“No chance,” Chase deadpanned. Whoever’s party they were referring to sounded less than charming with no takers.
Asher shot back the last of his flute. “No offense, C, but I have no clue how my parents are even friends with those people.”
“None taken.” Chase followed suit and drained his glass.
I missed something. “Whose birthday party is it?” I asked.
Asher pointed his finger at Chase and raised his brow. “His mother’s.”
“Your mother?” No time to filter, I blurted out.
Chase went cold and expressionless. His eyes lost their beautiful playful shine, glazed over with intensity. “Drop it,” he hissed at Asher.
“Wait, your mother’s birthday party is tomorrow and you’re not going?” And you just let your best friend berate her at the table. Luckily, my filter kicked back on and I let that last part bounce around my head instead of off my tongue. Chase hadn’t mentioned his family at all.
“Lili, I don’t know what your relationship with your mother’s like, but guessing not as dysfunctional as the Colton clan. Be glad you’re not going tomorrow.” He shifted focus back to Chase. “I’m just fucking around, man. I wouldn’t show up either if I were you.”
I didn’t know why, but Asher’s words struck a tender chord. Chase never mentioned his family. I knew absolutely nothing about their dynamic, but I didn’t love how nonchalant Asher sounded when he referred to Chase’s obviously strained relationship. The man I’d just spent the past twenty-four hours with was not cold or callous, so far from it. He must have had his reasons, and I could only imagined how heavily they weighed on him.
“Um, you’re right. I’m really not the best person to ask. My mother died when I was two. Ten minutes with her sounds heavenly, but every family is different. I’m sure Chase has his reasons.”
I squeezed Chase’s thigh just like he had done to me, hoping he felt my support, letting him know the tablecloth wasn’t the only thing that had his back. I did. Even if I didn’t agree and couldn’t imagine not wanting to be around your mother.
Asher’s face fell. “Ah Lil, I’m so sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to sound like an insensitive ass.”
“You never mentioned it, baby.” Chase pulled me closer and kissed my temple, proving me right. So far from cold and callous.
I didn’t want this to be about me. “I was little when she died, I really don’t remember her at all. But my dad has been amazing. He remarried just a couple of years back. I don’t know anything different.” I smiled thinking about how I really needed to check in on my dad. “He constantly reminds me how much I look just like her,” I paused. “It’s good and bad.” I swallowed hard, three glasses of champagne caught up to me. Damn. I busied myself with cutting a small piece of cheese.
“What time’s the party tomorrow, Ash?”
“Brunch, at eleven.”
“We’ll make an appearance,” Chase said. Asher looked puzzled, as was I. I hoped he wasn’t doing this on my account.
“Ha, who knew, hell froze over?”
Chase grinned. “You’re such a dick.” And then changed the subject. “Are we really stuck sharing another bottle of champagne with you? You’re picking up the tab.”
“Whatever, C, can’t help bustin’ your balls. Hey, speaking of balls, when do I get to crush yours in the ring?” My head snapped up, eying both of them with eyebrows raised. “Oh, what, hobbies haven’t come up yet either, C?”
“What hobby?” I asked, rubbing my hand across his back.
“It’s nothing, Blue, this asshole likes to talk a good game.”
“Bullshit, C. You’re awesome, fucking stupid, but awesome. Lil, you should come watch us sometime.” My curiosity piqued, I shifted my body toward Chase with wide eyes.
“I’m waiting.” I squeezed his hand. “Asher, you tell me, Chase obviously isn’t interested.”
“We box.” Dr. Jealous caved. “It started when we were kids. We used to fight a lot, good-natured fun. We got older and now it’s just a sport and a good workout. If we’re not fighting each other, we usually just hit the bags.”
Something told me this wasn’t just a workout. “Then why are you fucking stupid?” I repeated Asher’s choice of words, well, just that part because the awesome part went without saying. Was there anything this man didn’t excel at?
“How many surgeons do you know that fight for a workout?” Asher had a point, it sounded a little strange.