“Thanks, Joan.”
She flashes me one of her warm smiles. “I’m always here for you, sweetheart…whenever you need me.” Taking me into her arms, Joan squeezes me one last time before heading out to relieve Stu of counter duties.
My cell rings as I make my way to the back office. I don’t have caller I.D., but I don’t need it to know who’s calling. I can’t do this right now with him and definitely not over the phone; I’ll deal with everything at home tonight. Reaching in my purse, I turn off my cell. But of course, not even seconds later the diner phone rings and I can hear Joan answer the call. She doesn’t say anything; just listens, then when she comes out back, her expression is full of concern.
“Velyn, you need to take this call.”
I know by her tone she isn’t asking, so without pause, I head to the back and use the office phone. “Hello?”
“Velyn, Chase is gone,” Dylan lets out, his voice in a panic.
“What do you mean he’s gone?”
“He finished early today, and when he got home, my father was still going off on me. As soon as he saw Chase, my dad turned all his anger on him. Velyn, he told him he couldn’t talk to you anymore and that if he disobeyed, my father said he’d pull him from school here and send him to one out of state. Chase just stormed off. I thought he went to his room, but then I heard my car peeling out of the driveway. Vel, he can’t drive.” Dylan lets out a breath. “Look, I know you hate me right now and that I have no right to ask you for any favors, but—”
“It’s Chase, we know where he’s headed; he’s on his way to me. I’m at the diner. Hopefully, he’ll stop by here before going to my house.”
“Will you call me when he does?”
“Yes, just sit tight and don’t go anywhere in case he heads back home,” I advise, but before I can end the call, Joan walks in with Chase under her arm, his eyes filled with tears. “Dylan, he’s here. He just walked in.”
“I’m coming.”
That’s the last thing I need right now. “No, Dylan, just stay home. Once we close for the night, I’ll drive him back and have Stu follow me in your car.”
“Velyn—”
“Dylan, no. I can’t do this with you right now. Please.” Conceding, he offers a quick goodbye, and I end the call. I then turn to where Chase is sitting behind the desk. “What in the hell were you thinking? You don’t even have a license.”
His tear-stained face turns up to me. “He said you were a bad influence. That I wasn’t allowed to hang around you.”
I shake my head. My heart’s breaking because Chase is upset, but I’m angry at the same time because he could’ve been hurt. “And you didn’t think that stealing Dylan’s car and driving here would prove him right. Chase, you should’ve known better.”
“You’re mad.”
“Damn right I’m mad. Chase, I’ve told you over and over, I’ll always be your friend and that will never change no matter how much time goes by without speaking to one another, “I explain.
“What about Dylan?” he asks.
I move in beside him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “He’ll be fine. You scared him leaving like that.”
He exhales his held breath slowly. “I guess he’s on his way.”
“No, I told him I would drive you back home when I was done work. But, now that means you’re stuck here, and Joan doesn't like people just sitting around. So, up off that chair, you’re helping me cook tonight.”
That brings a smile to Chase’s face, but it falls quickly. “Vel, is everything okay with you and my brother?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. But that’s for us to figure out, and no matter what happens with Dylan and me, remember it won’t affect our friendship.”
He nods his understanding then moves ahead of me into the kitchen area. “So, where do you want me?”
I look over to the vegetables. “I’m assuming Connie taught you how to slice as well?”
He nods. “Yep!”
“Good, then wash up and start slicing, it’s going to get busy real soon.”
Chase washes up, grabs a knife and starts with no further direction. Watching him there across the table makes me think of Dylan. I’m still angry and hurt, but the real reason I don’t want to talk or see him just yet is that I’m afraid it may be the last time—that he may realize choosing a life with me will mean he has to give up the only life he knows; a life where everything’s so much easier.
It’s just after ten by the time we close up for the night. “Do you want me to drive your car or Dylan’s?” Stu asks.
I look over to Dylan’s black Mustang parked beside mine then back to Stu. “You can drive Dylan’s.” Chase hands the keys over to Stu then follows me to my car.
It’s been raining all evening, letting up just before we closed for the night, but Joan still shouts out a quick ‘take it easy the roads are wet’ before we get in. With everyone ready to go, we head out with Stu following just behind.
Focused on the road ahead but wanting to break the silence, I ask, “What are you going to tell your dad?”
“Nothing. He doesn’t allow for excuses; those are only used by the weak,” Chase replies.
I give him a quick glance. “Is that honestly what he says?”
“Yep. My father isn’t one to beat around the bush. When he asks a question, he expects an answer. Which I guess isn’t a bad thing, but my father’s also
