Against All Odds - Angel's Story(37)

“Who’s Pops?” I ask.

“My old man.” He shrugs. “I’ve never called him dad, it’s always been Pops.”

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“Nah, just the two of us,” he answers. I find that interesting. I wonder why his mum isn’t in the picture. Of course I don’t ask. It’s none of my business.

“What about you?”

“I have one brother, CJ. He lives in Sydney with my parents.” He nods, but that’s the end of our conversation. The rest of the time is spent eating.

“Well, I’d have to say that was the best omelette I’ve ever eaten,” he states as he makes his way to the sink to rinse the plate. Seriously, he rinsed the plate. No man I know does stuff like that. “I might just have to pop in more often around breakfast time,” he adds with a chuckle.

“You’re welcome anytime,” I say honestly. “Eating on your own gets old fast.” The thought of having him here more often sends my stomach into a flutter.

He turns to face me as he wipes his hands on a towel. “I’m sure it does,” is all he says with a sympathetic look on his face.

“Do you like pasta? I make a mean seafood pasta. It’s to die for.”

“Seafood and pasta are two of my favourite things,” he says as he places both hands on the countertop in front of me, leaning forward so his face is just inches from mine. “Are you inviting me over for dinner?” I feel my face flush as I swallow nervously. This causes him to burst out laughing. “Just messing with you, sweet-cheeks. You’re cute when you blush.” He reaches over and gently pinches my cheek. It really used to annoy me when he did that, but now it makes me smile. I’ve missed it. Missed us, and our friendship. “Although, I’m now intrigued,” he adds. “I’m not sure if you can top that omelette, but I want to try this pasta. So, if you’re not inviting me, then I guess I’m inviting myself.” His forwardness makes me laugh.

“Oh I can top it,” I say confidently. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than my seafood pasta. “How about one day next week?”

“Next week. I can’t wait that long,” he says raising an eyebrow, challenging me playfully.

“Well ummm…I need to buy the ingredients first. I was going to lay low for the next few days, so I won’t be going to the shops until Monday at least.” I see the smile drop from his face and his body stiffen as memories of last night take over our playful banter. He stands up straight and runs his finger through his hair.

“Look, I was going to wait until later to ask this, but what are your plans for Benson? Are you going to go to the police?” I shrug. I haven’t really thought that far ahead. To be honest, I’ve been trying not to think about it at all.

Before I get a chance to answer, my phone rings, making us both jump. “Oh thank god you’re alright,” Dana breathes into the phone. “I saw the front page of the paper, and I tell you, I nearly had a fuckin’ heart attack.”

“What? What’s on the front page of the paper?” I ask confused.

“You don’t know? Shit. Oh sweetie you better sit down.”

“I am sitting down. Just tell me what the hell you’re talking about,” I snap.

“It’s Riley. He was beaten up last night. He’s in a coma. It must have happened after he dropped you off. I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you. I’m relieved you’re okay though. When I saw the story on the front page of the paper I almost shit myself. All I could think about was you.”

I can’t speak. Images of Riley lying unconscious on the ground, his pants around his thighs. God, I think I’m going to be sick.

“It’s only a matter of time before they find who did this. Riley’s dad is on a rampage. One of my customers just told me the police are door-knocking the area as we speak…”

She continues to babble, but her words no longer register. I swear I feel all the colour drain from my face. All I can think about is Chase. Shit. What’s going to happen to him if he gets caught?

••••



Chase



I have no idea who she’s talking to, but by the look on her face I know it’s not good news. She looks up at me and the sheer panic on her face makes my own heart race. “I’ll call you back,” she says as she ends the call.

“Is everything okay?” I ask. She puts her head in her hands. I can tell she’s distressed by that call, so I make my way around to the other side of the breakfast bar.

“No. No it’s not,” she whispers.