“Chase is in love with you, your neighbor is in love with you—I must say, I don’t see the appeal.” He smiles and I throw a French fry at him.
“Ha ha, you’re hilarious. Chase is—” I want to say Chase isn’t in love with me anymore and I know he’s moved on, but I’m not willing to open that can of worms. “Can we drop it? Please? Today is about you.” He agrees and we eat in peace, shooting the shit for the rest of the meal.
He pays for us and we leave the diner, bellies full of food and a newfound bout of determination to find the perfect ring.
As we’re driving along, we stumble upon a small jewelry store and decide to check it out. The most beautiful pear-shaped diamond ring with a halo stands out to me. Down the sides of the band are sapphires accentuating the large diamond stone.
“Hunter,” I call him to where I’m standing on the opposite side of the store. “I found your ring.”
With raised eyebrows like he doesn’t believe me, he crosses the store. “Holy…” Hook, line, and sinker. He’s sold.
He pays and I step away, not interested in knowing the price of the rock. I’m leaning against the car when he comes out of the store.
“I have to come back in a couple weeks to pick it up once it’s sized and all that.” We climb in the car when I think up the perfect plan.
“Why don’t I pick it up for you? I’ll surprise everyone by coming home that weekend so I can deliver it to you.” He smiles and agrees. Kenzie doesn’t know what’s coming.
◊◊◊
The timing on the ring is perfect. The weeks pass and the ring is ready by fourth of July weekend. He’ll be able to propose under the fireworks. Everything is falling into place.
When the day comes, I think I hear my best friend screaming YES at the top of her lungs from where I’m temporarily staying at my parents’ house. An hour later, hand in hand and sparkly ring shining, the newly engaged couple arrives on the doorstep to celebrate.
“We were going to wait until morning to tell you guys.” She holds up her hand with her shiny new rock and I’m momentarily blinded. “We’re engaged!” I hug my bestie and soon-to-be sister-in-law. Tears well in my eyes and a few stray ones spill over. I’m so damn happy for both of them. They deserve all the happiness in the world.
“Congratulations! Do you love the ring?” I whisper in her ear just in case she doesn’t like it and doesn’t want Hunter to know.
“Your doing? It’s perfect,” she whispers back with a wink. “Oh, and you’re my maid of honor, by the way. I’ll make you one of those fancy boxes so you can post it on social media, but we both know I’m going to ask and you’re going to agree so let’s just cut to the chase.”
“Speaking of Chase…” Hunter’s tone forces me to look at him. “I’m going to ask him to be my best man. I hope that won’t be too weird for you.”
Why hadn’t I considered that?
“Oh my God, of course not. Don’t worry about me at all. This is your day, both of yours. I’m just eager to stand up there with you.” I pull them into a group hug, praying my shaky tone didn’t convey my nerves. The wedding is about them, which means I have to put my feelings aside, but that doesn’t stop me from being nervous about it.
I’m acting fine but my insides are already squirming at the thought of seeing Chase. In a tux. At a wedding.
Will he bring a date? Will I bring a date? Why wouldn’t we both bring someone? My heart may be finally mending from our break up, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to see him dating someone else. It’s unfair of me to think that way, but I can’t help how I feel.
Whenever the wedding is, it’s going to be one telling and interesting day.
24
Hailey
“Do you know what today is?” Landon is standing outside of my door with a bouquet of dahlias.
“Um, are you going to a funeral?” I leave the door open and he takes the opportunity to make himself comfortable in my apartment. My second year is starting soon and I’ve been cramming and doing research incessantly. My place is a pigsty and by my outward appearance, you could say I’m a bit frazzled and fried.
“No, Ms. Gallows Humor. I came to collect on our deal. One year ago today you agreed to go out with me.” I glance up and take in his appearance.
He looks casual but handsome in khaki shorts and a blue and white striped tee that fits him like a dream. Nike tennis shoes sit on his feet and his black hair is slicked back to coiffed perfection.
He’s in freaking date clothes and I’m here in a ratty band tee and yoga pants with a bleach stain on the knee.
“Right now? You want to go out now? Is it really a year to the day? You kept track of that?” Is that creepy or flattering? I can’t decide. “Do I have time to change?” His throaty chuckle melts over me. This is a recipe for disaster.
“Go change into something casual. Wear anything but heels.”
With a cheesy salute, I power walk to my room to change. I don’t think there’s ever been a time I wore something casual on a first date. Hell, my first date with Chase involved a fancy red dress and wedding crashing.
I throw on my favorite ripped jean shorts and a loose pink t-shirt to knot on the side. Slipping on my tan strappy sandals, I head back to my living room. I leave my hair down but secure a hair tie around my wrist prepared for whatever this date entails.
Here goes nothing. “All right, I’m all set. Let’s do this.”
“You look great.” A wolfish grin lights up his face as he peruses me from head to toe.
“You’ve seen me sleep-deprived at one a.m. with a coffee stain on my shirt. Anything looks better than that.” I roll my eyes, throw my cross-body purse over my head, and stroll out the door with Landon on my tail.
“How competitive are you?” he asks as I buckle my seatbelt in his silver Volvo. He has McDreamy hair and an Edward Cullen car—is there anything wrong with this guy?
“Are you joking? I’m in medical school. Being competitive is in my nature.” Though, since he’s also in med school, he’s at least as competitive as I am.
“Then how about we make this interesting? A little bit of a wager, perhaps?” His right eyebrow is raised and paired with his smirk the look screams trouble.
“I’m not making any deals until I know what I’m signing up for.” The minute I agree to something he could change plans to force me to lose. No thanks.
“Scared you’ll lose?” His jab ignites every competitive bone in my body.
“I’m scared you’ll change your mind and take me bull riding or something equally ridiculous.” He cackles and I can’t help but smile back at his carefree nature.
“Fine, if you must ruin the surprise, I’m taking you mini golfing.” Though he sounds exasperated, his wide smile has yet to falter.
“Are you sure you want to do that? I’m the mini golf champion of my family.” I puff out my chest like the proud, egotistical maniac I can be when challenged.
“Well, then, your family must really suck at mini golf.” My jaw drops as I turn to face him.
“You’re going down.” I rub my palms together, concocting a master plan. “If I win, you have to pay for my ice cream.” It must be a universal rule to eat ice cream after mini golf, right?
He laughs. “Deal. But if I win, you have to kiss me.” My smile drops in seconds flat. Things just got interesting.
◊◊◊
I take a bite out of the cone of my chocolate and vanilla twist. “Damn, winning tastes good.”
“You got lucky.” It’s clear that Landon is not a good loser. I don’t know if he’s madder about the game or the fact I don’t have to kiss him now.
“I don’t think four hole-in-ones is considered lucky. I think that’s called skill.” We played eighteen holes, so it’s not like I sank every shot. But I still beat him with flying colors.
As we make our way back to his car, I’m sad the night is coming to an end. It’s been fun spending real time with him outside of school and our stu
dy sessions. It’s nice to blow off steam every once in a while.
Being in the confined space of his car makes me acutely aware of the tension sitting between us. His hands grip the steering wheel, the veins prominent with the force.
I tug a loose string free on my jeans and wrap it around my finger, undoing and redoing it for something to do. When he parks the car, I burst from the seat like it’s suffocating me, making a beeline for the apartment entrance.
“Hailey, wait.” Heavy footprints follow right behind me as he jogs to catch up. I don’t turn around and instead, dart up the stairs toward my place. It would be a clean getaway if I didn’t trip and bang my knee on the top step. “Jesus, Hails, relax. Hold up.”
With a huff I sit down on the step, intentionally avoiding his gaze. “I’m fine.”
“I should’ve challenged you to a 5K with the way you run like you have two left feet.” His laugh is lighthearted, as if he doesn’t realize the chaos bouncing around inside of me.
Things were never this tense or awkward or difficult with Chase. It was always natural and easy. I knew without a shadow of a doubt he was what I wanted and who I wanted to be with. Now I’m questioning everything.
“Come on, I’ll help you up.” I want to decline his help, but my knee is already swelling. I half-hop my way up the stairs using Landon as my crutch.
When we’re outside my door, I pull my keys out of my purse, only to fumble and drop them. What the hell is wrong with me?
His chuckle calms my nerves and he bends down to pick up my dropped keys.
“Thank you.”
He unlocks my door for me and helps me to my couch. As if he lives here, he makes his way around my kitchen, filling a Ziploc bag with ice and wrapping it in a towel to put on my knee.
“How’s that feel?” He’s so sweet. This should be so easy.
“Good. Thank you for this,” I gesture to my knee, “and for tonight. I had a lot of fun.” I’m not lying. It’s one of the most fun nights I’ve had in a while, despite the injury.
“So did I.” He’s sitting on the sofa beside my knee, an arm’s reach away. With a steady hand, he cups my cheek, rubbing his thumb across the tender skin.
His eyes flutter as his gaze drops to my lips. I know what’s coming next. Slow and measured, as if I’m a deer during hunting season he doesn’t want to scare away, he leans in with closed lids.
I brace my palm on his broad shoulder and push him away. “I’m sorry. I can’t.” His head falls as defeat weighs him down. “I wish I could, I do. I want you to be that guy for me. You’re the whole package—smart, funny, kind, and insanely handsome. And you’re going to make someone so happy one day. I wish it could be me, but it wouldn’t be fair to you to only give you half of my heart. The other half is back in Pennsylvania and I don’t think I’ll ever get it back.”
“We all have our one,” he mumbles under his breath with a nod of understanding. Clearing his throat, he looks at me, studying me. “Can I ask you something?” he asks, and I nod. “Why aren’t you with this guy?”
I run a hand through my hair, not expecting that question. “I broke up with him to be in med school and chase my dreams without distraction.”
“How’s that working out for you?” He doesn’t seem mad or upset, but curious.
With a harsh laugh devoid of all emotion, I respond. “Terribly.”
His eyes are wide and flood with confusion. “Then what are you waiting for? Go get him.”
“I can’t.” I’m exasperated. No one gets it. If I could be with him, I would, but it’s not that fucking simple.
“Why not?”
I grumble with frustration. “I’m still in school and nothing has changed. If he uproots his life for me, he’ll end up resenting me and if I give up my dreams for him, I’ll resent him.”
“Who says either one of you has to give up your dreams? You’ve got a handle on school and you’re one of the smartest, most focused people I’ve ever met. You’re in love with this guy and being alone won’t get you anywhere. Are dreams even worth it if you don’t have anyone beside you to celebrate your successes? Think about it. I’ll see you later, Hails.”
25
Chase
Tonight I’m going out with Vanessa again. We’ve been casually seeing each other for the past year despite having yet to consummate the relationship. The issue is, she’s not the one holding back. I am.
Instead of having sex tonight, I have to break up with her. I could cancel or break things off before the date, but I figure the least I can offer her is a nice dinner.
My doorbell rings at a quarter to seven, right as I’m about to leave to meet her at the restaurant. I could’ve offered to pick her up, but since I’m dumping her I figured this was best.
This better be the delivery guy bringing me my new surround sound stereo system from Amazon or I’ll be pissed. Prime means Prime.
“Oh. Vanessa. What’re you doing here?” She’s been to my house a few times, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised she showed up unannounced. But now I’m thrown off guard.
“I thought I’d surprise you and we could stay in tonight so I could cook for you. I brought all the ingredients for lasagna.” She holds up the bag with a baguette sticking out of the top. “Are you going to invite me in?” Do I have to? I should get this over with before she gets too comfortable.
“Listen, Vanessa, we need to talk.” She pushes past me into my house, setting the bags on the countertops.
“Do you have any wine?” She’s making herself at home and completely ignoring me. Hello, is this thing on?
She scurries around my kitchen, preheating the oven, digging through the cabinets, making an overall mess of things.
“Vanessa.” She continues to ignore me.
I wanted this to work with her. I wanted to like her and give her a chance, but I don’t see the two of us meshing well at all. Especially considering I can’t even hold her attention to break up with her.
“Were you saying something?” She has all the ingredients spread out on the kitchen island. I need to end things stat before she opens everything up.
“As a matter of fact, I was.” I walk over to her, grabbing her hands to halt her from proceeding and also forcing her to give me her undivided attention. “This isn’t working out. I’m sorry. I tried, but I’m not feeling it. I’m not ready to get back into a relationship like I thought I was.”
“Are you dumping me?”
Did she not hear a damn word I said?
Sometimes being the nice guy is tiring. “Yes, now please, clean up your mess and get out of my house.”
As I hold the door open for her, I’m afraid she’s going to slap me or burn the place down while I’m sleeping. Instead, she holds her head high and storms out without a glance in my direction. At least she can handle this with class.
“I was still fucking my ex-boyfriend, anyway. Bye, Chaste.”
And there goes that.
I slam the door and lock it before making my way to the couch. The one person I want to talk to right now about how insane tonight was is freaking Hailey. Still. Or at the very least, her brother so I can ask him why in the hell he thought Vanessa and I would be a good match when she’s nothing like his sister.
My phone rings from across the room and I hope it’s Hunter, though he thinks I’m out on a date. With a groan, I stand and cross the room to grab the ringing device.
When I see the caller ID, I’m tempted to mute the call, but that will only cause me more of a headache in the long run.
“Mother, how can I help you?” I can practically smell her breath through the phone and the scent gets stronger when she slurs on the other end.
“Chase, dear, you forgot to call your father today. It’s his birthday, you know.” Her disappointment rings loud and clear over the phone, even in her inebriated state.
“I didn’t forget, Mother. I chose not to call him.” Will she ever learn? I test her. “If it’s that big of a deal, why don�
�t you put him on the phone now? He is home, I assume?” I know damn well where he’s at.
“Unfortunately, he had business he needed to take care of tonight. He left about an hour ago and said it’ll be another late night.” Color me shocked.
After the night I had, I’m not in the mood to be chastised by my mother of all people. It’s not my fault my dad’s too busy sticking his dick in women half his age. She doesn’t need to bring me down to her depressed, self-deprecating level.
“Is that all you wanted—to yell at me for disappointing you and dear old Dad again? Call me when you’re sober and Dad can keep his dick in his pants.” I hang up without another word and toss my phone onto the coffee table.
With the TV on, I settle into the couch watching reruns of Parks and Recreation and I must fall asleep somewhere along the way. When I wake up, I have a kink in my neck and an infomercial illuminates the darkness.
Grabbing my phone, the brightness nearly blinds me as I read it’s after four in the morning. My thoughts are already running a mile a minute through my brain—my parents, Vanessa, Hailey—there’s no way I’m getting back to sleep now.
With the keys to my happiness in one hand and my skates in the other, I head to the rink to blow off steam. Having access to the school’s ice rink at all times is my favorite perk of being the ice hockey coach.
The cold air in the rink clears my head. I lace up my skates, grab some pucks and a stick, and head onto the ice. Muscle memory takes over as I skate around, shooting the pucks into the goals.
Knuckles on the glass pull me out of my thoughts. I turn around, finding my best friend with a raised fist mid-knock. I skate over to him, stepping off the ice and taking a seat on the bleachers. I’m shocked to discover I’ve already been here for almost two hours.
“I figured I’d find you here.” He hands me my water bottle from the bag on the floor and I take a long swig.
“What’s up, Hunt?” His knee is bouncing like an ADHD kid on meth and his smile is so broad it’s bordering on scary. “Are you on drugs? Why are you here so early?” I have to ask.
Chasing Red Page 16