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It takes me a second to catch up, but when I do, I stutter with laughter, unsure how to react. “There’s no way Chase did that.”
Caroline shrugs.
“Seriously, I couldn’t possibly believe –”
“He has money too. Why is it hard to believe?”
I gape at her. “Because I haven’t spoken to him in weeks? Because he called off our wedding?”
“A fake wedding. To be fair.”
“Since when are you being fair to Chase?!” I just realized how much I’ve gotten used to Caroline constantly slandering her brother.
Caroline giggles, “I mean, that’s a pretty splendid way to try and make things better, don’t you think?”
“I –“ I stop short and stare out the windshield.
I have been on the receiving end of apologies from men my entire dating life. Some of them better than others. All of them just words. Maybe actions.
Getting me my job back in such style is certainly the best apology I can think of.
“Oh, Jude. I know Chase isn’t the best at managing his emotions. But he cares. He really cares.”
“Then he should tell me that.”
“Of course, he should. But… pretty good start, huh?”
I lean back in my seat, crossing my arms over my chest and pouting. “This isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card. Just so you know.”
“I know, sweetheart, I know. However, I think Chase has just started to appeal his sentence. You better watch out. Because he’s going to fight.”
I like the idea of Chase fighting for me. More than I’d like to admit.
Still, though, he’s going to have to come to me. I’m not budging until he does.
Chapter 18
Chase
Experiencingtherainfromthe veranda of Gram’s house has always been one of my favorite things. Watching the storm clouds roll in, the rain starts to pour, and the whole world becomes a different place all from the comfort of the wicker sofa.
This rainstorm is different though.
Because today, I’m forty years old.
Birthdays, especially decade milestones, are always marked by parties in my family. But I was firmly against that this year. First, because of the wedding. Then because I don’t think I deserve a party at all after the way I conned my whole family into believing in a relationship that wasn’t real to begin with.
Suffice it to say, Gram agreed wholeheartedly with me. Or should I say she wholeheartedly agreed with my father who had to deliver the message to her since she still isn’t speaking to me.
Until now. I was incredibly surprised when she called me this afternoon and asked me to have dinner with her. In honor of my birthday. It was already getting a bit dark out, threatening clouds in the sky. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me.
I wasn’t planning on doing any celebrating. After all, what is there to celebrate?
I’m still just the childhood version of myself deep inside, though. I don’t think you ever get over wanting people to celebrate with you on your birthday. At least a little bit.
On my drive over, I started to worry. The last time I saw Gram she was madder than a wet hen. Maybe this was all a ruse to get me cornered so Gram could belittle me, rub it in my face that not only was I caught red-handed faking a whole relationship just to secure my inheritance but also to remind me that my inheritance was going down the proverbial toilet today.
For all intents and purposes, though, that doesn’t seem to be the case. When I arrived, there was a delicious spread of all my favorites on the dining table. Typical low country boil fare: crab, corn, potatoes with sides like fried okra and collard greens. To cap off the meal, peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream.
