CHASE - Volume Three (The CHASE Series Book 3) (3 page)

Chapter Four

Chase

The boys’ night
had come and I wasn’t quite sure I even wanted to go or show up. I knew Brian wouldn’t like it if I just stayed home and never even came, but to be honest, I didn’t always care what Brian thought, especially when it came to my well-being or comfort.

He and his friends insisted on picking me up, most likely so that they could ensure I would actually show up to the club, but I refused, making Brian know that it wouldn’t be happening. I drove myself, and the only reason was so that I could leave when I wanted to and not be stuck there with him and his friends, none of whom I even knew.

I had made that mistake once before, letting some people pick me up for a night of fun, but when I wanted to leave because of a meeting in the morning, they wanted to rage it up and pick up chicks to take home. Needless to say, I didn’t get any real sleep before my meeting, and I barely closed the deal. Looking back, I didn’t know why in hell the clients even agreed to working with both my company and me.

I got dressed, wearing just a watered down version of the clothes I wore to work. Actually, these
were
the clothes I wore to work, but without my tie and jacket. Instead, I unbuttoned a few buttons on my crisp white dress shirt and gave myself a few squirts of cologne, the only freshening up I decided was worthwhile. I wasn’t looking to meet a woman tonight, either for long-term or one night, and the cologne was more of a courtesy to Brian and his friends, because I was sure after the hot California day that I might have had a little bit of ripeness emanating off of my body.

I was supposed to be at the club in half an hour and it was fifteen minutes away on a good day, but at this time of night it would take closer to twenty-five easily. I picked up my phone, keys, wallet, and jacket before going out to my garage and picking out my SUV, always a safe choice that felt like a tank driving down the road. I didn’t feel right taking out my normal everyday car. It was a sexy beast that demanded careful handling and finesse as you skated down the paved ice of the winding Beverly Hills streets. I didn’t have that in me tonight. I needed a warrior of a vehicle that would be fine getting a scratch or bump. I needed something bulkier and strong.

I started down the hilly road, the glare of oncoming traffic shimmering through my windshield and causing me to squint until the cars passed, my pupils no longer frazzled or stressed.

The traffic was horrendous, worse than I thought, throngs of Angelenos determined to cruise the strip crowding the sidewalks filled with all types of people. I could tell the tourists from the locals, their fanny packs and cameras being replaced with clothes that while nice in some circumstances, weren’t right for a caustic, thrill-providing night on the strip. Between the clubs, gang bangers, and puking bums trying to wash your windshield or give you directions for a crisp dollar bill or two, they really had no business being out here at night. They weren’t ready. Most weren’t.

I pulled up to the club, opting to pay twenty bucks for parking next door as I saw the pulsating lights and fog machine outdoors causing a frenzy in the hearts and pants of the patrons waiting outside, all of them guarded and corralled by a red velvet rope.

Brian had texted me, saying that they were inside, and that my name was on the list, as it always should be. I guessed he had used it to get everyone in, which made me wonder if this was something he usually did so that he could get some kind of VIP treatment for himself and his buddies. I might have to have a talk with him about that.

“Name?” a man outside the entrance asked.

“Chase,” I replied.

“Mr. Chase, thank you so much for visiting our club. We’re very excited to have you tonight, and your party is already inside waiting for you. If you would, Julie here will escort you to their table,” the hulking mound of meat of a man said before opening the rope, a smiling woman taking me inside.

The crowd was raucous, grinding aplenty, as I followed behind Julie, a girl in a leather skirt and mesh top with just a bra underneath. She was nice enough, with what little chatting and interaction we had, but her choice of attire made me wonder just what kind of woman she was outside this place. Your average preacher’s daughter doesn’t dress like a saucy vampire in a late ‘90s movie.

“Here you are, sir,” Julie said as we approached the table.

“Hey, there he is!” Brian yelled, putting down his drink as he shuffled around the table and hugged me.

“Don’t do that,” I said, before he backed away.

“Guys, this is my boss, Matthew Chase, but call him Chase,” Brian said.

“Hey, Chase. I’m Paul, and this is Tyler,” Paul said.

“Nice to meet you. So, Brian, I’m here, just like I said I’d be,” I said.

“I knew you’d come. Why don’t you sit down, have a drink,” Brian said, as he motioned for the cocktail waitress to come over.

“What can I get you?” she asked, putting down a small napkin, after I sat down at the table with the guys.

“I’ll just have a club soda,” I said.

“No, come on, man, you need something real,” Brian said.

“Yeah, give him a gin and tonic,” Paul said, his face beet red, likely from the alcohol.

I had no idea how long these guys had been here, or how much they’d already drank, but I knew it was probably ten times more then I planned on having tonight.

“Fine,” I said.

I figured I’d have a couple sips, appeasing them and making them think I was getting all happy and drunk, and in reality, I’d leave with my drink ninety percent full and my mind unhazed and unaltered.

“Hey, you,” I heard from just behind my right shoulder.

I, as well as the other guys, looked to see a woman with long, wavy blonde locks and a tight black dress standing there, her eyes a little glazed over, though I guessed that could just be the lighting and not alcohol, since she didn’t even have a drink in her hand or anywhere around her.

“Hello,” I replied.

“I’ve never seen you around here before. Come here often?” she asked.

“No, can’t say that I do,” I replied.

“Dude, get her number,” Paul whispered.

She giggled, twirling her hair, her tactics having no effect on me. It was like I had a shield around me, one that normal, average men didn’t have but maybe deep down wished they did. It was a curse, really. I always attracted women, especially when I didn’t want them. It was like they smelled something on me, like I had a beacon breaking through the foggy night air alerting all of them to my exact location.

“You should come dance with me,” she said.

“Listen, I’m sure you’re a nice lady, and I get it, you want to meet a man for whatever reason, may it be sexual or not. I’m just afraid I’m not that man. It isn’t that you aren’t pretty, and I’m sure you’re nice, but I’m not the man for you,” I said.

“Wow, you’re an asshole,” she said, storming away.

“Dude, what the hell? That chick was hot as hell,” Paul said.

“Yeah, this isn’t like you at all,” Brian said.

I felt my chest clench up and felt stressed, their balking voices stirring around my head, before I got up and swiftly walked towards an outside deck that I saw from the table as people were continually going in and out, getting some fresh air. The humid air of the club was almost too unbearable, and it was probably even worse on the dance floor.

I walked up to the railing, putting my hands on the wood, before I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Brian standing there, a look of concern on his face.

“I knew you were feeling down and all, but what’s going on? Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not. I’ve tried to put on appearances. I’ve tried to act like everything is normal, but it isn’t, Brian. It isn’t,” I said, taking a deep breath.

“Is it the girl? Is she really doing this to you?” he asked.

“She’s doing nothing to me, at least not directly. We haven’t talked in a while. Maybe ten days, I don’t know. We left on bad terms, though it was nothing bad, if that makes sense. I did nothing wrong, I was good, but it looked like I was bad, and she hasn’t let me explain things and show her that she misinterpreted what happened.”

“And she won’t listen to you?” Brian asked.

“No, she won’t. I’ve tried texting her, calling her, and nothing. No reply. How can I make things better if she won’t listen to me?” I asked.

“Do you know where she is? Where she lives?”

“Well, yeah, I dropped her off there once,” I said.

“Then go there. Go to her, Chase. I know it’s crazy, and maybe a little drastic, but sometimes you just need to show up in person to show that you care,” Brian said.

“I don’t know, Brian. That seems a little crazy. I don’t want to be desperate,” I said.

“All respect given, sir, you’re looking a little desperate right now. Just go to her before it’s too late and you have no chance of getting her back,” Brian said.

I didn’t reply, looking out over the deck, groups of happy people all around us, laughing, giggling, making out, and more. I thought about what Brian had to say, and as scary as it was, I started to believe him, thinking I should just show up at her apartment, unannounced, to try to get her back in person. What did I really have to lose? The worst that could happen was that she’d tell me to go fuck myself. The best thing that could happen was that she’d give me a chance to explain myself and tell her that Jasmine was a dirty, gross woman who showed up and wouldn’t leave. It was crazy, but it just might work.

“You’re right. I am a little desperate right now, and I have been since this all happened. Maybe electronic communication is too impersonal and doesn’t show my seriousness. Maybe I just need to show up, let her look me in the eyes and see that I’m telling the truth and this is killing me inside,” I said.

“I’ve known you for a while, and I can tell this woman means something to you. You’ve been with and dated a ton of women, and none of them had
any
effect on you besides a raging boner, but this girl, she seems to bring something else out of you, something that I think the world, and most importantly, you, need,” Brian said.

“Thank you, Brian. I’ll go soon. I’m not ready to get in the car just this moment,” I said.

“Take the time you need. I’m going back inside. I’ll see you soon,” he said.

Brian patted me on the shoulder, walked away, and left me there with my thoughts, and a couple sucking face just two feet from me.

As I looked up, seeing only one star twinkling in the sky, I knew that tonight was the night, and I needed to go save myself and our relationship, or what remained of it.

She’d better be there. I had no other options if she wasn’t.

Chapter Five

Alexis

I had given
Chase and texting him a lot of thought. Travis and I had talked off and on, but with his project and schedule, it was hard, and that was an understatement. He didn’t seem to really have time for me, but I knew I was being stupid and too needy. I couldn’t expect to have all of his attention, especially when we weren’t even dating and had only gone out on a single date. I think I got so wrapped up in having a great time and wanting more that I imprinted something in my mind that wasn’t even there to begin with. I think that’s how psychopaths are born.

I unlocked my phone, sitting in my room, the sun setting, though a few strands of stray light beamed through my half open blinds and illuminated my dusty table and scratchy couch. In my messages app, the thread with Chase sat open, the blinking cursor there, looking at me, almost as if it were waiting for me to type something. I felt ready, I did, but I still felt nervous, very nervous, horrified. What if I got myself into something I couldn’t manage? What if we got into a fight? What if there was nothing to talk about? What if he’d moved on?

No, Alexis, you can’t think like that. You can’t think negative thoughts. My grandma told me when I was younger that bad and negative thoughts have an effect not only on you, but also on what happens in your life. It’s almost like you set yourself up for failure, and I wasn’t about to do that. I was just going to think good, positive thoughts. Thoughts that made sure only great things would happen.

I knew I just needed to type what I meant, what I felt, and it didn’t matter if it was ten or a thousand words. It could be something that I could mutter with one breath, or something that would tell a story, a slew of words that all flowed together eloquently. I started typing. I started to say what I needed to say.

“Hi. I know you’re probably surprised to hear from me. To be honest, I’m surprised that I’m even writing to you right now, after you know, what’s happened and all. I just want to say that I’m over it. Well, I’m not
over
it, but I’m not fuming anymore, as much at least. Maybe we could meet up? I don’t know. That might be stupid. You’ve probably moved on by now. Hell, you’re Chase, for fuck’s sake. If not, though, we could always just get a coffee, maybe meet at a park, and just flesh things out and see if there’s anything there at all. You’ve told me a hundred times that you wanted to explain things, that they weren’t what they looked like, and I sort of believe you. Maybe they aren’t how I saw them. I don’t know if that means that they’re better or worse, but maybe I just need to give you a chance, even if it’s ten minutes, to tell me what I saw that morning. Anyway, let me know.”

I typed it out, all of it, an entire essay of a text message that I knew he would read. The words sat there as I read them over and over, making sure they sounded right, and that I didn’t sound crazy. I didn’t hit send, though, at least not that second. My heart was beating, my stomach filled with butterflies and nerves, and I just wanted to make sure this was right. That these words were
the
words I wanted to say to him.

Just before I was going to hit send, just before my words floated off of the screen and onto his phone, I got another text, not from him, but from Travis. I opened it up, Chase’s text staying in place, safe and sound, as I looked at what Travis had to say.

“Hey, you. I want to go out tonight, and figured what better than go out with you? I know it’s last minute, and you probably have plans, but if you don’t, I’d love to go out with you tonight. Please just let me know!” he said.

I smiled. Travis always a welcome thought when I was a little nervous or unsure. I had no other plans tonight, my night looking dark and bleak, the sunlight that was barreling through my window just minutes ago was now fading, whisked away below the horizon.

“Hey, it’s good to hear from you. How was your project? Done with it? I’m free tonight, actually. No plans at all to speak of. What did you have in mind? Anything in particular, or just hanging out?” I asked.

“I’m all done with it, so I wanted to celebrate! I was thinking we could go out somewhere. Maybe get something to eat, maybe just go walk around and make fun of the guys in leather pants and jackets with six-inch studs who walk up and down the strip,” he said.

“That sounds good! Where did you want to meet?” I asked.

“I was thinking, if it’s not too forward or weird, that I could just pick you up so that we can have more time together, and neither one of us will get lost or anything. Is that okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, that sounds great. It’s not weird at all!” I said, ending my message with my address.

I needed to get in the shower, and quick. He was going to be here in half an hour and I was sweaty, smelly, and I was pretty sure this was makeup from yesterday, and it was past dark now. Being a girl isn’t easy, especially when you have a time limit.

I ran out of the bathroom just in time, thirty-two minutes up, and there was a buzz at the intercom, which I knew would be Travis.

“Yeah?” I asked, pushing the talk button.

“Hey, it’s me, Travis,” he said.

“Come in,” I said, before hitting the button to unlock the front door.

I ran back into the bathroom, looking at my hair and makeup, making sure everything was in place. I did more than I usually did, but my clothes were still casual and fun, not saying hot date, but rather cute date who’s wearing something appropriate for almost any setting. I grabbed my purse, sorting through it to make sure I had my keys, phone, and wallet, which I did, and before I knew it, there was a knock at my door.

I took a deep breath, smiled, and opened the door. Travis was standing on the other side, his face lighting up as he saw me.

“Hey, you look amazing,” he said.

“Thank you so much. You look very handsome,” I said as I walked out, locking the door behind me.

I didn’t want him to come in, at least not yet. I guessed I wanted something a little slower, especially after the maelstrom that was Chase. Shit! Chase! I had his text message still sitting on the screen. I hadn’t sent it, because Travis had interrupted and distracted me, and then I had to get ready. I guessed I would just have to send it later tonight. I couldn’t send it while I was on my date with Travis. I had a feeling that would be rude, and besides, the last thing I needed was to get upset and nervous and anxious and more on my date, only to have Travis inquire about it all. How in the hell would I even explain that? I wasn’t sure I could.

We walked out my building’s front door, walked around to the parking lot, and he opened the passenger door for me, which I thought was very nice and chivalrous. You don’t see too much of that anymore. I thanked him and sat down, and he shut the door behind me before walking around and getting into his seat.

“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” I asked, as I rested my purse on my lap.

“I was thinking we could go to a local place I go to with some buddies of mine. It’s like a pub-style place and food, I guess. That’s the best way to explain it. After that, who knows? I was hoping we could figure that out together,” he said.

“That sounds great,” I said.

A pub was fine, nice, and perfect for a casual second date, which I was dressed for. That made me even happier that I didn’t wear a tight-fitting dress or bring out the jewelry. Walking into a loud pub and wearing clothes like I should be shopping for a half-a-million-dollar engagement ring didn’t exactly mix, so I was in the clear.

Travis’s car wasn’t anything special, just a basic sedan that was loud as it reversed, and probably wouldn’t pass smog tests. It was fine, though. I didn’t expect a lot, especially from another college student. Maybe I was a little spoiled by Chase and his wide array of exotic cars, but I couldn’t expect every man I met and went out with to have something even close to that. It wasn’t realistic.

We sat in traffic, Travis playing some alternative music that was equal parts reggae and pop punk. It seemed like quintessential surfer music, his shaggy hair probably still littered with a few grains of stray sand from surfing earlier, which he always did, even when he was busy and stressed with school and work. He told me once in a text that it was the one thing that let him clear his mind and see things from a different perspective, whatever that meant.

After driving for fifteen or twenty minutes, we pulled into a crowded parking lot, people standing outside smoking, laughing, and not paying attention to anything or anyone else that wasn’t in their little circle. We circled around the parking lot before seeing someone pulling out, Travis quickly getting into their vacant spot before another car drove past about ten seconds later, cursing both himself and us that he didn’t get that spot. This place was a lot busier than I had thought.

“Well, here we are,” Travis said as we walked up to the front door.

He held it open, another group coming out, before we walked in, the smell of smoke, wood, and alcohol almost enough to burn my eyes. The smell of booze in the air was likely enough to get me drunk without even consuming any alcohol. I guessed this was what a pub was, though I couldn’t say I’d ever been to one like it.

“Hey, Travis, how are you?” the hostess asked, smiling.

“Hey, Julia, I’m great, how are you?” Travis replied.

“Oh, I’m good. Just another busy night, as usual. You know what it’s like,” she said.

“Yeah, I hear you. How long is the wait for two?” Travis asked.

“Uh, supposed to be an hour, but for you, I can get you in within ten minutes or so,” she said.

“Wow, thanks, Julia! You’re the best. Yeah, we’ll sit anywhere there’s a spot. I know it’s harder this time of night,” Travis said.

“You’ve got it. I gotta get back to work, but nice seeing you,” she said.

He might not be Matthew Chase, but it looked like Travis did have some connections. They might be at a small, ugly pub, but they were connections nonetheless.