Winter finally opened the door to the changein subject, “You were looking awfully cozy with Maddy the othernight. You hook up with my best girl?”
Chase smiled, impressed with the other man’sintuition. “Are you a psychic or a bartender?”
Winter laughed. “They oughtta requirepsychology courses in bartending school.”
“Yeah, I actually would like to talk aboutMaddy. I was hoping to be more discreet and tell you about afriend, but I might as well get to it. Although, she wouldn’t betoo thrilled if she knew I was here, talking about her.”
“Maddy is stubborn, but a smart woman. She’sbeen through a lot. More than her share. Think that’s why she’salways the first one to come to the rescue.” Winter kept working,but his mouth was turned up in a smile, glint in his eye. “Likesomeone else I know.”
Chase didn’t even know how to start. Hewasn’t even sure how he’d ended up here. Maybe he was more like hisdad than he knew, finding himself in the bar before noon. “I shouldgo.”
“Chase, stay,” the older man put hiswrinkled, yet warm hand on his before he could stand up from thestool. When Chase sat back down and relaxed, willing to stay a bitlonger, Winter continued his daily preparations. “Did I ever tellyou I knew your dad?”
Chase couldn’t respond, but desperatelyneeded to hear what Winter wanted to say.
“You’re probably not surprised that your dadknew the local bartender well. Regardless, he was a good guy. Had ared nose and a belly like Santa, but we all knew it was not becausehe was so jolly,” he chuckled at the memory. “He used to tell methe best stories about you. ‘My boy, nothing keeps him down… thatChase can cook up one amazing meal… that Chase holds my worldtogether, don’t know what I’d do without him.’ Shortly before hestopped coming in, just before the fire, he told me all about howproud he was of your accomplishments. Told me about your diving,about you helping him financially, even though you should hate him.Hated how he’d disappointed you, that he could never be enough foryou.
“I didn’t have to tell you all that, I know,but I just wanted you to know.”
Chase didn’t even try to hide the suddensniffle he’d developed. “Thanks, Winter. He was a good guy, justblew it as a dad. I don’t blame him like I used to. Just hate thathe lost the battle with alcoholism.”
Winter, of course, had an answer to that.“Which is why you’re always strong enough. For everyone. Everytime.”
Chase shrugged, knowing he was right. Chasehad spent years rebelling from his dad while keeping them bothafloat. The balance hadn’t been easy. Maybe that was why he’d takenso well to diving. The ridiculous danger had been the appeal, butthe steadfastness required had kept him there so long.
“Which is why you and Maddy are a good fit.Obvious to all of us. You’re both overly driven to compensate forthe past. Never give yourselves a break.” He paused, and lookedChase not uncomfortably deeply in the eyes, “does she trustyou?”
“I think so.” Chase shrugged, but he knewdeep down that she did.
“Does she look to you for advice?”
“Yes.”
“Does she lean on you when she’s feelingdown?”
“So far.”
“Does she celebrate with you when she’shappy?”
“Yeah, she does.”
Winter grinned. “Then stop worrying; she’llcome around. Make a gesture, so she knows you’re here for good,something that tells her she can count on you–but not something toscare her away. She’s skittish, and for good reason. Try gettingoff your ass and tell her you love her and see where you endup.”
Chase looked down at his untouched coffee andgrinned. He slid off the barstool. “Thanks, Winter.”
“Anytime. Just send me an invite to thewedding.”
Chase laughed as he headed out the door.Making a plan, he hopped in his truck and headed back to thedreaded retailers to do some important shopping.
***
Maddy jumped and practically ran to the doorwhen Payson rang the bell. “About dang time! I’m having a crisishere,” Maddy shrieked, hair wild, face bare of make-up. But, theinside-out shirt was probably the most telling.
Payson walked in the door, carrying fresh,warm croissants from the bakery. “You’re not having a crisis. Youjust need to find peace and acceptance.” She rolled her eyes as sheparked herself at the kitchen island, patting the stool next to herfor Maddy to sit. “You look terrible.”
“I don’t want to give him up.” Maddy pouted.“But I’m scared.” Her head crashed down against her hands on thecountertop. Were those whimpers coming from her? She sounded like asad puppy. Or maybe a wet cat.
“No shit. Of course you’re scared. What can Ido to help?” Payson tore into her own croissant, smiling down ather bedraggled friend.
