Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
CHASE
Four frustrating hours later, I turned to my brother after Astrid announced that the moving truck was empty and everyone could go home.
The weather had made a dramatic about-face, not unusual for north Idaho, and it had begun not just raining but dumping buckets.
A long burst of thunder had rung out not five minutes ago.
“I’m staying.”
“Big surprise. Not really. But I hope you know what you’re doing.
I don’t know what’s in your head, not that I did when we were younger, but I’m guessing you’ve been through some shit.
And Astrid deserves a guy who’s not gonna take off when things get tough.
She has a kid, Chase.” Kane didn’t elaborate further. He didn’t have to.
“Hell, I know we haven’t seen each other in years, but I’m not staying hoping to get lucky with an old flame. She means more to me than that. I appreciate you looking out for her. I do. And yeah, I’ve realized what her having a kid means...” Pausing, Addy and Ridge walked into the room.
“Hey guys, we're heading to O’Malley’s Pub, you in?” Ridge held the door open for his wife and waited for our reply.
Kane remained silent, so I answered. “I’m good. But I’m sure Kane and Chassie will be going, right?”
“Sure, we’ll catch up.” Kane folded his arms. Obviously, he still had more to say.
The couple gone, I said, “Okay, let it out. I’m not sure how long we have before Astrid is finished.”
“I don’t want to let you have it, Chase. You’ve been through a lot, but don’t you think you’re moving at hyper-speed here? Shit, you just got back into town.”
“I’ve been thinking about Astrid for over two decades, then for weeks as I was laid up in that damn hospital bed. She’s it for me, man. I’m not waiting any longer.”
Silence. Then Chase released a long sigh.
“And let me ask you this: how long did it take you to go after Chassie when you realized you wanted to be with her forever?
Throwing up his hands, Kane chuckled. “Alright, touché. We both knew pretty quickly.”
“Exactly. And I know this because while you were tending to the grill last night, Chassie and I had a nice little chat. She told me all about how you two met. How quickly everything played out for you two. And I’m happy for you.
I will admit I was surprised to see you settled, especially since you were living that Hollywood lifestyle so long. ”
Ignoring my reference to his former life as a stuntman, Kane sighed.
“Okay, okay. You want another chance with her. I’m still not clear how you left things with her, but I’m guessing since she’s never once asked me about you it wasn’t a positive experience.
Just be sure you’re ready for long-term with her and her son.
That’s it. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.
” Kane punched my arm, then jogged toward the front door, laughing the entire way.
I should have seen that move coming, which proved to myself just how focused I was on Astrid. “I’ll let you have that one. I’m sure I did something to you when we were kids that you owed me one. But just one.” I flashed him a quick smile, then rubbed my arm.
Kane hesitated in the doorway and, with a parting shot, “Oh, and make sure if you do get lucky, old man, you make sure and stretch first.” The door slammed shut behind him.
Had I not been nursing my injuries, I would have run after him and paid him back for the punch and the smart-ass dig. Man, some things never changed.
I remembered overhearing a conversation between Astrid and Zoe about her dreading unpacking all the boxes in the kitchen, so I headed that way. After a couple of steps, a muscle in my back hit me with a quick spasm. Shit.
I hated to admit it, but Chase’s suggestion was actually a good idea.