Hope's Chance

by Jennifer Foor

  “Thanks Dad. I just don’t want her hearing about it from anyone else.” I said as I walked past him and Chance and headed to my car.

  I couldn’t stay inside with either of them. Being around Chance and not being able to touch him made me want him more. My father was keeping us apart, well he thought he was at least. The last thing I wanted was for Chance to have to move out. If I couldn’t see him I would go insane.

  Once I started driving toward my grandparent’s house, I realized I wasn’t as prepared to face my mother with the information I had on my dad and Buffy.

  My mother was going to freak out. It wasn’t because she was still in love with him, in fact she hated him. I think she would be hurt and possibly feel jealous. She had lost everything, while he was living it up, becoming more wealthy than when they were together.

  I pulled into the driveway behind my mother’s car and took a deep breath. It was going to be a long day. Suddenly, I wished I was back at the pool house, in Chances arms.

  Chance

  My sister was fishing around trying to figure out who I was involved with. I couldn’t be pissed at her, because I knew she was just looking out for me. The problem was I wasn’t sure how deep she was going to be looking. I had to start being more careful about being around Hope. If Buffy suspected it was her, she would freak out.

  As much as I cared about Hope, I had to keep thinking about the big picture. In just a few months she would be eighteen and could make her own decisions about who she wanted to be with. I was fully aware that she wanted to be with me, but I found myself wondering if we wouldn’t just be better waiting it out. If we did then nobody would get in any trouble.

  I lit up a cigarette and watched my sister doing some ridiculous stretches. “You look so stupid. Is that supposed to make you lose weight?”

  Buffy shot me a dirty look. “What is your problem today?” She asked.

  “I was just kidding. Get a grip. What are you doing today?”

  “I am going to finish watching the movies I got and then return them. I think that Mark had invited some people over to discuss business. Do you think you can find somewhere else to eat tonight? Maybe like at your new love interests or something?” Buffy asked.

  “You are fishing for something that doesn’t exist Buff.” I tried to explain.

  “Chance, you are my brother and I love you, but I know you are seeing someone. You have had this spark in your eye ever since that morning I found you sleeping naked.” Buffy announced.

  I rolled my eyes. “You’re crazy Buff.”

  She stopped her stretching and walked over to face me. Her hands were on her hips and she squinted her eyes like she was trying to read my mind. “No, I’m not, but you are if you think you can hid her from me for much longer. What is the big deal? Is she ugly or something?”

  I turned and started walking away from her. “I don’t have time for this Buff.”

  “Being that I am kind of your boss, I would say you can have all the time in the world. Now tell me the truth. When have you ever kept a relationship from me? Is she married or something?” She just kept pushing.

  “Jesus Christ Buffy, please stop it already.” I looked directly into her eyes. “It was a one time thing okay?”

  I was an idiot.

  “Why couldn’t you just tell me then?” She asked.

  “Because there was nothing to tell. I picked someone up at a bar and took her home with me. We had a great time and then she left. That is it.” I explained.

  “Was it the woman who went missing?” Buffy asked.

  “Hell no! I never even saw that woman. From her picture in the paper she looked like she was over forty. Why would I take someone that old home with me Buffy? Please say you believe me.”

  She grabbed my arm and pulled me to sit down next to her. “I always believe you Chance, but I also know that you have been acting different. All of the sudden you seem…I don’t know, like happier. I just don’t understand how a one night stand could result in that.”

  I looked her directly in the eye. “I will find someplace to eat tonight, and when I get home I will stay in the pool house. It really isn’t a big deal.”

  I got up and walked away from Buffy, but my nerves were now shot. I went inside and changed my clothes. Then I jumped on my bike and headed to the nearest bar that was open at eleven am on a Tuesday.

  The bar was empty and it was just how I wanted it to be. I pulled out my license and slid it across the bar before ordering my first beer.

  “Bad day kid?” The male bartender asked.

  “Bad life.” I answered back while I handed him cash for the beer.

  A female voice said something right before slipping beside me. “Did you hear me?” She asked.

  “No. Sorry.”

  “I said my name is Chelsea.” She replied.

  “Chance, my name is Chance.” I blurted out.

  The woman twisted a straw around in her mixed drink while she looked at me from top to bottom. “I’d love to take a CHANCE with you.” She confessed.

  I swallowed hard. “No you really wouldn’t.”

  “I beg to differ. In fact I am sure that you and I could find something better to do than sit here at a bar all day drowning our sorrows. What do you think?” She offered.

  I gave her a half smile. She was built nice and had long blonde hair. She was wearing short jean shorts and a shirt that tied at the bottom, exposing her navel. She pulled a piece of ice out of her glass and ran it over her lips before putting it in her mouth.

  “Thanks for the offer, but I can’t.” I admitted.

  “You don’t want to, or you can’t? Because in my book they are two different things.” She asked as she placed her hand on my thigh.

  I grabbed her hand and removed it from my leg. “I’m gay.” I blurted out.

  “Well that is just a cryin shame.” She retorted.

  “Guess we have to just hang out here.” I said, even though I wanted to bust out laughing. I couldn’t believe I had said it. I also couldn’t believe I was passing up on a no strings attached sex fest with this chick, but I was. She may have been very attractive, but she couldn’t even compare to Hope. There was no use even trying to make my feelings for her go away. It wasn’t going to happen, and I wasn’t about to be THAT GUY, who sleeps with one person to get rid of another.

  For the rest of the afternoon I planned on sitting at this bar, alone.

  Chapter 25

  Hope

  After noticing the large For Sale sign in the yard, I approached the front door to my grandparent’s house and took a deep breath. I was so afraid to face my mother and break her heart. It may have been the hardest thing that I ever had to do. I stood my ground and pushed open the door.

  “In here honey.” My mother called out from the kitchen.

  I walked toward the back of the house to find my mother doing the dishes. When I noticed how many were in the drainer I had to ask. “Was someone else here?”

  “What do you mean honey?”

  Realizing I couldn’t be this way when it was obvious I had my own agenda I brushed it off. “Nothing, never mind.” I said as I walked over and gave her a big hug.

  “You look so beautiful Hope. Have you done something different with yourself? You are just glowing.” My mother noticed.

  I knew why I was glowing. Hell, I was probably radiating with happiness. “Nothing is new. Just trying to get settled in at Dads.”

  “Well you look fantastic. What have you been up to?” She asked.

  “Nothing really. I like to run in the morning. The neighborhood is really quiet. I painted my room. I’ve been doing some reading, and a lot of swimming.” I admitted.

  My mom turned her attention back to the dirty dishes. “Have you seen Rylee lately?”

  Oh crap! I didn’t know if she had talked to Rylee’s parents. This was horrible. “Yeah I saw her the other day. We went to the beach.” I winged it.

  “Her mother said she has been spending a
lot of time with you at the new house. She said she is practically living there. Doesn’t your dad and his, whatever she is, have a problem with that?” My mother asked while she dried her hands off with a dish towel.

  “Um, no, Dad works a lot and Buffy doesn’t mind.” I lied.

  “I still can’t believe your father is involved with someone named Buffy.” My mother snapped.

  “Actually her name is really Matilda. Her mother named her after her dying grandmother.” It was something Chance had told me one night during one of our pillow talks.

  My mother calmed her tone. “Well I guess Buffy is better than that. So…What is she like?”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “She is actually nice. She keeps Dad in line. Her cooking is really good, her brother said that she went to culinary school after she graduated, but never pursued a career in it.”

  I realized what I had said too late. “Her brother?”

  “His name is Chance. He lives out back in the guest pool house.” I confessed.

  “I wasn’t aware. Is he older than his sister?” She asked.

  Shit!

  “No, he is twenty something I guess. I never really asked. He is working on the house for them. I only see him in passing and at meals.” Wow, another big fat lie.

  “Is he handsome? Does my little girl have a crush on an older man?” She joked.

  If she only knew…

  “No Mom. Geesh.” I said defensively.

  “Well I just hope that your father had the sense to tell him how young you are. I wouldn’t want him staring in your window like some common peeping tom.”

  I rolled my eyes. “So how have you been?” I asked while trying to change the subject.

  My mom led me into the living room. I noticed a bunch of boxes laying around the room.

  “It has been hectic. With work and packing I haven’t had much time to do much else. There is something that I wanted to talk to you about though, before you hear it from anyone else.”

  “I think I already know.” I confessed.

  She seemed shocked. “Oh honey I didn’t want you to find out this way. I wanted to be the one to tell you, but I just haven’t had the time. So are you okay with it?”

  “Yeah I was shocked but I guess it will be okay, as long as he is happy I shouldn’t care right?”

  My mother looked utterly confused. “Honey who is HE?”

  “Dad. Isn’t that who you are talking about?” I asked.

  “No! Does he have news that you know about?”

  Darn darn darn!

  “Well, I didn’t want it to come out like this, but he and Buffy are engaged.” I confessed.

  She put her hands in her face before looking up at me. Her lips were tight and her brows creased. “For the love of…That. God. Damn. Son. Of. A. Bitch! How could he just up and marry the first floozy to come along. Well I hope she takes him for everything he has, it will serve him right.”

  I shook my head and buried my hands into my face. “Mom please!” I stood up and started pacing around the room.

  “Sorry Hope. That was uncalled for.” My mother apologized.

  “It’s fine. Not meaning to change the subject but what was your news?” I asked.

  “It isn’t important.” She said.

  “Mom, come on. What is it?”

  “I met someone. He is a nurse that works at the nursing home. We only had one date, but he brings me coffee when we share the same shifts. He is so nice Hope. You would really like him. He was married for ten years to a woman that never wanted children. I told him all about you. I can’t wait for you to meet him.” She confessed.

  I gave her a big smile and leaned in to hug her. “That is great Mom. I am so happy that you are happy.”

  “I got an offer on the house yesterday too. They want to settle before the month ends.” She added.

  My heart broke, but I realized it was something that had to happen. “Wow that was fast.. Do you need help moving? Oh my gosh, did you even find a new place yet?”

  “As a matter of fact yes. Noah has a couple rental properties and one of them is available. You are going to love it sweetie. It has new carpet and appliances.”

  “Who is Noah?” l asked.

  “Oh, sorry. He is the new guy I am seeing.” She explained. “Why don’t you come back in the kitchen and I will make us some lunch and tell you all about him.”

  For the next three hours my mother wouldn’t shut up about the man in her life. Part of me wondered if she had even remembered the news about my father and Buffy.

  When she finally had to start getting ready for her shift, I headed out. After the shock of everything I figured it had gone over better than I expected it to. Although she freaked out about my Dad, it was soon forgotten.

  It seemed like my mother was turning a new leaf with her luck. I just really hoped she didn’t look any further into Buffy’s brother. If she asked me to move back in with her I would freak out.

  I would miss Chance so much and it would be impossible for us to have any alone time unless we met in public, which was not my idea of alone.

  Chapter 26

  Hope

  Before I left my old community I pulled over and texted Chance. Part of me just wanted him to know I was thinking about him.

  Hey ~Hope

  Immediately I got a response.

  Hey Baby. Where are you? ~C

  I got ready to text back and my phone started to ring.

  Hello?

  Hey baby. What are you doing?

  Loud music filled the phone. I couldn’t imagine him having anything like that playing at home.

  Where are you?

  At the bar. Trying to fight off this sexy lady next to me.

  My cheeks became blood red and I could feel the jealousy building. I couldn’t believe he had said that.

  Hey are you still there?

  I felt like hanging up…

  Yeah.

  She asked me to hook up with her, but I told her I was gay. She doesn’t hold a candle to you baby.

  Are you drunk Chance? Why would you say you were gay?

  Because nobody can know we are together right now.

  She doesn’t know who I am though.

  Hope don’t fight with me. I miss you.

  He was drunk…

  Chance where are you?

  I don’t know. I drove out toward the park and I saw a bar. I have been here since Buffy asked me who I was sleeping with.

  She what?

  Yep. I told her you were a one nighter though. Well I didn’t say it was you. She doesn’t know ANYTHING!

  I am on my way to get you Chance. Can you come outside?

  Why don’t you come inside and have a drink with me. You are the best gay boyfriend ever.

  Chance was laughing at himself, but I wasn’t amused. He sounded horrible.

  Chance I am not coming inside.

  You are so beautiful Hope. You are the most beautiful person in the whole world, no, the whole universe.

  Thank you Chance. I think you are pretty great too. Maybe you should just come outside. I will be there in five minutes.

  Are you coming to see me baby?

  Oh my God Chance. Please go outside and wait for me. Don’t you dare get on that bike?

  Okay baby I will see you outside on Friday.

  Before I could say anything the line went dead. I tried to call it back but he never answered. I pressed the gas pedal to the floor and drove as fast as I could. When I arrived at the bar, I saw his bike first. A rush of relief hit me when I knew he was still there. I jumped out of my car and started to go inside, but at the last second I heard someone throwing up.

  I walked around the corner and saw Chance on his knees. He reeked of alcohol and vomit. I leaned down and grabbed his shoulder. “Chance.”

  He brought his arms up and hugged me. “Hey baby. What are you doing here?”

  “Chance you have to get up.” I urged him. He had used his arm to wipe his face. His balance was
non-existent.

  “I can’t. Did you know I just threw up? Yep that is what happens when you drink too much.”

  He was slurring his words and making no sense. I wanted to laugh, but I was more concerned on how I was going to get him into my car without a fight.

  “Can you stand up?” I asked.

  “I would do anything for you Hope.” He said as he tried to get himself up. He started to fall back, but I grabbed him by the arm and was able to steady him. I walked him over to my car and got him to sit in the passenger side.

  Chance started opening my glove compartment and rummaging around the car. “What are you doing?”

  “I am looking for my pants. Hope, have you seen my pants?”

  I started laughing. “Yes. They are on your ass.”

  “Oh yeah I see them. You are so smart and so pretty.” He said as he touched my face. “You have nice breasts too. I noticed them first.”

  “Maybe you should stop talking.” I suggested.

  He put his hand on the steering wheel, causing me to not back up. “Wait. We can’t go home. Mark is having some meeting there. Buffy told me to fend for myself tonight.”

  “Where are we supposed to go then?” I asked.

  “We could sneak home. If they aren’t out back we can sneak in the pool house. Maybe then you will show me your boobies. I really like them.”

  I rolled my eyes again and started backing up. “So you said.”

  “No I really love them Hope. I want to marry your breasts. Both of them.”

  I continued to laugh at his drunk comments the whole ride home. Luckily it was only about a ten minute drive. When we pulled up at the house I noticed cars in the driveway. I pulled in along the side. It kind of hid my car and gave us a straight walk to the pool house.

  “Stay here while I go check out back.” I said as I ran away from the car.

  I looked out back and everything was dark. I could hear commotion in the house, but it was coming from the dining room. I needed to sneak Chance in on the side where he had his secret smoke breaks. There was lots of high plants everywhere and in the dark we would be undetected.