Page 16 of His Last Chase
Casey
I had rounded the corner just past the guard shack at David and Chase’s gated community, excited to see my boy. What I didn’texpect to find as I approached their house was the vast array of expensive cars parked outside of it. The cul-de-sac they lived in looked like a car dealership, and not one with used cars.
Rockstars = party animals.
Though I hoped that wasn’t what I’d walk into. I was well past the partying age, and that was not my scene.
Time to sift my way through drunken, drug-laden bodies.
Dear powers that be, grant me the courage to get through this.
I shot off that silent message and opted to leave the gift I’d bought for Chase in the car just in case. Embarrassing him in front of the others or having him disregard it would break me.
It hadn’t occurred to me the guards would be there until one of the behemoths answered the door.
“Hello, I’m here to see Chase.” Was that the appropriate lingo to us? Hard to tell given the man’s facial expression didn’t change.
“It’s okay, Sikes,” David told him. “This is my godfather and Chase’s boyfriend.”
Sikes grunted and stepped aside so I could pass. Why did I feel like there was a penance to pay the piper for crossing over?
You shall not pass, ran through my mind.
“Hey, man,” David and I embraced. “It’s great to see you but be prepared for the inquisition headed your way.”
“Huh?”Yes, Professor, you do know the English language and are quite fluent in it.
One by one the guys lined up, blocking my path to Chase. When I finally saw him he mouthedsorry.
“Diamond,” another formidable man approached me as he said what was either his name or a card he held, arms crossed over his massive chest as he glared at me. “Drummer for Social Sinners, and Easton, owner of our management company’s, husband.”
I extended my hand and waited a few very uncomfortable moments for him to shake it. “Casey, it’s nice to meet you.”
Next!
“Easton Masterson, this big lug’s husband.” Easton rolled his eyes and shook my hand. “It’s nice to see you again, though the first time we weren’t formally introduced.” He stepped aside as a familiar face moved forward.
“Rhone, we met a few times when we were growing up. This is my husband, Ely.” He wrapped his arm around one of the most stunning men I’d ever seen. I wondered if he’d done any modeling.
“Rhone, it’s nice to see you again and it’s wonderful to meet you, too, Ely.”
Down the line I went until one last body kept me from my boy. Any minute now I expected them to hold up cards rating my performance from one to ten.
“Seltzer. This is my partner, Jeremiah, also one of our band managers. May I ask what your intentions are with Chase? In case you haven’t figured it out we areveryprotective of him.” His emphasis on the wordverywasn’t missed by me.
“Seltzer. We’ve met before.” I extended my hand, and he stared down on it. I felt the weight of this particular interaction most as all eyes were on us and the room was dead silent. Though I was happy to report no drugs, alcohol, or rogue passed out bodies were spotted.
“Yes, in a different capacity that didn’t involve one of my best friends dating you.”
Well, shit.
“I can vouch for Casey,” David said as he patted my shoulder. “He’s a good guy and if you remember, I’m the one who set them up so if you have a beef with anyone it’s with me.”
“It’s fine, David,” I assured him. “I’ll answer any questions you have as long as they don’t impede upon mine and Chase’s privacy. What is it exactly you need to hear in order to assure you I have nothing but the best intentions when it comes to Chase?”
Seltzer slid his hand into mine and squeezed it, an archaic method of warning. “Actually, just that. But don’t forget, actions speak louder than words and we’ll be watching you.” He released his death grip and stepped aside.
Chase breathed a sigh of relief as I wrapped him in my arms as he whispered, “Sorry.”