Surviving Him

Chapter 3 - Oops

"Hey Kali, any plans today?" Chase asked me, walking me to the car.

"Nope. I have nothing to do. Ray needs me to be home before he gets home." I replied, not even looking back at him.

I did not want to get smacked around again, but then again. Pausing, hand on the door handle, I turned to look at him.

“You know what? Would you like some breakfast? On me.” I smiled.

“I was actually going to offer you breakfast.” He chuckled.

“Ok ok. We will pay for ourselves. There’s a Norms right down the street. I know the staff. I used to work there.” I offered.

“Alright. I will meet you in there. Let me take my annoying brother home so he doesn’t bother us. It will only take me 10 minutes.” He nodded and walked off.

“f*****g hell Chase. You can flirt with your girlfriend later.” I assumed his brother, said angrily.

I shook my head and watched Chase unlock his 1964 Chevy Impala. I love the classics.

“Sexy.” I said out loud.

“Who the boy or the car?” Kate said, smacking me upside the head.

“Ow! Jesus Kate. Go home and take care of the kids.” I yelled.

She flipped me off as she walked to her car. Her 1998 Honda Civic and my Honda Civic are the same color. Alabaster Silver. I chuckled and got in my car and drove down the street to Norms.

“My spot has a car in it.” I growled, pulling up next to it and parking.

Throwing my seatbelt off, I opened the door, got out, and shut it with a slam! Storming up into the building, Zack, the usual host, greeted me.

“Someone is in my spot Zack. Found out who and deal with it. Also, the spot next to me, I want it for my guests.” I huffed.

My family also owned Norms. So anything I wanted, I got here.

“Yes Kali.” He replied and ran off.

I sat in my usual booth and told the waiter, a new guy, I was expecting someone. He nodded and left two menus. I flipped through and decided to text Chase.

Hey, it’s Kali. When you get here park in my spot then tell the host your here with me and he will bring you to my table. You want a coffee or anything?

I hit sent and then sent a text to Kate.

At Norms with Chase. He said he knows about Rays abuse.

Before I could even hit send on her text, Chase replied. I was surprised and hit sent on her text, then switched over to his.

Just dropped the i***t off. On my way. Black with cream and sugar on side please.

I chuckled and sent a thumbs up. I signaled for the waiter and he came over.

“One black coffee. Cream sugar on side. I’ll take a cherry coke and a de-caf black.” I said, smiling at him.

“Be out in a few.” He replied and walked away.

I sat and looked at my watch. It was 8:30am. Work got out late today due to the training.

“Did he give you that black eye for being late? Is that why you constantly check the time?” Chase asked, sitting down.

I jumped slightly and gasped.

“Jesus! Hello Chase.” I coughed.

He chuckled and sat down. Sliding me a pack of cigarettes, he leaned closer.

“Thought you might like a stronger menthol.” He chuckled.

“Thanks. I could use some.” I smiled, putting the pack in my bag.

“So, you wanna talk about it or ignore it?” He asked.

“Maybe ignore it for today. Let’s get to know each other.” I laughed, playfully smacking him.

He chuckled and began talking. I was half listening and half not. My mind raced with fear because I knew that if I wasn’t careful, I could get myself in trouble.

“Hey Kali. Where’s Ray?” A male voice came from beside me.

It was Jack. Zacks twin brother who ran orders as well.

“Rays at work. This is Chase. Keep the fact that y’all saw me here on the low. Ray would kick my ass if he knew I didn’t come home right after.” I whispered.

He nodded and began taking our order. They all knew it was bad at home. They didn’t know exactly how bad. He walked off and I began talking about myself. I told him how I wanted to become a Paramedic and a Chef at Riverside City College. Told a few jokes and he laughed.

“I never thought you would be the paramedic type. I see you more as a boss or a ceo.” He chuckled.

“I can see you being a mechanic. When did you get that 64?” I asked.

“Got it when I turned 18. I am 20 now so, 2 years ago. Built her from just the sub-frame.”

“Damn. She is a beauty. I used to have a 68 Mustang but the engine blew and it got to expensive so I gave her to my dad. I could take you out for a drive in it one day.”

He smiled and I felt my stomach flutter. I wanted to grab his hand and run away. I felt safe, strangely.

“Kali, I know you don’t fully trust me yet, but I want you to know you can always call me if you need help. Whatever he has that is keeping you stuck, it’s not worth it. I think your a beautiful girl and I would hate to see something bad happen to you.” He whispered, taking my hand.

Tears fell as I nodded. I wanted him to help so badly. But I did not want anyone getting hurt because of me.

“Chase, I would hate for something to happen to you. Ray is not a guy you want to mess with.” I sighed.

“Let him try. If it means helping you escape, then it’s worth it.” He stated, a tone of anger in his voice.

I couldn’t let him suffer because of me. I would hate myself. Chase is such a nice guy. If Ray hurt him, I would not be able to live with myself.

“Listen, as much as I love chatting and hanging, I should get home before-“

“He gives you another black eye. Or worse.” He spat.

I sighed and stood up. He followed and grabbed my arm.

“I am sorry Kali.” He said, pulling me into a hug.

I melted into his arms and wrapped my arms around him. Breathing in his cologne, I took a deep breath and relaxed.

“Thank you Chase.” I breathed.

He let go and blushed. Stepping back I smiled. He smiled at me. I almost did not want to leave. I felt safe in his company.

He took his sweatshirt and held it out with a smile.

“Here. Take this. I can tell it keeps you company.”

I took it and put it on. It was big on me, hanging just below my ass.

By the time I actually got home from Norms it was 11:30am. Ray was sitting on the couch, his hands crossed.

“Why are you home so early Ray?” I asked, putting my keys on the table and moving to make him lunch. I knew he would ask.

“Had a doctors appointment. Why are you just getting home? Who’s hoodie is that?” He questioned.

“Kate needed me to take her and Tyler to the emergency room. He wasn’t feeling well and was running a fever. I got cold so she gave me hers.” I lied.

“And you couldn’t text me?” He growled.

“Ooops.” I said, a smart-ass tone in my voice.

Walking into the room, I pulled out my phone and stopped to take a photo in the mirror. I made sure it looked good and clicked on Chases contact.

Just got home. Gonna nap now.

I attached the photo and hit send before laying in bed. I did not expect a text back so fast.

You look cute. I’m home. Nap time.

Attached was a selfie from him, shirtless in bed, barely covered by the blanket. His chest glistened in the light. His pecks firm and prominent.

Thanks for the cute selfie. Night

I replied and turned my phone off. I can’t believe he sent a shirtless photo. God he is so hot. I thought to myself. I turned over and pulled the blanket over me as I dozed off, thinking of Chase.