Page 90 of Chase

“Smalls…” I warn. I love him, I really do, but I know what he’s trying to do. He knows all about the Rhys and Ally situation. He doesn’t respond to me, just keeps whispering with Ally. Can’t say I didn’t try.

Rhys reacts by physically picking up Ally and her chair and moving it to the other side of him, away from Smalls. Smalls let’s out a low chuckle but doesn’t let it phase him.

“You know I’m playing right?” he tells Rhys.

“You’re an asshole,” is Rhys’ only response.

“Take’s one to know one,” Smalls says which causes Chase, Ally and I to laugh.

Before I can sit in my own chair, Chase pulls me into his lap. I snuggle closer as his arms envelope me, relaxing further and letting my drink take away the nerves I’ve had most of the day. I can’t believe I graduated. High school is finished.

I’ve been struggling with my emotions today. On one hand, I’m happy this part of my life is over. I’m moving to New Hope in six weeks. I get to be a teenager with my boyfriend and our friends. But on the other hand, I feel guilty for leaving Millie behind. I’ve been the only constant she’s had, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m doing the wrong thing.

The last few weeks have been good at Nat’s. We all sort of fell into a routine. Nat set chores and rules for us all. She’s assured me that Millie will continue to have a routine and stability for as long as she chooses to stay there.

I’m happy that she’ll be safe. I just can’t shake this feeling.

“You look beautiful,” he whispers in my ear, bringing me back to the here and now. His hand finds the very high slit in my dress. “I especially love this,” he says as he moves his hand to rest high on my thigh.

I quietly moan and wriggle a little in his lap. Letting him know exactly what his hand and words are doing to me.

“Later,” he murmurs.

“Tease,” I taunt. He responds by continue his slow torture.

Arden reappears not long after we’ve all settled in with our drinks.

“Surprise! Don’t you just love it?” Arden says as he takes a drink from Chad and sits with us.

“When did you have time? This is incredible,” I tell Arden, still amazed that he managed to put all this together on top of finishing school, hanging out with us, and designing those shoes.

“I have my ways. But Ralph helped a lot with the party.”

I look over at Ralph, who’s taken up his spot at the top of the stairs.

“The strong man game was your idea wasn’t it?” I ask Ralph.

“You bet. I can’t wait to squash you all,” he says, laying down the challenge.

I expect the boys to react, but it’s Ally who speaks first. “Bring it on Ralphy.” She downs her drink and heads for the stairs. “Let’s do this before the riff-raff shows up,” she throws over her shoulder before running down the stairs with an excited squeal.

Chapter Thirty

Chase

It’s been two weeks since graduation. We’ve been spending as much time as we can with Millie and Julia.

We’ll all miss them, but I know how much guilt both Yasmin and Arden have over leaving them behind.

I have similar feelings about leaving Mum and Grandpa. I’m happy that Millie will be there.

We’ll be back to visit as often as we can and the apartment … wait, we should probably just call it a house now. Will be set up with spare rooms for everyone to come and stay with us.

GW goes to New Hope for golf regularly. I’m hoping he’ll visit.

Rhys and I pull into the driveway of the house in New Hope. Arden asked if we would come and check on the progress. He had something come up today, so he couldn’t come with us. We left the girls lounging at Mum’s in their pjs and reading.

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