Page 25 of Giving Chase

I watch Chase as he sings, really watch him, and I see every emotion play across his face. The love, the regret, the hope - it's all there, laid bare in the lyrics and the melody.

As the last notes fade away, I find myself blinking back tears, grateful for the dim lighting of the studio. Chase is looking at me, a question in his eyes, and I know he's wondering if I've finally understood.

The realization that this song - this beautiful, heart-wrenching song - is about me sends a rush of warmth through my body. For a moment, I allow myself to bask in it, to imagine what it might be like to let those walls down and let Chase in again.

But then reality comes crashing back. The years of pain, the broken trust, the professional complications - they all flood my mind, dousing the warm glow of realization with cold, hard facts.

Yes, the song is about me. Yes, Chase clearly had - maybe still has - deep feelings for me. But is that enough? Can it overcome all the hurt, all the challenges we'd face?

As the band starts to pack up their gear, I find myself rooted to the spot, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Chase hands his bass to a tech and approaches, that familiar half-smile on his face.

"So, what did you think?" he asks, his voice soft, intimate.

I swallow hard, forcing a professional smile. "It was great. You guys are going to bring the house down at the ceremony."

Something flickers in Chase's eyes - disappointment? Resignation? - but he nods, keeping his tone light. "That's the plan. Thanks for coming, Eliza. It means a lot."

He pauses, running a hand through his hair - a gesture so familiar it makes my heart ache. "Listen, I was wondering if maybe we could grab a coffee or something? Talk about the set list, make sure we're on the same page for the ceremony."

I hesitate, every instinct screaming at me to make an excuse, to maintain that professional distance. But the hopeful look in his eyes weakens my resolve. "I don't know, Chase. We covered most of the details at dinner..."

"I know," he says quickly. "I just thought... well, it's been a while since we really talked. About everything."

The implied meaning hangs heavy between us.Everything. Our past, our missed chances, the constant bad timing that's defined our relationship.

"Chase," I start, my voice barely above a whisper, "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

He takes a step closer, and I catch a whiff of his cologne - the same one he's worn for years. It brings back a flood of memories: stolen moments during recording sessions, the bittersweet realization during my second marriage that I was still in love with him, the gut-wrenching news of his Vegas wedding just as I was finalizing my divorce.

"Why not?" he asks softly. "We're both adults, Eliza. We can handle a conversation, can't we?"

I look up at him,reallylook at him. The years have been kind to Chase, adding a maturity to his features that only enhances his appeal. But it's the vulnerability in his eyes that catches me off guard.

"It's complicated," I say, echoing my earlier words to Michelle. "There's a lot of history there. A lot of... missed timing."

Chase nods, a sad smile playing at his lips. "I know. That's kind of why I want to talk. Clear the air, maybe? Start fresh?"

For a moment, I'm tempted. The idea of starting fresh, of wiping the slate clean and seeing where things might go... it's intoxicating. But then I remember all the times I've made the wrong choice, all the heartache that's followed.

"I appreciate the offer, Chase," I say finally, straightening my shoulders. "But I think it's best if we keep things professional. For now, at least."

The disappointment is clear on his face, but he nods, respecting my decision. "I understand. But Eliza?"

"Yes?"

"The offer stands. If you ever change your mind... well, you know where to find me. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry. For everything. The timing, the mistakes... all of it."

As I turn to leave, Chase calls out one last time. "Oh, and Eliza?Whispered Truths... it was always about you. I thought you should know that."

The words hit me like a physical blow, confirming what I'd just realized. I manage a nod, not trusting myself to speak, and hurry out of the studio.

As I step into the warm Los Angeles afternoon, the echo ofWhispered Truthsstill ringing in my ears, I'm not sure which way the scales will tip. The professional in me knows I made the right call. But the woman who's carried a torch for Chase all these years, through failed marriages and missed opportunities? She's screaming at me to turn around, to take that chance.

For the first time in a long time, I'm willing to consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, some risks are worth taking. But am I brave enough to break the cycle of bad timing and wrong choices? Can I trust myself to make the right decision this time?

Only time will tell. But as I drive away from the studio, Chase's words echoing in my mind, I can't help but wonder: what if this time, finally, our timing is right?

March 13, 2008

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