself credit for. He doesn’t have to live so on edge, so terrified that he’s doing things wrong or so specific that he thinks if he does one thing off plan the world will end.
My feet run through the rug on the floor of his living room, feeling the pieces of carpet between my toes, forcing myself to think of how that feels instead of focusing on the way Chase is looking at me. The corner of his lip curves up, followed by a rumble of his chest. He stands from the couch and pulls both arms behind his back, making his chest stretch against the fabric, ready to cause a rip right through the center and my eyes are glued to the motion.
“I need some more water,” he abruptly states.
His arms go above his head briefly and the candlelight casts a perfect glow on his stomach, giving a small glimpse of the way his abs look beneath his shirt as it rises and then falls with his movement. An involuntary sigh leaves my lips, and I know he catches it by the head shake that follows.
“What’s your workout routine like?”
Nice one, Summer.
“My workout routine?” He stops walking and turns around with a throaty chuckle. “You’re interested in my workout routine?”
No, I’m interested inbeingyour workout routine, but I can’t exactly say that… can I?
“Sure. Your physique is… notable so I’m just curious.”
“My physique is notable?”
“Okay, are you just going to repeat everything I’m saying?” I stand, popping a hand on my hip.
His hand pulls at the back of his neck.
“That depends, are you going to continue asking questions you know the answer to?”
My nose scrunches up as I walk past him and attempt to force away the warm, blushing feeling from my cheeks.
“Well, this has been fun. I'm going to bed.”
This time he laughs. Not a small chuckle, or a subtle smirk, no. Chase laughs.
