The Perfect Play by Cookie O’Gorman
CHAPTER 23: Charlie
The visit with my mom went better than expected.
Until she threw me out.
"Charlie, I love you," she'd said, sitting across from me at the kitchen table. "But you need to go."
I'd looked to her in surprise. "Why? Aren't you glad to see me?"
"Of course! But that baseball game you keep talking about is happening tomorrow. I don't want you to miss it on account of me."
She'd held up a hand as I went to argue.
"Plus, you're hovering," she said. "And I'm fine."
Mom's surgery to remove her hernia had been invasive. She'd been down for a couple of days and would be healing for weeks. But she did seem to be getting around okay.
"Are you sure?" I'd asked. "You heard the doctor. You shouldn't overexert yourself, and I don't like the idea of leaving you here alone."
She sighed. "Elise comes to check on me every day—not to mention your father stops by now and again."
That was true. Honestly, I'd been surprised to see what a support system she had. Elise was her next-door-neighbor. She and Mom seemed close, and I'd already seen Elise on several visits. And she was right about Dad, too. Though he'd gotten remarried and lived 45 minutes away, he still came by sometimes.
"Even if we're not married anymore," Mom had said, "that doesn't mean we're not friends."
I'd frowned.
"But you were so sad for so long after the divorce," I said. "There were days when you wouldn't even get out of bed. I thought you regretted ever being with him."
"Oh honey." Mom had reached out and patted my hand. "You never regret true love. Not when it's real. Even if it ends, even if the absence of it hurts, loving someone is the best thing you can do."
I hadn't known how much I needed to hear her say that.
In my mind, I only remembered the divorce, the depression that followed, Mom's grief—and Dad's, too. They'd tried to hide their disagreements from me, hadn't separated until I was about to graduate high school. But for some reason, all the bad times stood out more than the good. It was wonderful to hear mom say she didn't regret falling in love.
Maybe that meant I wouldn't either.
After making sure she really would be fine and having her promise that she'd call if she needed me, I drove back to Southern U with only one thought running through my head. I couldn't wait to see Chase.
I didn't even go home first to drop off my bags.
Driving straight to Omega Beta, hoping he would be there, I had this vision of Chase coming toward me with a smile and us having this epic kiss, right there on the front lawn. That probably proved Honor right about the whole HEA thing. I never had mushy thoughts like this. They were purely Chase-inspired. I couldn't stop them and didn't want to.
But then I saw him.
Chase was walking outside, like I'd imagined—but it wasn't to meet me.
The radiant smile on his face wasn't for me either.
Another girl with long, wavy dark brown hair, the kind you see in commercials, was running toward him, staring at Chase like he hung the moon. They met half-way, and he picked her up, twirling her around as she laughed. I slowed, unable to believe my eyes. But they stayed right there.
Maybe I misunderstood, I thought.
He placed her back on her feet, and a second later, she did the unthinkable. Chase, my Chase, lowered his head, and she kissed him. Yes, it was just on the cheek. But she kissed him! Out in the open, on a sunny day where anyone could see. And after that was done, they hugged each other tight, looking like they didn't want to let go any time soon.
Man, she looked so young.
And gorgeous.
And so happy to be in his arms.
As much as it pained me, I couldn't deny that the two of them looked good together.
I watched them turn, Chase and this girl I didn't know. They never even saw me as they walked into the house arm-in-arm. I drove and parked several houses down. My mind refused to accept what my eyes had seen. Pulling out my phone, I sent Chase a quick text.
Me:Hey, how's it going?
His answer was immediate.
Chase:Better now that I heard from you.
Me:Doing anything interesting?
I waited as he typed, but the answer I got was a little disappointing.
Chase:Nah, just hanging with the guys.
I stared at the words a moment before his next text came through.
Chase:When are you coming back to Southern?
Me: Why? You have something to hide?
Chase: LOL, where the heck did that come from? You're hilarious, Charlie.
He sent a row of cry-laughing emojis.
Chase: Seriously though, when will you be here? I miss my girlfriend.
I swallowed hard.
Me:I should be back before the game.
Chase: Awesome! There's a bunch of people I want you to meet.
Me: Well, I'll be cutting it close. That might have to wait until after.
Chase: That's cool. Like I said, I just miss you.
My heart dipped a bit as I read the words, unsure whether to believe them or not. In my mind, I could still see him spinning her around. And what was up with how he smiled as she kissed his cheek?
I sent my response without thinking.
Me:I miss you more.
Chase: Not possible. Okay, the guys are yelling at me to get off the phone. Can't wait to see you, Charlie. Drive safe.
It was the perfect response. Then again, what else did I expect? Chase always knew just what to say to set someone at ease. But my stomach was in knots. There was a burning sensation in my chest and throat that hadn't been there before. And...my heart hurt. Jeez, what was this feeling? My dream had turned into a nightmare right before my eyes. I couldn't seem to stop imagining pulling that other girl's too-gorgeous hair, dragging her away from Chase, and staking my claim like some kind of cavewoman.
Oh my gosh.
Was this what jealousy felt like?
I'd never known the emotion before. There was never a guy I'd cared enough to get jealous over, but I was pretty sure that was what I was feeling. Usually, I had no problem supporting other women. If this girl had chosen any other guy to flirt with, I would've been like "Way to go, chick! You get your man."
But…this was Chase.
He was always so honest. I was sure he hadn't lied to me in the past. Still. He'd clearly omitted any mention of this girl. I had no idea what they were to each other—besides the warm welcome that made a pit open up inside my stomach.
Shaking my head, I drove away, determined to put the scene behind me.
I probably was only imagining things.
Maybe she was dating one of the other guys in the frat.
Yeah, that could be it, I thought, releasing a breath. It was all probably just some innocent misunderstanding.
Nothing to get bent out of shape over.
Once I'd unpacked and had a chance to change clothes, I'd be fine. There were a few more hours left before the Wolves' game tonight. By then, the girl outside Omega Beta would be nothing but a distant memory. I probably wouldn't even remember what she looked like, let alone keep replaying the interaction between her and Chase in my mind.
It would all be good.
#
Unfortunately, that wasn't how things went down.
Honor and I went to the game early to get our seats. Honor had even convinced me to wear a shirt with Chase's number on it.
"Archer told me girls who're dating the players do it all the time," she'd said.
The problem?
The brunette from Omega Beta showed up to the game as well, wearing—you guessed it—none other than Chase's number. That meant we were both sporting #18. To be accurate, a lot of the fans in the crowd had on one of the O'Brien brothers' numbers. It could've been a coincidence that she'd picked his.
But some instinct told me it wasn't.
I should've been able to ignore her. Yes, she was beyond beautiful. And yes, I'd seen her with Chase in a not-totally-compromising-yet-not-totally-innocent position. Still, I was certain I could've put her out of my head if it weren't for three, little facts.
1) She sat only two rows down from us.
2) Her voice was surprisingly loud for someone so tiny.
3) Every time Chase did something, she hooted and hollered like nobody's business.
He struck some guy out, and she yelled, "Yeah, Chase! Way to go!"
He got a hit while at bat, and she woo-woo'd louder than anyone else.
Even when Chase didn't get a hit, she'd say, "That's okay #18! You'll get 'em next time!"
Again, it was impossible to ignore.
It was also impossible for me to compete with that kind of enthusiasm. Baseball would never be my thing, but for Chase, I gave it my best shot. When he finished the inning strong with another out, I cheered as loud as I could. He looked up into the stands as they were going to the dugout, smiled and gave a wave.
The bad part was, that because of our current seating situation, I didn't know if that smile-wave combo was for me…or her.
"Ugh," I said, sitting back in my seat. "This is awful."
"What do you mean?" Honor said. "They're killing it out there. Did you see Chase just now? Those strikes were perfect."
"I know. It's just…"
Honor waited, and I looked to her as inspiration struck.
"Hey," I said, gesturing down to the brunette, "do you know that girl?"
"Which one?" she asked.
"The one with the dark hair, big eyes and perfect boobs."
"Hm, I don't think so."
My heart sank. "So, you've never seen her with any of the frat guys at Omega Beta? I was thinking she might be one of their girlfriends."
Honor shook her head. "No, I'd remember her. She looks like a model. Plus, her makeup's still perfect, even though she's been cheering nonstop. Wish I knew that trick—not that I wear a lot of makeup, but still."
"Ah well," I mumbled. "That's cool. I was just wondering."
"Who is she? And why do you sound so down?"
I shrugged.
"Charlie."
Her tone and the way she kept staring told me she knew something was up. My bestie was smart, and I hadn't exactly been subtle with my question. Still, I waved off her concern.
"It's nothing," I said, trying to change the subject. "Hey, do you know where Emmy and June are? I thought they'd be here by now."
She gave a shrug. "I'm sure they're on their way."
I nodded. "Just thought it was strange they're not here."
"Not as strange as you cheering your head off at a baseball game," Honor put in. "Now, back to you. What's really going on?"
With a sigh, I gave in.
"Okay fine," I said. "That girl I asked you about? I saw her and Chase this morning. They looked very cozy together."
Honor shook her head. "But Chase is dating you."
"Hmm. Doesn’t change the fact that she kissed him, and he let her."
"He did?" she said.
"Just on the cheek," I added. "But that was right after he picked her up and spun her like something out of a movie."
"Well, that doesn't sound like Chase."
"I know, but I saw it, Honor. With my own eyes. Now, she's here, wearing number 18, and I don't know what to think." I nodded, though my throat felt suddenly tight. "Guess that's why I'm kind of gloomy."
Honor rubbed a hand against my back in soothing circles, and for some reason, it made me feel even worse.
"Gah," I said. "I'm so mad at myself. It shouldn't even matter. I don't want to care so much."
"That's the thing about love," Honor said. "You can't help it."
I shook my head. "The sad part is I was on my way to see him when it happened. I was so excited, too. What a freaking cliché."
"Charlie, it'll be alright."
"Really?" I said.
"Yeah, I'm sure there's a good explanation for what you saw," she said. "We just don't know what it is yet."
"Or maybe we do," I muttered. "She's his soulmate. He found her. It's just bad luck it happened right as I realized I'd fallen for him."
"Oh Charlie," Honor said and pulled me into a hug. "I'm sure that's not it."
It was nice of her to say, but I didn't think either of us was sure about anything. Emmy and June trudged up the bleachers then, stopping only a few feet away. Emmy gestured to the two of us.
"What'd we miss?" she said.
I pulled away from Honor and gave her a smile I didn't feel.
"Not much," I said. "Where have you two been?"
June rolled her eyes. "Emmy's car blew a tire on the way here. I told her she needed new ones weeks ago. Take it to my dad's shop, I said. He'll give you a great discount. But did she listen? Heck no."
"I was getting around to it," Emmy said.
"Apparently not fast enough," June mumbled.
"Anyway, changing the tire was a piece of cake. June is awesome with cars."
"Translation: I did most of the work while she watched," June put in.
Emmy sighed. "It sucks that we missed the start of the game."
"Speaking of which, how are our boys doing?"
"Wolves are ahead by two," Honor said, still looking at me in this concerned way. "They're up to bat now."
"Nice," June said, sitting beside me.
Emmy nodded then turned to the field. "Should be a good game. This other team is—"
Before she could finish, Chase's name was announced, and like she'd done all the times before, the dark-haired girl cheered louder and longer than anyone in the stands. I tried to yell, but my voice was hoarse. If I was being honest, more than my vocal cords were tired.
"God, she's loud," Emmy said.
Honor nodded. "Been doing that every time Chase makes a move."
Emmy shook her head. "Well, that's typical."
"What do you mean?"
"She's been like this for years, wouldn't expect her to change now."
My brow furrowed, and I sat forward. "You mean, you know her?"
Emmy rolled her eyes as the girl cheered again.
"Of course, I do. Dahlia's had a thing for Chase since we were kids."
"When you say 'had a thing', you mean…?" Honor trailed off.
Emmy smiled at the two of us. "He's her favorite. Whenever our families get together, she follows him around like a puppy. Chase is a good sport about it, but I find her really annoying."
I shook my head, still not understanding. "So, your families are friends?"
"You could say that."
I must've been a glutton for punishment because I couldn't stop the question from forming on my lips.
"Have she and Chase ever dated?"
Something I said must've been hilarious because it set Emmy and June off. They laughed loudly, their giggles immediately getting on my nerves.
"Did I say something funny?" I asked.
"Yeah," Emmy said, getting herself under control, "yeah, you did. I should've been more clear. Dahlia is family."
"I don't—"
"She's our cousin." Emmy tilted her head at my stunned expression. "Why do you look so surprised?"
I swallowed, my heart pumping faster. "Well, I thought they were together. Like as a couple."
They started laughing again, and I crossed my arms.
"I saw them hugging this morning—"
"Yeah, because she, my aunt and uncle, just got into town for the collegiate tournament."
"Well, your aunt and uncle definitely weren't there," I said.
"That's because they're staying at my mom's house," she said slowly.
My heart was starting to feel lighter with every word.
"You seriously thought they were together?"
"It was a perfectly natural reaction," I said. "She's so beautiful, and they looked more than friendly."
"Plus, Charlie saw her kiss Chase," Honor said, "on the cheek?"
Emmy brushed that off. "Dahlia's always been super affectionate. She kissed me on the lips one time at Christmas. It was weird but not a big deal." Her eyes shifted to me. "Were you worried he'd cheat on you or something?"
I shrugged. "No, not really. I didn't know what to think."
"My brother only has eyes for you, Charlie," she said. "You have nothing to worry about. Not with him."
Okay, that did it. My heart officially took flight, and as I looked back out to the field, I saw Chase, standing in the batter's box, looking determined and sexy and like every good thing in human form. As I watched, the other team's pitcher wound up. Chase leaned in. The ball was released, and as it moved toward him, my entire body froze. The angle was all wrong. I knew it was going to hit him a second before it happened. Chase dropped his bat, and the crowd let out a collective gasp. The ball had hit his injured arm. They were already rushing him off the field. I was up, hurrying down the stands and into the dugout before anyone could stop me.
Not that they tried.
Coach O'Brien waved me over right when she saw me.
"Where did it hit?" I asked.
"Looks like right above the elbow," she said.
"You mind if I examine him?"
"Of course not." The coach made everyone else move out of the way. "Give them some room guys."
Chase had been gritting his teeth, gripping his arm, but when he saw me his face visibly relaxed.
"Oh hey," he said as if nothing awful had happened. "It's good to see you."
"Same here," I said, checking for any breaks. "Tell me if it hurts?"
Chase grimaced as I hit a tender spot but didn't cry out. Even with a high pain threshold, I didn't think he would've been able to hold back if it was broken.
"That's a good sign," I murmured. "How does this feel?"
"You're touching me, so it feels awesome," he said.
I shot him a dry look. "Try to be serious, please. I need to make sure you're alright. After all, a lot of work and love has gone into this arm."
"It has?" he said.
"Yes," I said, brushing my fingertips over his skin. "I love this arm. And these shoulders. And these hands. And this face."
"Charlie…I wanted to tell you something."
"You're sure this doesn't hurt?" I asked again.
Chase nodded. "There's a little pain. I did just get hit with a baseball. But I'm fine."
He seemed it, I thought, doing one last pass.
"You're going to have one hell of a bruise," I said. "And you should probably rest it, at least for this game. Other than that, it looks good. Thank God."
"Charlie, I—"
I shook my head. "No, I have something to say first."
Chase went quiet, and I took a deep breath.
"I saw you today with Dahlia, and I thought…well, it doesn't matter. It tore me up, seeing you with her. All I wanted after coming back from my mom was to talk to you. I've never felt that way about a guy before."
He opened his mouth, but I shushed him. If I didn't get this out now, I was afraid I never would.
"My mom helped me realize something important. It's kind of sappy, and I rarely get emotional so enjoy it, O'Brien."
I stared into his intense eyes and spoke my truth.
"I realized that no matter what happens, I'll never regret this," I said. "I'll never regret loving you. And I do, Chase. I love you so much. It scares me sometimes. I want to be with you. I want to be an 'us'. I even love watching you play baseball and hearing you call me your girlfriend—which I thought would be annoying, but it's not. You love your books, your sport and your family, and I just…yeah. I love you."
I shrugged.
"The only regret I'd have is if I didn't say anything, so there you go."
Chase took my hand and tugged me forward until we were nose-to-nose.
"That's good to know," he murmured.
I huffed a laugh. "Is that all you have to say?"
"Oh no, I have a lot to say." Chase shook his head. "Just not sure I should do it here with all these nosy witnesses."
What was he—?
My eyes widened as I looked around and saw his teammates all staring at us. They quickly averted their eyes, but it was too late. I knew they were listening.
"Maybe I should've waited until after the game," I said. "To tell you all that."
Chase placed a kiss on my forehead then my nose. "No, it was perfect," he said. "Just like you."
"I'm not perfect."
"To me, you are," he said. His eyes were piercing as they stared into mine. "I've been waiting a long time for you, Charlie. I love you with every part of me. Body and soul, I am yours. I always will be."
He pressed his forehead against mine.
"I love you. I love you. I love you," he murmured.
I laughed even as my eyes filled with happy tears.
"Did I mention I love you?"
"Yeah, but it might be nice to hear it again," I said.
"I'll tell you every day," he promised.
And as we kissed, right there in the Wolves dugout, his brothers' and teammates' cat-calls filling my ears, I knew it was true. Chase O'Brien had been looking for his soulmate. I'd only wanted to win a bet. But somehow, fate had brought us together.
I was so in love—and so very grateful.