Page 65 of Chase

I pull up into the driveway after a long boring day of work, and I start to freak the hell out. Why you ask? Because my mother’s car is parked in my drive way. She didn’t even call! A sneak attack, that’s what this is. I walk into the kitchen, where Chase is sitting at the dining table, chatting with my mother. My mother is very beautiful, elegant, and petite. Her black hair is shoulder length, and she looks a lot younger than her forty five. Chase sees me and chuckles at my expression.

“Umm, mama?” I mumble.

“Layla, there you are! How are you darling?” She comes over and hugs me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask a little sharper than I meant to.

She narrows her eyes at me. “Am I not welcome to visit my own daughter?” she questions.

“No, of course you are, it’s just, well, you never called or anything, and..” As usual, she cuts me off.

“Yes, well, I had to come and see how you are. Any why didn’t you tell me you were dating this fine gentleman?” She gestures at Chase, who is trying to contain his grin. And failing.

“Well, you see...”

“I had to hear it from him! My own daughter doesn’t tell me these things!” she complains.

I sigh, and head to the table, taking a seat next to Chase. He takes my hand in his, and gives it a little squeeze.

“How was work, baby?” he asks.

“Fine.” I reply.

My mother takes in us holding hands and beams. I inwardly groan. She cooks us dinner, and we sit around the table, chatting.

An hour later, she leaves, threatening me that if I didn’t bring Chase home, she would bring the entire family over to my house. I quickly tell her we will be there. I close the front door, lean against it, and sigh. Chase starts laughing,

“She’s adorable,” he decides.

“She’s a cyclone!” I grumble.

“At least I found out something that bodes well for me,” he says with a smirk.

“What?” I ask, suddenly suspicious.

“You’re still going to be a babe at forty five.” He chuckles.

I slap him on the arm, causing his chuckle to turn into a throaty laugh.

******

I walk into the restaurant, looking for Ryder. He’s sitting in a booth in the far left corner; I can see his dark brown head of hair. I walk over and give him a kiss on the cheek, before jumping in the seat opposite him. It was time Ryder and I had a talk. I know while it wasn’t really his business about my relationships, but he truly loved me and was thinking of my best interests.

“Layla.” Ryder greets, looking happy to see me. He looks handsome in jeans and a white shirt. His hair is a beautiful chocolate brown, and curls behind his ears. Both of his arms are covered in tattoos, and he even has one on his neck. His smoky grey eyes have been known to break many hearts.

“Hey Ry,” I give him a crooked smile.

The waiter comes over and we both order.

I hear Ryder sigh, and shake his head sadly. “Ok, I’m just going to get to the point. Are you still with him?”

I look up and nod. “Yes, Ryder, I am.”

He looks thoughtful. “You know you deserve much better, right?”

“Ry..”

“No, listen, Layla. I’ve known Chase a long time, and while he’s a good friend, I’ve seen what he’s like with women,” his eyes plead with mine.

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