Page 38 of Chase
“Who knows? It’s Arden. Anything is possible. Leave your bag. One of the boys will come out and get it later.”
I follow Ally and watch as she uses her thumb to unlock the door to the main house.
“Yours will work as well. Arden said he added you to the system.”
“I guess that is why he wanted my thumb print.” I argued with Arden yesterday, as he refused to tell me why he needed my thumb print.
“Yeah, you’ll be able to get into all shared spaces and Chase’s room. Arden had it changed last year, when it was obvious that remembering a pin number while drunk was difficult.”
The door swings open. The room is massive and white. Marbled floors, white walls.
Almost clinical.
It doesn’t feel like a home at all.
We must be in the foyer. There is a grand staircase that branches off in three different directions.
We walk past the stairs and into another part of the house. I look around amazed at how expensive everything looks.
“Doesn’t the house get trashed during the party?”
“Nah, no one is able to get into the house. There’s a side entrance and no need for people to come in. Come on, you’ll understand in a minute.”
We walk through the living space to a huge wall of windows. When we step outside, it takes my breath away.
Outside has been decorated in black, silver and blue decorations. Fairy lights are strung up everywhere creating a soft glow. Along the glass wall there are tables full of food. There is even a table full of black and silver gift bags.
At one end is a bar that has a full staff prepping for the night. At the other end there is a stage set up in front of a dance floor. Small tables are scattered around the area. A beer pong table is set up over on the grass beside the pool. There’s an inflatable kid pool full of jelly.
I thought he was joking about the jelly wrestling. Bean bags are placed around the pool. I stand in the middle of the outdoor area and turn in a circle trying to take it all in.
“There’s toilets over there,” Ally says pointing at a building off to the side of the stage.
“Where are the boys?” I ask. Ally laughs at me pointing above the bar. I look up and see all three of them watching us.
“We have our own private balcony,” she explains.
We walk over to the stairs tucked beside the bar area. Chase has me in his arms the moment I reach the top of the steps.
“You look beautiful.” He whispers in my ear.
I lean into him. “Thank you.”
“Move over, it’s my birthday too. You need to share her.” Arden demands while pulling me from Chase and wrapping me in his arms.
“Happy birthday Chuck.” I say looking up at him. He’s dressed in his usual slacks and button up and bow tie. The sleeves have been rolled up to give a casual feel to his look. As always his hair is impeccable.
“Thank you, Shorty. What do you think?”
“It’s stunning, Arden. I was expecting a tiger though.”
“I tried. It’s not as easy to find a tiger on such short notice. Never fear, the entertainment will be here later.”
“What have you done?” I ask suspiciously.
“You’ll see. Come, let’s drink before people arrive.” Chase grabs my hand again claiming me from his best friend.
Up here, you can see everything except the bar. Behind us there are more glass walls and a door with a thumb print scanner like the one downstairs.
