Chase

 

Kira’s idea of his favorite breakfast turned out to be this tiny place in downtown that I had never seen before. It was a surprise to know that Kira had been anywhere there but apparently there were things about her that I was still learning. “You didn’t tell me we were supposed to come this far,” I complained as we entered the joint. Everyone’s eyes were on us. The place looked full at first glance but the waiter found us a terrific table to sit by the window. The same breakfast that she wanted to have, she was barely touching it once it arrived.

“So,” I tried to make conversation. “What’s going on?”

“Not much.”

“That’s all I get?”

“Did you bring me here so you could interrogate me? I told you I’m fine. I know no one believes it but it’s true. I’m not about to go crazy any time soon.”

“We’re just worried.”

“Can you not be worried for the length of this breakfast?”

“Sure.”

“So, what’s going on with you?”

I wanted badly to tell her about Blayne. But what would I tell her? That I met someone for one night and have no idea if she’s ever going to talk to me again? It would hardly make for an engaging conversation.

“Kira?” A female of about our age came up to our table and started talking to Kira. “Where have you been? The whole group is going crazy without you. Did you ever manage to resolve that debt situation?”

A flush colored Kira’s face. She stood and took the friend aside and I watched as they spoke in hushed tones and then Kira walked back to our table. She tried to get back to her food like nothing happened.

“You don’t think I’m going to just let it go, do you?” I said to Kira.  She looked up from her plate.

“Look, it’s just a little debt, I’m handling it.”

“Why do you even have a debt? Aren’t you fucking rich?”

“Sean made some bad calls, it’s not a big deal.”

“It must be, if you’re hiding out in my loft.”

“I’m not… fuck, Chase, why is everyone always interrogating me!”

“Because they’re worried about you. Besides, you could have just asked me for the money, I would have given it to you!”

“Yes, but you also would have bitten my head off about it. So, I thought I could handle it, okay? But I couldn’t raise the cash and now… they’re threatening to take away the apartment. If they do that, I’ll be on the streets!”

“I’m not going to let that happen, Kira.”

She looked mortified, so it would have been a jerk move to further discuss this situation. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Look, you see how rarely I stay at the loft. You’re not homeless, Kira. You are welcome to stay there as long as you want.”

“I’m just not mentally ready to go back.”

My phone was ringing and I picked it up. “Hello?”

“It’s me, Stefan. You on for tomorrow night?”

There was something different about him. His voice betrayed the emotions he was trying to hide and I knew he wasn’t over it. But I knew I had to keep it casual until I saw him. Over the phone, he would just clam up and I wouldn’t be able to help him. So, I kept my own excitement up. “Sure, what do you guys want to do?”

“There’s a new club opening,” he said. “I have VIP access. Bring anyone you like. I’m sure there’s some blonde-haired underwear model waiting to be swept off her feet.”

“Why does everyone keep talking about her? We’re not even fucking anymore, she’s back with her husband.”

“Whatever you say, buddy. No one’s judging you, she’s smoking hot,” he said. “So, what if she might need you to occasionally tie her shoelaces.”

“What time do you want me there, Stefan?” I said that just to change the topic. I was busy dwelling on Blayne, and news like this just further ruined my reputation. I was getting tired of being portrayed as some unfeeling playboy.

“I don’t know, I’ll text you when we get there. I should go attend this meeting and then I’ll be free for the day. See you later.”

The call ended and I realized Kira was looking at me in an odd way. “What Kira?”

“Are you going out with Stefan tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“Stefan Vanderlin?”

“I don’t know any other Stefan.”

“You have any idea how long I’ve had a crush on that guy? Since we were in grade school, man. You have to set us up.”

“What? No. I’m not doing that, it’s creepy.”

“You don’t have a date to the opening, do you?”

“Not yet.”

“I’ll be your date.”

“So, let me get this straight. You want to go to the opening so you can put the moves on Stefan. Do you seriously think he’s going alone?”

“Of course not. But I want to fuck him, Chase. Not have his children.”

Well, it’s not as if Blayne was going to come. Even though my fingers were itching to dial her number, I wanted to give her some space. But Carl was always keeping an eye on her so she was safe.

“Fine. You can come to the opening, but I’m warning you, no awkwardness. You’re going to be subtle about it.”

She was doing the tiny victory dance.

The only difference is Kira’s victory dance is twerking paired with a dougie.

Oh yes. This was going to end well.