Provoked

by S. Donahue

  “I just may hit the hard shit at home and go to bed. I need my brain to forget tonight.”

  CHAPTER 12

  Hailey

  BACK WHEN I was in high school, I would stare into space thinking about what it would be like to have Chase as a boyfriend. He was gorgeous with his dark brown hair and blue eyes. Every girl at school wanted to date him. I sometimes think Carrie acted the way she did so no one would try to take Chase from her, not that I had a shot.

  I’m standing here now staring into the eyes of a dream I once had. I don’t know if I’m ready to relive every moment again. If I go “catch up” with Chase, that’s what is going to happen. The only thing we have in common is the past. I have moved on. I kindly decline his invitation to go out with him. I tell him if he needs to get in touch with me, he can contact the publishing company. He states that I will be hearing from him again. I can’t dwell on it. I have a career to lead. He walks away from me and looks back, but I didn’t stop him. I let him go… Maybe forever.

  On my way out, I stop to say my farewells to Mrs. Ward. It is time for me to put an end to my past once and for all.

  Unfortunately, Carrie stops me on my way out.

  “What can I do for you, Carrie?” I ask. Even though she looks bad and I definitely look better than she does, in my mind, in this moment, we are seventeen again.

  “He’ll never want you, Hailey. Remember that. You’ll never be good enough for him.”

  I am kind of taken aback by her statement. According to Chase, they have had no contact for six years.

  “And you are?” I ask in an aggravated manner.

  “Yes, I am. I love him a lot, and he knows it. We will get back together,” she says with a smirk on her face, gloating.

  “I’m so happy for you. I hope you have a happy life together. I wish you all the best.” I just want to get out of this place. It was such a mistake coming here.

  “I’m just warning you to tread lightly where Chase is concerned, because he’s mine.”

  “Are we five? I don’t want your man.”

  “Yes you do. You’ve always wanted him.”

  “Carrie, you’re pathetic. Grow up.”

  “You can’t even deny it.”

  “I’m done with this conversation. Goodbye.”

  I walk away from the bitch and out of the gymnasium. I never want to see or hear Chase O’Brien’s name again.

  CHAPTER 13

  Chase

  I UPPED THE INCLINE on the treadmill and I’m nearly gasping for air. I have just been so pissed off lately that I have needed to work extra hard in the gym. P says I need to get laid. Maybe I do. I don’t plan on picking up some random woman. I have only had one woman on my mind lately. I have been debating with myself about whether to contact Hailey or not. She didn’t necessarily say not to call her. She just said to call the publishing company.

  “Please pick up a chick. I’m about to get you a hooker and send her to your house. I can no longer keep up with you on this treadmill,” Parker says as he runs harder and harder on the machine next to me.

  “I’m done with women. Between Megan’s crap and Hailey blowing me off, I give up.”

  “Are you dating guys?”

  “No, I love women. I’m just tired of all the BS that goes along with them.”

  “Why don’t you just call the publishing company or show up there? She can’t reject you in person in a public place. It’s been a month since the reunion. You need to make a move, or she’s going to think you’re not interested.”

  “I don’t fucking know anymore. I’m off today and tonight. Maybe I’ll go shower and stop by there. If she rejects me, though, it’s your fault.”

  I leave the gym and jump in my Explorer. I need a plan. I keep thinking so much about a woman who has no ties to me. It’s crazy.

  The flower place a few blocks away catches my eye. I go inside and order three dozen roses and have them delivered to the publishing company. The card reads simply: To Hailey, From Chase.

  I don’t want to overdo it. The plan is for them to deliver the flowers to her office in an hour. She will get them at noon. I call her office receptionist and tell her that lunch will be delivered for Hailey and to make sure she is available at 12:15 p.m. I ask her what she likes to eat, and she says she eats mostly salads. That is perfect, because that’s what I eat a lot, too.

  I stop at Saladworks and order two salads to go. I hope this plan works to get her attention.

  I keep checking the clock in my car. When it’s 12:15, I figure that the flowers should have been delivered, so I park my car in the garage and ride the pink elevator to the nineteenth floor. Her receptionist has a big smile on her face like she’s been laughing.

  “I’m here to see Hailey McCormick. I have a lunch date with her.”

  “Hi, I’m Melanie, her receptionist. Are you the mystery man?” she asks.

  “I wouldn’t say I’m a mystery...”

  “Go right in. She’s waiting for you.”

  My heart is pounding. If she rejects me, I don’t know what I’ll say or do.

  I turn the knob and walk into Hailey’s office. She is facing the window.

  What is she going to say next?

  CHAPTER 14

  Hailey

  I HAVE A MEETING with a potential client at noon. Melanie calls and tells me that I have to cancel it because I have an anonymous lunch meeting. I have no idea who it could be. She says they asked what I like to eat. She told them salad. She says she is cancelling what I have on my schedule. I don’t think she should, but she feels maybe I should see what this meeting is about. I am curious.

  Around noon, Melanie comes into my office and says I have a delivery. She has a smile on her face and asks me to come to her desk right away.

  “Can’t you just sign for it?”

  “Oh, I did. You need to come and see who it’s from. I want to know.”

  I roll my eyes at her and proceed to her desk. There is a gigantic box with a huge red bow on it. She says a florist delivered the box.

  “Who’s it from?” she begs to know.

  “I’m opening it in private. I have no idea.”

  “You’re the worst. I need to be nosy.”

  “I’ll tell you later.”

  I take the box into my office and shut the door. I am afraid to open them, hoping that they aren’t from my ex, Sam. He is such an asshole, always trying to get back with me, but I’m not interested in him. I think that he may be using this gift as a last resort.

  I lay the box on my desk and carefully remove the ribbon. A card is taped to the box so I open it. The front of it reads: Thinking of You. I open the card and nerves hit me right away. My stomach drops. It just reads:

  To Hailey

  From Chase

  My heart flutters. As much as I’ve lied to myself, I did hope they were from him. I hoped he would have contacted me even after I acted so cold to him. I’ve wanted to apologize to him. I did tell him to contact the office, but it’s been a month, and I never heard from him. I’d given up all hope, but now I hope it will be him who walks into my office for lunch.

  I stand up to look out at Central Park and think. Then I hear a knock at the door. Someone turns the knob, apparently sent in by Melanie. I stay looking out the window, literally too scared to turn around. I am afraid to see my future.

  “Hailey.”

  I know the voice. I let out my breath that I’ve been holding.

  I turn around to face him. “Chase.”

  “I brought lunch for us. You have time to sit and eat?”

  “Yes, of course. Listen, Chase, about the reunion. I’m sorry for how I acted. I was holding on to bitter memories.”

  “Let’s just talk. Don’t worry about that.”

  A tear falls down my face even though I really don’t want to get emotional right now.

  “What’s wrong?” he asks, walking reluctantly toward me.

  “No one has ever done anything this nice for me before. Th
ank you.”

  “Don’t thank me. You deserve it.” He puts his hand on my cheek. “You have always been special, Hailey. You just never saw it within yourself. I saw it.”

  He reaches in and kisses me. I wasn’t expecting it! Chase O’Brien is in my office kissing me. It’s like a dream. His lips are warm against my lips. His tongue moves in circles, tormenting mine. My body wants more; my brain knows differently. Our lips part, but I want more of his kisses.

  “Now that that’s over with…” he jokes.

  “Let’s go sit at the table and eat,” I suggest.

  He is such a gentleman. He grabs the bag of food and pulls the chair out for me.

  “This is really nice, your setup here, I mean. I’m really happy for you.”

  “Thanks. I worked really hard to get here. What do you do for a living?” I ask. I am actually quite curious. I may not have followed up on him since high school, but I never forgot him.

  “I’m a pharmacist, and I play on a professional lacrosse team here in New York. It’s a traveling team, so I’m on the run a lot.”

  “That sounds like fun.”

  “It is. Lacrosse has always been my life. I figured I might as well do it now because, at some point, I’ll have to give it up. I’ve gotten injured a few times, as well.”

  The thought of him injured and in need of caretaking crosses my mind. I always saw him as a strong person. Next thought… No… erase it from my mind.

  “It’s great to go for your dreams. You were an awesome lacrosse player.” As if I know anything about lacrosse.

  “Have you ever seen me play?” he asks, smiling.

  Do I lie and say no? Or do I admit that I did actually go watch some of his games?

  “Maybe once or twice. This salad is so good,” I say, changing the subject. “You created the perfect blend.”

  “Thanks. It’s my favorite. Are you in a relationship?”

  He catches me off guard with that one. Maybe we should go back to talking about lacrosse.

  “No, me and my ex broke up, like, two months ago. He was an asshole.” I smirk and see him squirm in his seat. “My best friend Erica caught him with some girl at a restaurant having dinner.”

  “Wow, I’m sorry. Sounds like my life. My sister’s best friend caught my ex, Megan, with some guy in a bar. She was in bed with him the next morning when I finally spoke with her. She told me she had a migraine and was staying home all night.”

  “Wait, did you say Megan?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s the girl’s name that my ex was seeing…”

  “That would be crazy. I don’t know who the guy was who she cheated with.”

  “Well, if his name is Sam, then it’s my ex.”

  “I don’t speak with her at all, so I will never find out.”

  That makes me happy.

  “I wish. Sam calls trying to get back with me all the time. I’ll never forgive him.”

  “I don’t blame you. I feel the same way.” He sits back in his chair and smiles at me. “You’re beautiful, Hailey.”

  “Aww, thanks, Chase. Don’t make me blush.”

  “Well, you are.”

  I divert my attention. I’m still not comfortable with compliments.

  “The roses are gorgeous.” He probably thinks I’m crazy.

  “Like you,” he responds.

  “Chase?” I look at him. “What do you want with me? I don’t understand it.”

  “I don’t know what I want, but I know it involves you. Since I saw you at the bar that day, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. After the reunion, I couldn’t understand why you didn’t want anything to do with me.”

  “It’s complicated, and after you left, Carrie threatened me. She told me to stay away from you.”

  “She did what? She doesn’t own me. I don’t want anything to do with her.”

  He seems pissed off. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.

  He continues, “I found out what’s going on with her. Parker talked to Laney. I’m not sure why they used to hate each other. Laney told him that, back when me and Carrie were together, she started getting involved in drugs. Laney and Paulina weren’t into it, so Carrie started hanging with different people. She was lying to her parents by saying she was with Laney and Paulina. Finally, after high school, they had a huge blowup and stopped talking. I never knew why. I only got Carrie’s version of the story. I was so stupid. Now that I know the truth, I feel like such an asshole. I should have left her, knowing how she treated people and especially how she treated you.”

  He looks at me with a sad look. I feel sorry for him right now and want to console him, but I don’t have that right.

  “Laney also said that Carrie got addicted to pills and started doing some hard core shit like meth and heroin,” he adds. “That was way after we broke up. One day, Laney saw her all drugged up in the streets and tried to help her. Carrie wouldn’t go for it, and Laney got so mad, she went to Carrie’s parents. They eventually had her put away. She has two kids with two different guys. Laney said she’s been clean for two years now but won’t talk to her because she went to her parents.”

  “That’s just so sad. I mean she treated me horribly, but I don’t wish addiction on anyone.” I know the feeling all too well.

  “I should have seen the signs. Maybe I could have helped her.”

  Hearing him say maybe he could have helped her makes me feel hurt. I know it shouldn’t. I’m not an evil person, but she hurt me. I don’t want to see him blame himself or still feel for her. I’m jealous. I hate that feeling.

  “It wasn’t your fault. Addiction happens no matter what. To overcome it, you have to want to help yourself or you’ll never be cured. I know all too well.”

  “I have an addiction,” he says in a serious tone.

  “Oh yeah? What is it?”

  “You. And I don’t want help for it. I don’t want to be cured.”

  “You always know just what to say, don’t you?”

  He laughs and then becomes serious. “Come here a second.”

  I go to him. He pulls me down to kiss him, his hand behind my neck. I start to get aroused. I want him—but it is just too soon. I pull away.

  “Why are you afraid of me?” He looks curious.

  “I’m not,” I lie.

  “Will you go out with me? And can I have your cell phone number?”

  “Yes,” I say shyly.

  “I’m off work tonight. I want to see you. Do you want to go out somewhere or just hang out at my house?”

  Oh dear God, I don’t know if I’m strong enough to be alone with him.

  “Whatever is best for you…” That’s not what I really wanted to say, but it just comes out.

  “I can cook dinner for you.” He smiles and oh, is it a sexy one.

  “That sounds good. We can watch a movie.”

  “Whatever you want… I have Netflix, so it’s your choice. What kind of wine do you like?”

  “White wine is good for me,” I reply.

  He stands up. “It’s a date.”

  “I guess it is,” I say, looking into his eyes.

  He kisses my cheek. “’Til tonight.”

  “’Til’ tonight,” I repeat softly as he walks out of my office.

  I sit in the chair and put my hand over my mouth. I have no words.

  Melanie comes into my office. “Okay, spill it.”

  I just sit there. Stunned.

  CHAPTER 15

  Chase

  I WOULD NEVER have thought in a million years that my plan would work. This whole situation is confusing to me. I know I want to spend time with Hailey and get to know her better.

  I felt very comfortable with her in the office. She is very easy to get along with. I don’t usually feel that with the bitches I have dated in the past. I know I’m going to have to take things slow with her, because she is full of a lot of hurt from her past, while I’m thinking from her present. Also, based on what she said about her e
x-boyfriend, Sam.

  I stop off at the supermarket after I leave Hailey’s office. I need to get a few things for the dinner I am cooking for her tonight. I decide to make grilled chicken in a balsamic glaze with brown rice and mixed vegetables and a salad on the side. I buy strawberry shortcake for dessert. Let’s not get crazy: I won’t be baking dessert for us.

  I have my own house on Staten Island. It’s fine for now. Everything is brand new, including my state-of-the-art kitchen. It has three bedrooms, two of which are empty. I don’t normally have overnight guests. If P crashes here, he just sleeps on the sofa. Women, well… Megan was the only one to stay overnight, but she just slept with me. I need to erase that bitch out of my head.

  The doorbell rings. This is kind of awkward. Normally I would take her out to dinner, but I want to get to know her in a different setting. In a restaurant, you tend to feel rushed; it’s loud and you can’t really get to know a person. I told her to dress very casually for the dinner. I just have on jeans, a Polo sweater, and my UGG man slippers. I lit some candles throughout the house. I hope she doesn’t think I’m trying to seduce her. Well…

  I answer the door. Hailey looks so cute all bundled up. To say she gets more beautiful every time I see her is an understatement.

  The temperatures are frigid, and we are expecting snow. This is New Yawk… it happens. We go on with our lives.

  “You made it. Hurry up and get inside, it’s freezing out,” I say, ushering her into the house.

  “I can’t believe how fast the temperatures dropped from yesterday,” she says, shivering. I just want to grab her and make her warm.

  “It’s March. Such an unpredictable month. Let me take your coat.”

  “Thank you,” she says, smiling. “Your house is really nice.”

  “Thanks.” I place her coat on the hook behind the door. “I have some appetizers set out in the kitchen, and I chose a white wine for you.”

  “Oooh, sounds good… Such a thoughtful host.”