“Very much. Mom and I are having a blast. The trip is everything I imagined.”
“That’s great.”
“I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“Not at all,” he assured her. “I’m returning from a trip. Where are you?” he asked.
“We’re in New Zealand. This country is absolutely stunning. Have you ever been?”
“Not yet, but it’s on my bucket list. I’m pleased you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Mom and I are having a wonderful time,” she told him, and hesitated before adding, “I hope you don’t mind me reaching out, seeing that we really aren’t together any longer. I just wanted to check in.” She paused. “And see how you’re feeling about our decision.” When he didn’t answer right away, she continued. “It’s just that I wanted you to know that I’m good with how we left things, and I hope you are, too.”
“I am,” he assured her, then hesitated. He thought about mentioning Maisy, but decided against it. Their relationship was in its infancy stage. After his conversation with Sean, he felt the need to tread carefully when it came to pursuing her.
“I’m sorry I called so late.”
“Not a problem. I’m happy everything is working out with the cruise. Have fun.”
“I intend to. Tomorrow, Mom and I are touring vineyards in the area. From what I understand, the wine here is exceptional.”
Chase felt like he could use a glass himself. He needed to unwind after what had proven to be one of the most interesting days he’d spent in a very long while.
After the call was disconnected, Chase readied himself for bed. His thoughts returned to the meal he’d shared with Maisy’s family, and he found himself smiling and realizing he’d enjoyed every minute. This was unlike any meal he could remember fromhis own childhood. With his mother gone, his dinners had usually been spent alone at the kitchen table. His father often worked late or was out for some business dinner and rarely home until well past Chase’s bedtime. For the most part, his meals were prepared by a nanny or a live-in cook. At boarding school, he sat at long tables with other boys his age. The meals were boisterous and loud, and the food was barely tolerable. The difference between those memories and what he’d experienced tonight with the Gallaghers was stark, and the warm feelings left him hungry for more.
Chapter Fifteen
Sean knocked against Maisy’s open bedroom door. “Can we talk?” he asked.
Mortified and upset, Maisy scowled back at him. “Now isn’t the best time.”
“Probably not, but I want to clear the air.”
Knowing her brother, Maisy realized it was best to settle this now for both their sakes. Sean had taken seriously the role their father had left empty with his death. He’d become fiercely protective of the family. Most of the time, Maisy was grateful, as it helped their mother. Not in this instance, however. Although she hadn’t heard their entire conversation, she’d heard enough. Her brother had stepped over the line about as far as he could go.
Maisy understood that Sean meant well, but that didn’t atone for his behavior toward Chase. It wouldn’t be easy to forgive himfor humiliating her. She could only imagine what Chase must be thinking.
“You should never have talked to Chase as if we were already dating. I mean, I barely know the man.”
“Okay, okay, you’re right,” he admitted. He stood in the doorway, leaning against the jamb with his arms crossed. “If you want me to say it, I will. It was presumptuous of me to confront your friend.”
“You think?” Even now, Maisy couldn’t believe what her brother had done.
“I’m sorry I embarrassed you.”
“It wasn’t only what took place on the porch,” Maisy flared. “What about your attitude over dinner? You looked at Chase like you expected him to pilfer the silverware.”
“He’s rich, isn’t he?”
He made the question sound like an accusation. “Very,” Maisy confirmed, and then clarified further, because she felt it was necessary for Sean to know the extent. “His family owns a slew of banks in the Midwest. If you google his name, you’d be shocked to know exactly how wealthy and well connected Chase Furst is.” She wasn’t above being proud that someone of Chase’s caliber had noticed her.
Sean emitted a low whistle as he absorbed this information. “Which brings up the question of why he’d be interested in you.”
Shocked by the comment, Maisy’s mouth fell open. “Do you have any idea how insulting that is?”
“Come on, Mase. Why would a guy like that want to sit down at our dinner table?”
“Mom invited him,” she offered, avoiding the question. At the time, she’d expected Chase to offer an excuse and to be onhis way. She’d been surprised and more than a little uneasy when he accepted.
