I Never Thought

Chapter 17

Chloe's POV

"Is that all the bags?" Dad asked as he tossed my suitcase on top of the pile of other bags in the trunk of the Range rover.

Mom was already seated in the passenger seat as she touched up her makeup in the mirror.

"Mine's the last one." Christian grunted as he placed his duffel bag on top and slammed the trunk shut.

Chase and Christian hopped into the back, leaving me standing in the driveway. I was hoping that I'd get to sit next to Chase for the whole hour and twenty minute drive. I was used to being in cars with him because we'd gone on numerous trips together, both family and with friends. But I don't remember being on a week long trip with him being there before. I was especially looking forward to sitting next to him because over the last few days, his presence had grown to be almost intoxicating to me. Every time he was around, I'd have butterflies fluttering about in my stomach the whole time.

Every time I saw him, I remembered our encounter.

I walked up to the open car door and saw that Christian had taken the window seat behind Mom and Chase sat next to him in the middle, leaving the seat behind Dad for me. My heart fluttered as Chase's eyes met mine. I wondered if he was as excited as I was that he would be sitting next to me.

"I hope everyone's got snacks handy because we have a drive ahead of us."

"I don't have snacks but I do have my neck pillow," Christian said and I turned to see that he was wearing a pillow around his neck.

Thank God that the SUV was very spacious, leaving enough space for leg room and gaps between the three of us. There was no way I would be comfortable sitting still for over an hour straight and I knew I would annoy the heck out of Chase with my very frequent leg movements.

The sun was directly above us as we drove out of Boston. We sat in traffic for twenty minutes which added more time to our journey. Dad muttered and huffed every few minutes saying how much he hated driving in Boston at noon on a Saturday.

Chase and Christian talked about the upcoming football season while I gazed out the window. My mind drifted off to yesterday. I had so much fun at prom, it turned out better than I expected. Sierra wouldn't shut up about being crowned prom court and how she was going to hang her sash up on her wall. I was very happy for her, I knew how much it meant to her to earn such a admirable social achievement. I was also happy for Chase being crowned prom king but I wasn't shocked. I couldn't help but be annoyed at Yanique's smug expression as she stood on the stage with her chin high. It seemed like she was more happy about getting to wear the crown than sharing the moment with Chase.

Alex and I ended up getting a bucket of fried chicken on the way home. We ate the whole thing while being parked in front of my house. I had a really good time with him and I could see us becoming great friends.

"What do you think Chloe?"

I snapped my head up at the sound of my name. Oh no, were they talking to me?

"What?"

"A scavenger hunt. Would you like to do that? I'm just trying to put together a list of activities we can all do on the trip," My mom said to me over her shoulder.

"Yeah, that sounds like fun."

"Any other ideas?" She asked.

"Chase had mentioned zip lining." I said and he snickered.

"You guys can go ahead. I'm not too interested in that," my mom scoffed, turning her attention back to her iPad.

Chase straightened his legs and leaned back further into the seat. His arms moved from behind his head to his lap.