Page 7 of Chasing Sunrise

His Uber driver, Perry, a twenty-something college student, recognized him and had been good company on the drive. Instead of peppering Kasey with questions, he’d talked about studying for finals this week and how he only had one more semester before he graduated with a computer science degree.

Perry set the car in park and turned in his seat. “Hit me up if you need a ride while you’re in town. If you request me, day or night, I’ll show up.”

“Will do. I hope you ace your finals.”

“Thanks.”

Kasey slid from the car, punched the app on his phone, and left Perry a hundred-dollar tip.

Bouquet of flowers in hand, he headed toward the club. It was ten o’clock, and there was a crowd waiting to get inside. He glanced at the door on his way to join the line. Mike Marshall, the owner, stood right inside the door. The club was in Houston, yet only minutes from where he’d grown up in Katy.

Mike spotted him and motioned him forward. Once Kasey got close, the three-hundred-pound man with tattoos covering his arms grasped his hand and pumped it enthusiastically. “Good to see you, Kasey.”

“You too. Looks crowded.”

“Everyone’s thirsty.” Mike ushered him inside. “I have to relieve my bouncer for his break. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Thanks for getting me in.”

“Least I can do.” Mike’s words and his expression were full of gratitude. They’d talked about being held at gunpoint many times, especially right after the holdup, even attended some therapy sessions together. Mike had expressed over and over how grateful he was that Kasey intervened with the robber, saying he wasn’t sure what would’ve happened otherwise. The deep gut feeling Kasey sometimes got when thinking about what they went through cramped his stomach. Not wanting to give it his attention or energy, he nodded to Mike and continued into the club.

From what he could see with the dim lighting, Mike had done extensive renovations since the last time he was here. Whereas it used to hold the vibe of a dingy nightclub, now it resembled a barn with a loft in one corner, paneled walls, and clear milk jug lights hanging from the ceiling. A bar with stools took up the left wall and was flanked by swinging doors on each end. Pub tables and chairs surrounded the huge dance floor.

A cute blonde bumped into him. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.”

“Wait, you’re Hunter Kase.”

He smiled tightly. He hated the name the network insisted he use. Well,sheinsisted he use.

Blondie squealed. “Oh my God. You have to come meet my friends.”

“I’m here for a party. I’m sure I’ll meet your friends during the night.”

“Oh, it’ll just take a minute.” She latched onto his arm.

He sighed. While following her, he searched for Andre Biel. He’d texted his friend an hour ago, and Dre told him to meet them here for Quinn’s birthday party. The two were married just weeks ago.

Blondie stopped at a bar table where a girl sat with two guys. Kasey saw immediate recognition on the guys’ faces. One shouted, “Hunter Kase!”

A few people around them turned their heads and approached. Luckily, the music was loud, and not everyone heard. After five minutes of smiling for pictures, Kasey excused himself. “I’m meeting friends.”

“We’re all friends here,” the blonde said, obviously not ready for him to leave.

Kasey waved and walked away. He found Dre, Zackary Truex, and Zack’s wife, Sadie, in a quiet corner at the back of the club playing pool.

Sadie excitedly rushed over when she spotted him. It was a relief to see her and Zack together. They’d separated after the death of their two-year-old son. Neither knew how to go forward until they’d been paired on the reality showChasing Sunsetsand found their way back to each other. “How long are you in town?”

“I’m not exactly sure,” he answered as he hugged her.

“Save a dance for me.” She hurried off, her ponytail swaying as she walked away.

“Your turn.” Zack held out a pool stick. He was the worst pool player Kasey knew and used any excuse not to play.

Dre shook Kasey’s hand and pulled him close to slap his back. “Are you alone?”

“Yes.” His friends knew what he’d planned yesterday, and he hadn’t filled them in on the details of what happened yet. This wasn’t the time to discuss that clusterfuck.

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