Page 54 of His Last Chase
Oklahoma City bound I was then I’d hit the rest of the southwest with them, though I’d have to hop off in Vegas to prepare for fall classes that started a week later. I’d miss the Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Rocktoberfest shows. That would be our longest time apart, two very long months.
The car arrived a few minutes early, but I was ready and waiting. Chase hadn’t asked what show I’d be at, and it was hard keeping it from him, but Easton assured me everything required to get to my boy had been taken care of. Given how well they took care of Chase, I had no doubt his words were true.
What I hadn’t expected was for him and his husband, Diamond, to be on the plane waiting for me.
“Welcome, Casey,” Easton greeted me. I’d briefly met them during the living room inquisition I worked my way through the first time I went to see Chase. Happy to report I didn’t encounter any further obstacle courses of that nature.
“Hello, great to see you both. Thank you so much for arranging this.” The flight attendant came by and offered me a glass of champagne which I readilyaccepted. My nerves were on edge, and this was exactly what I needed to calm them.
Diamond and Easton each took a glass and held theirs to mine. “Here’s to a successful road trip,” Easton said as we tapped our glasses.
“Yes.” Gods, I missed my boy something awful.
Shortly after takeoff the stewardess came by with personal charcuterie trays for us.
“The tour has gone well,” Easton picked the conversation back up as soon as she passed through. “For being newer bands, they’ve actually sold out a couple of venues.”
“Wow, that’s fantastic. I’ve known the members of Embrace since they were in grade school.” Diamond raised his brows. “Not like that. David’s father is my best friend and Chase practically lived with them after his mom died. Trust me, I’m as shocked as you are by Chase and I dating, but I couldn’t be happier. He means the world to me.” Why I felt the need to explain myself, I’d never know but these men played an important role in Chase’s life. Their understanding that this was more than a passing fancy was important.
“Please, forgive my husband. He’s very protective of our bands and given what Chase went through with the woman who gave birth to me…well, let’s just say Chase holds a special place with us.”
“Understood and appreciated. He’s turned into a very well-rounded man, and I couldn’t be prouderof him.” With each passing day the love I had for Chase strengthened. While most teens were out wreaking havoc, he was inside studying or at David’s hanging out. Honestly, all four boys did well for themselves with more than just their musical talents.
“We should arrive just as they do,” Easton said as we prepared to land. “We’ll meet them at the arena. I wish we could’ve booked you a hotel for the night, but we have a show in Dallas tomorrow night so the buses will leave Oklahoma shortly after the show.”
“Not a problem. You’ve done more than enough. I’m just happy to see him.” My arms ached to hold him, and my body craved to have him buried inside it again.
The limo driver dropped us behind the arena where the buses were parked. Easton and Diamond escorted me to Chase’s bus where I dropped my bag on his bunk. My sweet boy had a picture of us thumb-tacked to the wall. I remembered the night that picture was taken as we lay in bed and he snapped it. Our hair mussed but our faces filled with love and affection as we kissed.
“We come bearing gifts,” Easton said as he and Diamond entered the room ahead of me.
“Daddy!” Chase hollered as he ran across the room and right into my arms. “Imissed you so much.”
“Me, too, my love. I can’t believe I’m finally here with you.” It was like I could breathe again. Holding my boy, I came alive. Had I been sulking all this time? Quite possibly, but for now that was behind me.
“You know all the Embrace guys but come meet the members of Chaotic Abyss.”
“Double Cs are in the house!” Seltzer teased as he shook my hand.
“You make us sound like a bra,” Chase shook his head. “I can assure you that we are not.”
“TMI, dude. But good to see you again,” Rhone said as he waved.
David gave me a hug. “Glad you’re back. You had a sad boy with no Daddy around.”
“I’m sure you took great care of him?” It was meant as a statement but came out a question to ensure David had indeed kept an eye on my boy.
“You know I did. Jordan has really come alive with the caregiving, too.” David puffed up. “Proud Daddy moment.”
I threw my head back and laughed. “Amazing how those moments feel.”
Chase had not let go of me since I walked in. What a heady feeling it was to be claimed by the one you loved heart, mind, body, and soul. This boy owned every inch of me.
“This is Jason, lead singer for Chaotic. Josh, their lead guitarist, Marley, their bassist, and Nigel, theirdrummer.” As Chase introduced us, each waved in turn.
“Nice to meet you all.” Keep it simple was my motto for the day, uncertain what the proper protocol was when meeting rockstars for the first time.
“Come on.” Chase tugged my hand and led us over to a couch that had seen better days. “We just finished soundcheck so they’re setting up dinner now. Usually, Ely and Jordan beat us here which is why everyone’s in our room right now. You hungry?”