IVORY
Waiting for you at home.
For Gabby to say she needs us means something big is going on. She rarely lets us in to see all her struggles. It was like pulling teeth to get her to tell us Mark and Ricardo were giving her trouble before I witnessed it with my own eyes. My best friend is the one always going out of her way to support her friends, but suffering in silence on her own. Since Chase came into her life, I’ve noticed a shift. She’s more open and free with her feelings. It’s something I’ve always wished for her.
And it’s another reason I need to stay in Nashville—to be surrounded by my chosen family, support them when they need it and to lean on them too. I’m happy Grant and I had the conversation a few nights ago and are making plans to move my stuff here permanently. What I don’t need in Nashville, I plan to move to his brownstone and then sell my place. It served its purpose, and I don’t want to hold onto it anymore.
“What can I grab?” Ivory asks, walking out Gabby’s back door when I step out of the car.
“Here,” I pass her a couple grocery bags and reach back into the car for my purse and the last of the snacks.
“Let’s get this set up on the porch for when they get here.”
We work in silence, unpacking the snacks in containers and taking them out to the porch. Before long, Gabby’s car pulls into the driveway with Chase in the driver’s seat and a sad-looking Gabby in the passenger seat. He waits for the gate to open and then pulls down far enough for Gabby to get out and walk up the front path to the porch.
Everything about Gabby’s demeanor puts me on edge. Her eyes are downcast and detached. She wrings her hands together in front of her and her steps are slow. Chase follows her with his hand on her lower back and a mixture of concern and hopelessness on his face.
“Wow, you got here fast,” Gabby says once she reaches the steps.
“Chase texted us a few hours ago,” Ivory tells her.
“You did?” She looks up at him in surprise as tears well in her eyes.
He leans down to whisper into her ear. I can’t make out all of what he says, but I do hear him say, “didn’t feel right leaving you alone.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Princess. Ladies, thank you for coming over. I need to get going but really appreciate it.”
“Always.” I reach out to squeeze his forearm and Ivory gives him a hug.
“Have a good game,” Gabby says as he pulls her into a hug, burrowing into his chest.
“I’m not in the lineup tonight, but I’ll let the others know.”
“You’re not playing tonight?” Gabby pulls back and looks at him.
“This was more important.” He brushes her hair back and gives her a kiss.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He nods toward us. “Tell them everything. I’ll be home later.”
Gabby gives Chase a small smile and says, “I like the way that sounds.”
“Me too. One day you’ll let me move in,” Chase responds.
“You basically live here already,” I tease.
“He’s hereallthe time,” Ivory joins in, making Gabby laugh.
Finally, there’s a little spark of life.
Gabby looks at us anxiously when Chase walks back to her car. We watch him get in, pull out of the driveway, and drive off before anyone moves.
“Sit, we have snacks.” Ivory says once we’re on the porch, sitting gracefully on the couch. Gabby drops into the chair, so I take the spot on the far end of the couch and wait.
Finally, Gabby breaks the silence and says, “I can’t believe he texted you.” She may act like she’s surprised, but I can tell how relieved she is not only that Chase knew exactly what she needed, but also to have us here.
