She still didn’t say anything and I looked down to make sure she was still awake. Her gray eyes were wide, yet dull, like everything I had said meant nothing. Just like always, but this time I couldn’t take it anymore. Being constantly ignored had gotten to me.
“God damnit, Leah! You’re driving me fuckin’ insane. I can’t deal with this shit anymore. I’ve tried so hard and you aren’t doing a damn thing. I’m done.” My fist rammed into the frame of the door and I winced as soon as I made contact.
I heard a small gasp escape her lips, but I couldn’t look back. Not this time. I slammed the front door shut behind me and peeled out of the driveway, my hands shaking the whole time, with the pent up anger that was trying to escape.
I pulled into my mom’s driveway a little bit calmer. The short drive over had relaxed me somewhat, if that was even possible. Now that a little bit of the anger had left me, I felt guilty for leaving her, but maybe this is what she needed.
A good dose of reality.
I knew I could never really leave her, she was the love of my life and I couldn’t live without her.
“Chase, honey, what are you doing here?” The door opened as soon as I stepped onto the porch and my mom poked her head out. I looked around the living room and only saw Chris who gave me a brief wave, before burying his head back into his architectural magazine.
“All the little ones are upstairs playing. Now would you like to tell me what you’re doing here and why you look like you’re in a very bad mood?” My mom, all five feet of her, stood with her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed at me. I hadn’t gotten that look very often growing up, I had been a little spoiled since I had been the only boy, but I knew that look meant business.
“It’s Leah, I just don’t know what to do anymore, Mom. I tried talking to her about what Katie suggested and she didn’t breathe a word to me. Not one damn word. I got upset with her and left. What should I do, Mom? I’m definitely in need of some of your advice right about now.”
“Oh, Chase.” She sat down and patted the empty spot next to her. “I know how hard this has been on the both of you, especially Leah. Right now, she needs time, but I know you’re worried about her. You should be.
“I think you made the right choice tonight by leaving before you did or said something you regretted. You need a good night’s worth of sleep and then tomorrow you should address the situation again with a clear and calm mind. You know I support you one hundred percent in anything you do. We all love Leah and only want what’s best, honey.”
I nodded my head and swallowed thickly after hearing what my mom had to say. She always had the perfect words. “Thanks Mom, I think you’re right. I’m going to run up and check on Caleb and then turn in for the night. Maybe Leah will see things a little more clearly tomorrow.” I stood up and kissed her on the forehead, before jogging up the stairs. I knew Leah needed time, but I think she needed a little guidance. It truly would be the best thing for her and our relationship.
Chapter 16
Leah
I ran to the front door when I heard it slam shut so hard it caused the windows to rattle, and watched as Chase peeled out of the driveway. I couldn’t believe he had actually left me. I had never heard him so angry before and I could see why he left. I was mad at myself.
It was my entire fault.
I walked through the empty house, flicking all of the lights on as I went through. It was eerily quiet and I couldn’t stand it. I walked back into our bedroom and looked at the bed, dreading having to go to sleep tonight without Chase. I hadn’t let him touch me, but still knowing he was there was comforting.
I walked into the bathroom, looking into the mirror as if it were going to give me some kind of magical answers. Why was I pushing him away? I couldn’t comprehend why I was doing it.
I pulled out my makeup bag for the first time in a month. I couldn’t sit in this house any longer. I was going out to live a little.
I pulled my car in to the familiar parking lot that sat behind Gino’s and took a deep breath when I stepped out of the car, breathing in the enticing scent of pizza and pasta, and it instantly made my stomach rumble. It felt good to be here, it seemed to bring some sense of normalcy back to my life. I was sure they had replaced me by now, even though Gino had said my spot would be kept open indefinitely.
Sure enough when I walked in, two unfamiliar girls were manning the busy tables. It brought back memories of the many late nights Remy and I had worked together, avoiding the wandering hands and trading the different one-liners that seemed to get thrown at us all night. Gino was there though, like always a permanent fixture, and he waved as I took a seat at the bar.
“Leah, so good to see you, darlin’. My favorite worker ready to come back yet?” He placed his meaty hands on the counter in front of him and gave me a wide smile, showing off his perfect white teeth.