Page 33 of Reclaimed Roots

"You okay?" he leaned against the door, his blue eyes bloodshot and unfocused. A fine sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead.

"Yeah, sorry. I just needed a minute." I gripped the edge of the sink, knuckles white against the porcelain.

"Sammy's a fucking bitch."

A very ladylike snort escaped my throat. "Understatement of the century."

"Don't let her get to you. That's what she wants."

I nodded, and Chase shifted behind me, wrapping his big arms around my shoulders and resting his chin on my hair. He was clammy, and he reeked of booze, but his solid warmth against my back was soothing.

"I'm okay," I said, patting his forearm where it stretched across my chest. "Let's get back out there."

"You got it." He kissed the crown of my head and turned to open the bathroom door, gesturing for me to lead the way.

We headed out through the sliding glass door off the kitchen and onto the deck. Chase detoured toward the bar, pouring himselfanothershot. "One for the road," he said with a wink.

A chill ran through me as I watched him stumble around. His drinking had escalated since he visited me in college. The past few years had changed him, and not for the better. Maybe his antics just looked more out of place in a sleepy little town gathering than in the midst of a raucous frat party.

"Might wanna slow down on the shots."

"Yes,mom." He saluted me before bounding down the stairs toward our table.

I took my seat, and the tension was thick as molasses. Until Chase spoke up, of course.

"So, who's ready to lose some money?" He grinned, rubbing his hands together with exaggerated glee.

Sammy sneered. "You're the only one who's going to lose anything tonight, Chase."

Jasper and Sammy took the first trick. When Chase started dealing the next hand, his movements were clumsy. One card flew off the table entirely, and he giggled—actually giggled—as he retrieved it.

Something's really wrong with him tonight.

I glanced over at Jasper. His shoulders lifted in a helpless shrug, but the concern on his face matched my own.

Chase and I went on to lose spectacularly, which was no surprise given his state. When they won the final trick, Sammy jumped from the table and threw herself at Jasper. He rolled his eyes, and when he saw that I'd caught him, he gave me a small smile.

"Well, this was fun, but I think I'm going to head out," I said.

"What? No!" Chase cried. "Stay. Have another shot."

"I'll pass, and I think you should too. Do you want to walk home with me?"

"Nah, I'm good. See ya later, Natty Light." He kissed me on the cheek and headed back toward the liquor. I watched him go, worry whirling in my gut.

"I'll make sure he gets home," Jasper said, interrupting my thoughts. Sammy was no longer hanging on him, thank god.

"Okay. Good luck with the tournament."

Jasper nodded and gave me that same wistful smile. I hated that things were so awkward between us. But after last night on the porch and seeing him with Sammy, I didn't know where we stood.

In some moments, it felt just like old times.

In others, we were like strangers.

Chapter Fifteen

NATALIE

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