“She misses you. Every time I see her, she asks me about you.” Tears fill Emily’s eyes. Fuck, that’s not what I was going for. I wanted her to know that my mom still loves her and wishes she came around.

“I don’t want to do this. Why are we here?” She steps back, causing my hand to fall away from her face. I let her. It takes everything in me not to reach for her, but she’s been drinking, and I honestly don’t trust myself right now.

4

Emily

“You need food,” Chase says as we step off the elevator into his condo. I had no clue he lived here. I actually didn’t know where he lived. For some reason, I thought he’d still be at his family's estate. The place is massive and has a few homes on it besides the main one.

The Silversteins have also built all kinds of different buildings not only in this city but across the States. I try not to think about Chase and where he lives, but now that I’m here I can’t help but peek around.

“Sure, I’ll eat.” I’m not that hungry, but curiosity wins out. “You cooking?”

“I can or I’ll order in.” I smile, knowing Chase knows how to cook because of his mom.

“Doesn’t matter to me.”

“I’ll whip something up.” I fight a yawn as I follow him through the empty living room. The place is updated and modern but really empty. In the living room, there is a sofa and a TV mounted on the wall.

Nothing hangs on any of the walls. It looks like a typical bachelor pad. A very expensive one but still. There are no personal touches anywhere.

“Has your mom been here?” I ask because I can’t imagine she has, considering how impersonal this place looks.

“You think I own a place my mom hasn’t been all up in?” Chase laughs again, making me smile. This feels too much like old times.

“And she’s okay with this?” I do a circle motion with my finger. “I can’t even say this place looks staged because even a staged condo would have more décor and furniture than this.”

“I suppose it’s what most call a bachelor pad. I don’t need much for now.” If I was hungry, that would have definitely soured my stomach. I take a closer look around and wonder how many women he’s brought back to this place.

It hurts. I’ve been in love with this man for as long as I can remember, and thinking of him with someone else kills me. I know it’s irrational, but I can’t stop the thoughts. I think more than anything I want someone to pick me first and stick it out.