Page 77 of Chasing Forever

Chase and Callie looked at her with surprise.

“Where are you going?” Chase asked.

“Home. Well, technically, not until tomorrow, but I decided to fly back to Oahu tonight since I have an early flight out in the morning.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have driven you to the airport.”

“It was a last-minute decision. Don’t pretend you’re upset about it.” She gave him a knowing smirk.

The three of them stepped out of the car, and Miranda went over to talk to the Uber driver.

“Looks like we’ll get to be alone sooner than we thought,” Chase said.

Callie glanced up at him with a twinkle in her eye. “I’m going to miss her, though.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll see her again.” The words slid out smooth as silk, and he really meant them. He didn’t want this to be the end for them, and he hoped Callie agreed.

“Do you need help with your bags?” he asked when they caught up to Miranda.

“Yes, please.”

Chase unlocked the front door, and Callie stood in front of her unit, looking uncertain. “Why don’t you come inside so you can say goodbye to Miranda,” he suggested.

She nodded and stepped in behind them. The next few minutes were a flurry of activity as Miranda gathered her bags and Chase helped carry them out to the Uber. Once the car was loaded, the three of them stood in a tight circle by the door, and he noticed Miranda’s eyes looked watery.

“It was so wonderful to meet you,” she said, throwing her arms around Callie and hugging her tightly.

“You too,” Callie said with a big smile.

“You live in Michigan, right? But you never said where.”

“She lives in Rochester,” Chase interjected.

Miranda’s eyes bulged. “That’s practically right next door to us.”

Callie giggled at her enthusiasm.

“We’ll see each other again, then,” Miranda stated with certainty.

“I hope so.”

“You better go,” Chase said, interrupting their mutual lovefest.

Miranda turned to leave, but he cleared his throat loudly and made her pause.

“No hug for me? I’m your blood relation, remember?”

They all laughed, and Miranda threw her arms around him and hugged him just as tightly.

“I love you, brother. Take good care of my friend.”

“I will,” he said. “Now, go.”

Miranda hurried out the door, and he locked it behind her. When he turned around to face Callie, he saw her wiping away a tear.

“You okay?” he asked, coming to stand before her.

She nodded. “I’m so emotional today. Sorry.”