Page 70 of Until Then

He and his wife, Jeri, live like snowed-in hermits in a tiny town in the mountains of Colorado.

I slump back into an oversized sitting chair and kick my legs out in front of me. “Are you calling to tell me you are Jer had another one? How many kids are you at now? Twelve?”

Chase laughs. “You’ve seen my wife. It’s impossible to stay away from her, but last I checked we’re only at four.”

“Tell Braden we’re still due for a rematch on the X-Box.”

“Dude, he’s even better now.”

I chuckle. Their oldest son is destined to invent the next Fortnite or something. I made the mistake of introducing the kid to Dax when we all met for a Vegas Kings game three years ago. Both video game superstars, but the kid—I’ll never admit it to Dax—is better.

“So, what’s new?” I ask. “You ready for another season to start? I found more of your fans here, and people continue to like me because of what I can give them.”

Chase laughs. “You got the signed early editions of the new book, I’m guessing?”

“I did. I’m a slow reader and only sixty percent finished, so Rees is holding it over my head. How are you doing with the release? Hard to move on to new characters?”

“It’s still in the same world, but yeah, it’s strange.” Chase sighs, almost like he’s reminiscing. “Honestly, it’s been a little chaotic with a new release and working with the show. My publisher is trying to make this new series take a number one spot, so there’s been tours and promotions. And the show, well, it’s trying to keep its accolades.”

“From what I’ve been told, it sounds like your summer adapting went well. I keep getting updates and reminders to both tease the new seasons and keep our mouths shut about everything.”

Chase pauses. “Well, we better keep this between us then.”

“Uh-oh. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Another pause. “I just consider you a friend.”

“I freaking hope so, or I’ve been severely misinterpreting the last decade.”

“I wanted to talk to you first.” The man needs to stop pausing or I’m going to lose it. “Noah, this is the last season.”

Something sinks in my stomach finally having my suspicions confirmed. We all knew Chase was feeling the series needed to wrap on the book side, but sometimes TV can stretch beyond an author’s words.

Sounds like the studio feels the same.

The knot in my chest is strange. There’s pain there, but also . . . a touch of relief, I think.

“Eight seasons is an epic run,” I say, voice soft.

“It is.” Maybe Chase is feeling a little of the same. “I’ll miss the set.”

“Me too.”

He clears his throat. “I wanted to let you know it’s been a true honor watching you grow as an actor, a man, and a friend over the years.”

Stupid emotion tightens my throat.

“You can shut up now.” I hide the thickness with a laugh. “It’s not like we’re dying. You’re stuck with me, man. You already said we’re friends and I intend to cash in on that and eat for free in Jeri’s café whenever we come to visit.”

“All the freebies.” Chase’s laugh is wetter than normal, a little like mine. He’s definitely feeling more than he’s letting on. “It’s been a blast, Noah. I can’t wait to see what big things you take on in the future.”

My smile fades. Chase is a good guy. He’s famous in a different way. Maybe not as recognizable in the grocery store, but he understands the pressures of fans and the hustle of pumping out more of his art for the world.

“Would you think I’m insane if I told you I want to slow down?”

It takes a second for him to respond, but I think it’s more to the small voice in the background. Probably Lizzy, his youngest.

“Slow down? What do you mean?”

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