Page 30 of Mine Forever
“Fortunately, I love my job, and being married to Nate helps. But I’ve seen the girls come and go with these players.”
“I love my work too,” I say, grabbing on to the part of the conversation that has nothing to do with matters of the heart. “I’m actually here for work. I’m hoping Chase will help with an event my company is managing.”
“Oh, really? What do you do?”
“I own an event planning and management business in New York.”
“No kidding? I’m the manager of marketing and events. What kind of events do you manage?”
“Mostly corporate events. This is a charity fundraiser for a group of businessmen in New York.”
“Interesting. Do you only work in New York?”
“Right now, yes. We haven’t branched out just yet.”
“Well, if you ever need a job, call me. My boss, Darcy, would love you.”
“If Chase doesn’t help me out, I may have to take you up on that.”
I certainly won’t be planning any events. The only thing I’ll be planning is my imminent move to a cardboard box on the street corner.
There’s a pause in conversation as I look at what aisle I’m in. Two thoughts cross my mind at once.
One, I know what I’m going to make for dinner.
And two, Charley may have some info that I really don’t need but want.
“What…um…”Spit it out, Mitchell. You know you want to know.“Do you know if Chase has a girlfriend?”
She smiles and looks around before leaning forward. “According to Nate, no. There was a girl he hung out with some last year. She was a bartender at The Red Parrot, but moved to Miami about a year ago.”
“She just up and left? Why?”
Charley shrugs. “Not everyone here is a lifer. There’re three kinds of people that live here. Those that were born here and stay, those that were born here but plan to flee the first chance they get, and the ones that visit and never leave. Tess was born here and was ready to explore. Chase came and never left.”
“How do you know it wasn’t serious?”
“According to my husband, Chase didn’t want it to be serious. Look,”—she leans forward again—“you know him, so you know Chase is a little on the grumpy side, but I’m sure you also know he’s got a heart of gold. He’s the go-to guy on the island when anyone needs something fixed. And if he can’t do it, he hires the best people who can. He helps coach the high school team and a little league team. The kids and coaches adore him, and the townreallyloves him when the team ends up going to state like they did last year. He may have only lived here for a few years or so, but they’ve embraced him like the prodigal son.” She pauses, brow raised. “But then I’m sure you already knew all that.”
Actually, I didn’t know any of that about him. I open my mouth to ask more questions—questions I really have no business asking—but the man himself walks up.
I clamp my mouth shut.
“Hey, Charley. How’s it going? Where’s that beautiful baby?”
I can’t help it. My head snaps to the man next to me, confusion running riot in my brain.
Who is this man?
Charley grins at Chase. “She’s with Julian. Just getting some last-minute supplies. And talking to your friend Eden here.”
He frowns, looking down at the items in the cart. “What are you going to make?”
“Hey, you said to surprise you. So that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Great,nowyou listen to what I say.”
He shakes his head and gives Charley his trademark panty-dropping smile that he seems to give everyone but me.
