Page 41 of Chase
“And that douchebag is Pace,” Arden says riling up the unfamiliar person.
“Fuck off asshole, you love me,” Pace says to Arden before making his way to me. I hold out my hand to shake his in a polite manner, but he pushes it aside and pulls me into a hug.
At first I freeze. I can feel the panic start to wash over me until I feel Chase touch my lower back. Reassuring me. He’s touched me as often as he could this week. My body knows his touch, even if it takes a moment for my mind to catch up.
“I can see why Chase is smitten now,” Pace says and steps back. He gives Rhys a fist bump and hugs Ally before pulling out a chair and making himself comfortable.
“Looking good Ally Cat,” He says with a wink. Earning a glare from Rhys.
Chad places a drink in front of Pace and swaps out my empty glass for a new one. This drink is a pretty blue fruity cocktail. “Chad, what is this one?” I call out to his retreating back.
“An Ohana Colada.” He reaches over the bar to grab something and makes his way back to the table. “Here,” he says as he holds out a piece of paper. “It’s the cocktail menu for the night.” He says as he hands another piece of paper to Ally.
“Thanks Chad,” Ally and I again say in unison.
Pace is staring at me. So I return his stare with my own confused look. It’s obvious he knows who I am and that he’s comfortable enough with everyone here. I just have no idea who he is. I wrack my brain for any mention of him.
“Pace went to school with us, until he moved to New Hope a few years back. He comes back for special occasions and we catch up with him when we go to New Hope. He’s an unofficial member of the gang.” Ally offers an explanation.
“Why’d you move?” I ask curiously.
“To play ball. I love Canary Bay but I love ball more.” He tells me. “It was hard leaving these guys. I’m happy they’ll be closer next year. Even if they are attending the rival school.” He winks at Ally again and Rhys downs the last of his drink, trying to hide his emotion.
“Rival school?”
“Right, sorry I forgot you aren’t from around here. I’m going to Neverland University next year. And these three.” He nods to Arden, Rhys and Ally, “are going to New Hope University. Which is technically our rival school,” Pace explains to me.
“Oh. Well I’m hoping to go to NHU next year as well,” I tell Pace. “Wait, how do you all know where you’re going next year? Acceptance letters haven’t gone out yet.” I ask the group.
“Early acceptance. Thanks to Arden’s dad.” Chase tells me.
“Even you?” I aim my question at Pace, finding it a little odd that Arden would have his dad pull some strings for someone they rarely see. It’s evident that there is more to Pace and Arden’s friendship if that’s the case.
“Yep.” Pace says popping the p. “It’s nice to have friends in high places. Daddy Warbucks didn’t like that I wanted to go to Neverland though. He pulled the strings anyway.”
“Daddy Warbucks?” I laugh. That’s great. I haven’t met Arden’s dad yet, but I feel like it’d suit him.
“Dad hates it. But it’s funny watching Pace rile him up,” Arden explains.
Gradually more people come up the stairs. Only a few are turned away by Ralph.
“How does Ralph know who to let up?” I ask Chase.
“This isn’t the first party we’ve had. He knows who is who, and he has a team of people scattered throughout the party. Ralph was Arden’s driver until he got his license. We know him well. He’s part of the family.”
“That’s crazy. Arden had a driver?”
“Yeah someone needed to drive his pompous ass around; we just reaped the benefits. Ralph’s cool.”
I lean over and kiss him. I’ve wanted to do it all night, but I didn’t want to be rude. I can taste the alcohol on his tongue as he pulls me into his lap and kisses me harder. I lose myself in him.
DING DING DING a bell rings from below us.
“It’s show time,” Arden yells from beside us. “Come on everyone. Come and see.” He jumps up excitedly walking over to Ralph and looking out over the party. Ralph lets out a deep chuckle.
Everyone gets up to join them. I look down, taken aback by how many people are standing around with drinks in hand.
The spotlight illuminates the stage, and a mime walks out with a husky that has been dyed with tiger stripes. We all let out a laugh.
