A Hope and a Chance

by Jennifer Foor

  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’s your problem today?” She asked.

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

  “I’m 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 interest’s place or something?”

  “You’re fishing for something that doesn’t exist, Buff.” I tried to get her to drop it.

  “Chance, you’re my brother and I love you, but I know you’re seeing someone. You’ve had this spark in your eyes ever since that morning I found you sleeping naked.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You’re crazy. It gets hot in the pool house. I drank myself into a stupor, showered, and passed out in my bed. No harm no foul, sis. Get over it.”

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

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

  “Being that I am kind of your boss, I would say you 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’s 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? I may be a lot of things, but I’ve never been desperate. If I wanted to pick up a chick that didn’t know about my past, and fuck her brains out, I guarantee it wouldn’t be hard. I’ve never had a problem in that department, and you know it. Please say you believe me.”

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

  I sighed. “I’ll find someplace to eat tonight, and when I get home I’ll 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 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.”

  “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’m 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?”

  I gave her a half-smile. She was built nice and had long blonde hair. She was wearing low-cut 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. I knew she was taunting me.

  “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 placed her palm on my thigh, I guess expecting that it would do the trick.

  I gripped her hand and removed it from my leg. “I’m gay,” I announced.

  “Well, that is just a cryin’ shame,” she retorted.

  “Guess we have to just hang out here.” I said, even though I wanted to burst out laughing. I couldn’t believe I’d 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 refused 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.

  26

  After noticing the large ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard I approached the front entrance to my grandparent’s house and took a deep breath. It wasn’t going to be easy 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, knowing that when I came back out the damage would be done.

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

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

  “What do you mean?”

  When I thought about having my own agenda I decided that it would be best to save my concerns for a later time. “Nothing, never mind.” I sauntered over and gave her a big hug, stalling the inevitable.

  “You look so beautiful, Hope. Have you done something different with yourself? You’re just glowing.” Since I knew for a fact that I certainly wasn’t with child, I took her compliment to mean that I appeared happy for a change. I knew why I was glowing. Hell, I was probably radiating with happiness. “Nothing is new. Just trying to get settled in at Dad’s house,” I lied.

  “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 even been doing some reading, and a lot of swimming.” I didn’t tell her about the golf lessons, or our family dinners every night.

  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’s been spending all of her free time with you at the new house. She said she’s 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 again.

  “I still can’t believe your father is involved with someone named Buffy.” My mother shook her head, but through her stiff glare I could tell it hurt her.

  “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’s 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.”

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

  “His name is Chance. He lives out back in the guest pool house.” Here comes the third degree.

  “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’s 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 teased.

  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 creep.”

  I rolled my eyes feeling defensive of Chance, even though I knew he looked in my windows. “So, how have you been?” I tried to change the subject.

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

  “It’s been hectic. With work and packing I haven’t had time to do much else. There is something that I wanted to talk to you about though.”

  “I think I already know.” How could she have found out already?

  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 upset at first, 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’re 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 watched her face turn bone white.

  She folded her hands 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 put my hands up to my face. “Mom, please!” She had to calm down.

  “Sorry, Hope. That was uncalled for.” My mother apologized. “He’s just taken so much from me, and now he gets to live a new life, as if he didn’t destroy mine.”

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

  “It isn’t important.”

  “Mom, come on. What is it?”

  “I met someone. He’s 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 admitted.

  I gave her a big smile and leaned in to hug her. “That’s great, Mom. You needed to get back out there. Dad’s loss is your gain. Don’t worry about him and Buffy. Seriously, just worry about you from now on. I’m just glad that you’re happy.”

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

  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. Sam 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 Sam?” l asked.

  “Oh, sorry. He’s the new guy I’m seeing,” she explained. “Why don’t you come back in the kitchen and I’ll make us some lunch and tell you all about him.”

  For the next three hours my mother wouldn’t shut up about the new man in her life. Part of me wondered if she’d 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. I was going to have to keep my fingers crossed that my mother was too caught up in her new life to worry about mine.

  27

  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. What are you wearing?”

  Loud music filled the receiver. 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. She wants a piece of me.”

  My cheeks burned, while I became annoyed with jealousy. It was rather disturbing that he’d speak to me that way. Thinking he was testing me, I kept quiet, patiently waiting for him to admit it was a joke.

  “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.” He began laughing at himself. “She doesn’t hold a candle to you, baby.”

  “Are you drunk? Why would you say you were gay?”

  He cackled to himself before answering. “Because nobody can know we’re together right now.”

  “She doesn’t know who I am though.”

  “Hope, don’t fight with me. I miss you.”

  He was drunk, and the sheer knowledge of his intoxication left a bad taste in my mouth…

  “Chance, where are you?”

  “I don’t fucking know. I drove out toward the park, and then I saw a bar. I’ve been here since Buffy asked me who I was sleeping with.”

  “She what?” My emotions began to go awry. This was not something that I could take lightly. His answer would determine if I could go home or not.

  “Yep. I told her you were a one-nighter. Well I didn’t say it was you. She doesn’t know ANYTHING!” His words were slurred and drug out.

  “I’m on my way to get you. Can you come outside?”

  “Why don’t you come inside and have a drink with me? I want everyone to see the guy I’m banging. You’re the best gay boyfriend. I like how you bend over and take it.” He hooted at his statement, as if it was entertainingly humorous.

  Chance may have thought his actions were comical, but I wasn’t amused. He sounded horrible, probably having derived from his bad day.

  “I am not coming inside. I’ll call you when I arrive, and you will get your butt out to my car.”

  “You’re so beautiful, Hope. You’re the most beautiful person in the whole world, no, the whole universe. I just want to box you up and keep you in my pocket like a little toy.”

  “Thank you, I think. You’re pretty great as well, when you’re not intoxicated. Maybe you should just come outside now. I will be there in five minutes.”

  “Are you coming to see me, baby?” Of course it was in one ear and out the other. This was like babysitting a child.

  “Oh my God. 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 was able to say anything the line went dead. I attempted to call it back, but he never answered, so I pressed the gas pedal to the floor, driving as fast as my car would take me. When I arrived at the bar, his motorcycle was the first thing I spotted. A rush of relief hit me when I knew he was still there. I jumped out of my vehicle and headed in the direction of the entrance, except at the last second I heard someone throwing up.

  My feet moved swiftly, making it around the
corner to spot Chance on his knees. He reeked of alcohol and vomit as I leaned down and handled his shoulder. “Chance.” The odor was so pungent I was forced to cover my nose to refrain from becoming sick myself.

  He brought his arms up and hugged me. “Hey, baby. What are you doing here? I didn’t cheat on you with that woman. Aren’t you proud of me? I could have hit that shit. She wanted some of this cock right here.” He pointed to his crotch, as if I wasn’t aware of its location.

  I had to ignore the jealous fears that overwhelmed me, despite the fact that I wanted to make sure he hadn’t messed around. In his condition it was impossible to begin to rationalize. “Chance, you have to get up.” I urged him to stand. He’d used his arm to wipe the access bile from his face, while his balance was non-existent.

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

  He was slurring his words, spatting out ridiculous declarations, while making no sense. I wanted to laugh, but I was more concerned about how I was going to get him into my car without a fight.

  “Can you please stand up?” I asked.

  “I would do anything for you, Hope,” he said as he strained to get himself in a vertical position. He began to sway backwards, but luckily I got a hold on his arms and was able to steady him better. We strolled over to my vehicle, and I exasperated myself more when I fought to get him inside of it.

  Chance started opening my glove compartment and rummaging around inside. “What are you doing now?” My agitation was apparent, not that he was in any condition to even notice.

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

  I started laughing. “Yes. They’re on your ass.”

  “You’re so smart and pretty,” he said as he stroked my face. “You have nice breasts too. I noticed them first.”

  “Maybe you should stop talking,” I proposed

  He put his hand on the steering wheel, causing me to stop backing 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 still go home. If they aren’t out back we can sneak in the pool house. Maybe then you can show me your boobies. I really like them, you know.”