Page 46 of Committed to You

“Okay.” I hang up and wipe the tears off my face, trying to pull myself together before I go back out to my client.

When I walk back out, Misty asks, “Vivian, are you okay?”

I cry again. “I’m sorry. My best friend got hit by a car. I need to get to the hospital.”

She puts her arm around me. “Sure. Is there anything I can do for you? Do you want our driver to take you to the hospital?”

“No, thank you. My…” I stop. What exactly is Chase to me? He’s not my boyfriend. But are we even going to be friends after all that has happened in the last few days?

“Vivian?” Misty frowns at me.

“Sorry. I have a ride coming.” I gather up all the documents on the table and turn back to her. “I’ll get your property up on the market. Thanks so much for choosing to work with me.”

“You’re welcome. Please send me a quick message about how your friend is doing.”

I gather all my items and make my way downstairs. When I get out of the elevator, Chase is waiting for me in the lobby.

I walk past security, and he pulls me into his arms. I sink into him at first but then remind myself he’s not emotionally available, and I don’t need to fall back into his trap.

Pulling away, I see the hurt and disappointment pass over his face, and my heart rips further.

This isn’t about you and Chase. This is about Charlotte.

“Thanks for getting me,” I say and start to walk toward the door.

“Vivian.” Chase takes my hand.

I jerk free and snap at him, “This isn’t about us. Don’t make this about us. Thank you for picking me up. I want to go to the hospital and see what’s wrong with my best friend. Can we do that?”

He closes his eyes, his jaw tightens, and he takes a deep breath then opens them again. “Okay.”

We don’t say anything else and get into the car.

“What happened?” I ask him.

“She saw all of us in a cafe with Billie. Xander jumped up to go after her, and she raced down the street and ran right through the crosswalk.”

“Billie?” I seethe.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You all love to throw your women in our faces, don’t you?” I hurl at him.

“What? No. You’ve got this wrong,” Chase denies.

I sarcastically laugh. “Xander didn’t hurt Charlotte enough? You all had to go have coffee with her?”

“No. That’s not what happened.”

“Whatever.” I pretend interest in the landscape outside the window.

Chase takes my hand again.

I yank it away. “Do not touch me.”

I’m full of anger. Every second I’ve ever spent harboring feelings for Chase, knowing he won’t commit, mixes with my worry for Charlotte, and I decide I’m officially done.

“Vivian. You have this wrong. We didn’t know Billie was going to be there.”

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