My Escape

Chapter 17: Valentine's Day

February 14, 2022 – Dawsonville, Georgia

Danielle walks into the house, slipping her shoes off as she normally would. She then heads to the kitchen, set to grab a drink, just as she normally would.

However she froze in the doorway, seeing the items on the counter.

There sat a single red rose, a single blue rose, with some chocolates. She makes her way closer, smiting a little in noticing it was her favourite – Reece Peanut Butter cups. Though at the same time, she froze, unable to bring herself to touch what was on the counter.

"Chase?" She calls out, feeling some slight confusion in the sight before her. She then hears a set of footsteps, followed by dog paws, both reaching the kitchen together.

"Happy Valentine's Day," he simply states before getting set to leave the kitchen almost immediately again. He wasn't going to be ready to leave for Florida as she kept distracting him.

"You didn't have to get me anythin-"

"I felt like it while I was at the store grabbing some supplies for this weekend. I figured it was a nice gesture. Nothing more.." He could sense the hesitation in her voice in seeing the gesture, knowing the day it was, and such, but it wasn't even supposed to be close to that. For now, those feelings were going to remain where they were.

"How did you know Reese Cups were my favorite?" He smiles, remembering when he came across her stash and not forgetting for several reasons. Not including using right now for the gift, it was good knowledge if he needed to ever win her back.

"I found your stash in your work bag when you asked me to get you something." She pauses, smiling a little as she reaches for one of the packages off the counter.

"Well, thank you, it is much appreciated. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it." He smiles as it was nice to see it accepted (finally), knowing it was a slow step towards the destination they wanted. "I actually feel terrible for not getting you anyth-"

"You've been there when I needed someone at nigh-"

"You allowed me to stay at your house rent free to get my feet back on the ground in asking nothing in return. Pretty sure you're winning the battle here of nice gestures." Chase leans back against the doorframe, debating on letting the full truth spill, though bites his lip as he watches her.

"Let's just say that when you care about someone, you want to do the right thing for them. Danielle, I care about you as I've told you, so here we are." He then leaves the kitchen, retreating back upstairs, hoping those weren't the wrong words to say in that moment.

Followed by snacking on a couple cups and having a drink, she retreated back upstairs, grabbing a shower and changing out of her work clothes. She went to walk by his room like nothing, but couldn't help but stop and peek as he finished packing things for Daytona.

It was almost surreal to think that in 24 hours, she'd be standing at the Daytona International Speedway thanks to a complete stranger. She dreamed of going to these events as a child, but she was going to get to experience it right before her eyes. Not only that, but she was set to get paid as one of the newest staff members in the traveling medic team.

Rebecca almost screamed her head off when she heard the news, upset her friend wouldn't be at the hospital as much as usual to keep her company through the misery. Then there were screams of excitement in the opportunity. Of course, the last conversation the girls endured was whether Danielle was developing feelings for her roommate. That was something she denied as much as possible, but standing there watching him, she couldn't help but think of those again.

"May I help you?" He questions, snapping her out of the thoughts immediately as Danielle shakes her head no. "You're staring."

"I'm sorry," she immediately apologizes, trying to conjure up some crazy excuse for standing there. "I was wondering when you'd be done as I'd like to treat you to dinner for Valentine's Day – a simple thank you for everything, that's all."

"Give me 10 minutes and I'll be up for the request?" She nods her head, accepting, before making her way down the hall.

It was going to be a fun season on the road with him, and all her heart could do was flutter in thinking how much more this could become with time.