CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Chase
My eyes remain lockedon Bayleigh as she savors the food before us.She seems so relaxed, a beautiful reminder of the carefree girl she once was.Back then, she didn’t care about anyone else’s opinions and wouldn’t hesitate to lick sauce off her chin with a playful grin.She’s more reserved now, but every now and then, a glimpse of my old friend shines through in her cheeky smile.
I steer the conversation towards lighter topics, asking about her tours and encounters with other musicians.She even tells me about some behind-the-scenes moments from the Country Music Awards.
As the waitress clears away the empty plates, Bayleigh flashes her a grateful smile.The waitress offers us dessert options, mentioning that there are a couple slices of pecan pie left.
Bayleigh and I exchange glances before both eagerly agreeing to order a slice with ice cream.
“Do you remember when we snuck into your mom’s kitchen and devoured an entire pecan pie?”Bayleigh chuckles.
I can’t help but grin at the mischief we got into.“It was the day before Thanksgiving.We took it to the barn and ate it with our bare hands.”
“Because we forgot to take utensils, too.”
“We made such a mess.”
“But it was worth it.”She sinks back against the cushy booth.“I’ve missed this.”
I take a moment to observe her content state before admitting, “I’ve missed you.”
Our eyes meet, and we hold each other’s gaze for what feels like an eternity.Unspoken thoughts and emotions fill the space between us.I wonder about what could have been.
The waitress returns with two generous pieces of pecan pie, glossy ice cream scooped in a perfect curve on the side.“Enjoy,” she says before leaving.
“This looks incredible.I’m so full from the ribs, but I can’t resist!”She moans, leaning in and picking up her fork.She takes a bite, clearly savoring the sugary treat and closing her eyes in delight.
I can’t help but remember the blissful expression on her face when we were together in the barn.The memory of being inside her, pleasuring her and feeling her unravel beneath me.I ache to be with her again.To take her body and remind her how good we are together.I squirm in my seat.
“Are you okay?”Bayleigh asks.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply, although my cock is begging for release.
I take a bite of my own dessert, letting the cold ice cream melt in my mouth.It’s delicious, but I can’t help but imagine tasting her instead, feeling her warm juices on my tongue.
I swallow hard and put my fork down.
“Can I ask you something?”Bayleigh looks at me through her thick lashes.
“Of course,” I say.
“What was it like here after I left?”Her voice trembles as she speaks, as if she doesn’t really want to know the answer.
I take a sip of tea while collecting my thoughts.“Things settled down after about a week.People moved on to the next news story, you know?Your parents fought a lot.Not just at home, but in town as well.Then your dad disappeared.He didn’t show up for work and no one saw him again.I don’t know where he went.”
Bayleigh sniffs, but nods for me to continue.
“Your mom stayed here, but we don’t see her much.She’s pretty reclusive.”
Bayleigh nods slowly.“They were always so happy, you know?Such a great example of the perfect couple.”She gives a weak smile.“We used to complain because they would kiss in front of us.”
We both fall silent for a moment, and I’m lost in my memories.I can almost hear the echoes of our younger selves laughing and groaning as Bayleigh’s parents stole kisses in the kitchen or embraced on the front porch swing.Those small displays of affection that once embarrassed us now seem precious and bittersweet.
“They really loved each other,” I say softly.“And they adored you girls.”
Bayleigh’s eyes fill with tears.“We were so happy then.All of us.Sometimes I wake up and for a split second, I forget everything that’s happened.I expect to hear Harper singing in the shower or smell Mom’s cinnamon rolls baking.”Her voice cracks.“But then reality comes crashing back.”
