Page 60 of Chasing Lyric
Chapter Twelve
LYRIC
Monday
I feel like I’ve been hit by a gigantic lead weight.
I haven’t had much sleep over the last two nights, but I guess that’s to be expected when you are equal parts sexually deprived and confused. But nevertheless, when you own your own business, you still have work to do. So off to work I shall go.
Opening the door to Love and Lavender, I drag my feet inside to see Rory already watering the ferns by the back desk.
With a quick exhale, I make my way to her, trying to brighten my mood. “Morning,” I somehow drone out.
She turns to me, her eyes widening before she lets out a gasp. “Jesus.”
I stand a little taller. “What?” I dust off my top.
Did I miss crumbs from the half a piece of toast I ate this morning?
Rory puts down the watering can and strides over to me with purpose. She slams into me with a giant hug. “What happened?”
After shaking myself free from her sympathetic embrace, I walk around the desk, placing my bag under the counter. “We had a great night, an evengreaterkiss…” Rory nods emphatically, “… then he ghosted me.”
She jerks her head back in confusion. “He ghosted you! What the hell do you mean?”
My stomach churns. “I mean, I’ve been thinking it over for the last couple of days, and the only thing I can think of as to why Chase would pull back from me like that, and then ignore me, is because maybe he’s married, or he’s got a girlfriend—”
“Or he’s gay?” she mumbles, matter-of-factly.
I stifle a laugh. “He’s not gay, Rory.”
“Just checking. I have this friend, Trevor, I swear they’d besocute together.”
I scoff. “Seriously?”
She throws her hands up in surrender. “Right, sorry. Why don’t you message him?”
“Don’t want to seem desperate. I kinda already threw myself at him Saturday night, then he turned and left. Think that pretty much speaks volumes, doesn’t it?”
She narrows her eyes. “Not always. Sometimes there’s an underlying reason. Just ask! If he’s not into you, then you’re losing nothing.”
“And if he is?”
“Then he should be honest and tell you what’s going on. Because he won’t want you thinking the worst of him.”
I stand taller. “You know, Rory, sometimes you’re really smart.”
“Ha.” She smirks like she didn’t expect me to say that.
I reach under the desk, grab my cell from my bag, and then I walk out the back to the stockroom. I don’t want to pussyfoot around, so I’m going to make it simple and straight to the point. I decide to send Chase a text rather than call because he might be at work. At least this way, he won’t have to talk to me in front of his dad or whoever else might be in his office. Text messages are far more discreet.
Me:Look, I don’t want to fuck about if you’re not into this. Just tell me one thing… are you married or something?
Wanting to press send but not knowing if I’m doing the right thing, I hover over the button. I know the message comes off a little aggressive, but he’s shut me out for almost two days. I sent him a couple of text messages, but there was no response.
I want an answer.
No, Ineedan answer.
