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The other night after we ate dinner, Chase asked me if I had already watchedAmerican Horror Story, season ten. Chase and I had discussed our appreciation of horror movies on one of my visits, so he already knew I was a fan. But I haven’t watched the new season because Mathew wasn’t a fan of anything horror, so I only watched that kind of thing when I was by myself.
Since he hasn’t seen the season yet either, I suggested we watch it together. It was too late to start it the night of our dinner though, because he had to go to bed early. Tonight was supposed to be our first viewing party.
I like that he made the effort to come over to ask rather than texting like most people would.
“I totally would, but Bryce and Violet stopped by unexpectedly and we just opened a bottle of wine.” I don’t bother inviting him in. I know him well enough to know he has no interest in socializing in groups more than he has to, especially with a bunch of women.
“Oh sorry.” He steps back and looks flustered, the tips of his ears growing pink. No way Chase Andrews is embarrassed, but I have to admit, it’s kind of cute and endearing.
“Maybe we can do it after your game in a few days?”
“You’re not coming?” I can’t tell from his tone whether he views this as a good or a bad thing.
I shake my head. “No, I’m going to stay here. Plus, someone has to take care of Zeus while you’re gone.”
Chase pushes his hand through his hair. “Oh right. I’m not used to being responsible for anything other than myself.”
“I made a bunch of calls today but didn’t have any luck for somewhere he could go.”
He nods. “All right. Keep me in the loop.”
“I will.”
“Well, I’ll let you get back to it then.” He turns to head across the hall to his door.
“Chase?”
He circles around to face me, hand on his condo door.
I want to thank him for thinking of me and trying to pull me out of even more solo time in my apartment, but instead, I say, “Good luck at your game.”
“I don’t need luck. I’ve got the muscles, remember?”
He flexes and I almost have to wipe drool from my chin. These little glimpses of a lighter-spirited version of Chase that I get from time to time only make me crave him more.
“That’s right, blame the muscles. I forgot.” I close the door and lean against it, smiling at the ceiling for a minute before joining the girls.
“Now I understand why you haven’t reached out. You’ve been busy.”
I whip my head toward Bryce, on her way to the powder room presumably.
My cheeks flush in embarrassment. “It’s not like that.” I walk past her to go back to the living room.
She calls out behind me, “Don’t think we’re not discussing this as soon as I return.”
I chuckle and shake my head. Bryce must hurry because she’s joining Violet and me less than a minute later.
“That was Chase at the door,” she tells Violet with a smug smile that makes me roll my eyes. What are we, twelve?
“I told you it’s not like that.” I bury my smile in my wineglass.
“What’s it like then?” Violet asks, her eyes pinging between Bryce and me.
So I explain to them about how we found Zeus when we returned from the gala and how I’m helping to take care of him when Chase is gone. When I mention that he invited me to stay for dinner the other night, their eyes light up.
“He’s totally into you,” Bryce says.
“One hundred percent,” Violet agrees.
