Page 16 of Chasing Lyric
Music might have played a big part in Chase’s childhood, but he has no idea how massive music was in mine. I guess it still is, in a way. However, I try hard not to get involved with that side of my family’s business.
“I get it, music was big in my childhood, too. My family is all into the music—”
“But not you?” he asks abruptly as if reading my mind.
I sink into myself a little, not knowing exactly the right words to say. “No, not me.”
There’s an easy quiet between us for a beat, then he turns toward me a little more. “Favorite Queen song. Go!”
I let out a loud laugh. Chase’s excited face tells me he’s serious. “Um… okay, well, that’s easy… “Bohemian Rhapsody” without a doubt.”
He sits back in his chair like he’s disappointed in me. “That’s the coward’s way out. Everybody picks that song. Be honest. Really think about it. I mean,really, which one?”
I think for a moment and smile. ““The Show Must Go On.””
His body relaxes like I couldn’t have said anything better. I turn back to the road, feeling great, as if I have impressed him in some small way. But I still want to impress him—I can’t help this damn attraction.This guy is giving me whiplash, but in all the right ways.
“That’s the one I always listen to when I’m in a tough spot, like at work or something. It helps me through,” he says.
“Freddy was a genius.”
“You can say that again.”
I smirk. “Freddy was a genius.”
He chuckles. “Smartass.”
I relax back in my seat, feeling a little more comfortable while he riffles through his bag, pulling out a sandwich.
“A sandwich?Really?You gotta work on your road-trip snacks, man.”
He opens the plastic container and brings his crusty pastrami on rye to his lips. “At least I won’t die of diabetes.”
I snicker as I reach into my bag and pull out another Red Vine, promptly chomping it down while Chase shakes his head. “So, what do you do for a job, Mr. Business Attire?”
I feel his eyes boring into me, but I keep mine firmly on the road. “You know, work for the family business…” He pauses. “General boring office stuff, nothing interesting. Tell me more about Love and Lavender.”
His avoidance tactic has me instantly intrigued, but I don’t want to push him if he’s not willing to give anything back, so I answer him, “I’ve worked hard to get my business up and running along with my business partner, Rory, much to the utter disappointment of my family. They wanted more for me, but floristry is all I’ve ever wanted. I love it. Always have. So, it’s the right choice for me.”
He nods like he’s trying to wrap his mind around my words. “You gotta do what you love, Lyri. Otherwise, it’s a chore. If every day is a chore, then what the hell is the point?”
Finally, someone who gets me.
“Man, I need you to talk to my dad,” I mumble under my breath.
“I can if you want.”
My eyes widen. “Crap! You heard that?”
“It’s a small space, Lyri, and you said it out loud.”
Honestly, I was sure I thought it.
I bite the side of my cheek in embarrassment. “Well, maybe one day you’ll meet him,” I reply, trying to be nice.
“Yeah, maybe one day.”
A comfortable silence filters over us again. I examine the mirror to check on Doughnut and notice his ears sticking straight up. It’s kind of funny watching his ears rippling around with the wind. I tense a little knowing with every turn of the tires, Doughnut’s getting closer to home, and I’m getting closer to saying goodbye to my little friend.
