Page 44 of Chasing After You
I just keep replaying the part where he essentially dismissed Dave because he didn’t like the questions he was asking me? It’s a shame Henry didn’t take that moment alone with me. I would have happily let him do whatever he wanted to me if he called memon cœuragain.
Since that interaction, I’ve been distracting myself with puppies so I don’t overanalyze everything about it.
I’d love to keep one, but I’ll be traveling with Stacey and the team, so it’s not a good time. Luckily, we’ve been able to find homes for so many of the dogs today.
The puppy in my arms is sleeping, and I noticed a family nearby that’s been eyeing him, but they haven’t approached. Sometimes people need a little shove in the right direction. As I get closer to them, out of the corner of my eye, I note the flashes coming from a nearby camera, making sure my smile is in place.
“Hi, I’m Mirabelle. Are you interested in adopting a dog today?” I ask warmly, trying to keep their focus on me, and not on the cameras behind me.
“Yes.” The little boy smiles brightly at me, and my heart melts at his missing front tooth. It adds to his cuteness factor.
I look to the mother for permission before crouching down next to him. “This little guy is looking for a home if you’d like to meet him?” I offer, and he reaches out, but immediately freezes before he can touch the fur.
“Can I pet him? Mommy said I have to ask first,” he asks, his face full of hope.
“She’s right, but you can absolutely pet him. I think you will get along very well. He likes for his ears to be scratched,” I whisper the last part, causing the little boy to giggle. Maybe I should have become a teacher; kids are a blast.
I set the slumbering puppy on the warm turf, as the little boy starts petting him gently.
I explain a little more about the adoption process to the parents before giving them a chance to make their decision, but I have a feeling the puppy has found its forever home.
On my way back to where Emily is chatting with another potential adopter, I spot Bailey sitting in the stands by himself. Looking around, I see my parents are with Henry’s, like they have been all day. Hunter is with Kaitlyn, and Henry is with Wilson and Quinn, playing with a group of kids.
At least in person, I know he can’t decline me like he’s been declining my phone calls. I don’t understand why he’s up there by himself, though?
I climb the stairs, half-expecting Bailey to bolt in the other direction as he immediately frowns after noticing me. “Hey, B,” I greet cheerily, trying to start the conversation off on a good note. Bailey stays silent, and I lean back in the stadium seat, opting for a different direction. “How’s soccer going?”
He scoffs quietly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Fine,” Bailey answers shortly.
“Do you know when you’re going to visit Duke? I could ask for the day off if it’s during the week.” Their head soccer coach offered Bailey a spot on their roster after watching one of his exhibition games in June. Bailey wanted to wait to commit until the team was in season so he could get a feel for the dynamics, but a few of his old teammates who have already graduated play there, so I’d be surprised if he chose to go somewhere else.
“No.”
Bailey’s temper is shorter than Mom’s, which is pretty damn short to begin with. I chew my lip hesitantly, wondering if maybe I should have gone home for a weekend regardless of where my relationship with my parents currently stands. “So—”
“Go back to your boyfriend and your perfect life here so you can continue forgetting about the rest of us. We don’t need you,” he snaps, his entire face marred with anger. My jaw unhinges in shock, completely taken aback by the harshness of his words. Is JJ getting the same treatment for moving out of the house, or is it just me?
“Bailey—”
My brother stands up, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I didn’t even want to fucking come today. Mom and Dad made me because that’s what Walkers do: we’re there for each other always,” Bailey says bitterly, and I barely recognize him. “When have you been there for me lately?”
What the hell did Hunter leave out when he said things aren’t going well with Bailey?
“I’m sorry I’m not living at home anymore. I’m sorry I haven’t visited, but I’m always here for you, Bailey. I love you,” I say, hoping the message gets through to him. “I’ve been calling and texting, but I can’t be there for you if you won’t pick up the phone.”
I stand up slowly, trying to take a step in his direction, but Bailey shies away. “Just leave me the fuck alone. You’ve gotten pretty good at it.”
“B, that’s not true,” I try to protest, and he flees. I don’t know what’s going on, but this isn’t the same kid I spent the summer fighting over waves with. I could go after him, but I think that’d only make things worse. Hunter definitely has some explaining to do, though.
I sit down again, racking my brain to piece together when Bailey decided he hated me so much. No one on the field is looking for someone in the bleachers, so it’s a safe bet that I can hide up here until I’m ready to rejoin everyone on the field. I understand now that’s exactly what Bailey was doing.
Tears blur my vision, and I sniffle, wiping my nose on the back of my hand as I spot Quinn walking up the stairs. I want to be alone, but maybe that’s the same thing Bailey wanted when he was up here. Clearly, it’s the last thing Bailey needs. His smile drops, and I can only assume my fucking feelings are plain as day all over my face.
“Are you okay?” he asks, taking the seat next to me, angling himself to face me. It looks awkward with his long legs, and I can’t help laughing, despite how broken it sounds coming out.
“I’m fine, Quinn. I need a moment.” I might need more than a moment, though.
His eyes scan my face, and I want to shrink under the attention. I should be getting my ass up and putting my big girl pants on to talk to my parents so we can get to the bottom of what’s wrong with Bailey.
