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She grabs my hand, squeezing it. “I understand. Stay positive that he’ll be out of here in twenty-four hours.” Looking around the waiting area, she whispers, “I asked Jeff for some inside information. He said his dad thinks, with our statements, the judge will release Chase within twenty-four hours. Bail would be posted and would have to be paid though.”
Hope flares inside me. “I’m sure my dad will pay it. Despite my mom being a bitch.”
“I’m sorry, Kenz. The whole situation sucks.”
“It does.” I blow out a breath, shaking my head. “Ironic that my mom was the one who wanted to foster Chase so badly. At the first sign of trouble, she kicks him out.”
Melody sighs. “How awful. I’m still stunned she said that.” Her head turns, blue eyes searching my face. “Do you think she was just angry and will change her mind?”
“I really wish that were the case. She hasn’t been okay with my relationship with Chase since we came from the hospital.”
She bites her lip, whispering, “Poor Chase. To lose his home… yet again.”
I shake my head, my sigh mournful. “I know.”
“What will you do if he leaves?”
“Go with him.” There’s no hesitation. My body, heart, and soul know what I want. And it’s Chase Landon. “I can’t be without him, Melody. I love him so damn much. He’s everything to me.”
Melody squeezes my hand. “Then don’t give him up.”
78
CHASE
Brett knocks, poking his head inside before he enters the room. The smile dies off his face as he looks between Mike and me. “Is everything okay?”
Mike and I exchanged a look. He runs a hand through his hair, still frazzled by my detailed confession of the torture Mackenzie and I received at the hands of Orpheus and his insane cult.
Clearing his throat, Mike removes his glasses, cleans them using the hem of his shirt, then puts them back on. Flashing a smile, he says, “Yes. I just gave some disheartening news to Chase regarding my wife.”
Brett nods, closing the door and sitting down. Arching a brow, he says, “Anything I should know?”
Mike squirms uncomfortably in the chair beside me. “Yes.” He blows out a breath. “I don’t know how to say this, but Pearl told Mackenzie and me that Chase is no longer welcome there.”
Brett stares at him for a moment before his gaze meets mine. “If my wife agrees, would you be okay with staying with us? We have a furnished basement that has a bedroom and bathroom in it. My wife’s mother lived with us for a while when she was having health problems. No one has lived there since.”
Hope flares inside my chest. I look at Mike, who nods, his eyes telling me it’s my choice. “I’d love that. Would I owe anything? I can certainly get a part-time job to pay rent until I can find somewhere else...” My heart constricts at the thought of not being across the hall from Kenz. Or sneaking into her bedroom, comforting her from a nightmare. Or vice versa.
Brett holds up a hand. “No, that’s unnecessary. Don’t worry about rent, Chase.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Brett studies me for a few moments. Cocking his head, he says, “Great. Of course, Mackenzie is always welcome.”
Mike clears his throat. “Umm… Pearl doesn’t want Kenz to see Chase.”
My hands clench into fists and I drop my eyes to the table, gritting my teeth so hard I’m afraid they’ll break. The silence in the room is deafening.
To my surprise, Brett responds to Mike, causing me to look up at the sound of his voice. “With all due respect, Mike. Mackenzie is eighteen. I don’t think Pearl has a say in it. And quite honestly, you know your daughter is feisty and there’s nothing that will keep her away from Chase.” His voice is low yet his words fire off like darts hitting a board. “Hell, in the short time around her, I’ve seen it.”
Mike clears his throat. “I know. God, this is a helluva position to be in.” His eyes meet mine. “I know how much you love my daughter.” He gives me a pointed look, conveying he’s thinking about what I told him earlier. “I just don’t know how far Pearl is going to take this. I’ve never seen her so angry and stubborn.”
My breathing is ragged. “I know what you want to hear. You want me to tell you I’ll lay low and stay away from Kenz.” I sag against the chair. “I just don’t know if I can. As much as I don’t want to rip your family apart, I meant every word I said.”
We stare at one another, at a loss for words. Brett’s phone rings and he looks at the screen. “I’ve gotta take this. I’ll be right back.” He gets to his feet and leaves the room, leaving Mike and I alone. Again.
“It’s six days until Christmas. I know Kenz won’t be happy if she’s not spending it with you.” Mike blows out a long sigh. “All I can promise is to keep trying, Chase. I don’t know if I’ll get anywhere with Pearl, but I’ll try.”
