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The corner of his mouth curves up, but just barely, and he regrips his hands on the steering wheel without looking at me again.
I look down at Benji, who’s picked up his head and is staring at Chase too.
Evidently, I’m not just imagining it. The vibe has considerably chilled from this morning, and I’m not sure why.
Shrugging at my canine pal, I stand up from the seat and offer to take my leave.
“I think I’ll go back in the bedroom and do some work, maybe call my sister, if that’s okay with you. I don’t want to leave you hanging up here by yourself.”
Unfortunately, it helps, which is just about the last thing I want.
“That’s okay. It’s probably a good idea if you get a little work done on the book, and I’ll be able to concentrate on the road since it’s dark.”
I nod. Okay, then. To the bedroom, it is, I suppose.
After one more longing look at the uncharacteristically stern side of Chase’s face, Benji and I retreat to the rear of the bus, step into the bedroom, and close the door. Benji hops up onto the black comforter and lies down while I lean my back into the door and let my head hit the surface with a thud.
I don’t know what’s going on, but whatever it is, I really don’t like it. I’m a people pleaser base case, and when it comes to Chase Dawson, I’m apparently a whore for affirmation.
I need something to cheer me up, and I need it stat. And given the limitations of my motor home bedroom confines, calling a free-from-parental-prison-and-staying-at-my-place-in-NYC Sammy is the best medicine I can think of.
The last I spoke with her was via text message a few days ago, when she was letting me know she and the boys had made it to my apartment without any issues.
Climbing onto the bed next to Benji, I grab my phone off the nightstand and dial the only contact I ever use with any regularity.
It rings three times before my sister answers with a breathy, happy voice I haven’t heard in ages.
“Hi!” she practically shouts, and the sound of her giddy claps in the background makes me grin. “I’m so excited to hear from you, B! I wasn’t sure if you’d have the freedom or time to call a lot while you’re on the tour.”
“Oh yeah,” I reply. “People are whistling and catcalling for my attention from sunup to sundown.”
Sammy laughs, and I cling to keeping the conversation about her as a means for my escape from the crappy way I’m feeling about how things with Chase have been for the last few hours.
“How’s New York going? Are you settling in okay?”
“Are you kidding? I haven’t had to listen to Dad talk about shitting in days, Brooke. I’m doing fucking fabulous.”
I can’t help but laugh. “And the boys are doing well?”
“We haven’t had to call the fire department and your valuables are all intact, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“It’s not.” A small grin appears on my lips. Because this, right here, is exactly what I needed. “I was really just curious about how the boys were doing in a big city. But, I will admit, I’m glad they haven’t torched anything yet.”
“I think they really like it. I don’t know how long it’ll last, but there’s always something going on, so even just people-watching out the window has been more entertaining for them than Ohio,” she updates, and I can hear the huge smile in her voice. “I’m feeling really good, Brookie. The best in I don’t know how long.”
“Oh, Sam. I’m so glad.”
“Me too, sis. Me too. This might sound crazy, but I’m thinking…about moving out here when you get back. You know, finding my own place.”
“Really?” I yell excitedly. Sammy is the only family I would want that close—that I would work to make it happen.
“Yeah. I mean, I know it’s really expensive here, and I know it’s not always going to be easy raising kids in the city like this. But I was talking to Chase’s sister, Mo—who’s awesome, by the way—and she said that she and Vinny could set me up with a job at their restaurant until I got on my feet. They also know some people who would be willing to sublet great places while they’re away summering.”
I snort. “Summering?”
“I know!” she hoots. “I told Mo I didn’t think I’d be able to afford a place owned by people who ‘summer,’ but she assured me they’d give me a deal as long as she talked to them for me.”
“That all sounds amazing, Sam. I’d be over-the-freaking-moon if you moved to New York.”
“Honestly, I feel…invigorated. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I was actually starting to question if the divorce was a good idea while I was living at home with Mom and Dad, but I think I was just missing my independence, you know? Because I definitely wasn’t missing Todd. The asshole.”
