I decide on burgers for dinner, hoping he isn’t already three sheets to the wind. Maybe I can convince him to man the grill—remind him there’s something he’s capable of doing other than drinking himself into oblivion.
By the time I pull into the driveway, I’m completely drained and wishing for my bed. I pinch my cheeks as I stare in the rearview mirror, trying to get some color back in my face. This is as good as it’s gonna get. There’s nothing I can do to hide the dark circles that line my eyes, or the exhaustion seeping from my pores.
I load the groceries into my arms before heading to the front door. I realize I’ll have to ring the bell since I don’t have a free hand to turn the handle, and I send up a prayer that Daddy is still coherent enough to answer. Let it be a good night. Let it be a good night. I shift on my feet, trying to ignore the weight of the bags. When the door opens, my mind goes blank.
It isn’t Daddy who answers, it’s Chase.
He grins. “Hi.”
“Hi. What are you doin’ here?”
He opens the screen door and takes the groceries from my arms. I’m too stunned by his presence to argue. He turns around, loaded up with my groceries, and walks down the hallway. I follow him, mouth gaping. Is he just gonna ignore my question?
“Chase, what are you doin’ here?” I repeat once we make it to the kitchen. He sets the bags down on the counter and spins to face me.
“Thought I’d drop by, keep your dad company.” He says it so casually, like the words coming out of his mouth are completely normal.
I twist around, searching for Daddy. “Where is he?”
“We’re hanging out on the back patio.”
“You’re just… hangin’ out?”
“Yep.”
Daddy walks in through the back door and I turn my attention to him. “Hi, Daddy.”
He makes eye contact and I don’t miss the fact that his eyes aren’t glassy yet.
“What’s for dinner?” he asks. I get no greeting, but that doesn’t surprise me. I ignore the sting the gruffness of his voice causes. I miss the sweet timbre he used to get whenever he saw me.
“I thought we could make burgers. You up for some grillin’?” I smile wide, hoping he’s in an amicable mood.
He’s already shaking his head, but before he can say anything Chase cuts in.
“Hell yeah. I hope there’s enough for me, too.” He smirks. “Think you can teach me a thing or two, old man?”
To my shock, I see a grin pull at Daddy’s lips. What in the world?
“There’s an art to grillin’, boy. Not sure you’re cut out for it.” He looks him up and down.
“Lucky I know you, then.” Chase glances at me and winks. “Unless you’re not up for the challenge.”
My eyes spring back and forth between them. Daddy mutters something about checking the propane and disappears out the back again. I’m standing in the middle of the kitchen, gobsmacked. What the heck is going on?
“I hope it’s okay I’m here.” Chase moves toward me, angling his head down to look in my eyes.
“Uhh… yeah. Yes, it’s—it’s fine. What—how…”
His eyes twinkle with amusement as I stumble over my words.
“I was at Sam and Anna’s, figured I’d walk over. Keep your dad company, give you a break.”
My heart trills. “You’re here for me?”
He puts his hands in his jean pockets, briefly lifting his shoulders. “You need rest.” He says it like it’s no big deal—like he’d do this for anybody. Maybe he would. I’m realizing I truly don’t know this Chase, at all.
“That’s…” Gratefulness surges out of nowhere and I have to choke it back down. “Thank you,” I manage to whisper.
Chase stays. He mans the grill next to Daddy, who I hear laugh. Honest to God, he’s laughing. My heart soars at the sound.
Daddy drinks himself into a stupor and starts slurring during dinner. But at least for tonight, he stayed home. He had a good night. He didn’t act like he hates the sight of me. I stare at Chase across the table, my body tingling as I look at him. The gratitude vibrates through my bones. He didn’t have to spend his time like this. But he’s here. For me—and maybe a little bit for Daddy, too.
I’m the first to stand from the table, picking up the dirty plates and taking them to the sink. Daddy stumbles out to sit in his recliner and watch TV. I can feel as Chase moves behind me, the static buzzing from how close our hands are. He reaches out, uncurling my fingers slowly as he places the car keys in my palm.
My eyebrows furrow. “What are you doin’?”
“Go home, Alina. Get some sleep. I’ll clean up. I’m gonna stay here and make sure your dad stays put. Try out that guest bed,” he teases.
“What?” I gasp. “No, no, you don’t need to do that. You’ve done more than enough.” A strand of my hair falls forward, tickling my cheek. He brushes it behind my ear, his fingers lingering. Butterflies erupt in my stomach as his palm cups my jaw. My mouth parts, the inhale sharp against my teeth.
“Let someone take care of you for once, Goldi.” His eyes glaze over as his thumb swipes across my mouth. I bite my tongue to keep it from slipping out. I want to taste his touch on my lips. I clench the keys in my hand so tight I’m afraid I’ll break skin. I need to keep my grip on reality.
I step back. His hand stays in the air for just a moment before he comes back to himself and drops it down.
