Page 86 of Chasing Forever

“I hardly recognize you. First, you jump off a cliff, literally, and then you jump again, figuratively. I love the new you!”

“Thanks?”

Quinn laughed. “When did you send it to him?”

“This morning, before I came to pick you up.”

“How do you think he’ll react?”

“I’m not sure. That’s what I’m worried about.”

“I can’t wait to meet him.”

“I promise I’ll introduce you, but not yet. You’re only here for a little while, and I want to hang out with you. What should we do today?”

“Beach, shopping, dinner, meet Chase. In that order.”

Callie giggled. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

Quinn shook her head. “I’m dying to meet the man who stole my best friend’s heart. I need to make sure he’s solid.”

Callie smiled, knowing that Quinn only wanted the best for her. “Fine. We’ll do things your way, but I have a few rules before you meet him.”

Quinn rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”

“One, no telling him embarrassing stories from my past. Two, no grilling him about his job or his exes. And three, no asking him his intentions for the future.”

Quinn shook her head. “Do you really think I would do that?”

“Just covering all the bases.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t embarrass you. I promise.”

Chapter 38

The receptionist at Edwards, Stewart, and Wineman answered with her usual politeness.

“Hello, Jessica. It’s Chase. Is my dad around?”

“Hold on, Chase. Let me check.”

While he was on hold, he paced back and forth across the small living room, practicing what he wanted to say. He’d given it a lot of thought, and he felt certain about his decision. His only concern was how his dad would react to the news.

A minute later, Daniel Edwards came on the line. “Hello, son. How’s Hawaii?”

“Just like you’d expect. The weather’s been great, hardly a cloud in the sky.”

“Don’t rub it in. Your mother’s been begging me to take her there again. Speaking of your mother, she’s anxious for you to come home.”

Chase smiled, thinking it was typical of his dad to defer to his mom on all things emotional. He’d bet that his dad missed him too, but he wouldn’t dare admit it.

“I’ll be home soon.” Sooner than I’d like.

“I’m guessing you didn’t call just to update me on the weather. What’s on your mind?”

Chase covered the phone and inhaled deeply. He’d imagined this could go one of two ways. Either his dad would be understanding or he’d tell him no. If it was the latter, Chase had already decided he’d head out on his own. He had plenty of experience and an excellent reputation in the community. It might take a while, but he’d find a way to make it work.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since I’ve been gone.”