Page 36 of Never To Suffer (The Hollywoodland #4)

“Holy shit, it’s so good to see you,” Chase greets Skylar with a bear hug while I distract the dogs, who are both curious about the stranger on their front steps.

“I missed you, pal. You’ve missed so much.

How are you doing? I mean, other than being back in LA and needing to find a new support group.

Like, you know…whatever.” He throws his arms around Skylar again, rocking them back and forth with a laugh I haven’t heard from Chase in months.

“Missed you too, big brother. So damn much.”

Chase takes a step back and stares, shaking his head. Skylar even does a little spin so Chase can get a good look.

“Dude, no wonder Dani’s riding you into the sunset. You look great!” Chase laughs, pushing my shoulder in a teasing gesture before pointing at Sky. “Shit, Dani, I’d go play for the other team for someone who looks that damn good.”

“You’re pseudo-engaged, Coop! To my sister!”

“Yeah, and I’m not about to bang Sky! Wait, what’s pseudo-engaged mean?”

“Ugh, when you’re basically engaged, but haven’t popped the question yet. And don’t lie to me and say you’re not. I remember what you said the other day on the phone, fucker.”

“Congrats on that,” Skylar’s voice returns, and they even offer Chase a smile as they pull me close. It’s not a possessive thing; it’s a protection thing. They feel vulnerable and know I’ll protect them. I’m feisty, even though I’m not worried about Chase.

“Let’s get inside so no one spots us,” Chase says, clapping Skylar on the back. “I made lunch, so you better be hungry.”

I watch Skylar eyeing the numerous awards and trophies in the case on the living room wall as we walk by.

It’s odd, since the real Chase acts nothing like the persona he puts on for others.

We forget he’s a movie star all the time, instead seeing him as the big, goofy, squish ball who will always be there for us.

Even when I watch his movies, I don’t see Chase, because celebrity Chase Cooper and regular old Coop are two completely different people in my mind. I like it that way.

Sky’s known him since before the fame—the same with Steve and Jamie. They all met in high school, and I came along many years later.

“Alright,” Chase says once we’re all too stuffed to eat any more and Skylar has started to let his guard down.

I told him Chase would be fine. Why else would he have helped Skylar get into a program if he didn’t still love them?

“I’ve got a list of places that aren’t too far from Dani’s new place, assuming you’re staying there? ”

“Yeah, they’ll be staying there,” I answer before Skylar can question it. “We’ll need a bigger bed. Okay—we’ll need any bed—but yeah.”

“Dani, you don’t have to?—”

“Baby! We’re together. You can stay at our damn apartment with us. Where else would you stay? Huh? Here? Nope, too weird. They’ve got the home gym setup here, and you’d see Steve every single day. And besides, you’ll be traveling with the band anyhow so?—”

Chase punches me in the arm, so I’ll stop talking. He’s seen me go down a rabbit hole before and say things I regret, and maybe now isn’t the best time for that. When is, though?

“We’ll get the bed thing figured out. Crash here for a couple of nights so I can catch up with Sky.”

“Gross, I had plans!” I argue. “I want to catch this local band that’s in the competition with us. I haven’t gotten to see them yet and they’re playing the Palladium tonight. Also, I’m not living under the same roof as Devin. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Devin has a road series for the next week, and technically lived under a different roof since the pool house isn’t attached, idiot. You can go to the concert; Sky and I will hang out. Okay by you, Sky?”

Skylar nods.

“And you can’t move in if you don’t have a bed and furniture.

” Chase adds. “Ethan said something about furniture for your new place the other day, maybe we can use that as a reason to meet up with Steve and E?” He flips me off before grabbing his tablet off a chair and unlocking it, showing the list to Skylar.

“Take your pick. I’ve got the dates and times of the meetings on here, and on this calendar I made so you can keep track.

I’ll add you to it so you can get the info from your phone.

I’ve also put together some clinics out here if you feel like you need to try that route again, mostly because I don’t want you flying all the way back to Canada when you’re already here.

You can see my shrink if you want, or he can recommend someone. ”

“Chase, it’s too much. It’s all…it’s…” Skylar can’t finish the thought, head dropping to their chest as they bite back tears. It rips my heart open to see them like this.

“Look, punk. What happened between you and Stevie wasn’t your fault, and it wasn’t his fault.

We know who did it and her ass is, hopefully, rotting away in prison.

You’re my friend, Skylar. You’re a part of this family, and we want you back.

Seriously. It’s weird not having you around.

Now, do you want to go to a meeting tonight?

I can go with you. Or I can wait in the car. ”

Watching Chase bring Skylar back into the fold melts my heart and makes me want to throw up.

Chase’s natural role in life, the one he slips into so easily, is big brother.

He does it with all of us, not only his real-life baby brother.

Who’s an idiot, but a good guy. After they pick a few meetings, I tell Chase about everything that’s happened with the band, Skylar’s rehab and near slip up, and the terrible plan I have for surprising Steve at work, so he won’t flip the hell out on us.

Instead, Chase comes up with a better plan and sets it in action before I can stop him.

Fuck. That’s usually my gig.