Chapter Eighteen #2
Chase knew the changes in himself were significant.
Being kind and generous had become almost a habit these days, as if it had always been part of his nature.
Anyone who knew Chase would find his good deeds highly amusing, he supposed, not that he cared what anyone thought.
These small acts never failed to lift his mood.
Each felt like a gift he gave himself. He would admit that looking for some small way to ease another’s load had opened his eyes to those around him.
Guy was only one example.
Chase’s compassion for the man had only increased as he’d continued to reach out to him. He wanted to let this poor soul know someone had seen him. Someone cared.
He didn’t tell Maisy all he’d done, because it would diminish the act. He’d bought Guy a coat and a few other items of clothing and set them outside his tent. Guy never acknowledged the gift, although Chase saw him wearing the shirt and pants. That was all the appreciation he needed.
“How was your day?” Chase asked, turning the subject away from himself.
Maisy hesitated, which was never a good sign.
“What happened?” he asked, before she replied.
“It’s nothing,” she said, with what sounded like an effort to dismiss whatever concerned her.
“Maisy, please. Is it something I can help with?” He already knew the answer; she would never be comfortable asking.
“No, nothing. It’s just that I saw one of the overdue bills on my uncle Fred’s desk.”
“Have there been a lot of those?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said with a deep, heartfelt sigh. “I knew Gallagher Jewels wasn’t doing as well as it used to. My dad was the heart of the store. Uncle Fred gives it his best effort, but it seems that the business is going deeper and deeper into debt each month.”
“What about selling the business?” He knew listing the store would be a painful decision, seeing how long it had been in the family.
“The way debts are piling up, I don’t think we’ll have much of a choice. It breaks my heart for Uncle Fred. Losing the store will break his heart.”
“I’m sorry, Maisy.”
“I am, too. Thankfully, Patrick’s news helped balance the day. I’ve never seen him more excited. The entire family is attending the game on Saturday. We want to show him our support and how proud we are of him.”
Chase loved hearing news about Maisy’s family.
He suspected that was because their closeness and support of one another was something he’d never known himself as a child.
It might have been different if his mother hadn’t left, although he believed Michelle had to move away for her own sake—otherwise, she might never have found sobriety.
“Did your grandmother have her dinner date with Lloyd?” Chase asked, thinking it best to change the subject from the family’s business.
“She did, and according to Grams, Lloyd was a perfect gentleman.”
“You mean to say after all your grandmother’s worries, he didn’t try to pull anything?” Chase couldn’t keep the humor from his voice. Maisy had mentioned her grandmother’s concerns when it came to accepting this dinner date. Fears that caused him to laugh out loud when she’d first mentioned Lloyd.
“He cooked a pot roast in his slow cooker and even sent a few leftovers home with Grams. He claimed it was more than he could eat on his own. I think she might have invited him to attend Patrick’s game this Saturday.”
“It sounds like this romance is off to a good start,” he said.
Maisy agreed. “From what I understand, neither of them is interested in anything more than friendship. It’s good for her to have someone to do things with.
My grandfather has been gone for several years now.
They were always together. They loved watching the Mariners and Seahawks on TV and were great partners.
She cooked and Gramps did the dishes. They made a good team. I know she misses that companionship.”
Chase knew whoever he chose to spend his life with would be a woman he’d feel comfortable growing old with, doing the very things Maisy mentioned.
“Oh,” Maisy added happily, “I wanted to tell you how well Laura is doing. She loves her new apartment, and Bella is in a much better school. They’ve had their ups and downs with each other for sure.
Bella can be a handful, but according to Laura, she is coming around and making much better friends. ”
“That’s good to hear.”
“You don’t know how much that scholarship meant to her and Bella,” Maisy added. “I won’t ever let her know it came from you, although I’d like to. The fact is, I do know and am forever grateful.”
“I welcomed the opportunity to help your friend.” He felt a little uncomfortable with her praise.
They spoke for nearly an hour. Even then, it was hard to end the conversation. Maisy was often the one to call it a night. Chase knew she enjoyed their talks and seemed reluctant to disconnect. It felt as though she was preparing herself for a time they wouldn’t talk at all.
First thing the next morning, Chase sought out his father. “Do you need the company plane this weekend?” he asked.
His father looked up from his desk. “No, do you need it?”
“If it’s available, I would.”
“Where are you headed?” his father asked.
Chase smiled. “There’s a baseball game I want to attend.”