Chapter 55

CHARLOTTE

Chase was true to his word last night. We discussed, even argued about some bullet points on each page. I can finally say last night was a breakthrough and success. He didn’t leave my apartment until three in the morning.

I invited him to spend the night, but he said we would never make it to work on time if he did. He was right, I would never want to leave the bed. However, this morning I was thankful he didn’t stay the night.

“You look like crap,” Everett states the obvious as I enter the elevator.

“Well, that’s because I got my period.” I glare at Austin for uttering the word yesterday. Now, I am cramping, and my life feels like it’s coming to an end.

“No one wants to hear that.” Miguel groans.

“I have to agree, Charles, you don’t have to say things like that—just don’t talk about your blood river anymore,” Vincent chimes in.

I lean into Chase, and he wraps his arm around my waist. Good God, I am in so much pain. Hopefully, Jasper will let me go home early.

“Charles, are you going to cook dinner tonight?” Darren asks, moving aside for the elderly couple that gets on.

“Dude, she is on her red-eye. I don’t think she should be cooking. Talk about the crime scene in the kitchen,” Tristan complains and the elderly women glare at him.

“Sorry, ma’am.” He flashes her a boyish grin and she grunts facing forward. Austin tosses his head back and laughs silently. Soon all the guys join in and the lady turns back around, they stop laughing immediately.

The elevator finally makes it to the lobby and the elderly lady mumbles, “Assholes,” and exits.

“Her old ass got some nerve,” Darren scoffs.

“Hey watch your mouth,” Chase snaps. “Have some respect.” He takes my hand and escorts me out to one of the three idling SUVs, opening the door for me. I slide in and scoot over for him to get in.

Earlier this week I have been riding to work alone, but not anymore. I finally have my fiancé with me and it feels so good—even if I am cramping.

“I just want to go back to bed,” I whine.

“That bad?” he tries to pull me onto his lap, but I stop him. Does he not get that I am cramping for dear life?

“Yes, first days are always the worst,” I squirm trying to get comfortable. “Hey, did you tell your father about Rebecca?”

“Not yet. I will today. I’m meeting him this morning with Jasper.”

“Oh, okay.” I groan, laying my head on his shoulder. “Please convince Jasper to let me go home early. I need it.”

He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll try my hardest.”

We get to the office and Chase escorts me all the way to my floor. A few whispers are heard as we make our way to my cubicle.

Chase is quite known around the building and not all the stories were good ones, but the past is the past. We share a small kiss before he leaves, and I power up my computer.

No emails from Jasper this morning. Strange. He probably is already upstairs with his father. I guess I’ll find something to do.

“Hey, girl, hey.” I look up.

“Umm…hi, Ember.” I look at her. “Oh wow, you dyed your hair.”

“Yeah, I am so glad you like it. I was thinking blonde isn’t really for me anymore. Wait…why do you look like that?” she frowns.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I say, grabbing the pile of mail off my desk. “I have to take these to Jasper. Did you need something?”

“I was hoping you would like to take a coffee break with me.”

“I just got here.”

“And you can leave. Jasper wouldn’t mind.”

“Ember, I can’t.”

“I need to talk to you about Rebecca, so can you just take a coffee break please?” she whispers.

“Ugh, fine. Let me drop these off, and I will meet you in the lobby.”

She squeals and rushes off.

I text Chase and let him know what just happened, and he tells me to get all the information I can from Ember. The more they know, the better. I open Jasper’s door and freeze.

“Oh my God. Oh my God.” I back out of the office. I hear Skyla asking Jasper why didn’t he lock the door followed by giggling. I cannot be here when they leave.

“Uhm, Jasper I’m going to leave your mail out here and I’m running to get some coffee. I will see you after your meeting with Chase and your father.”

“Shit,” I hear him say.

I drop the mail and make a mad dash for it. Skyla and Jasper are hooking up. I didn’t see that one coming. Grabbing my things, I make my way to the lobby. Wow, there’s a lot of paparazzi out front.

I wonder what celebrity is in the building. Ember is waiting out front typing away on her phone. I just need to have patience when it comes to Ember.

I need to not let my emotions show on my face and just smile and get all the information that can help Chase and his family.

“Are you ready?” I smile at her.

“Yes. Oh, by the way, your outfit looks amazing.” She says fixing the hat on her head.

“Thank you, and you look very dressed down today. A special occasion?”

“Nope. It’s that time of the month for me.” She rolls her eyes.

Great, we are blood friends now. This coffee run is going to be the longest one ever.

~CHASE TUCKER ENGAGED TO MYSTERY WOMAN… WE HAVE A NAME!!!~

~Chase Tucker hasn’t been in NYC for a full two weeks and is already making the headlines.~

He is off the market and the lady to capture his heart is 20-year-old Charlotte Withers, daughter of famous chefs Richard and Hailee Withers.

Chase and Charlotte met while attending Walsh University in Georgia, also the place Chase popped the question.

Charlotte is currently employed at Tucker & Michaels Inc. We think she is learning the ways of the company for when Chase takes over. What better way to know the family business than work in it?

We at TMZ will be honored to be invited to the wedding.