Page 3 of Chance Happenings
Cacey frowns instead of following my lead. “You can have the guest room down the hall to the left. Everything you need should be in the adjoining bathroom and I’ll leave a change of clothes for you on the bed.” I paste onanother big smile even though I'm close to tears and I head to the guestroom.
As soon as I enter the room, I can’t help but smile… for real this time.The room I’m in is a first-floor master, that reminds me ofa grown-up version of a baby nursery. It’s so Cacey. Everything is so delicate and over the top feminine with every freaking pastel color in the rainbow. Ribbon and flower prints everywhere.It has a queen-size bed, TV and a small sitting area by a large window overlooking the front yard. I look at my phone against my better judgment before powering it down and I see there are thirty-two missed calls, with nine voicemail messages I decide to put off till later.
Exhausted, I head straight for the bathroom, shed my clothes and try to wash away the last few years. By the time I finish, I realize I’m happy to be home, even as the rest of my life lay at my feet in shambles. I quickly make a mental list as I plan out the next couple of days.I have to…
Call my job and send a resignation.
Change my number.
Sell my car.
Find a job.
Find a place to stay.
Replace essential items.
Maybe not doing it in that order, but it’s a start.
Once I have everything sorted in my head, I try to deal with the pain and shame I feel for having to show up on Cacey’s doorstep like this. She all I’ve got right now. So I might as well get used to the idea of staying around for a while. I take a moment to scan myself in the mirror, taking inventory of my injuries. My lip is noticeably busted, I have a ring around my left eye, and a small gash that is close to my hairline. Other than that, I have some light bruising on my arms and chest area that can be easily covered. At least I don't look as bad as I feel. As I exit the bathroom and draw the blinds, my only hope is that sleep will take me, and I wake up to realize that my life with Pearce was just a bad dream.
Chance
I finally pullmy ass out of bed around noon. After Cacey bailed out on me early, my night turned around significantly. I ended up at Jamie's house until the wee hours of the morning. We’ve been together many times. She’s like the consummate go-to girl, when every other plan falls through for sex. Jamie is gorgeous, always ready and willing when I call. We’ve just had this understanding over the past couple of years that works for us. Most importantly, she expects nothing more.
After showering and getting through my second cup of coffee, I walk down to Cacey’s to pick up my truck. I have to head in to the office for a few hours. We’re hiring a new project manager and I want to follow up on the candidates in the running. Sure, I could probably do this from my home office. It’s just easier to go in to access everything I need at work. We’re very early in the process, but this is an important position to fill. I have to get the right people in place if I’m going to prove to my dad I’m ready to take over at Sullivan Work Group, or SWG, as we call it.
When I spot the blue BMW with New York tags in Cacey’s driveway, I want to kick myself for not remembering that I’ve planned to steer clear of her house until Alexa’s visit is over and done with. But of course, my dumb ass walksright into the middle of whatever shit show Alexa has going on these days. I just hope her, and herchecklistboyfriend stay clear of me. Knocking twice, I let myself in and head to the kitchen.
“Hey sis, where’s your company?” The house looks as it normally would on a Saturday, and nothing besides the car in the driveway gives away that she has visitors. Maybe Alexa isn’there and dropped her car off one the way to a fancy vacation with her lover.
“She’s sleep,” she says, interrupting my internal ramblings.
“That’s rude to come visit a friend you haven’t bothered to call in years, then stay shacked up in the room all day with some dude.” Cacey looks at me like I’ve just kicked a puppy, scowling.
“Will you stop Chance. She’s here by herself, she drove all night and needs to rest.”
Big fucking deal.“What does she want?” Apparently, I can’t do what I decided to do last night and keep my mouth shut either.
“That’s none of your business,” Cacey says angrily.
I don’t know why I bother.“Well, can you get her to move her car? I’m blocked in, and I have to head into the office.”
Cacey turns to me with a questioning look. “What’s so important that it can’t wait till Monday?”
“Just going over the candidates for the new project manager position.”
Cacey doesn’t respond. She just leaves the room and comes back with two sets of keys to move Alexa’s car herself. I take my keys and follow close behind. I have work to do and can’t afford to let my mind wonder about anything Alexa related.
Alex
It’s been a week and I’ve successfully severed all ties of my life in New York with him. I’m finally at peace, which is something I haven’t been for a long time. Now that it’s easier to conceal my bruises, I know I have to get out of this house and try to salvage what’s left of my life. Cacey has beenpatient and supportive as always and has not pressed me for any of the gory details of the fallout between Pearce and I. Most importantly, she’s kept that brother of hers out of my presence. That fact alone has made the transition a lot easier for me and has warmed me up to the idea of staying.
Not so surprisingly, all the accounts I share with Pearce have been closed. That leaves me with my car, engagement ring and about $4800, from the cash I withdrew. After putting on more makeup than I’m comfortable with, I’m able to cover the fading bruises. Satisfied with my results, I head to the kitchen and stop dead in my tracks when I catch sight of messy, dark hair with sideburns fading into early morning stubble and strong, wide shoulders that are partially hidden by the refrigerator door.Shit!I try to turn and go back the way I came, but I’m a second too late as Chance looks up and addresses me with a nod and his standard clipped greeting.
“Alexa.”
Let's get this over with, I decide. Squaring my shoulders, I fix my face to a blank expression and respond in a tone mirroring his. “Chance.”
