“I don’t think so. He’s never met Lina.”
“But it’s not hard to find out these kinds of things. You have to be careful.”
“I know.”
“I didn’t tell him about the layoffs. He may show up at work again, and the next time he does, I’ll call the cops. Have you considered getting a restraining order?”
“I’ve looked up the process before. If he keeps this up, I will. Trust me, I’ve already had the lecture from Shaun.”
He wished there was something more he could do. “Can I call you tomorrow?”
“You better. But let’s talk about something else now. Anything that doesn’t have to do with Reid or restraining orders.”
“Like what?” Chase propped the phone against his shoulder and started wiping down the counter.
“I don’t know. What’s going on in the local news? Any cats stuck up in trees or hometown hero stories?”
“Ahh, more making fun of Chase, your favorite subject. Last night I only watched the sports highlights. You want an update on that?”
“Um, no. I hate sports. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I only keep up so I don’t sound dumb when other guys ask. All my information is from six years ago.”
“Did your dad follow sports?”
Chase put down the rag and sat in a chair. It was a casual question, but he so rarely talked about his parents, even with the kids. His grief was easier to handle where no one could see it. “Yeah. He loved college basketball. We used to go to games together.”
“Chase, can I ask … never mind.”
He knew she wanted to delve deeper, and though he wanted to take her ‘never mind’ and run with it, he wouldn’t do that to her again. “What is it?”
“Do you have any extended family that helps? It seems like it’s just you guys.”
“My parents met at a program for young adults aging out of foster care, so they didn’t have anyone else, at least not anyone they’d want around their kids. They tried really hard to give us a normal childhood, and it was great. Gabby was a surprise, and then they had Tyler so the youngest two could grow up together. I’m sure they never thought they wouldn’t be around for it.”
“They sound amazing.”
“They were.” He rested his head in his palm, feeling strangely queasy, but also better for actually talking about them instead of avoiding the subject.
“I’m sorry I’m so nosy, Chase.”
“You’re not nosy. I’d know. People ask weird questions all the time. Usually, while I’m in line at the grocery store.”
“You too? I’ve been reprimanded for buying sugarless gum by a woman convinced it’s full of poison, and I’ve also had people question my choice of tampons.”
“And, time for a subject change.”
Ashley laughed. “Feminine products make you squeamish, Chase?”
“Only when I’m sent to the store to buy them.”
“What a good brother.”
“Is that Lina singing?” Chase asked as he strained to hear what was going on in the background on Ashley’s end of the line.
“Yes. She just got back from Zumba.”
“You didn’t go with her?”
