Page 37 of Some Kind of Forever
Chase
Hey there. Are you two busy on the 4th?
My family is having a BBQ and I wanted to invite you.
I look up at Ashlie, who’s already watching me with a smirk on her face.
“Hey,” she says, holding her hands up in a surrendering pose. “It’s up to you. If you want to go, I’ll go with you. If you don’t, I can text him back with some bad excuse.”
She’s giving me an out, testing me to see if I’m brave enough to step away from the shadow of my last failed relationship. I mull it over for several minutes, trying to play out the worst-case scenarios in my head. On one hand, I could give in, give Chase a chance, and get my heart broken.
Again.
On the other hand, I could cut and run, and always wonder what if.
“You’re forgetting to think about the third possibility…” Ashlie’s voice breaks through the mental argument I’m having with myself.
I tip my head, wondering if I was talking out loud without realizing it. “How did you?—”
“You might have everyone else fooled, but I’ve known you for almost eight years. You’re a pessimist and thinking you’re either going to get your heart broken or wonder what could have been. I’m saying, there’s a third possibility you’re not considering.”
“Okay… Are you going to enlighten me or…?” I ask.
“It could all work out. You could end up happy.” Shrugging before leaning over the back of the couch, she digs in her overnight bag. “And here.” She tosses me a small box. I catch it, and immediately throw it back at her upon realizing it’s a box of condoms.
“What the hell, Ash! I don’t—that’s not happening anytime soon.” I fumble my words as I try to recover from the flustered feeling creeping up my neck.
Doubled over, she’s laughing so hard her shoulders shake. “You should have seen your face!” She mimics my expression before cracking up all over again.
I roll my eyes, shaking my head at her before giggles overtake me as well. After a minute, she slides the box back toward me.
“Seriously though, just in case. You’ve got too much going for you, and we’re breaking that Harris family pattern.”
I leave the box against my knee where she’s pushed it and pick up my phone.
Me
We’ll be there. Can I bring anything?
Chase
Apple Pie *smiley face*
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
KAYLA
“Wow, these houses are bigger than I realized,” Ashlie says, eyes widening as she peers up at The Bluffs Estates from the open door of my car. These houses were built after we left for college, and it’s never really been an interest during our visits home to drive across town and check them out. Until now.
Ashlie’s white sundress contrasts with my light blue one, matching today’s Fourth of July color scheme. I start walking up to the door, Patti’s apple pies in hand, when she stops me. “Hey, if I need to find a ride home tonight, so be it.” She wiggles her brows playfully, and my eyes widen at what she’s implying.
“That won’t be happening.” I hand her a pie and push the thought from my head.
“Bet it does, girl.” She bumps my hip and walks ahead of me to the front door, leaving my thoughts racing at the idea that things would progress so quickly with Chase tonight that she’d need to find a ride home. She’s almost to the stairs by the time I snap out of it and scurry after her.
“Hey!” Hunter flashes a grin and steps back to let us in the house. The inside is coastal, white, and open concept, giving it a fresh feel. Stairs on our left lead up to a loft and a couple of rooms, while the hallway on the right is lined with what I assumeare more bedrooms and a bathroom. The kitchen is front and center, with an expansive picture window in the dining area that showcases the estate’s namesake.
“Everyone’s out back. You can leave the pie on the counter.” He begins to lead us outside when a door opens to my right. Chase, wearing a sky blue polo and khakis, steps out. A wide grin spreads across his face when he sees me. “Well, aren’t you two cute… Did you plan this?” Hunter asks sarcastically, referencing our matching outfits. Hunter and Ashlie head out the door while I place the pie on the counter next to a spread of fruit trays and salads.
