“Thanks Leah,” he answers back. “Take it easy kid, I think you work more than I do. Eat some extra turkey and put some meat on those bones.”
“’Kay I’ll try.” I laugh back at him and wave. I pull back into a pretty empty parking lot. Most of the tenants at the complex were college aged students and seemed to have cleared out as well. I trudge back up the stairs, thanking and paying Clarissa who said of course Caleb was an angel. He must just save his little tantrums for me. I’m worn out from running around on my feet all night and make my way to my bedroom throwing on an old t-shirt before I double check Caleb who probably wouldn’t wake up if a tornado literally tore its way through our apartment and I collapse into bed.
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I wake up the next morning to a loud banging on the front door. Ohmygawd who could that be? I crack an eye open to glance at my clock seeing that its only seven a.m.. Maybe whoever it is will just go away. I roll over onto my stomach and throw my pillow over my head but I can still hear the loud thumps on the door. Caleb of course is still snoozing away, apparently I’m a little bit lighter of a sleeper than he is. “Fine!” I shout out. “I’m coming, I’m coming.” I whip open the door and snap, “What!?!”
Chase stands there in all of his wonderful sexiness in a navy blue V-neck sweater and a pair of dark jeans. His hair which is normally covered up by a hat has grown out a bit since I’ve last seen him and his short dark locks look artfully messy. I self consciously tug on the t-shirt that I had worn to bed that just covered my purple boy shorts with cute little pink hearts dotted across them and try to smooth my hair out. “Uh hi Chase. Is there something I can help you with this freaking early in the morning?”
He smirks back at me with his green eyes twinkling, “Sorry Leah I didn’t mean to wake you up but I was heading out early to my moms. Ally mentioned that you were staying here for the holidays and I was wondering if you and Caleb wanted to come with me.”
I rub my eyes with the back of my hand. Of course Ally had mentioned we would be here all alone. She was still trying to get me to run into Chase whenever possible, she had it stuck in her head that they were meant to be. I knew her and Chase hung out on occasion and Sky went with Ally to a few of the Major Hoosiers performances.
“Um thanks Chase, that’s nice of you to offer but really we’re fine. Me and Caleb are going to hang out, be lazy. Ally just felt guilty for leaving me, sorry she dragged you into it.”
He runs a hand through his hair, tugging on it. “You are so..,” he takes a deep breath like he’s trying to calm himself down. “Ally didn’t put me up to anything Leah. I just don’t like the thought of you sitting here all by yourself. My mom always has a ton of food and you’ll love my sisters. Caleb will have some kids around his own age to play with. Please?” He looks back at me with puppy dog eyes.
“I don’t know Chase,” I gesture towards him with my hands, “it clearly looks like you’re ready and I’m most definitely not.” I point back towards myself and my scantily clad body.
He scans his eyes up and down my body, “I’m good with what you have on Leah.”
“Um thanks Chase but I’m not sure anyone else would appreciate it,” I say as I self consciously try to cover my body up with my hands. If my dark complected self could blush, I would be red from head to toe right now the way Chases eyes seem to be devouring my body.
“I’m kidding Leah, I wouldn’t mind but your right, probably not appropriate attire for the day. An hour long enough for you? I need to go pick up a few last minute things for my mom and then I can swing back by to pick you guys up.” He says as he twirls his keys around his long slender fingers.
“Kay Chase if you’re sure,” I look up at him questioningly. He nods his head to me, “Definitely. My family is gonna love you. See you in a bit.”
I close the door behind him and rest my head on it. What was I doing? All I’ve been trying to do the past few weeks is to avoid Chase and now I’m going to have dinner with his family and not just any dinner, THANKSGIVING. That was something you would take a boyfriend or girlfriend to, right? Not some random girl who lives across the hall from you who has clearly been trying to avoid you at any cost. That has a kid to top it off.