One Small Thing(73)

“I mean it, Chase. We need to talk. I’m on my way.” I hang up before he can voice another protest. And when my phone instantly rings again, I press Decline.

Jack... That’s the guy who threw the party where I first met Chase.

This is perfect. My parents might go to the mayor’s house to look for me and Chase, but neither of us will be there. We’ll be at Jack’s.

I don’t remember his house number, but I remember the name of the street, and that’s all I need to give the cab dispatcher as I whisper my request over the phone. Then I delete the call history, because I know that’s the first thing my parents will look at.

I leave my phone on the bed. I can’t risk taking it with me, thanks to that stupid GPS program my parents put on it. I also decide to throw them off course by scribbling a quick note telling them I’m going to Scarlett’s. I leave that on the bedspread, too.

The window will beep when I climb through it, but I don’t care. That just means I’ll have to be very, very fast.

And I am. In a heartbeat, I have my bedroom window open and I’m shimmying down the lattice lining the side of the house. I know it’s strong enough to support my weight because Rachel once used the lattice by her window to sneak out to meet Jeff. I wonder if he bullied her into doing that. That seems to be his thing. Bullying innocent girls.

Asshole.

I’m breathing hard by the time my sneakers land on the grass at the base of the lattice, but I don’t let it slow me down. I keep running, daring only once to look over my shoulder at my house. The front door doesn’t burst open like I expect. Still, that doesn’t mean my parents won’t come after me. Just means they probably haven’t checked their phone notifications yet.

I don’t give a damn if they freak out or send search parties after me. I have to talk to Chase. I know him. My dad getting him fired from the shelter will just be another sign for Chase that he should stay far, far away from me.

Well, too bad, because I’m not staying away from him.





29

As I requested, the cabdriver picks me up five blocks away from my house. It doesn’t take long to get to Lex, and my heart rate quickens as we pull into the driveway of the familiar ramshackle house. Chase is waiting on the front porch for me.

“You shouldn’t be here” is the first thing he says when I hurry up to him. His tone is flat, his expression dead serious.

“I needed to see you,” I answer, brushing past him toward the front door. I don’t want to stand out in the open, just in case.

Chase follows me inside and takes hold of my arm. “Do your parents know where you are?”

I roll my eyes. “What do you think?”

He curses softly. “Go home, babe. You being here is a bad fucking idea.”

Despite his harsh words, my body heats up at the fact that he called me babe. “I’m not leaving until we talk, Chase. So you might as well stop arguing with me. You won’t win.”

He lets out another curse.

“Hey now,” an amused voice says, “that’s no way to talk in front of a lady.” A tall guy steps out of the kitchen and into the hall. Even though we didn’t speak or get properly introduced the last time I was here, I recognize him as Jack.

“Yeah, Chase,” I mock chide. “Where did you learn your manners?”

“Juvie,” he growls. “I learned them in juvie.”

Jack and I snicker.

“That wasn’t a joke,” Chase says in aggravation. He turns to Jack. “This is Beth, the girl I was telling you about.”

My heart flips. He was telling his friend about me?

“Right, the one who wouldn’t take no for an answer about crashing our bro night,” Jack replies with a grin.

I sigh. Doesn’t sound like Chase was telling his friend good things about me. “I’m sorry for just showing up,” I say sheepishly. “It’s important, though.”

Jack shrugs. “You want a drink?”

“No, thanks.”

“All right. If you change your mind, the fridge is stocked.”

I smile in thanks. He seems like a really decent guy. I have no idea why these Lex kids get such a bad rep. All the ones I’ve met are super cool.

“Mind if we go upstairs?” Chase asks. “Apparently we need to talk.”

“We do,” I say firmly.

Chase glowers at me, but Jack just grins. “Of course. You guys can crash here, too, if you want.” He leans closer to slap Chase on the shoulder. “It’s been a while since we hung out. I missed you, man.”

“Don’t think we’ll stay over, but thanks for the offer,” Chase says, nodding at his buddy.

My heart soars at the exchange between them. It’s so awesome to see someone actually want to spend time with Chase. He deserves this. So much.

Chase takes my arm again. “C’mon.”

Upstairs, we wind up in the same bedroom where we...

My cheeks scorch.

Chase notices and runs his tongue over his bottom lip. Not in a lewd way, though. It seems more like a nervous gesture.

“I didn’t bring you up here to... You know...” He waves a hand toward the bed.

“I know,” I say, blushing even harder.

“Good.” He crosses his arms. “Now, say what you need to say, and then it’s time to go.”