Taking out my phone, I call Chance. It’s early, but whatever, the phone rings and rings until eventually Chance’s groggy voice answers.
“Derrick?”
“Sorry to wake you but we need to talk,” I tell him.
“It’s fucking eight in the morning.” He groans.
“I know but …”
“It’s about Arran, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“He told me you two had a chat and that it didn’t go so well.”
Shit. “Guess you could say that.”
“If it makes you any happier, he’s pissed with me as well. He was blindsided by our relationship,” Chance explains.
“Didn’t think you had told him.”
“I was working up to it.”
“Or you were never going to tell him.” I let my anger rise in me.
Chance lets out a heavy sigh. “I was, but thought it might have been better face-to-face. He’s coming to the States next week to our show in Vegas.”
Wait. What?
“I should thank you for that because he told me he couldn’t make it, but after our argument, he wanted to see me, hash it out in person.” Chance chuckles.
“Glad I could be of service,” I say sarcastically.
“D, I know you don’t trust me, and you have every right not to, but I do really like Arran. We talk every day for hours. He’s there for me when I’m struggling with my sobriety. He talks me off the ledge. Reminds me I am stronger than I think I am.” I look over at Charlie and mouth the word fuck. “I’m sorry he is your brother, and I wish I could have chosen anyone else to have this connection with but …”
“I get it.” I sigh. “I’ve said what I’ve said. You two are both grown adults, and this is your life. But if you fuck him over so help me, Chance.”
“I won’t. I promise. I’ve learned my lesson,” he tells me.
“Good. Well, Happy New Year and good luck in Vegas.”
“Thanks, D. And I do appreciate you holding me to task.” This surprises me. “See ya around.” And with that he hangs up.
“Fuck me.” I sigh, leaning back against the bed.
“That went well.”
I turn and look at Charlie. “You think?”
“Look, Chance knows where he stands with you. And I’m proud that you are stepping away because it doesn’t seem as crazy as we first thought that they might have a connection.” I give him a look ofbullshit.“As absurd as it is, I believe Chance is being genuine.” I am gagged. “I know. It’s killing me to say it, but you can hear it in his voice. The way he talks about Arran is with respect. And if they are talking that much, they have connected on a whole other level other than physicality, and you’re not going to beat that.”
He’s right.
“So, you’re doing the right thing. Stepping away. You said your piece, and they will do what they will. But if you keep forcing your views onto them, you’re going to push them together even more.”
“It’s messed up, that’s all,” I say, placing my head on his shoulder.
“It is, but what’s done is done. Don’t worry about it anymore.”
