“Fine, I’ll go with you on this one. If you think losing douchey Dylan is the way to go, that’s what I’ll do. But I still need your help, Chase. She’s going to need a little persuasion from you.”
Chase sighs but nods reluctantly—I’ll take it. Either way, it’s a sign that he’s got my back on this one.
“Hey, guys!”
I look up to the sound of the sweet voice at my side. “Hey, beautiful.” I offer her a smile, but in reciprocation, hers seems forced. There’s something off with her. She’s not the spirited, open girl from this morning.
“Hey, Ve—” Chase stops mid greeting holding his gaze to her face. “Velyn, what’s wrong? Were you crying?”
What, crying? Why does he think she was crying? Did I miss something? I look up to her, trying to see what he does, but nothing seems off.
Velyn offers Chase a slight smile. “We’ll chat after. I just need to get through this shift.”
Chase nods in understanding, and just like that, he turns back to the menu and orders. “I’ll have the bacon cheeseburger with a side of fries and a cola drink. Oh, and can you ask Stu for extra onions like last time.”
She chuckles. “Sure, but remind me not to sit too close to you later.” Then she turns to me. “And what can I get for you? The usual?”
“You know my usual?” I reply.
She smiles. “Sure, a meal for twenty, right?”
I let out a chuckle at her poke at my healthy appetite. “Yeah, that’ll be great.”
“Okay, great. I’ll be back shortly with your order, gentlemen.”
Velyn walks off, heading into the back and I quickly turn to Chase. “How did you know something was wrong with her?”
“Her eyes.”
Her eyes? I’ve heard people say that they’re the window to our souls, but really, come on? “Seriously, you got that from looking into her eyes?”
Chase shakes his head. “Not in them, at them. They were puffy like she’d been crying.”
Oh.
How did I miss that?
What could possibly be bothering her? “Why would she be crying?”
“I don’t know. But, Dylan, this is what I’ve been trying to say. She’s not like us. Velyn lives a life that we couldn’t even begin to comprehend, and even if we could, it’s something we wouldn’t have to deal with until later in life.”
I lean in. “Like how, Chase?”
He shakes his head. “It’s not my place to share Velyn’s life story with you. But maybe if you don’t screw things up with her, she’d be willing to tell you herself.”
Chase leans back, pulling out his phone, his attention now on something else.
What kind of life does she live? He makes it sound almost scandalous. Scandalous is definitely something I don’t need in my life right now. Not with being under the microscope for the position in my father’s firm. I just can’t do it.
“Hey, Chase, you know what don’t—”
“Here you go, boys.” Velyn places our plates in front of us. “Enjoy!”
Chase goes to call out to her, but I stop him. “Don’t.”
His brow pinches. “I just wanted to ask her what time she was off.”
“Just let it go, Chase. I was thinking that maybe it’s not a good idea to get involved
with Velyn.”
He lays back in the booth staring at me with a knowing look. “This better not have
anything to do with what I said about her life.”
“Chase, I can’t get involved with someone like that.”
His eyes open wide, and his mouth now lays in a straight line of indifference. “Someone like that? I’ll have you know, Dylan, that Velyn’s far more respectable a person than you or I could ever be. She’s honorable, hardworking and driven.”
“I’m sure she is, Chase. But people like that; their baggage haunts them for life. It inevitably destroys everything they’ve worked for and takes down the people around them. I can’t do it. I’ve worked too hard to get where I am. Also, I know you don’t want to hear this, but if I were you, I’d get away from the imminent shitshow while you can.”
Chase jumps from the booth. Red-faced, he leans down to me. “You know nothing. She’s a good person and I won’t turn my back on her. You, Dylan…you’re the shitshow. The sad part is you don’t see it, and that’s going to lead to a very lonely life, big brother.”
He storms off, leaving me sitting there with the nearby customers side-eyeing me.
“What’s going on? Why did Chase just storm off?”
I look to Velyn as she comes to my side. “Because apparently I’m an ass.”
“This is because of me again, isn’t it?”
With my eyes looking into hers, I can’t lie. “I don’t think it’s a good idea that you and my brother hangout. He didn’t go into detail, but he did say that you’re dealing with a lot right now. Velyn, I don’t want him in the middle of that.”
Tears are welled-up in her eyes. “I would never let him be.”
“He’s seventeen, Velyn. He’s impressionable, and I’m responsible for him. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened.”
“And you think I could? I would never let anything happen to him. Dylan, over the past almost three months, Chase has become like a little brother to me. He’s my best friend; he’s like family.”
I nod. “Then you understand it’s in his best interest that you keep your distance. At least until you get things under control with your life.”
With her tears falling, her voice lets out a tremble as she speaks. “You know just because it’s not all shiny cars and a big house doesn’t mean it’s horrible. It’s really not much different from yours. But then again, maybe it is. I at least got to experience at one time what it’s like to have parents that actually care about me and not just about padding their pockets.”
Low. Blow.
I stand from the booth coming up in front of her. “What happens in my life is none of your business.”
“Why not? You’ve seemed to weasel your way into mine.”
Before I can respond, the older man that owns the diner is there at Velyn’s side. “Young man, I think it’s time that you leave. Velyn, this is not the time nor the place for this. Go in back.” She locks her eyes with mine holding her stare a moment longer until the man clears his throat. “Now, Velyn.”
Knowing not to push any further, she turns on her heel and jets off.
“I suggest you do the same. No need to pay for the food,” he directs at me.
I look to the older man and pull out my wallet. “It’s all good I can pay.” I pull forty out from my wallet and drop it to the table. “I hope that covers it.”
Before I turn to leave, he adds, “And, son, I think it’s best you don’t return.”
“I think you might be right.” Leaving, I head to the side parking lot where I left my car. When I get there, Chase isn’t waiting like I was hoping, not that I’m surprised.
When I get home, thankfully, Chase is already there. I drop my coat and wallet on the side table and fall to the couch. As I close my eyes about to drift off, I’m pulled back out by a Spanish verbal tirade and what feels like the fluffy end of a duster repeatedly whacking the end of my legs right on the shin.
“What the hell, Connie, that hurts.”
She gives me a smug look. “Ay, de verdad, crees que eso duele?”
I let out a sigh. “What did I do now?”
“You are a bully.”
Sitting up, I run my hand down my face, just imagining what blown up story Chase told her. “What did he tell you happened?”
“Enough to know you are a bully.”
“I’m not a bully, Connie. I’m just looking out for his best interest. He’s my brother, and as his guardian, that’s my job.”
“Bulla-shita! It’s just your way of controlling things. Listen to me, mi hijo; that girl is not the problem, you are. You have to stop listening to your brain because it’s stupid. Listen to y
our heart, mi amor, what is that telling you?”
“It’s telling me that her type of life is trouble.”
Connie shakes her head in disappointment. “I thought you were smarter than that. Sadly, I was wrong, the same way you are about her. Mi amor, remember not everything is what it seems.”
I think that over as she turns and walks off—what the hell’s that supposed to mean?
I swear to God everyone’s living with their head in the clouds. I’m the only one that sees the reality of what could happen to someone as easy to influence as Chase. I know I’m right, and he’ll realize it eventually, then we can get Velyn Adler out of our lives. That being said, one thing’s for sure—it’s not going to be as easy to get his forgiveness this time.
Chapter 12
Velyn
I’ve been on the phone with Chase for hours. Thank god for landlines and the fact they don’t charge by the minute.
“Velyn, he’ll do it. He’ll stop us from being friends, I know it.”
“Chase, look at it this way at least he doesn’t hate me anymore, now he just thinks that I’m a person of questionable moral values and that I’d lead you astray—a step in the right direction, I think. It’s that much closer to just a mere plebeian once I make it there, we’re in the home stretch.” I joke, letting out a chuckle at my humor.
I do actually find it quite comical. Well, now that Stu and Joan chatted with me after the whole ordeal in the diner. They made me realize that people like Dylan, one’s born into privilege; some of them just can’t see past the blinders they were born with. It’s up to us to show them differently.
“Listen, Chase; I have a plan.”
A squeal most would think could only come out of the mouth of a teenage girl, rings through the phone. “You do! Velyn, what is it—death by poisoning? No, that may be taking it too far. Near-death by poisoning? No, still too much. What about maiming? Yes, that would work. He’d only be out temporarily, giving him enough downtime to reconsider his decision.”
Note to self—start to limit Chase’s exposure to mob movies. “I was thinking about just talking to him.”
“What! No, Velyn, it won’t work.”
“Relax, Chase. Your brother and I are adults. There’s no reason we can’t sit down and figure this out…you know, come to a compromise,” I reassure.
Chase groans. “I’m sorry, have you fallen and hit your head recently. I’m just wondering because that would be the only explanation for your amnesia like symptoms.”
“Why are you always so dramatic? Chase, it’ll be fine. I believe once Dylan hears me out, he’ll see things my way.”
“Yep, definitely amnesia.”
Not amnesia, but I’m certainly taking a leap of faith here. I mean, Dylan Dandridge reasonable? Just getting him to talk to me will be an accomplishment in itself. If I can actually manage to get him to agree with me, then I’ll be able to accomplish anything.
Well, I could accomplish almost anything, if in the past three weeks, I was able to track Dylan down. It’s like he knows I’m looking for him and any time I’m remotely close, he just disappears.
“Maybe you need to try a different approach?”
I look to Ava, who’s sitting across from me in the library. As promised, she’s helping me with my Calc class, and may I add; she’s phenomenal—the other bonus is that we’ve also become good friends.
“Another approach would still entail me tracking him down. He’s evaded my every move,” I reply.
“Have you tried any of the usual spots he likes to frequent?” Ava asks.
“I don’t know where any of those are,” I reply.
Jordan comes in behind Ava, giving her a quick squeeze from behind then pulls out a seat.
“Where what are?” he asks.
Ava leaning into Jordan’s arms, replies, “Dylan’s hangouts.”
He growls. “Have you tried Eller’s House in the west end on fourth? He loves that place. He’s actually quite a regular.”
Interest now piqued; I sit up. “No, I haven’t, how do I get there?”
Jordan lets out a snicker then takes in a quick gasp of air when Ava elbows him in the side. “Ow, I was just playin’, babe.”
Ava turns to me, shaking her head. “Don’t listen to him. Eller’s House is a Gentlemen’s Club.”
“Like cigars and whiskey?” I ask.
“No, more like steak dinners, cheap beer, and naked women,” Jordan adds.
“Eugh, does he actually go to places like that?” I ask, wondering what kind of appeal a strip club would have to a guy that apparently has a different woman in his bed every weekend.
Jordan shrugs as though it’s nothing. “Well, we used to, but if I’m going to be honest, it was never really our thing. When we were freshmen, the older guys took us there. As time went on, we just kept going back because it was a great place to hang out where the clingy college girls weren’t all over us, and we could drink two-dollar beers and shoot the shit in peace.”
I let out a sigh. “So, what you’re telling me is that’s where Dylan’s probably hiding out?”
“It’s a good possibility if he was looking to get away. But you won’t be able to get in there unless a man escorts you in,” Jordan explains.
Ava sits up, turning to look at him. “What kind of ass-backward place is that? What if I want a steak dinner, cheap beer, and to watch naked women?”
Jordan’s brow perks. “I’d say you really are the woman of my dreams.”
“Why do I even?” Ava lets out, turning back to me and laying into Jordan’s arms.
Jordan leans in a little closer. “Look, if you really want to track him down, I’ll take you. But once we’re in, you’re on your own. He owes me an apology, and I’m not about to give him the satisfaction of thinking that I’ve come crawling on my hands and knees.”
“If the two of you are going, I’m coming too,” Ava says.
I look to them, and then I remember. “Guys, one problem…I’m only twenty. I’m underage.”
A broad toothy grin brightens Jordan’s face. “You leave that to me. I’ve got people.”
I look to Ava, hoping for some reassurance, but she just shrugs, “He’s got people!”
And people he had! Within the hour, Jordan produced an impressive I.D. I mean, even I couldn’t tell it was a fake.
“What other kinds of people do you have?” I ask, wondering now who else Jordan has at his fingertips, but then I reconsider. “Actually, don’t answer that. I don’t ever want to perjure myself on the stand in your defense.”
Looking into his rearview, he offers me a smile. “Aww, you’d perjure yourself for me?”
“No, but I would for Ava’s benefit. She really seems to like you, and I have to say, these days it’s hard to find a submissive–I mean accommodating partner,” I reply with a chuckle, Ava in front bursting into a fit of giggles herself.
Jordan looks to me, brow arched. “I have a feeling I should’ve found offense to that, but if you’re trying to say that I’m a slave to Ava, you’re right. I’m her loooove slave.”
I roll my eyes. “Ugh.”
Apparently, I’m the only one who found that gag-worthy as Ava leans over kissing Jordan. “That’s right, babe. My manly loooove slave.”
Double-eye roll, but this one may be a little out of jealousy. The way they look at each other it’s undeniable…they’re in love.
Within minutes we pull into a large gravel parking lot. There isn’t much around; the area is mostly surrounded by older buildings, some of which are abandoned.
“Okay, the name of this place is quite misleading. You would think with a name like Eller’s house, even for a Gentlemen’s Club, it would still have some sort of standard as to its aesthetic presence,” I mention.
Jordan parks the car. “Velyn, it’s a strip club. The standards set for this place are subpar at best.” He unbuckles opening the door, steps out, then leans back in. “Also, this is one of the good ones...count yoursel
f lucky.”
Ava jumps out of the car, and I follow right behind. Before making my way around to the front, I take a moment gathering my thoughts. I’ve spent the better part of three weeks tracking Dylan down, but I haven’t actually thought about what I’m going to say when I find him; what big speech I’m going to layout to convince him that I’m not a bad person.
I’ve rarely had to explain myself to anyone for either my actions or my character, and lord knows most definitely not to someone like Dylan. But this is for Chase. He’s a good kid and has become a great friend to me. Being an only child, I never got the sibling family thing, but if I had, I’d like to think it would be a lot like the relationship I have with Chase. We just connect, as though we were cut from the same cloth. Although his obsession with classic television is something, I’ll never understand.
“Are we going inside, or do you just want to hang in the parking lot all day?” Jordan lets out. “I’m okay with either, but just so you know they have this place equipped with full out security cameras. If they see us and think we’re just lurking around, they may call the cops.”
I let out a final breath and move ahead. “Nope, I’m good. Let’s go.”
The three of us make our way in, first approaching a rather questionable looking man propped up against a stool.
“Anton, my man, how have you been?” Jordan greets, the two of them knocking fists with a slight pat on the back.
“About the same. I haven’t seen you here in a while. Where have you been hiding?” Anton asks.
Jordan moves to the side, motioning to Ava. “Found me a woman. Anton, this is Ava. Ava, this is Anton.”
Anton produces his hand in greeting. “Never thought there would exist a woman that could tame the likes of this one. You must be one fine lady. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He then looks to me. “And you are?” Involuntarily I freeze—only a light mumble falling from my lips. Anton then turns to Jordan. “If I card her, is it going to pass?”
“Of course,” Jordan replies. “I deal with only the best.”
Loving Chase: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Novel Page 9