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"You're tense. Something happened?"
I held the phone, showing him the picture. "That's my ex. It just came up on my feed that he got married."
"That's got to be tough," Chase said. He set the cups on the table, then put his hand on my right shoulder, brushing his thumb over it in a circle. The movement was soothing. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I'm not sure. I mean, I don't know why I'm reacting to it at all."
"You were married. I don't think you can be completely neutral."
"I think it was just unexpected."
Chase stilled. "Do you still have feelings for him?"
"No. Honestly, what I felt for him died long before we signed the papers. He made sure to destroy my feelings for him."
He took my hand, turning it around and kissing my wrist.
"You're lost in thought," I said. "Why?"
"I'm just thinking how to lift your mood."
"What are the options?" I asked, infusing my voice with happiness. It was a bit artificial, but I firmly believed in faking it until you made it.
"I'm still thinking. By the way, what are you doing tomorrow morning?"
"Nothing, why?"
"My parents want my brothers and me at the store to clean up some things the previous owner left in the basement. Would you like to join us?"
"Yes," I said, and just like that, my happiness was real. He hadn't joked when he meant that he really planned to introduce me to his parents.
"I’d like you to see the place. It means a lot to me."
"Sure, I can't wait." I took a sip of my coffee as Chase slid closer to me. "Hey, you haven't touched your coffee."
"No, I want to taste you. Fuck, we need to meet somewhere that's not so close to the office."
"Nope. You just need to behave,” I teased.
"Never."
***
On Saturday morning, Chase picked me up from home. I had a surprise for him, and as I walked to the car with a huge grin, I dangled a small gift bag in front of me. I also had a light jacket on my arm. San Diego had amazing weather even in October, but evenings could get a bit chilly. I didn’t know how long we’d stay at the store.
"What's that?" he asked as he came to open the door.
"I told my neighbor yesterday that I’m seeing Jeremy today, and she said she still didn’t findMario Kart, but she gave me a game that's apparently all the rage.”
"You got him a gift? You are magic."
"I can't wait to see his face when we give it to him," I said.
Chase kissed my temple and then feathered his mouth down to my ear. I shuddered as he stepped back, opening the car door.
As I climbed in, my dress rode up a few inches, earning a groan from my boyfriend.
I giggled. "Oh, that's how we're starting the day, huh?