Jeremiah
Adore You by Miley Cyrus
“Why am I even surprised?”
“Dad—”
“When you came crawling to me, I should’ve known it had to do with some boy,” he sneers at Chase, making my stomach curl into itself.
The words are sharp as they cut through the air.
Yet, unlike many times before, I don’t cower within myself.
Instead, I reach for Chase’s hand without thinking—grasping it like a lifeline.
His fingers twitch in mine, the tiniest hesitation, like he's unsure. But I squeeze tighter. He’s not going anywhere. Not this time.
“He’s not just some boy,” I say, voice low but unwavering. “I’m in love with him. And I didn’t come crawling to you, I asked you for help.”
Dad scoffs, a bitter sound, and shakes his head in disbelief. “Help. I should never have brought my associates here. You’ve made a complete fool out of yourself in front of hundreds of investors. Who will believe in you now?” he scoffs, gesturing at Chase.
“Me. I’ll believe in myself.”
He huffs, shaking his head. “You still don’t get it. Where will he be when you have nothing left?”
I can feel Chase squeezing my hand tightly, reminding me that he’s right here by my side. As if I could ever forget.
“See, that’s where we’re different, dad. I don’t prioritize money over the people that I care about. That’s you.”
Something flashes across his face. His eyes widen as he takes in what I’m saying.
“Your mother…” He clears his throat. “She left because she wasn’t happy. That wasn’t my fault.”
“All I know is that I’m determined to do whatever I can to keep the people I love happy. Because that’s what makes me happy, dad. Them.”
His face falters, visibly shaken by the words. I’ve never spoken to him like this. But it’s been building for years. It’s been time.
My shoulders relax as I take a deep breath.
"I appreciate you for bringing your associates here. I never meant to embarrass you." I swallow. "I didn't walk into that room planning to quit..."
Dad scoffs, looking away.
“But,” I continued. “I know it was the right decision. Because I do believe in WingMate. I know what it’ll become with the right backing. It’s destined for greatness and I want to be a part of that. In order for that to happen…I’ve got to take a chance.”
I steal a glance at Chase, who I’m happy to see is giving me a soft, prideful smile.
“And you’re willing to bet on this?” Dad snaps me out of our moment.
I return my gaze to him and nod firmly. “More than ever.”
Dad sighs deeply, glancing over my shoulder. “Paul Ruiz didn't seem nearly as offended as I expected.” He shakes his head, looking away. “I’ll talk to him. See what he thinks—”
“I know who he is. I’ll talk to him.” I stand tall.
Dad’s eyes narrow on me, but I can tell by his small tsk that he’s thinking it over. All I get is a low hum, before his gaze travels to Chase.
“If you say that he means a lot to you, as does this company…I need to trust that you know what you’re doing.” Dad’s voice comes out soft and defeated. “I’ll be expecting dinner soon with the two of you. I want to know the man my son has…fallen in love with.”
I nod simply before his eyes glance over my shoulder towards the doors behind me.
“Gentlemen! I was just coming to find you. Have you tried those crab cakes yet?” He hurries past us, ushering the other investors he came with back into the gala like nothing happened.
It’s not a full apology, but it’s the most I’ve ever gotten from him. So, I’ll take it.
“Wow,” Chase exhales, turning to face me. “Are you okay?”
I study his face for a moment, letting myself really see him. I run a hand along his cheek and cup his jaw, pulling him closer.
“I’m feeling fucking reckless.”
Chase laughs, the sound wrapping around me like warmth. “Good. You’re a fucking rule breaker, Jer. Quitting your job? Standing up to your dad? Who even are you?”
“I don’t know…” I laugh softly. “And I don’t care.” I sigh, grazing my lips against his. “All I care about is this. This, right here.” I kiss him hard. He melts into me, arms sliding around my waist.
Chase wraps his hands around my arms, pulling me in closer. Fuck, after the dramatic night we had last night, I don’t think I could ever get close enough. I swear I could stay in this exact moment forever.
“Okay, okay. Before you two start stripping down right here–” Mia’s voice sounds over the music from the Gala.
Chase and I break apart slightly, looking at her guiding the pack outside.
Heather, her wife Emily, Theo, Rachel, and Ryan follow close behind her.
“You two should know that I was livestreaming that whole speech.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“Yeah, I saw.” I smile, running my hand through my hair. Chase gives me a knowing look.
“Yup! And I’ve got the best news,” Mia nearly squeals. “WingMate sales have just skyrocketed. Apparently everyone’s loving how caring and loving it sounds here and it’s exactly the type of environment they want from their dating app.”
Chase coughs out a laugh. “Okay, not bad, Blackwood!” he says, tapping me on the chest.
Mia’s eyes flicker to him. “Well, the only bad news is that they’re calling Jeremiah over here ‘WingBoy’. Apparently you looked like Nightwing or something running after Chase through the crowd.” Mia bites back a laugh. “Hey wait, I can laugh now. You’re not my boss anymore.”
“Technically, he is.” Heather speaks up. She walks up to Chase and I and positions her hands on her hips looking us both over. “You know…I should be really upset with you for keeping me in the dark about this.” She narrows her eyes at me.
I swallow harshly, knowing I have a lot to explain.
She has every right to be pissed. Heather believed in me, took me in and really trusted that I would do what’s right.
I basically embarrassed her in front of everyone she knows.
WingMate is her baby and this whole deal has gone right under her nose.
“But the thing is…I heard that speech up there and it didn’t sound like you did all of this for selfish reasons.
” She flicks her eyes at Chase beside me before coming back to me.
“And Theo gave me the lowdown on why he asked you not to tell me. He was right. I would’ve torn David’s shit down so fast which would’ve potentially hurt WingMate in the long run. " She shakes her head.
Emily walks up, rubbing her pregnant belly and grabs a hold of Heather's hand lovingly. Heather softens and glances at her wife. “You did it to protect us. And I really respect that,” she sighs, softly. “So, thank you, Jeremiah.”
I smile at her and feel a rush of relief wash over me. The last thing I’d want is for Heather to be upset with me.
“I’m just so glad we could keep WingMate the way you intended it to be.”
“Right? Can you believe that asshole? David really wanted to take down everything that makes it special,” she frowns.
“After I told him I quit, he beelined it to some bikini designer,” Theo mutters, glancing over his shoulder. “David will be just fine.”
“He’ll miss you,” I add.
Theo smirks, shrugging. “Yeah. Who wouldn’t?”
“Wait, if Jeremiah is becoming an investor. Who’s going to be the new COO?” Mia asks, making everyone stop and remain silent.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Heather asks.
“I can think of the perfect fit,” I say softly looking at his beautiful profile.
I smile because there’s only one person I know that could do what I do and even better.
His eyes widen as he glances at everyone watching him. “Me!? Seriously?”
“Chase, no one else loves this company as much as you do. You’ve been my partner from the very beginning. You know the ins and the outs and the staff genuinely care about you. You were always the perfect fit.” Heather smiles, holding onto his free hand. “I’m only sorry it took this long.”
I can’t hold back my grin watching pure joy spread across his face.
“You–holy shit—yes! I’d love to. Holy fuck, is this really happening?” he laughs, eyes bouncing to everyone.
“And Mia…” Heather adds, waving her over.
Mia blinks. “Yes?”
“Or should I call you… Marketing Manager?”
Mia’s mouth drops open as she looks back over to Rachel and then back to us, pure shock on her face. In an instant, her arms swing over mine and heathers shoulders, bringing all of us in for a group hug.
“I love you and Chase together. Best thing that’s ever happened to WingMate EVER! Woo! I love this job!” She bounces—actually bounces—in her heels.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Heather laughs rubbing her back.
“That’s a hell yes.” Mia beams. Chase reaches over and flicks her nose quickly resulting in her pushing him lightly in the chest which I guess is their way of saying congratulations to each other.
“Congratulations, Mia.” I smile, kissing her on the cheek.
The smile on her face fills my heart with such joy and I’m honored to be a part of this moment. Be a part of this group.
I look back at Chase who’s looking at me with a slightly sad face. My heart dips.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m really happy. Seriously. But… I just got you.” Chase sighs, looking down at our interlocked fingers. “I don’t think I can say goodbye to this. I don’t have it in me.”
“Woah, woah, who said anything about saying goodbye?” Theo interjects, walking down the steps. He looks between us and raises his eyebrows like the answer is obvious. “If I’m going to be busy in New York, who’s going to be looking after our first investment here?” He pokes me lightly in the chest.
“Seriously?” Chase gasps.
Theo grips his shoulder softly. “Your man isn’t going anywhere.”
An understanding passes between them, wordless but full. I know it means a lot to Chase that this message is coming from Theo.
Chase can’t contain himself. He wraps his arms around Theo’s neck and plants a dramatic kiss on his temple. “You fucking annoyingly handsome shithead, you!”
“Hey!” Theo laughs, even as he accepts the affection.
I chuckle, tugging my overly affectionate boyfriend off of him. “Let’s not kill Theo with kisses—those are strictly mine.”
“I really don’t mind,” Theo shrugs, smirking.
“Watch it,” I say, pointing at him with a playful warning.
Chase sighs, relaxing into my arms as I pull him back against me. I nod at Theo, who gives me a knowing smile.
Our plan actually worked.
And for the first time in a long time… I can’t remember ever being this happy.
“Okay, guys. Let’s head in. We’re missing all the good songs,” Ryan claps, waving everyone into the building.
Chase laughs, shaking his head, walking forward to meet up with everyone going inside.
“One second,” I pull his arm back for a moment, bringing him close. “Once we go in there, everyone’s going to know you’re in a relationship with me. You ready for that?”
A slow smile creeps on his face. “I’ve been ready for it.”
I can’t help it. I pick his hand up and kiss the back of it before he pulls me inside.
I’m not a huge dancer but hey, I also thought I’d never do half the stuff that Chase gets me to do so why not.
“Guys, have you two seen Todd and Bailey?” Jocelyn asks, appearing out of nowhere.
Honestly, I haven’t seen them since I followed Chase outside.
We shake our heads just as the coat closet swings open. Out stumble Todd and Bailey—disheveled, flushed, and clearly not expecting an audience.
Oh.
I look at Chase who looks at me with raised eyebrows.
“I’m going to have so much paperwork on Monday.” Jocelyn mutters, shaking her head, defeated.
Bailey goes to say something but her mouth opens and closes, lost for words. Jocelyn palms her head as she walks off back onto the dance floor. Bailey looks at all of us flushed and embarrassed but we all pointedly look away, giving them space.
I mean, it happens. Sometimes feelings don’t ask permission.
Todd looks exceptionally dazed and happier than ever, with his tie hanging loosely around his neck, lipstick smeared at the corner of his mouth.
“Heyyy, everybody,” he says shyly.
Bailey rolls her eyes and marches toward the dance floor.
“I knew you had it in you, buddy. Believed in you this entire time,” Chase says, nodding as he pats him on the back.
Todd tilts his head. “Wait. You did?”
Eyebrows raised, Chase avoids answering by grabbing my wrist. “Let’s dance.”
We all drift onto the dance floor, letting the music carry us. There are eyes on us, but mostly just warm, approving smiles. My focus isn’t on anyone else except Chase, as he pulls me in and makes it feel like this was always where I was meant to be.
Laughing, dancing, and for the first time—I don’t feel like an outsider.
With Chase by my side, I feel like I’ve belonged here all along.
Completely out, wonderfully free, and beautifully in love.
Risk and all.