Chapter 48

CHARLOTTE

I played with Autumn for an hour or so before driving back to the city with Jasper and Chase. I was and still am in shock when Chase suggested the three of us drive back together.

I was almost one hundred percent sure I was going to squeeze myself into the SUV with him and the guys. Thankfully, I didn’t have to.

The ride wasn’t quiet, but it also wasn’t a very talkative atmosphere either. Jasper and Chase were talking with each other at times, while I sat in the back watching the trees pass by.

My father texts me all my flight details for tonight. By the time we arrive back in the city, I will only have an hour or so to change into something comfortable and get to the airport.

~From: Charlotte Withers~

~To: HR Department~

~Subject: Time Off~

~Date: November 11, 2016, 8:01~

~Nancy,~

~Due to a family emergency, I have to fly back home for the week. I am not sure how long it takes to approve these things, but I will be leaving tonight and won’t be back until the following Monday. Sorry for any inconvenience.~

~Charlotte Withers~

***

“Chase, you don’t have to walk me all the way to my apartment. I am fine.” I turn the key in the door.

“I know, but I was wondering if we can have some alone time.” He places his hands on my hips, pushing his front against my back. Now, I know what kind of time he wants.

“Not right now.” He walks us into the apartment and turns me around. “Chase.” I drag out his name.

“Charlotte,” he mocks me. “All I am asking for is an hour.” He nips my neck.

“No.” I push at his chest, and he lets me go. “Thank you.” I open back up the door, gesturing for him to leave.

“Really, Charles?”

“Yes, I will speak to you later. Right now, I need to get my things ready before my flight.”

He looks confused as to why I am still going to Georgia. See, the thing about Chase is that once he thinks I am back to my happy normal self, I shouldn’t worry about anything.

However, this is something I just can’t move on from without getting the answers I deserve and desperately will continue to seek out.

“Are you heading out for just one day?” he asks.

“Yes,” I lie. “I will see my parents tonight and fly back tomorrow afternoon.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Chase I am.” I close the door a little. “So, I’ll speak to you tomorrow when I get back.”

“Do you need me to stay and help you pack—maybe take you to the airport?”

Jeez, is he really going to keep this up? This is a new side to Chase I have never seen.

“Bye, Chase,” I say, closing the door in his face, quickly locking it. I roll my eyes heading to the bedroom.

Knowing Chase, he will leave now only to come back in a few minutes, hanging around until I leave. I change into something more comfortable, grab my purse, and hurry out of the apartment.

***

The plane ride back home is calm, too calm for my liking. I remember my mom telling me if you are about to confront your troubles and all is calm, a storm is brewing. So, prepare for the worst.

“Char Char?” I stop dead in my tracks. I haven’t been called “Char Char” since…

“Raven.” I turn to look at her. She looks the same, except for the beach-blonde hair she is now sporting.

“Oh Char,” she steps closer. “I’m so sorry about everything.”

“Excuse me.” An older man waiting to get on the escalator grunts at me. I look from him to Raven and step aside. I feel every emotion coming at me all at once.

My vision gets blurry as I take a step forward wanting to slap her, but I catch myself.

“Char? Are you okay?”

“Raven,” I repeat like some kind of robot.

“Yes, it’s me. Is everything okay?” she reaches her hand out, gently squeezing my upper arm. All I want to do is book another plane ticket out of there quick. I honestly don’t know what to say or do.

“I…” my voice cracks. “You—you hurt me, Raven.” I shrug her hand off me. “You betrayed me.”

“And I am truly sorry about that. If I could go back in time and change what I did, I would. I’m back in town for a few weeks. We should go out for drinks or maybe dinner.”

“Raven, I can’t. I’m not ready to forgive you. I thought I would be able to after reading your note, but I just can’t. I need to go.” I step on the escalator needing to leave the area. I can feel the walls closing in on me.

“Char! Char!” I hear Raven calling out for me. If I stay, I know it will only get worse.

Reaching the ground floor, I scan the awaiting drivers looking for my name. Did my parents forget to get one?

An older man walks into the lobby fiddling with his iPad. I watch as he flips it over, and I see my last name in bold white letters.

“Finally.” I whisper underneath my breath and walk more like jog towards him. “Hi, I’m Withers.”

“Sorry, ma’am. There was traffic,” he apologizes.

“No problem. I wasn’t waiting long. Two minutes, tops.”

He nods his head. “Do you have any bags?”

“Oh no. Just me and the purse. Shall we get going?” I hope I didn’t come off rude, but I don’t want to deal with Raven again.

“Sure,” he gestures for me to head out first. I do just that and not once look back. If I did and saw Raven give me the puppy face, I think I would have lingered behind to give her a chance.

Something she doesn’t deserve right now, and I can’t add another thing onto my plate just yet.