The warmth of Maisy’s smile washed over him.
“It looks like I passed muster.”
“See?” Patrick said, looking at Chase. “Didn’t I tell you Maisy could hold her own?”
“You did,” Chase said, grinning. He didn’t know what had been said between Maisy and Simon. Whatever it was had settled matters in his father’s mind. It wasn’t necessary to hear the details, he decided, seeing that in the end the two had reached an understanding.
Checking his watch, Chase frowned. “That took longer than I expected. Laura and Bella will be at the hotel by now.” He reached for his phone and searched through his contact list until he located Laura’s information.
“You have Laura’s number in your cell?”
He nodded, as if it wasn’t even worthy of a response.
A quick call assured mother and daughter that Maisy was only ten minutes behind.
Together they walked briskly back to the hotel. Both Laura and Bella were waiting in the lobby. The two women embraced and were immediately caught up in conversation. Chase directed them to the area for the high tea.
“I don’t have to sit and drink tea with them, do I?” Patrick asked Chase, as if this was something dreadful.
“No way. We’ll leave the women to their gabfest.”
“What are we going to do, then?” Patrick wanted to know. “Go back to the room and wait?” He made it sound almost as bad as sitting and sipping tea with a bunch of women.
“You’re kidding, right?” Chase said, enjoying teasing the youth. “If we’re going to the Cubs game, then you’re going to need the proper attire.”
Patrick narrowed his eyes, confused. “I brought my church clothes. I’ll wear those if you want.”
“I’m thinking you need a Cubs jersey.”
Patrick’s eyes widened.
“We’re going shopping,” Chase said, and steered the boy out the door.
—
Chase and Patrick left the sporting goods store with their arms loaded down with Cubs memorabilia: three jerseys, along with three hats, socks, T-shirts, two coffee mugs, playing cards for Patrick alone, and just about one of everything else the store had on display. Chase knew Maisy would be upset with all the moneyhe’d spent. At the same time, he didn’t believe she’d say anything to squelch her brother’s absolute joy to have the gear from his favorite team.
They arrived back at the hotel about the same time as the high tea was finished. From the way the three exited the room full of smiles and laughter, Chase could tell they’d had a good visit.
“Is your car taking us back to the apartment?” Bella asked, when they met up in the lobby.
“Sure thing. My driver is outside waiting.”
“You’re spoiling us,” Laura told him, but didn’t look unhappy at the prospect of having a car and driver deliver her back to her apartment.
“It’s the least I can do for how rude I was to you when we first met.”
“You’re forgiven.” Then she hugged him close and whispered in his ear, “Hurt my girl and you’ll pay big-time.”
Chase couldn’t help it, he laughed. “Not happening,” he reassured her.
Maisy walked her friends to the car, and when she returned and witnessed all the bags in Chase’s hand, she gave him the evil eye. She didn’t say anything. No need. Her look said it all.
Patrick was right—when crossed, Maisy was a force to be reckoned with.
“Can I wear my jersey to dinner tonight?” Patrick asked.
“Dinner?” Maisy repeated with her hands over her stomach. “I couldn’t possibly eat again…at least not for hours.”
