by C. C. Brown
“Whoa… talk about a whirlwind. So where is big shot now?”
And, the question I had been dreading had pounded its way into my ears. Should I tell Chase the truth, or make something up? I figured honesty was the best policy, so I gave as honest an answer as I could, and simply shrugged my shoulders.
“What do you mean you don’t know? What happened?”
‘I can’t say. He and Chelsea got into it yesterday morning, but I thought we were fine after that. He brought me home, dropped my bags off in here for me, and then left. I haven’t heard from him since.”
“Hopefully nothing happened to him. Too bad you don’t know his family then you could at least ask.”
“Well, I am in contact with his brother, Jacob, but Jason hates him, and I don’t think that’s a good route to take.”
“Why the hell not?” Chase’s voice elevated. “You have no idea if something happened to him, you should at least ask about that.”
“No, because if they know nothing, then a plethora of questions will be asked, and they will certainly get back to Jason.”
“And? Then he will see how much you care about him.”
“No Chase. You don’t understand. He hates his brother to the ends of this Earth, and that would do nothing but enflame him.”
“Well, I think I kind of have an idea. Remember the night I met him?”
“Oh yes!” I finally laughed. “I remember quite well. He has a bit of a jealous streak and was a little threatened by you.”
“I was ready to kick his ass if he didn’t stop staring at me the way he was.”
I couldn’t help but laugh again. Chase had such a kindred spirit that was difficult to see him physically accosting anyone. I knew from experience that he didn’t like confrontation, so his statement seemed more comical than anything else.
“I’m serious Cara. His cool Southern ass was about to get a California boy beat down.”
“Chase that would have been highly unnecessary, and once he gets to know you better, he will like you – well, if I ever see him again.”
As much as he didn’t like the idea of Jason, he realized that I was hurting, so he tried his best, even if it was done disingenuously, to try and assure me that everything was going to be okay.
<>
The rest of the week dragged sluggishly. I was stuck in a rut of routine: workouts, classes, practice, overbearing roommates, overprotective parents, and at night, when I was finally alone, loneliness. I had been spending more time with Chase, which was soothing. He was just an easy going guy, with no anger issues, or jealousy trips. We beat SBC rather convincingly, and now, on a Sunday, I was left to myself, with nothing to do. Chelsea was at the beach with some friends; Hunter would be home from Vegas tomorrow so she wanted to get in some beach time before she locked herself away with him. Mila and Ryan had really heated up and took in a day at Balboa Park. I was extended an invitation to go to both, but politely declined.
Chase offered to bring over some takeout and movies, and I decided that was a better plan. It allowed me to stay warm in my sweats and blanket, in the comfort of my own home. He brought over tofu salads, and while I was not a huge tofu eater, the salad was delicious. I asked him to bring some gory movies, because at this point in time, I didn’t think I could handle watching sappy romantics. He handed me the first three movies from the Michael Myers Halloween series. We watched the first two and I began to feel heavy-eyed. Before I even saw the opening credits for the third movie, I fell fast asleep in a long, deep slumber.
When I awoke, Chelsea was home, I was in my bed, and I heard her and Chase in the kitchen talking, and what sounded like cooking. I haphazardly walked to the kitchen, my eyes in a tight squint courtesy of the bright lights beaming in the room, and saw that they were talking, over what looked like Hamburger Helper being made on the stove.
“Hey Sleepyhead” Chase said, his smile lighting up his entire face.
“You hungry?” Chelsea piped in, while stirring the only dish she knew how to make.
“Yes, actually I am. How long have I been asleep?”
“Oh, about three hours” Chase chimed in, moving about the kitchen easily and freely.
“Yeah, I got home from the beach and you were out to the world while poor Chase was getting his nipples scared straight by Michael Myers.” She winked at him knowing her inappropriateness was appreciated by us.
“Where’s Mila?” I asked, knowing full well what the answer to that question was.
Chelsea gave the did-you-really-have-to ask look and I knew that her and Ryan were still out and about; frolicking like young people in love.
“Well Cara, I’m getting frustrated for you. It’s been a week and you still haven’t heard from Jason. Maybe you should contact Jacob, just to make sure that all is well with Jason.”
“I would never do that. I don’t understand the level of hatred so I’ll just stay back here on the sidelines.”
Both Chelsea and Chase gave me a wild look of amazement, and then started eating the surprisingly edible meal that Chelsea Peters had laid out for us.
<>
Monday morning came much too soon. Chase offered to take me to dinner after classes tonight, and I happily accepted, because truthfully, I was enjoying my time with him. It felt like it was getting easier being without Jason, and the uncomplicated Chase made for a welcome distraction.
I made my way through morning workouts, killing it again. The best pick me up for a sluggish Monday morning is a good session in the gym. My morning class had been cancelled so Chelsea, Mila, and I decided to go to a small pancake house to have a filling breakfast. Mila seemed to be glowing, so we decided, for once, that she should be on the inquisitor’s block.
“Alright, spill it; why are you so damn happy?” Chelsea asked, grinning at her as if she already knew the answer.
Mila, never one to succumb to shyness, blurted out, “because, Ryan told me he wants to be exclusive… and this is just what I’ve been wanting.”
An uneasy rumble rippled across my stomach. I wasn’t sure why, because I had mentally told myself that I was okay with them. I looked at Mila and gave her a half smile, which she noticed and took offense to.
“What Pinks?”
“Nothing.”
“No, it’s something, what is it?” I didn’t want to go into the reasoning behind my smile, but since she was being so persistent, I felt like the opportunity to lay it all out was there for the taking.
“Well, you had Grant. And all of a sudden, you have Ryan…” I paused desperately wanting to say the right thing to clear my mind and not offend Mila at the same time.
“Yes, I did have Grant, but he was not what I was looking for. Your brother and I have always had a thing for each other, just never in a position to make it happen.”
“Well, technically, you still weren’t.” And, with that statement, she ran her tongue over her top teeth, and then took a sip of her orange juice.
“Cara, what’s the problem? Why are you so uneasy about them?” Chelsea prodded, trying to play mediator in this situation.
“No offense Mila and I love you dearly, but you get bored with guys easily, and you were kind of exclusive with Grant, then you dropped him. Is he even aware?”
She puckered her lips, threw her long, luscious hair behind her shoulders, and looked deep into my eyes with a look that shot daggers.
“First of all, I was not exclusive with Grant. He has commitment issues, but I don’t spill every tiny detail of my relationships to you. Secondly, yes he knows, and he said he was happy for me, because he was not ready for that, and he knew I was. So your concern about me getting bored stems from guys not moving in the direction that I am. Are you okay with that?” The sarcasm coming off her tongue was thick, almost to the point that I was fighting back tears. Chelsea glanced over to me and saw my eyes on the verge of exploding.
“Time out you two. Mila, I highly doubt Cara was trying to insult you, and Cara, it just came across the wrong
way.” Mila was still glaring at me, lips pursed together, and breathing hard. “Plus,” she let out a laugh, “if this works out, you two will be sisters -- get along damn it.”
I looked at Mila; she was not relenting, so I figured I had to take the first step in righting this wrong. My dad’s words crept back into my head, and like he had said, I should have just let it go, and let adults be adults. “Mila, I’m sorry. I’m happy for you and Ryan, but I was a little concerned. I completely understand now.”
“Not that it was any of your business, but I do accept your apology.” Her voice was still laced with anger.
“Well you two, Hunter comes in tonight, so I will not be home. Don’t miss me too much.” She chuckled, steering the conversation away the hostility.
“Where are you two off to?” I muttered, wanting to move on from the awkward altercation with Mila.
“I really don’t know we might just lie in bed and have sex all night. I’ve been without him for a week.”
I immediately burst into tears. Mila softened and rubbed my hands across the table, and I looked up to two sad faces, looking hopelessly at me.
“I’m so sorry Cara. I know it’s been a week, and I wasn’t even thinking when I said that.”
I tried to put on a smile, “Don’t worry about it Chels, I thought I was getting over it, I don’t know what to think.”
“But, I thought you were kind of seeing Chase…” she stopped, looking puzzled.
“I’m hanging out with him. I don’t know if I’m ready to be with someone.”
“Well, you know he likes you, and always has. I was a little confused because I didn’t know you would see him in that light, you know…” and, my look stopped her in her tracks.
“Chase is just a friend, and with Jason out of the picture, it’s nice to have someone to just hang out with.”
The girls didn’t seem convinced, but were pacified by my failed attempt to suppress their thoughts and feelings. We finished breakfast on a much better note.
<>
The rest of my day was pretty relaxed. There was still no correspondence from Jason, and I had resolved myself to just chalk this one up to a loss. So many thoughts had run through my head that it was spinning. Luckily, Chase was taking me out to dinner at a cool little spot – Buddy’s Burgers. Buddy’s was a cool little college hangout, and the atmosphere was perfect for the mood that I needed to be in. We strolled in and grabbed a table, ordered food and a couple of beers, and just got lost in the act of having a good time. I consciously made note of the time, because I do not want to stay out too late. It was seven forty-five when we took our seats, and I was pretty sure we would be out no later than nine thirty.
“Hear anything from Jason?” Chase asked, and the queasy look on his face told me he was asking the question before really thinking.
I sighed, “No. But, I’m okay with that. He’s quickly becoming an afterthought.”
“Seems a bit strange though. He wooed you, then dropped you…” he paused; sure that he had stuck his foot in his mouth.
“Don’t worry about it,” I smiled, “I feel the same way.”
“Well, his loss. You know I would love to be that person for you, but I’m sure you want to take your time.” Chase was being so forthcoming, which was very unlike him, and I wasn’t exactly sure how to respond to him without hurting his feelings, so I chugged my beer in the most unladylike manner, and quickly order another.
“I’m definitely not ready,” I lowered my head, not wanting to witness his disappointment.
Chase ordered another round of beers, and we just engaged ourselves in carefree, light hearted conversation. It was nice to just talk, and laugh. There was no more mention of Jason, or Chase’s feelings for me, and I was deeply relieved, because both topics felt like boulders on my shoulders. I ordered another beer and Chase decided on water, since he drove. He started asking about Mila and Chelsea and the alcohol acted as armor for me, so I started spilling everything inside of me.
“Chels still going strong with Hunter I see? Do you think they’ll get married?”
“Someday. At times I think Hunter is too reserved to keep up with her, but they say opposites attract.”
“And what about Mila?”
“Don’t get me started there?”
“Uh oh? Trouble brewing?”
“She’s dating my brother.”
“Whoa! Really? And, I take it you aren’t happy about it.”
“I’m conflicted.”
“Why?”
“Um, let’s see… she is a serial dater, and it’s my brother now.”
“Well, I know I’m not your brother’s favorite person, but I do think he is capable of sniffing out a bad one. If he likes her, let it be.”
“Same damn advice I keep hearing,” I murmured, “I’m trying. I just don’t want things to go badly and then I’m left in the middle of it all.”
“Let the chips fall where they may.”
After a few more beers, Chase looked at his watch and realized it was ten thirty so we paid our tab and left. I was buzzing pretty badly, but Chase was good to go; having only had two beers in the almost three hours that we had been there. Why did I drink so much? I let the windows down in his truck and allowed the crisp, fresh air to slam against my face. My phone buzzed and I looked down to a text message.
from Mila
*Where are you? I came home to grab clothes… leaving now! Hope you are okay!*
I looked at the message, and placed my phone back into my purse. I was fine, on my way back home, and even though we apologized and made nice, I was still a little ticked at Mila. I turned up the radio in Chase’s truck and belted out an old classic rock song. We spent the rest of the car ride engaging in car karaoke; it was one of the best car rides I had ever had.
<>
We pulled up to my apartment and Chase insisted on walking me in. I allowed him, and on the way up the stairs, I noticed Mila’s car was still in its parking space. I guess Ryan came to get her. And, suddenly, I felt very guilty about not texting back because he could have been the one who asked her to send that text. I frantically searched for my phone and pulled it out, hoping I hadn’t missed any calls or texts from my brother. To my surprise, there were none.
Chase took my keys and opened the door, leading us into the foyer. I could see that the TV had been left on, and I assumed that maybe Mila was still home. I called out for her and got no response. Chase told me to stay put while he searched the apartment. I didn’t know why but a certain level of panic invaded my body, and I found it rather difficult to stay put. I slowly inched back toward the bedrooms, and just as I made my way past Chelsea’s room, I heard Chase in a very authoritative tone yell out, “What the fuck?” I ran into my room to see Jason lying on my bed, eyes full of fury.
Chapter 8
“What the fuck is this shit stain doing here Cara?” Jason asked, and besides the beet red slowly inhabiting his face, the thickness of his Southern drawl gave away his anger. At this point, he was beyond angry, he was actually seething.
“I guess I could ask the same thing,” Chase snidely retorted.
I looked at the two of them, staring each other down like they were in a Wild West showdown, and started to panic. I had never been in this situation before, and I had no clue what to do.
Jason walked over to me and pulled me back over to him by my hand. I looked back at Chase, who looked disgusted, to say the least. Jason kissed my forehead, and I instantly flinched, making him look at me in a state of confusion. Did he seriously think everything was okay? This guy left me for a week, not answering to any of my desperate attempts to get in contact with him.
“I think you can leave now Chase,” Jason barked out, in an oh-so-arrogant manner.
Chase looked at Jason in utter amazement and contempt at the same time. “Did you need permission to leave, when you left her for a week?” Chase was stern faced with his question and Jason let go of my hand and briskly walked over and got in hi
s face. Amazingly, Chase didn’t back down. He didn’t flinch, tighten up – nothing. He was normally not a fighter, and I hoped and prayed that he wouldn’t make this his opportunity to start.
“You better watch your fuckin mouth boy.” Jason said, looking the opposite of a very calm Chase.
“Well, when she can’t stop crying, and her friends have to help soothe her – boy; I think I have room to speak.”
Jason looked stunned that Chase was actually going toe to toe with him. “Bet that’s not all you were hoping to soothe, now is it?”
I immediately jumped in, “Jason, knock it off,” and he held up his hand to quiet me down.
“Where the hell have you been? Do you really think it’s okay to just…” and the anger brewing inside of Chase caused him to lose his ability to speak so eloquently, “fuckin disappear?”
Jason lowered his eyes, looking at Chase as if at any second he would break his neck. My skin was tingling, and I felt like I was suffocating. The tension in the room could easily be cut by – a butter knife. These two guys were literally seconds away from an all-out brawl, and while I could see Jason throwing a punch, I was pleasantly surprised that Chase was holding his ground. I didn’t enjoy the toxicity in the air, created by the presence of Jason, but Chase was showing that he was a real friend, and I could appreciate that.
“Cara, just say the word and I will get this punk out of here,” Chase said through gritted teeth.
“Would love to see you try asshole,” and the arrogant smirk was blasted all over Jason’s face once more.
I felt a sudden twinge in my stomach, and I knew I couldn’t take much more of this. Jason looked over at me and smiled, and it sent me on the borderline of rage. I hated that he had discarded me like a waste of time, and now, was trying to intimidate one of my good friends. On the other hand, it was good to see his beautiful face, and hear that heavenly southern drawl, even if it was laced with jealously and malice.