by Grey, Chloe
“One step at a time, Chase.” She ran her hand along his arm, and squeezed his shoulder. She could see the emotion in his eyes. “That might be good for the second time you meet with her.”
“Maybe,” he answered, nodding and standing up. “I’m gonna have a quick shower before the pizza gets here, okay? Here, listen for my phone when they call from downstairs.”
“Sure.”
She stared at him as he left. His reunion with his mother had become a source of such anxiety, when it could be one of joy. She understood why he felt that way. He had been through so much. Sighing, she leaned back in the sofa and watched TV.
The doorbell rang when Chase was finished. Meaghan watched him answer it and pay for the food. She could tell he was still laboring over his mother.
“Dinner is served,” he announced. “Where would you like to eat? Dining table or here on the sofa?”
“Sofa. We can do normal meals at the table.”
“Sofa it is.”
He placed the box and bags down, and sat beside her to eat. The enjoyed a comfortable silence, and let the TV entertain them as they ate.
“I’m stuffed. I think we ordered too much,” Meaghan said, looking at the remaining food after they were done eating.
“They’ll be good for leftovers later or tomorrow,” he answered, carrying the remaining goodies to the fridge.
When he came back to sit beside her, he pulled her close again. “I hope you’re right, Meaghan.”
“Right about what?”
“Mom.”
“How can I not be right? Think of it this way. We’ve already been really lucky to have found this place. We now both have jobs, and look at us. We have each other now. No matter what happens when you see your mom, we’re so much farther ahead than when we left home. After the pasts we’ve had, Chase, I think it’s time we stop worrying. The future looks bright to me.”
“You’re probably right.” He still didn’t seem like he believed it, but he’d never believed her when she insisted on optimism.
“No. I am right. We’ll be fine, Chase. And connecting with your mom may turn out to be better than you imagined. Once you get past the discomfort at the beginning.”
“You know what? You’re right. Will you come with me when I go see her the first few times? We can try for this weekend.”
“Absolutely.”
“Good. She’d probably love to see you too.”
“As would I. She was always kind to me. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Meg?”
“Yes, hun?”
“Thanks. I’m glad things have worked out.” He planted a kiss on her forehead. “And you’re right. Things couldn’t be better.”
Meaghan nodded. They were together, sharing a home, in love, and still best friends. She leaned on his shoulder and enjoyed the moment.
Chapter 3
Chase decided to put all the worry out of his mind. He had enjoyed his first few days working at the auto shop, Meaghan now had a job of her own, and things were starting to feel good again. He looked over at her on the sofa. He was so lucky to have her. He needed to remember to never take that for granted.
He picked up the remote and turned off the TV. He stood up and held his hand out for her to take it. “Come with me, young lady.”
“Where to?”
“We’re going to get dressed, and then we’re going for a walk in the park.”
“I thought you were tired?”
“I’m fine now. Let’s go get some fresh air.”
“Sounds good,” she answered, heading into her room ahead of him. “I just need a few minutes.”
Chase went to his room and found a t-shirt and a pair of jeans to wear. He grabbed his keys and phone, slid his feet into his shoes at the door, and waited for her to get ready. They left after a few minutes. It was still hot outside, but the sun was setting. He took her hand and they cut across the back lawn. They were on the park trail shortly after.
“This was a great idea, Chase,” Meaghan said as they walked.
“Yes. We need to remember to get out and have a little fun every once in a while. Summer will pass us by if we don’t make an effort to enjoy it.”
“Agreed.”
He stopped to kiss her cheek. “And it’s easier to get my mind off the worrying when we doing things like this.”
“Good.”
“Meg?”
“Can I take you to the movies this Friday night?”
He noticed her blush at his question.
“Sure,” she answered. “I’d love to.”
“Great. I know we’re living together, but I don’t want to start off being with you by taking us for granted.”
“I can’t argue with that, hun. We never really dated.”
“Exactly. That’s what I mean. Okay. It’s a date. I’ll see what’s playing.”
“Great.”
They continued walking, and did a loop around the trail before heading back. Chase stopped her when they passed a secluded spot. He took both her hands in his, and looked deeply into her eyes.
“Meg, did you ever think things would be this great a week ago?”
“I had hoped, but honestly, I had no idea.”
“I’m so happy we’re in this together.”
“Me too.”
He leaned down and kissed her lips softly. The passion of her reply was unmistakable. She pressed into him and wrapped her arms around his waist, tipping her head back to meet his lips, given their difference in height. Her hands slid up and down his back, drawing him in until he could feel the warmth of her breasts on his chest. They lingered in the kiss until Meaghan slipped a hand between them. She pushed away gently.
“I think we need to take this inside, hun.”
He smiled. “You’re probably right. Let’s get back.”
He took her hand again and together, they moved swiftly back down the path to their building. They could barely get there quickly enough. He had the keys ready when they arrived, and fumbled at their front door. That was the thing about being with Meaghan. She could just look at him and turn him on. And when she put her hands on him, God, it drove him wild.
They made it inside and met in a deep, passionate kiss before he could push the door closed. She pulled him back to the wall beside the door, leaning on it for support as she placed his hands on her breasts.
“I want you, Chase.” Her voice was a purr as she moaned into his lips; soft, full of melody and hunger.
“I want you too, Meg.”
He pressed into her and placed his arms up beside her head. She watched him through half lidded eyes that gave away her need. He held her gaze.
“Take me now, Chase. I need your hands on me.”
He ducked his head to her neck, and kissed a trail from her ear to her collarbone. She whimpered, arching her back and pulling his hips until he could feel his cock pressing at her waist. She flipped her hair back behind her shoulder to allow him greater access as he nipped and kissed lower.
He heard her sigh and felt her stretch her hands to his ass, flexing her fingers and then digging through his jeans as she squeezed. He moved lower still, and his lips made contact with the tops of her breasts through her thin top and the fabric of her bra.
“Oh God, Chase.” She shook and let out a moan, and brought her hands back to fumble with his belt buckle. Her deft hands had it undone in no time, and worked to tug his pants and boxers down his legs, just enough for her to reach a hand around his shaft.
Chase relented on his attack on her breasts and settled for stripping off all her clothes, keeping her pinned to the wall where they stood. He pulled his t-shirt up over his head, and threw it off his arm. Both naked now, he lowered to his knees.
He spread her legs apart from the ankle, and slid his hand slowly up her calves, past her knees, and even more slowly up her inner thighs. Her body trembled as he got closer to her mound. He looked up at her gorgeous face, distant and full of abandon, ready and waiting to be p
leasured.
He blew softly on her mound, aiming for her clit. She lifted a leg without thinking, revealing all of her pussy. He growled his desire and had to force himself not to take her right there and then. Instead, he slid his thumb to each side of her lips and dove in, licking and sucking at her clit, flicking at the sensitive nub, penetrating her with his hungry tongue.
A loud moan erupted from her lips, and her knees buckled. He moved a hand to her hips to keep her steady as he continued. She ground down on his lips for more, rocking her hips as she found her pleasure. Chase latched to her clit again and slipped two fingers into her warm, wet pussy. She whimpered and tugged at his hair, pulling his head in as she bucked her hips. As he fucked her with his fingers, he felt her channel tighten around them. Her body convulsed, and she came with a shrill yelp that could probably be heard in the hallway.
He looked up at her face when her body came down from its crescendo. She looked so relaxed; so at peace. He stood up. He moved to pick her up and carry her to her room, but she stopped him.
“Come inside me, Chase,” she whispered breathlessly. “Take me right here, baby.”
Her plea fell on his ears and sounded magical. Magical and full of erotic need that went straight to his cock. It grew when he wrapped her legs around his waist, ready to pierce her folds and plunge within her. He positioned himself at her opening and eased inside her wet heat.
“Oh God, Meg.”
He was lost, totally gone on the first thrust. He tilted his hips to get a better angle as his body entered her, penetrating her as she begged for him to fuck her. He pushed into her harder, plunging deeper as she wrapped her hand around his neck and kissed his earlobes. That tender touch of her, combined with her hips rocking with his rhythm, sent him to his orgasm. He pressed into her with three more powerful bursts, and on the third, he exploded his release and she came a second time.
He leaned into her body to keep her propped up, and kissed her neck softly. She rested her head on his shoulder. She was spent.
“Come on, let me take you to bed,” he said, lifting her into his arms.
“Mmmm…”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
He carried her to her bedroom and lowered her onto her bed. Without releasing his neck, she said, “Stay with me tonight.”
“Okay. Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
He crawled in beside her and pulled up the sheets over them.
“Good night Meaghan.”
She mumbled an unknown answer. She was asleep before his lips kissed her cheek.
Chapter 4
Meaghan was beginning to worry about Chase. As soon as he set up a day and time to meet his mother, he became a nervous wreck. With every day that brought them closer to when they would meet, Meaghan watched him become more stressed, and increasingly moody. She knew how much he hated not feeling in control. He saw the approaching reunion as something to be feared, no matter how many times she told him to relax.
“Chase… We’ve had this conversation a hundred times.”
“I know…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I should have gotten it out of the way, instead of waiting this long. I’m on edge and I have no idea what I’ll say when I meet her. That’s what I’m really afraid of, you know? That I’ll explode and say every hurtful thing I’ve ever thought of telling her since she left.”
“Awww, honey.” Meaghan leaned toward him and wrapped her arms around his broad chest. Her heart went out to him. “I think that no matter what you tell her, she will listen, and she’ll be so happy to see you. And soon, if you choose to keep her in your life, you’ll get to a point where you look forward to seeing her.”
“I wish I could feel as positive about this as you do, Meg.”
“Don’t try to feel anything. The day will come, and you’ll see her face to face, and I’ll be right there for you.”
“Thanks. I don’t think I could do it without you.”
“And you don’t have to,” she answered. “Come on. Let’s get to work.”
They left the apartment. A jolt shot through her when they parted ways—Chase got on his bike, and she walked, as was her new ritual to get to work. Chase could barely keep it together. She had to do something, and had a good idea what needed to be done.
***
Chase couldn’t believe he and Meaghan were on their way to see his mother. When Meg told him she had phoned his mom and asked her to move up their meeting, he was incredulous. At first, he wanted to cancel all the plans and forget about it. But the more he thought about Meaghan’s argument for going, the more it made sense.
Her biggest reason was he now worked for his mother’s new husband. He had not yet met Mr. Moscov, but he knew he needed to have at least a bit of courtesy for both of them, starting with meeting his mom face to face.
Meaghan was driving one of the cars his mother had given them. She had set up their meeting at a bistro on the other side of town. It was a smart move, meeting in neutral territory, out in the open. It meant Chase would have to be civil, and not cause a scene. He was fine with the plan.
It was also good that Meaghan was going to be there with him. It meant he could keep conversation to a minimum, sip on a coffee, listen. The two of them could face his mom together, and let her tell her side of the story. He would save the meltdown and interrogation for another time.
They were early arriving at the bistro. Meaghan spoke to the hostess, who confirmed his mother had not arrived yet. She led them to a table at a quieter corner of the large L-shaped room, and told them she would let them know when their guest arrived.
“How are you feeling?” Meaghan asked, reaching her hand over the table to squeeze his gently.
“A little nervous, but glad we’re not holding off any more.”
“Good.”
“I just wish I knew what to say to her, and how I’ll feel, you know?”
“I know, sweetie. But in an hour, the meeting will be over, and we can go home.”
The waitress came to their table a few minutes later, and checked in to see if they wanted anything to drink while they waited.
“We’ll just have water for now,” Meaghan answered.
“No problem. I’ll be right back.”
“Do you think she’ll show?” Chase asked after the waitress left.
“She will. She said she couldn’t wait to see you.”
“You know, I’m not sure about this, but I think she’s been watching me at work.”
“Really?”
“I can’t be sure,” he said, running a nervous hand through his hair. “I just have a feeling.”
“How would she be able to do that without you knowing?”
“The mechanic bay has a second floor with a large floor-to-ceiling glass windows. From the bay, you can’t see in the windows. But sometimes when the lighting is right, you can see shadows. And I swear I saw the shadow of a woman looking down at the bays. They don’t let anyone up there. Not staff, not customers, not even the manager himself. The manager says it’s Mr. Moscov’s office. The entrance is at the back of the shop, so I never seen him come and go. But I just get this feeling that she’s watched me from there. I know it sounds paranoid. Maybe I’ll ask her when she gets here.”
“It looks like you’ll get your chance,” Meaghan said softly, looking at the door. “I think that’s your mom, Chase.”
Chase held his breath. His heart raced. The moment was here. He was afraid to look around, but when he did he knew it was her, even under her dark sunglasses, with her sophisticated hairdo, and dressed so elegantly. He got up out of his chair and walked straight toward her. His body was on automatic. He met her outstretched hands and took her in his arms.
They stood silently in an embrace, tears falling from their eyes. Chase had no idea how long they’d been standing there. It felt like time stood still and allowed them to set aside the years of their separation, and just be mother and son for a moment.
***
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Meaghan looked on as Chase held his mother. It was something she would never forget. There was such tenderness in their eyes when Chase finally led her to the table. His mother came around the table, and Meaghan stood up to give her a hug as well.
“It’s great to see you,” Meaghan said.
“It’s wonderful to see you too, Meaghan,” she answered, taking off her sunglasses. “You too look great.”
“Thank you ma’am. You look amazing too.”
Chase pulled out her chair and she sat between the two of them and held both their hands. She looked back and forth between the two of them, and her eyes welled up with tears again.
“I can’t believe how much the two of you have grown up,” she said, reaching for some Kleenex in her bag. “How have you been?”
Chase didn’t answer, so Meaghan said, “We’ve been great. And how about you?”
The waitress returned before Mrs. Moscov was able to answer. They ordered a round of coffee. There was no way Meaghan could eat and she doubted the chase could eat anything either, or his mom for that matter.
“Good. They’re so much to catch up on.” She looked around the restaurant, which was still quiet as it was past the dinner rush. “You know, I thought meeting here would be a good idea. And probably it is. I’m so glad to see you, Chase. And you too, Meaghan. Chase, I promise you will sit down and have a heart to heart very soon. Somewhere where we can be open, and let it all out.”
He nodded, and brushed away the remaining tears on his face. “I think I would like that.”
“Me too, son. And how is college, you two?”
“So far so good,” Meaghan answered for the two of them.
“That’s great. And I hear you found a place to stay at one of Yuriy’s apartment?”
“Yes we have. We like it a lot, and will probably stay there until were both finished college.”
“Great. If it’s not enough room, both of you are welcome to stay with Yuri and me. We’ve got more room than we’ll ever need.”
“Thanks for the offer,” Meaghan answered. She noticed Chase was particularly quiet, and she could relate. “We’ll keep it in mind.”