Jennifer couldn’t contain her snort. “Is that what they’re calling it now? I could use a little one-night help, though obviously, not with someone who has ‘helped’ you out. That would be gross.”
I deadpanned, “Yes, that’s the part of that statement that was disturbing. You know you sound beyond sanctimonious right now, right?”
Vanessa could see the signs of trouble ahead. “Hey, hey, now. I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it. I’m sorry to hear that it didn’t work out with Chase. He seemed nice, and it’s not everyone who’d attend a family wedding as a plus-one. I thought you told Mom and Dad you’d been dating for months?” Her brow raised. “That surprised me, because I figured I would have heard of him before, or you know, met him.”
I smiled weakly at her but didn’t comment right away. She nudged me and gave me her best mom-face of disapproval, and I relented.
“Chase is a friend who agreed to help me run interference during the wedding. I haven’t known him six months, that’s just what he told the folks.”
“That was a friend? I’d hate to see what you get up to on a real date.”
Typical Jennifer. Vanessa’s eyes were sympathetic as they met mine.
“I’m sorry that things didn’t work out. He seemed nice, if quirky, but you were hitting it off. I know it’s difficult for you to meet men with your work schedule.”
I glanced back down at my plate. “Yeah, well it turns out he wasn’t as into me as I was into him. He stood me up for our next date.”
“That jerk. I’m sorry, sis.”
Jennifer frowned like she was going to unleash her own opinion again, but I suspected Vanessa kicked her, because Jennifer scowled at her and started rubbing her leg beneath the table.
“Yeah, I’m sorry too. It’s never fun when the assholes disappoint you.”
Her words were more conciliatory than I’d heard in years. Maybe knowing that I had my own relationship troubles soothed her ego.
Lunch wrapped up, and I was glad that Jennifer and I had more-or-less moved past our differences. For the moment. Vanessa’s goodbye hug was rib-crushing tight, while Jennifer’s was the hug equivalent of a lukewarm handshake, but I’d take it. I could only handle being at odds with one person in my life at a time. Though granted, Chase wasn’t in my life anymore.
Chapter 27 - Chase
I put the final touches on my edit and hit save with a flourish. It felt amazing to set up my latest book for pre-orders. Not just the sense of accomplishment, but also the closure and satisfaction of having drafted the book on a more defined schedule.
It’d been a stretch at first, tracking my working hours and setting alarms, but I’d eventually hit a rhythm that helped me balance work and my personal life. Before game night I texted Jimmy not to bring pizza, and when Jimmy and Matteo arrived, I surprised them with a meal I cooked. My apartment was clean, I was showered, and the food was hot. Jimmy gave me a knowing look, while Matteo said bluntly, “Who are you, and what have you done with my buddy Chase? Are you okay? Are you ill or something? Do you have bad news to break?”
I popped the top off a few beers without comment. Handing one to each of the men, I admitted, “Actually, I have a confession. Jimmy already knows, and I want you to know too. My career has moved beyond editing. Most of my income actually comes from writing now.”
“Hey man, that’s great. Have I read anything you’ve written?”
“Maybe? Do you read a lot of romance?” I tried not to give away that his answer mattered, but this was my trial run for bigger revelations.
He wrinkled his nose. “No, not really. My wife does. Occasionally she’ll read me the funny bits.” His smile turned mischievous. I could practically hear the gears turning.
“Just the funny bits.” I let skepticism drip from every word.
He shuffled. “Yeah, and other things that catch her interest. What’s your author name?”
I took a deep breath before answering.
“Virginia Rothman.”
There was no turning back now...
“No way. My wife loves your books. Why would you hold that back?” He smacked my chest with the back of his hand. “Didn’t you think we’d be happy for you? Just because I’m not much of a reader, doesn’t mean I can’t read.”
I tensed at the hint of accusation and hurt in his voice. I’d earned that. Unsure how to respond, I shrugged. Scripting this conversation would have been a brilliant move. I’d expected more scoffing from Matteo than support. I should have predicted he’d be hurt.
“I’m sorry. I should have been honest with you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“By the time we roomed together in college, I’d learned to hide my habit. I still have flashbacks to from the teasing I got in high school for reading romance, but I shouldn’t have let that hold me back from telling you.”
“I’m sorry, Chase. As a teen, I admit I would have been one of the assholes. But we’re adults. And your closest friends. Right?”
I nodded and let out the breath I’d been holding. That hadn’t been so bad. “Right. And thanks. I’ve been nervous about telling anyone.”
Matteo’s nod was subdued as he acknowledged my words. “I’m sorry for not telling you earlier,” I apologized again.
Jimmy finally chimed in. “So, is tonight’s feast courtesy of the new Chase? How’s the work/life management going?”
I smiled, but it was weak. “Yeah. I’m proud of myself. I’ve been doing a better job separation my business from my personal life.” I walked him through my whiteboard and schedule.
“I’m impressed,” he insisted. “I wasn’t sure if you could do this, but it looks like you’ve stuck to it for
