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Page 25
I notice Melissa isn't around. "Where's Melissa?"
"She'll be home soon. Stop evading the question."
"Victor," Chase speaks up. He releases our bags at his feet and looks at my brother. "We're sorry to spring this on you. It wasn't our intention. "
"What are your intentions?" Victor cuts Chase from finishing his sentence. Victor's facial expression is one of concern, and I'm starting to doubt our decision. I thought he would be the most understanding out of all my brothers.
"I have no intentions, other than making her happy." His words make my heart skip a beat. Chase's eyes move to mine, in silent understanding, and he strides across the room to me. Despite my brother standing feet away, Chase looks confident. His arm wraps around my shoulder when he reaches me, pulling me into his side. I stare at him in awe, momentarily forgetting my brother. Chase smiles and looks towards Victor. I dare to glance at Victor, afraid of what I'll see exactly, but his posture has visibly relaxed. I exhale, the nervous dispersing. It's going to be okay. This time, I believe myself.
The front door opens. "Vic?" the female voice calls out. A second later, Melissa appears in the dining room looking fresh from work. She places a brown bag on the table. "Oh hey," she pauses and looks around, "Everything okay?"
Victor's face lights up when he sees her. "Yeah, everything's good. V and Chase wanted to share some news with us." He holds out his arm for her, and she moves into it, her head tilted back as she waits for a kiss, which Victor readily gives.
Her gaze moves to us. "Oh, yeah?"
I smile at her.
"So, it's official then?" she asks.
"You knew?" Victor says loudly, looking down at Melissa.
"No, not officially." She shrugs her shoulders, "But I noticed at the lake. They're smitten." She smiles wide towards us.
Victor shakes his head. "I don't know how I missed it." He sighs, "Well then…" He looks at us, and takes a step forward, causing Melissa to do the same. His hand moves out to Chase, who returns the gesture. "If she's going to be with anyone, I'm glad it's you. I know you're an honorable guy, and you know that I'll kick your ass if you hurt her."
I move forward quickly and wrap my arms around Victor. From behind me, Chase speaks up, "If I hurt her, I will come to you, so you can kick my ass."
It's all okay.
The tension completely evaporates, as Melissa moves from the room and into the kitchen. "I bought some food for tonight, but we can save it and go out instead?" she yells.
Victor looks at the two of us. "Let's go out."
I feel so elated like I'm on top of the world.
"So, why haven't you told Vance yet?"
And just like that, I fall right off that world.
I move into the living room, taking a seat on their brown leather couch. Chase follows, and sits down next to me. Victor’s sitting in the love seat across from us. "Well," I start, "out of you all, Vance seems to be the most protective. You're not around as much, and you have Melissa. I thought you'd understand the most," I tell him honestly.
He nods and glances towards the kitchen. Melissa is visible through the pass-through opening. "I'll admit, I probably wouldn't have been so understanding had I not met Melissa. I get how telling me was such a big deal." He looks at me, "You know her father's my boss. We took a risk by being together, too. I could have lost my job. She walked into the office, and I instantly wanted to get to know her. She is so different from any girl that I've ever known. I immediately asked her out,” He starts to laugh, “I didn't even know that she was Greg's daughter! It wasn't until weeks later when I found out. She didn't want to tell me. She was scared to." Melissa came to sit next to Victor, I watch him grab her hand and look at her. It was a side of Victor I've never seen. It made me admire him so much more than I already did. "It worked out for the best." He kisses the side of her head gently. I look away to give them their moment only to find Chase looking directly at me.
"What?" I whisper. He doesn't say anything, just continues his staring, but his mouth slowly spreads into a beautiful smile. He moves forward to capture my lips. I gasp in surprise at this bold move in front of my oldest brother.
"This is weird." I hear Victor say, and Chase laughs. "It's going to take some getting used to."
"It's so cute." Melissa gushes and I can feel myself blushing.
"Oh my gosh." I cover my face. "Anyways, let's move onto another topic."
"I'm gonna say one last thing," Victor speaks up, "You need to tell Vance as soon as possible. He most likely won't take it well, but it needs to come from you two before he finds out from anyone else. We live in a small town, and people notice the smallest things." I look at Chase worriedly, and he nods because I know he agrees with Victor. "Okay!" My brother claps and stands up. "Enough of that shit, let's go out!"
"You guys like sushi?" Melissa asks, "There's this amazing sushi bar not far from us."
I shrug, "I've never had it."
Her eyes bug out of her head, and she looks at Victor who shrugs, "We come from a very small-town Mel. Sushi bars aren't common."
"Well then, it's settled!" Melissa says
We all gather our things and head out the door, walking into the elevator that delivers us to the lobby. I can feel Chase's hand on my lower back as we exit the elevator into the beautifully massive lobby.
"Have you had sushi?" I ask Chase as we walk through the lobb. It looks more like an expensive hotel, rather than a lobby of a condo building, but then again, this is the first time I've ever been in one.
"I have." Chase answers.
"Did you like it? Is it really raw fish?" I cringe at the thought.
He laughs lightly, "It's okay. There are all kinds, not all of it is."
"Okay. Good."
True to Melissa's words, the Sushi Bar isn't far. It's at the bottom of a massive building and it’s pretty busy. The place is actually called Sushi Bar. We walk inside, and surprisingly, it doesn't smell all fishy like I expected. There's an actual bar at the front, and it seems to be moving. I watch guests sit in front and pick up the sushi with their sticks from the moving plates.
"This is so cool," I whisper to Chase. A hostess greets us then leads our group to a table for four. Settling in, Melissa explains, "Normally we'd sit at the bar, but it's usually just the two of us."
"So you just pick from the plates of what you want?" I ask, and look back at the people sitting on the stools.
"Yeah, they're made fresh and placed on the moving bar."
A very small young woman approaches the table with a smile, "Hello." she greets us with a slight bow, "Welcome. What would you like to drink?" Her accent is noticeable, but she speaks English well. We place our drink orders, and she walks away from the table.
"Since this is your first time, are you okay if I order?" Melissa asks.
I shrug, "Sure."
"They have this amazing platter, it'll feed all of us, but it has all different kinds of rolls."
"Okay." I agree, then look at Chase to see if that's alright with him. He says, "Whatever you want, babe." I smile, feeling shy at this term of endearment. His hand moves to my thigh and squeezes.
"So weird." I hear Victor mutter from across the table. I laugh happily.
"You know he's sleeping on the couch, right?"
"What? No!"
"I may be okay with you guys being together, but there's no baby making happening under my roof unless it's me doing the baby making!"
"Victor!" I shout, causing those around us to look. Chase is laughing so hard next to me, while I glare at Victor. Melissa smacks Victor lightly with the back of her hand. I turn to Chase, who is still laughing. "It's not that funny!" He wipes his eyes, then pulls my head towards him, placing a kiss on my temple.
"It's fine, Victor," Chase assures my oldest brother.
I huff my disapproval. To be honest, I hadn’t even thought of our sleeping arrangements until Victor mentioned it right now. I wanted nothing more than to be cuddled with Chase in a b
ed. He really doesn't have to worry; there's no way my first time is happening in my brother's spare bedroom.
The waitress returns with our drinks and Melissa places the order for the platter she’s been gushing about. The conversation between the four of us flows easily; I’m grateful. Chase's hand remains on my thigh, occasionally drawing patterns that cause me to break out in goosebumps. I want to visit here as much as we can because we're free to be us.
I know we need to talk with my remaining brothers, and my resolve is slowly crumbling. I can only hope that they'll be as understanding as Victor, somehow, I doubt it. Even so, it seems that Chase is serious when it comes to making us work, but I don't want to be the reason behind a fallout between friends. I focus back on the conversation happening around me, pushing the thoughts away to be in the here-and-now. Victor and Chase are talking about the Z. "I'm hoping to get it down this weekend," Chase says.
"V, did your parts come in?" Victor asks me.
"No, not yet." Earlier in the week my parts shipped out and,when I checked the tracking, it said they should be here within the next couple days. Not long ago I wanted my parts, so I didn't have to rely on anyone to give me rides and now I'm saddened at the thought of not having Chase pick me up in the mornings. But on the flip side, slipping away any time I want won't be so difficult.
A long wooden plate, covered in a colorful variety of rice rolls, is placed in the middle of the table. Our waitress bows slightly and walks away. Across from me, Melissa wiggles in her seat. "This looks so delicious!" She picks up her chopsticks and selects a roll. My brother joins her, but I don't know where to start.
"Here, try this one," Chase suggests, picking up the small circle and putting it on my plate. "Do you want wasabi?"
"I don't know," I whisper.
He smiles amused, "It's a bit spicy, but it's good."
"Okay." I watch him as he scoops a little dab of the green mush on the end of his stick. He shoves the green glob in the middle of the roll.
"Do I stick the whole thing in my mouth?" I ask him quietly.
His smile widens. "That was hot," he says low.
I smack him with the back of my hand. "Perv."
He throws me a wink and grabs himself a roll, popping the whole thing in his mouth. Alright then. I grab the roll and shove it in my mouth. At first, the taste is bland until I slowly start to chew. The flavors come alive.
"Well?" Melissa asks.
I chew some more, covering my mouth, so I don't look like a total slob. "Not bad," I say after finishing. Melissa picks up another circular roll, "Here try this one!" I look at it a little unsure. "Just try it!" I pick it up and pop it in my mouth. "Ohhh...this one is really good!" I say. I end up trying every different type of sushi, not favoring the one with the raw fish. It was a great time, and I'm proud of myself for trying something new.
Victor ended up paying after refusing Chase's many attempts at trying to put money in. Once stepping out onto the sidewalk outside the restaurant, I immediately went to Chase's side for some warmth.
"Wow. It got cool out" Victor says,wrapping his arm around Melissa.
"So, where to next?" I ask excitedly.
"There's a neat little coffee place up the street. They sometimes have poetry readings," Melissa suggests.
I've never been to anything like that, and while I'm not huge on poetry, I thought it'd be fun to try something new. I look up just in time to see Chase's cringe, and it makes me laugh. "Not a fan of poetry?" I ask.
"Not really, but I'll do whatever you want to do."
"Thank you," I whisper, stepping up on my tippy toes to give him a sweet kiss. We walk a couple of blocks until we come to an old-looking brick building with a large front window that's painted black--the door is a cerulean blue. Upon entering, I'm instantly hit with the delicious aroma of coffee beans and baked goods. The building is deceiving. The room is much larger than it looks. There are small tables scattered around the center and high top tables near the edge of the room. The coffee bar is located near the front, my eyes instantly spot the display case of cupcakes, pies, cookies, and other delicious looking baked goods. Near the back of the place is a small stage where a young woman is speaking passionately about...fairies.
"Oh shit," Victor mumbles says he tries to contain his laughter.
"We can just sit back here," Melissa whisper-yells to us, and we follow her, sitting around the nearest open table.
"You want something?" Chase asks.
"Yeah. Surprise me."
He kisses me on the nose and walks the short distance to the bar. I can't help but admire his muscular figure. He's so sexy, and all mine. I smile to myself, looking away back towards the front stage, noticing Victor's eyes on me. My head cocks in curiosity, he leans forward in his chair, resting his arms on his knees. "I never thought that this day would come, Vern."
"Neither did I," I agree.
"He cares about you. His actions speak volumes."
His words are comforting. "I care about him too."
Victor reaches his hand out, covering mine in a reassuring gesture. "I know, it shows. All I want for you is to be happy."
"Thank you." I lean forward and engulf him in a hug. His large arms wrap around me.
"Tell Vance," he whispers. I only nod. Chase returns with two cream cheese cupcakes and two hot drinks. I clap my hands excitedly. "You did good!"
We don't hang around for too long, getting bored with the entertainment. Poetry isn't for us. "Tomorrow we have all day!"
Melissa says excitedly. "I love living here."
"I don't think I could," I admit.
"Me either," Chase agrees. "Not sure how you do it, Victor."
"You get used to it." He shrugs.
We walk back to their building and make our way back up to the condo. Once inside, Victor announces they're turning in. "No funny business!" He wags his finger at us.
"Stop," I whine.
"Leave them be," Melissa tells Victor while pulling him into their bedroom right off of the living room. Before the bedroom door can close Victor pokes his head out, his eyes moving between me and Chase. "I'm watching you." He narrows his eyes and points to the both of us, then disappears, the door closing a second later.
"That's so embarrassing." I plop down on the sofa. Chase takes a seat next to me.
"It's not. He cares about you." Chase grabs the remote from the side table, turning on the TV.
"I know." I sigh. "Do you want to go to bed?" I ask, silently hoping he doesn't so we can spend some more time together. This has been such a fun night.
He shrugs. "I'm good." He grabs my legs and places them over his, and I snuggle into him. His hand moves, drawing circles on the outside of my jeans. My mind starts to wonder about Victor's comments about funny business and while this may not be the most ideal moment to bring it up--sitting on my oldest brother's couch--I know I need to get this out.
"Chase?" I ask.
"Yeah, baby?" he murmurs.
"You know..." I trail off, not exactly sure how to say it.
"I know, what?" he prompts.
"Um. That, I--what my brother said earlier? About having sex?"
He shifts, and I can feel his eyes on me. There's no way I can look at him. Maybe I'm not ready for this conversation. "V, look at me." My eyes slowly move to his. "You know that this"—His finger moves between the two of us—"is not what it's about, right?"
"You don't want to have sex with me?" I ask, a little confused.
He laughs, "I do." His head falls back, his eyes on the ceiling, "Very, very, very, very much."
"Oh." I suddenly feel hot all over. His head lifts and his eyes are on me again. "But I'm not with you for that reason. This is so much more."
Wow.
"Okay...but you know you're my first boyfriend, right?" I confess. "This is all new to me. I haven't done anything. Like that." I stress.
"I won't lie. I thought you haven’t, considering I know who your brothers are. There's no rush. When you'r
e ready, you let me know. We can take this as slow as you need. I'm just happy to be in your presence. I'm with you, for you."
Be still, my heart. There's this weird feeling in my chest. I can easily fall in love with Chase Daniels. In fact, I'm sure I'm already falling. "Okay," I whisper.
I feel so relieved--and so glad to have this off my chest--that he took it so well. It brings me back to the conversation I had with Taylor. Talking with him is like talking to my best friend. This is how it should be. I shouldn't be afraid to talk to my boyfriend about my concerns or feelings. Having already confessed something so deep I know, without a doubt, that I can talk to him about anything. He leans forward and captures my lips with his; a gentle kiss followed by a nip.
Victor's bedroom door opens causing both of us to look away from each other, but not out of fear because kissing isn't ‘doing anything wrong’. Victor strolls out in a white tee and boxers. He eyes us as he walks to the kitchen, returning shortly after with a glass of water. He then disappears back into the bedroom. I can't help but laugh. "He's so crazy." I snuggle into Chase, and we fall into a comfortable silence. Every moment I spend with him is perfect. Before I know it I fall fast asleep.
To Family
The low murmuring of voices seeps into my unconscious state, rousing me awake. Slowly, my eyes open. The whiteness of the room combined with the sun peeking through the windows makes me squint until they adjust to the invasive light. I'm lying on an amazingly comfortable and fluffy bed, covered by a purple comforter--completely alone. Last I remember, I was with Chase on the couch. I notice I'm still wearing my shirt from yesterday, and I can feel the scratchiness of my jeans. Chase must've carried me to bed.
The faint smell of bacon has me up and out of the bedroom door. Chase and my brother are sitting in the living room watching some game on the TV. They both look towards me, and I smile weakly. "Good morning, sleepy head!" Victor greets me first. I mosey around the couch and plop down next to Chase, snuggling into his warmth and closing my eyes.