Page 37 of Safeguard

“I doubt it. Maybe he thinks you forgot about him. You don’t know unless you call him.” She places her hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“You’re obviously in love with him. What if he’s the one?”

It’s undeniable. I am in love with him.

It’s a frightening moment of clarity, but I do love him. Silly girl. Why did you go and fall in love? I bolted because I’m afraid he doesn’t feel the same.

“I’m scared. What if I get hurt again?”

“Jesus, Melanie, what if he’s the best decision you ever made? You don’t know unless you try. Take a risk.”

She picks up my phone from the table, dangling it in front of my face. I consider calling him, but I know he’s still in Atlanta. I don’t need more regrets in my life.

I snatch the phone from her hand and hesitate for a moment. I know I’m only going to be miserable until I figure this out. I decide to call his boss instead.

“Hi, this is Ava, answering Jason’s phone. My husband is having a meltdown in the nursery. You’d think an ex-Marine could figure out how to put a car seat together.”

I laugh inwardly, then instantly regret disturbing him on a Friday night when he’s at home with his family.

“Uh…hi…this is Melanie Quinn. I…um…you don’t know me, but Jason was in charge of my security, and I was wondering if I could speak to him. Never mind, this—”

“Melanie Quinn, the news reporter, right?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Jasooon! It’s for you,” she screeches through the phone, startling me. “Hang on, and I’ll get him. He’s in the other room cursing up a storm at the baby furniture. I think I need to put the darn car seat together myself.”

She places me on hold for a few seconds, then there’s giggling on the other end before Jason’s deep voice grumbles a hello through the line.

“Jason…uh…hi, this is Melanie Quinn.” I nervously twirl my fingers in my hair.

“What can I do for you, Ms. Quinn?” He sounds exasperated, and this was a bad idea.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to know when Chase will be coming home, it’s important I speak with him.” I begin to pace around the living room.

“He came back yesterday.”

“Oh.” I stop cold and glance over at Gabby’s watchful eye.

“Look, Melanie, I don’t want to overstep here, and I’m not exactly sure what’s between you two, but Chase is in a bad place right now. He could really use a friend.”

“What’s going on with him?”

“It’s a bit personal, but maybe you should call him.”

I take a deep breath. “Jason, please tell me what’s going on.”

“Gray says he was at the bar last night, and he’s there again tonight. I’m worried about him.”

I stand like a statue, listening to him speak.”Why? What’s tonight?”

“It’s the anniversary of his brother’s death. He’s always put undue blame on himself. He thinks it should have been him.”

My legs tremble as I sink into the couch. “It was an accident,” I whisper.

“His father had a flat tire that night, and Chase asked his brother to go help him, instead.”

Tears prick my eyes and I didn’t think my heart could break into any more pieces. He needs me. God, I need him. I’ve been so stupid. “Where is he?” I demand.

---