Chapter Ten
One cold shower and a brief nap later, I woke to the buzzing of my phone.
“Hello?” I answered groggily.
“Are we okay?” Nikki asked, sounding worried. “You never called.”
“Sorry. I fell asleep.” I swear my traitorous body was excited just to hear the sound of her voice. “Yeah, we’re good. At least I think we are. Is there something you wanted to talk about?”
“I wanted to apologize. I’ve never attacked anybody like that before.”
I grinned. “So, I’m the first? I feel honored.”
“Quit teasing me. I’m being serious.”
“So am I. You don’t have anything to feel sorry about. I had fun. Way too much fun, as a matter of fact.”
“Why did you leave then?”
“Because I didn’t want to rush into something you weren’t ready for. It’s hard to make a rational decision when you’re in the heat of the moment.”
“I get that, but why did you have to leave? We could’ve hung out and visited together.”
I laughed. “If I would’ve stayed one more minute, there would’ve been no stopping us. I wasn’t leaving because I didn’t want to be with you. Trust me. I love every second I spend with you.”
“Well, you know what I learned today?”
“No, tell me.”
“Chase Walker isn’t the player everyone says he is.”
I paused for a moment, dragging my hand through my hair. “Yes, I am, Nikki. At least I was. I’m different with you for some reason.”
“Oh.”
I heard a vehicle and rolled over to check out the window. “Hey, my grandpa is home. I’m gonna have to go now. I’ll talk to you tomorrow at school, okay?”
“Alright.” She paused for a second. “Have a good night.”
“You too.” I snapped the phone shut and reached for my shoes.
I hadn’t got the horse stalls cleaned yet today, and I was pretty sure Grandpa had heard about my fight at school by now. He wasn’t going to be very happy with me, of this I was positive.
Mom left me a note when I got home, stating Grandma had gone with her to show a house in a neighboring town, and they wouldn’t be home until later, so there wasn’t even anyone to run interference.
His heavy footfalls greeted me as I left my room. I met him in the hallway. If the scowl on his face were any indication of my current situation, things were not good.
“I need your help in the barn,” he said gruffly.
“Headed that way now,” I replied. “I fell asleep after school before I got my chores done.”
He gave a grunt, casting his gaze over me once before he turned to go back down the stairs. I followed after, keeping up with his long stride until we entered the barn, and I went to get some of my supplies.
“I need you in the hayloft for a minute,” Grandpa said as he started to agilely climb the ladder.
I placed the shovel I was holding against the wall and followed him up into the loft in time to see him open the exterior door. Light from the dusky sky filtered into the space, and for a moment, we stood there in silence as we stared at the scenery.
“Pretty sight, isn’t it? Great view,” he spoke softly.
I nodded. “I’d have to agree.” I was a little shocked to find I meant it too. There was a certain peacefulness to this place.
“Do you know how hard I’ve worked to build this ranch? How I struggled to carve a successful niche for myself and my family—your family?”
I wondered where this line of questioning was going. “No sir, I don’t. But I’m sure you could tell me all about it.” I was completely serious.
“What I don’t understand about you, kid, is how you could have such a blatant disrespect for another’s property?” He gave me a hard look, flexing his jaw tightly. “Does it mean nothing to you that your whole family has shifted their entire lives to accommodate a better one for you? Are you really that selfish?”
I was lost. I’d been expecting a lecture about fighting, and he had thrown me by going off on a completely different tangent.
“I’m sorry, but I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about. Of course I appreciate what everyone tries to do for me. I may not agree with what those things are, but I’m not totally insensitive.”
“Is that so?” he countered. “Then perhaps you would care to explain these burn marks I found on the floor here.” He stamped his booted foot in emphasis, drawing my attention to the area he was speaking of.
Swallowing hard, I cast my gaze back outside, searching frantically for some excuse to cover up what I’d been doing. Nothing came to mind, though, so I chose to stay silent.
“Don’t think for one second that not saying anything is going to keep you safe.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper butt end of a joint. “I know exactly what you’ve been doing up here.”
My stare was transfixed on the object in his hand, wondering how I’d been so unthinking as to leave such evidence behind.
“Smoking? In a hayloft?” his voice thundered. “You do have enough brains in that head of yours to realize you could’ve burned the whole place—with all the livestock inside of it—to the ground, don’t you?”
Again I didn’t reply. He was angry and rightly so. I’d been careless and stupid, even if it wasn’t intentional.
“Don’t you have anything to say?” he demanded.
I shook my head. “Nothing that’ll improve the situation.”
He grunted in disbelief and walked a couple steps away before swinging around. “How about I’m sorry? Did that ever cross through your thick skull?”
“Would you believe me if I said it?” I snapped back. “Because as far as I can tell, everyone in this whole damn place has already passed judgment on me and the kind of person I am!”
“That’s because you never give anyone a chance to believe otherwise!” he hollered. “You’re a complete disgrace to the memory of your father!”
His words slammed into me so hard I physically staggered backward, but if he noticed he didn’t care, continuing on.
“I think he would cringe in horror if he could see the person you are now. You’ve turned into the one thing he always tried to prevent, an unimpressive kid with no sense of direction in his life. Why do you think he always pushed you so hard in school and sports? He wanted you to succeed—to make something of yourself! Instead you’ve taken his memory and used it to become a drug addict, an abuser of yourself and the people around you. I can’t work with a kid who has no respect for himself or anyone else.”
I was seething, feeling the rage build inside so hotly all I could see was red. “You don’t know anything about me,” I spat out.
“Is that so? Then if you’re so wonderful, why don’t you explain why you beat the crap out of a guy who is going places, in the middle of the parking lot at school? Feeling a little jealous of him already, are you?”
Fury welled, coursing through my body. “You might want to get your golden boy facts straight before you start accusing me of anything, because if that bastard ever messes with me again, I’ll give him worse than he got this time.”
“No. You listen to me. If you don’t start following my rules right this minute, then you’re going to be looking for a new place to live. And that means no more fighting, smoking, or drinking! Do you hear me, kid?”
“I’m not your kid. Let me save you the trouble of kicking me out.” I pushed past him and practically slid down the ladder in my hurry to get out of there. I stormed off to the house.
I ran into my bedroom and started throwing my things into a duffle bag. I glanced around one last time, and landed on the vase on my nightstand. I grabbed it too, heading out to my truck.
Grandpa stood with his hands on his hips in the entrance of the barn. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Anywhere that isn’t here will be fine,” I shouted. I tossed the bag into the rear seat of the truck. “Be sure to tell my mom I love her wh
en you fill her in on what a horrible kid I am.”
I climbed inside placing the fish carefully in between my legs to keep it steady, and I left, pressing past the desire to peel out of the driveway like a madman. I felt like Grandpa’s stare was burning a hole into the back of my head until I was finally out of view.
The words he said to me reverberated off my chest, repeating over and over as my heart bled. “You’re a complete disgrace to the memory of your father.” They hammered into me, opening all those wounds I’d so carefully tried to stitch closed. Everything inside me felt fresh and raw, as if my very skin had been ripped from my body to expose all that lay beneath.
Hot tears streamed down my face. I didn’t want them, but they were unstoppable as my thoughts and feelings jumbled together in an overwhelming mass. I had no idea where I was going, and was surprised when I found myself parking across the street from Nikki’s house—no memory of making the conscious decision to go there.
I didn’t get out of the truck, though. I moved the fish to a smooth spot on the floorboard and leaned over the steering wheel onto my arms while I tried to get control. I had no idea how long I’d been sitting there, when I heard the passenger door open.
“Are you going to sit here all night, or are you actually going to come in?” Nikki laughed.
I couldn’t look at her. Even though it was mostly dark, I didn’t want her to see me like this.
“Chase?” she prompted, concern laced through her voice now.
When I didn’t answer, she slid inside and closed the door.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Suddenly, I simply wanted her to be there for me. I needed to know somebody was on my side, no matter what. I turned toward her in the dim glow coming from the streetlight, thinking I must truly look a mess when she gasped.
“It went bad with your Grandpa, didn’t it?” she asked.
The fact she could so easily decipher what was wrong, endeared her to me even more. I moved over, laying my head on her lap, hating that I felt so moody and vulnerable. She didn’t ask me to explain—instead she ran her fingers through my hair, stroking it in a comforting manner. I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate solely on the sensation, attempting to push the anger from my mind.
I stayed there for several minutes before I finally felt calm enough to talk, but when I sat up and glanced at her sympathetic face, my heart went out to her. She was clearly upset, but patiently waited for me to address her. I just wanted to kiss her, though. I slid my hands up into her hair, holding her as I pressed my mouth to hers hard.
This girl was unique, different, but in a good way. She had her own scars and baggage, but she’d put them aside to get to know me. I hadn’t been around her very long, but somehow she seemed exactly like the person I needed—the person who would stand beside me, because she wanted to.
“Chase,” she said, pushing away slightly. “Are you okay?”
I sighed and leaned back against the seat. “We argued, and he threatened to kick me out. I packed up some of my things and left.”
“Wow.” She looked shocked. “What are you going to do?”
I laughed wryly. “I have no idea. I have a little money. I saved everything I earned from when I worked, and my dad would match all I made plus some. But it’s not enough to go rent a place indefinitely or anything. Staying at a hotel would eat most of it up in a couple of weeks, especially by the time I added in food and stuff.”
“I can’t believe he was so upset about your fight,” she said, shaking her head. “Didn’t he realize Jeremy was the jerk who started it all?”
“It wasn’t just the fight. I didn’t tell him why I fought with Jeremy either, since I didn’t want to tell what happened to you. No, he was mad because he found out I’d been smoking in the hayloft.” I rubbed my head in frustration. “He had every right to be angry. I was irresponsible, but when he brought up Jeremy, it all escalated through the roof.”
“Oh, I see,” Nikki replied, reaching to lace her fingers with mine. “Have you eaten dinner? Why don’t you come in and talk to my mom. She’s pretty good about helping out with things. I think you’ll like her.”
“I don’t want to intrude. Plus, she doesn’t even know me.”
“She knows of you, and she’s already aware you’re here. Come in and meet her.”
“Okay,” I said hesitantly, but I had nowhere to go, so I figured why not? I started to follow her when I noticed my fish. “Hey. Can I bring Turk in?”
Nikki smiled. “Of course. He’s already like family.”
I grinned slightly. “I guess he is, huh? I hope you aren’t going to hold it against me he’s homeless now.”
“You didn’t leave him behind. That sounds pretty responsible to me.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Good. That takes a lot of worry off my mind.”
“Give me the fish,” she said, holding her arms out for it.
“Can’t do that.”
“Why not?” She looked perplexed.
“I haven’t decided if you’re cool enough to hang out with Turk. He’s a special breed, you know. Very selective about who he allows into his inner circle.” I cocked an eyebrow at her to see how she was taking the news.
“And how does one get into this exclusive group?” she asked, playing along.
“Well, you’ll have to apply, I guess. Fill out a form. Pass an agility test.” My gaze traveled over her very fit body. “You know the drill.”
“Give me the fish.” She yanked the vase from me, sloshing the water slightly.
“Hey! Take it easy. You’re gonna scare Turk to death.”
She rolled her eyes and turned to march up the sidewalk. “I don’t hear him protesting much.”
“Hmmm. He must’ve got a really good look at you and accepted you right away. I know I would.”
“Guess you’re smarter than you seem then.”
“Oh, ho! I think I just got burned.” I chuckled, and she joined in.
I opened the door, and held it so she could go inside, before I followed after.
A very attractive brunette woman with short hair was sitting on the couch, and I could tell immediately who Nikki got her good looks from. She was a younger replica of her mom.
“You must be Chase.” She rose to greet me.
“Yes, ma’am.” I reached to shake her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Please, call me Justine. Nikki has told me so much about you.”
“Well, that can’t be too much in my favor, now can it?”
She laughed and squeezed my shoulder. “It’s all about perspective, Chase. Sometimes evaluating things from different angles can shed light on a lot of things. Have you had any dinner?” she asked, abruptly changing the subject as she moved toward the kitchen. “I have lasagna getting ready to come out of the oven. You’re welcome to join us.”
“Thanks. I’d like that.” I didn’t get a chance to say anything more because Clara and Timmy came screaming out of one of the bedrooms.
“Give it back!” Clara demanded.
“No. I want to play with it!” Timmy shouted, running down the hall and into his mother’s outstretched arms.
“Kids, kids. No more fighting, or neither of you’ll get to play with the toy. Besides, we have company and it’s time for dinner.”
Clara smiled widely. “It’s the guy who was kissing Nikki! I’m glad you came again, because you’re cute.”
I coughed, trying to cover up the choking sound as I cast a glance between Nikki and her mom.
“Rule number one, Chase. There are no secrets in this house,” Justine said.
“Understood,” I replied, hoping Nikki wouldn’t be in trouble.
Justine sighed, before turning to Nikki. “I remember what it was like when I kissed your dad back in high school. It was divine.” She straightened and continued into the other room. “Long make outs in the dark, in his truck . . . ,” she trailed off dreamily.
“Mom,” Nikk
i said, dragging the word out. “You’re embarrassing me.”
Justine rolled her eyes. “Forgive me for being so uncool. I’m sure Chase gets it, though, don’t you? You look like a guy who could appreciate a long make out.”
I chuckled. I liked this lady. “I’m gonna plead the fifth on this one.”
Nikki gave me a horrified glance from behind her mom as she sat Turk on the counter. I winked at her as she proceeded to help her mother gather some dishes and utensils for everyone before sitting down and gesturing for me to join her.
The food was delicious, and before long we were all talking comfortably together. I felt myself relaxing, but I should’ve known it wouldn’t last forever.
“So, Chase. What brings you over here tonight?” Justine asked, casually redirecting the conversation back to me.
I cleared my throat nervously. “Umm, my grandpa and I had an argument tonight. I moved out.”
Justine looked up at me abruptly with concern. “Where will you go?”
I laughed half-heartedly. “Well, I didn’t really think that part through when I stormed off. I was kind of angry at the moment. I have some money, though, so maybe I’ll get a hotel room for a few days until I can talk to my mom and try to figure something else out.”
“You should move in with us and be our big brother,” Clara said with a grin.
“Yeah! Live here,” Timmy seconded.
“Thanks for the invitation,” I spoke with a smile, and I reached to tousle his hair. “But I think your mom probably has enough mouths to feed right now without adding me into the mix. I’ll still come by to visit if it’s okay.”
They both smiled happily, and I wondered if I would ever feel that carefree and trusting again.
“While it’s true you can’t live here, I don’t see any problem with you staying the night. Nikki can sleep in my room with me, and you can have her room. It’ll save you some money. Does your mom know you’re here?”
I shook my head. “No, and I’m kind of surprised I haven’t heard from her by now.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell. “Ah, it’s dead. That’s probably why.”
“Here, you can use mine to let her know where you are,” Nikki said, handing me hers.
“Thanks,” I replied, quickly entering my mom’s number. I sent her a text telling her not to worry, I was at a friend’s house, invited to spend the night. I also said I would call her in the morning when my phone was charged, but I’d rather not hash it all out with her tonight.
Nikki’s phone buzzed almost immediately. R U sure you’re okay? I’ve been frantic trying 2 reach U.
I’m fine, really. Just cooling off a bit.
That’s good, and probably 4 the best. Grandpa is still pretty upset. Where R U?
At Nikki’s house. Her mom offered 2 let me stay. Don’t worry—everything is on the up & up. I’ll introduce U 2 them later.
Ok. I want 2 hear from U first thing in the morning.
Ok. Love U.
Love U 2.
I handed the phone back to Nikki. “She says I can stay. My grandpa is still mad. I told her I would introduce you all to her.”
“We would love that,” Justine replied, scooting her chair away to take the dishes to the sink. “Do you have any of your things here with you?”
“Yeah, I do, out in my truck.”
“Well, go grab them while Nikki and I clean up in here, and then we’ll get you all settled.”
“Sounds good,” I replied. I couldn’t believe how warm and friendly this family was. It was nice to be in a place that really felt like a home again.