by t. h. snyder
“Look Derrick the news of LA was a surprise to all of us, no one saw this coming. If I knew I swear I would have told you.”
“I know you would have Charlie. You’re a great friend you know that?”
“Hell yeah I do. Who else would put up with all you and Chloe’s drama if I wasn’t around?”
“I guess I overreacted and said some stuff that I didn’t mean to. I’m sure she is just as upset over this as I’m, right?”
“Derrick she is beside herself right now. I don’t think moving away is the best thing, I kind of hate it too, but this is all she has ever dreamed about you know. I just wish she could land that kind of job here in Boston.”
“Me too Charlie, me too. So what’s next? Do we stay together? Do we break up? I’m so confused.”
“I bet you are. I would be. One thing is for certain Derrick. You both love each other more than anything. I think you need to talk to her and figure out what is best for both of you. She’s going whether you and I like it or not.”
“I know. I’m proud of her. It just sucks. I’m going to go grab a shower and give her a call. Tell our moms I’ll grab some breakfast on the way out.”
I get up to walk out of the room and turn to face Charlie.
“Thanks for everything Charlie. You’re always there for us.”
I continue up to me and Chloe’s room. As much as I hate what just happened last night, I can’t give up on what we have. I need to let her know that we will make this work. We have to make this work…no matter what.
It’s been a rough few months to say the least. Since living in New York I never spent this much time away from my family or Derrick for that matter. I do my best to keep busy with work and socialize with some friends, but my heart still hurts. I miss him.
Now here I am living in Los Angeles working as an ESPN sports analyst and living my dream job. Things worked out well for me in the career sector of my life, it just sucks that I’m thousands of miles away from my true love, Derrick.
After the night he was about to propose I didn’t think we were going to make it as a couple. Well actually that’s a lie. I knew we would make it, but it was going to be hard. Derrick and I talked about the chance of me moving to the west coast when we were in college, but then again that was years ago and neither of us thought my pipe dream would come true.
Then it happened. I was offered my dream job. Everything I’d ever wanted was right in front of me, but I had to choose.
The morning after he walked away from me I woke up feeling like the world was about to end. My head was pounding, my eyes hurt and it felt like my chest was split in two. Ugh! I hate to think back to that day.
“Hey sleepy head how are you feeling?” Dad asks.
“Fine.” I reply. “Where is everyone?”
“They went over to the house to check on Derrick. You okay sweetie?”
“I’m good Daddy, thanks. I think I’m just going to take a shower and relax downstairs for a bit. Let mom know I’m down there when she gets back.”
“Okay Chloe, I’ll be outside if you need me.”
I made my way downstairs and took a hot shower. The feel of the water pricking my skin hurt at first, but after awhile it started to numb the pain. I just wish it could have taken the pain away in my chest. Shortly after the water started to cool I dried off, got dressed and laid down on the couch.
I closed my eyes for what felt like a brief moment and was woken up by warm arms pulling me into an embrace. I could smell his cologne and body wash, it was Derrick. I didn’t want to open my eyes for fear that I was dreaming, but I took the chance and there he was.
“What are you doing here? I thought you didn’t want to see me ever again.”
“Angel, I’m sorry. I was so upset and said some awful things to you last night. Please forgive me.”
“Derrick I’m the one that should be sorry. I ruined everything.”
He pulled me away from him so that we were facing each other. Wiping away my tears he kissed my lips.
I missed him so much in only a short amount of time.
“I don’t like the idea of you living on the other side of the country Chloe. I won’t lie about that.” He says running his hands through my hair.
Looking into his eyes I can see the pain and hurt.
“We’ll get through this. I promise.” I tell him pulling us closer together. I need him and I need his touch to reassure me we will really be okay.
I let out a deep sigh at the memories and try to regain my composure. Things have been okay between Derrick and me since I left. We talk at least once a day and Skype every night before bed. I know everything happens for a reason and we’re strong together as a couple.
Walking toward the gate I smile, this week is going to be fun and exciting. My mom and dad are flying in today and I have a jam packed week of activities for us to do. I want them to see why I love LA so much and know that I’m truly happy with the decisions I’ve made.
I can see my dad come through the tunnel first. Daddy really is quite the handsome man at 56. He is 6’4”, dark hair and eyes with a distinct mustache that drives me crazy. Coming up behind him I can see my mom. She too is attractive. Though mom is much shorter than dad, she still stands tall at about 5’7” with long dark hair, deep brown eyes and a smile that can go on for miles. I walk quickly over to them and dad grabs me up in a bear hug. As he puts my feet to the ground, mom comes over and gives me a warm hug. I feel loved and protected now that the two of them are here.
Out of nowhere two hands come around my face covering my eyes. I squeal with nervousness and pry the hands off of my face. Turning around to see who would do such a thing, I spot my little sister Char.
Holy shit! What a great surprise.
"What is going on here? Am I being punk'd?"
"No you are not being punk'd loser, you’re way not famous enough for that." She says.
"Come on girls; let's move this act of affection away from the gate. You two are going to get us kicked out of the damn airport." Dad tells us in a stern tone.
Char and I finally break free from our embrace and I walk the four of us out of the airport and out to the parking lot where my car is waiting.
I take them straight to my apartment to get settled in and then plan on going out for a nice dinner welcoming my family to LA.
Curling up on the couch I look toward Char and ask, "So Char tell me all about this hot roommate Derrick has staying with him. Derrick said Riley has quite the crush on you. Spill it girl."
"Wait, what? Char you just said there was nothing going on between you two." Daddy says in an odd tone.
Char seriously looks like she is about to spew so I figure I’ll lay off the Riley topic for now. I can dig in later when it’s just the two of us.
Spending this week with my family has been exactly what I’ve needed since moving out here. The best part so far was bringing them down to the studio and introducing them to some of the analysts. To me they are just normal people, but to everyone else I suppose we’re famous. Daddy nearly passed out when Erika Anderson walked in while I was giving the grand tour. Talk about a fan moment.
Since today is their last day here I set up an appointment for Char and me at the salon and sent mom and dad off on a tourist mission. I want to spend some time talking to my sister about her and this Riley guy. I have a sneaky suspicion that she is holding back because of her last relationship and I want my sister to find her happiness.
While we’re waiting in the whirlpool to get our massages I look over at her.
"Thanks so much for doing this with me today Char." It really is great to have her here with me in LA and having a day to just relax and bond.
She refuses to be the one that is being thanked, she feels this day is a treat and she should be thanking me. Honestly I’m just glad to be here with her.
"So tell me why you came out here to see me." I ask.
She plays it off as if it’s no big deal that she dropped everything to
come out here, but I know her better than that.
"Chloe?" She looks over at me and a tear trickles down her face.
"Yeah, sweetie?" I reply putting my hand on her arm and slowly start to brush back and forth in a comforting rhythm.
"I don't think...I don't know."
"Look I know what Marc did to you was awful, no one deserves to be lied to and cheated on the way he did to you. You have to remember that none of it was your fault. He was a complete jackass and was unhappy with himself in many ways. You two were so wrong for each other from the start, but you always saw the good in him. You always see the good in everyone. That is why we all love you so much sweetie."
"I just don't think I can ever love again. Marc was my first everything and it just seemed to all line up until he got caught. I know I need to move past it all, but I can't."
"You can and you will. Char you’re absolutely gorgeous, have the body I would kill for, and deserve to be happy. I’m quite certain this Riley fellow is just as smitten with you as you are with him. Just admit it girl."
My poor sister lacks confidence in the relationship department, but I have a good feeling that now when she goes home she is going to start anew. I’m proud of the woman she has become and the future she is building for herself. She deserves to be happy.
I caved. As much as I hated the fact that Chloe was going to move across country I let her do it. I mean, what kind of boyfriend would I be to hold her back from her dreams? We promised each other that we would talk everyday and once our schedules were set we would visit. And we pretty much have done just that. She has only been gone a few months, but we still talk and text each day and Skype before bed. I love seeing and hearing her voice, but it’s not the same as her being here and in my arms. Thanksgiving vacation can’t come soon enough. I’ll have to fight our families to spend time with her. I have a pretty good feeling I’ll win that battle.
Things have gotten really busy at Jax & Paige and I want to do my best to prove my worth to the senior partners. I enjoy what I do and I must say I’m getting pretty good at it. My win to loss case ratio is the best of the junior partners and according to some of the big guys I have a promising career ahead of me. If it weren’t for this work load, I think I’d go insane. Thankfully in my spare time I’m working on our house and I now have a roommate, Riley and his dog Manny, to keep me company…well sometimes.
Not only do I have the drama of my relationship with Chloe to worry about, but my new roommate Riley is crushing on Chloe’s sister and my best friend Charlie. I can’t say that it would be a bad thing for them to hook up. They’re both really great people and have a lot in common. It’s just that lately he’s acting like a chick moping about since Charlie pushed him away. Man o man, grow a pair and fight for her already.
Today Riley starts his new job at Taylor & Sons Contracting so being the nice guy I am I think I’ll make him some coffee to start the day. I can hear Manny’s paws coming down the hardwood steps and run straight for the sliding glass door. I make my way over and let him out. Riley turns into the kitchen and sees the cup of coffee sitting on the table. He gives me a look and I laugh.
“Hey man, all set for your big day at work? I’m so excited for you that I got up early and wanted to make you breakfast. Before you open your trash mouth, no I’m not a bitch; I’m a very good friend who wants you to have an even better day."
"Awe shucks thanks honey, I didn't know you felt that way about me. At least someone loves me."
He sits down at the table with a pout on his face. Damn this guy looks pitiful.
"Come on man, everything happens for a reason, right? Look at it this way, if you two are meant to be she’ll come back. Just be patient with her. She’s had a shitty relationship past and the last asshole did a number on her."
"I get that Derrick, I do. She just won't even give us a chance. I feel like a chick moping around, but she’s gotten to me and in like no time at all."
"Those Taylor girls are something Riley. I’ve been with Chloe for years and in that time we’ve had great times and times that have really sucked. But I believe we’re meant to be. No matter what life throws at us, we still get by."
"Yeah I guess you’re right. Well I’m going to go put my balls back on and get ready for work. Thanks for the coffee and the pep talk bro. It helps to have a friend like you around."
I tried to do my best to lift the guy’s spirits, whether it worked or not I don’t know. Finishing up my breakfast I clean up my mess and head upstairs to take a shower. Here’s to another week, got to love Mondays.
The week goes by damn fast and I love the fact that each week brings me closer to Chloe’s visit for Thanksgiving. We talked a little less this week with her parents and sister in LA, but I know we’ll get back to normal next week.
A big topic of conversation for us has been Riley and Charlie. It makes me laugh that I’m the one getting involved in Charlie’s romantic drama rather than her dealing with the issues of Chloe and me. I’ve told Chloe that Riley is pretty down about the way things ended with Charlie before she left for LA and Chloe agrees that Charlie is feeling the same way. To help these two love birds get their act together, Chloe and I have concocted a plan.
All I have to do is let Riley in on the details of tonight and watch the sparks fly. He just needs to get his hung-over ass out of bed. Then I can tell him the details of what he’s supposed to do.
When he finally makes his way downstairs, I start his day off the best way I can…with a loud voice of course.
"Hey roomy!" I scream as he passes by me heading to the fridge.
"Shut up asshole. Can't you see I’m in pain here?" He says laying his head down on the counter.
"Look I warned you that those guys from work were trouble. They got to you just like they wanted to and now you have to pay for it all weekend." I say with a belly laugh.
He gives me a killer stare and I know his head has to be hurting from last night’s drinking fest with the guys.
"So what’s on the agenda for you today?" He asks.
"Well if you must know I’m going to head on over to Charlie's in a bit. Chloe finally scheduled the movers to come and get the last of her things. Since Charlie doesn't fly in till later I said I’d go over and lend a hand."
"Hmm, how nice of you." He says in a sarcastic tone.
"So you want me to let you in on a little secret?" I ask.
At this point I’m so excited for the surprise they’re in for, I am almost giddy….almost.
"I don't know, do I?" He replies.
"Well let me just say that it would be cool if you were to be at Charlie's apartment around 6:30 tonight. I would also suggest having a bouquet of wildflowers and take out from the Chinese place down from her apartment warm and ready to eat." He pats me on the back and walks out of the house.
With that I grab my wallet and keys and head out the garage door to my car. Let’s see what he makes of that bit of information. I just hope he isn’t too hung-over and forgets what I just said. Chloe will kill me.
Who knew Chloe and I would become matchmakers, not I.
While rushing around my apartment I check and double check that everything is perfect before my guests arrive. Okay mental check list go…apartment clean and spotless…check, bedrooms have clean sheets and fresh towels in the bathrooms…check, decorations up and lights on…check, dinner in oven and delicious smells wafting through the air…check, I’m dressed and wearing shoes…check, and lastly Chloe has lost her mind…check, check, check.
I guess I’m just a little excited for Derrick, Char, and Riley to spend the next few days with me in LA. Going back to Boston for Thanksgiving was great, but I hate that I couldn’t make it home for Christmas. Just thinking my boyfriend and sister would be here a few days after the holiday helped to ease the pain, but it was still my first Christmas away from family.
My apartment is decorated in the Christmas spirit and I have packages covering the hardwood floors surrounding an eight f
oot Christmas tree. Hell, just because I wasn’t with them on Christmas day doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate it all over again together here in Los Angeles.
I have a turkey in the oven and even attempted to make mom’s filling, sweet potatoes, and apple pie for dessert. The three of them should be here any minute and I’m more than anxious to be spending this week showing Char and Riley my town and then having the week after for just me and Derrick.
My life is completely free the next two weeks so that I can spend every minute with my favorite two people…well and Riley. He’s slowly earning the right to be added to my favorites group.
When I met Riley in November I was cautious about his intentions with my sister. I mean come on, who meets someone, falls in love in like a month and then looks into buying a house together a few months later. I was kind of worried that he may be a psychopath. But the minute I saw him I could tell he made my sister happier than I’ve ever seen her. Char and Riley have a connection similar to Derrick and I. It makes me so happy knowing that she is being taken care of and her world is finally filled with love.
The two love birds did buy a house and lucky for Derrick it’s right down the street from ours. Oh god…ours. A sudden feeling of regret fills up my heart and I go back to wondering if I made the right decision to move here to LA.
Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
Shit! I pull myself out of my fog and run over to the speaker on the wall. I push the button and hear Edward’s voice coming though the intercom.
“Ms. Chloe, you have three guests in the lobby waiting for you.”
“Great Edward, send them up. Thank you.” I say in a cheery tone.
I run my fingers through my long dark waves and then press my hands down onto my skirt to remove any wrinkles. I take in a deep breath and adjust my attitude back to happiness and excitement. I’m not going to let any thoughts of regret ruin this trip.
The doorbell rings and I run down the hallway knowing that the love of my life is standing on the other side. I can do this, we can make this work. A few thousand miles are not going to destroy what we have both have worked so hard to achieve.