It's Always Been You

chapter nine

Riley

"This is great progess, thank you all so much for your hard work so far. We have reached the two month mark and with the way things are going, I think we will sign this off quicker than the initial date we first said."

Amanda and Claire are holding the monthly update meeting and it's crazy how fast time has gone while working here.

Reaching my desk after we all pile out of the conference room, I see Julian heading my way.

Luckily my phone starts ringing and I answer straight away seeing my Mom's contact on the caller ID, mentally thanking her for the impeccable timing.

"Hey Mom, how are you?"

"I'm ok sweetie, it's always a tough day today but we will get through it. I just hope Chase is alright. He didn't answer when I called last night and I know he finds it hard even after all these years."

I saw him two nights ago at Loren's bar and he was fine. More than fine actually, as I recall him telling me he can't be just friends with me, before I ran out of him and spent yesterday alone in my apartment overthinking everything.

"What?"

"Riley Peterson, do not tell me you forgot about Jane's death anniversary?"

Shit. How did I not remember.

Jane Cartwright passed away exactly eight years ago today, 20th April 2015.

"Mom, I gotta go. I'll let Chase know you tried to call."

I quickly make a beeline for the entrance and pull out my phone, dialling the one person I can think of that can help me right now.

"Little Peterson, what's up?"

"Hey Noah, have you heard from Chase today?"

"No. But I know he likes today to himself."

I knew it. I can't let him be alone.

"Can you give me his address please?"

"I'm not sure about that-"

"Noah please. This is really important."

"Ok fine. I'll send you it now."

I smile while thanking Noah repeatedly before hanging up. Chase has been there countless times for me and right now he needs someone to be there for him and I want that someone to be me.

***

He lives here?!

I can't help but feel proud of him. All that hard work he put into studying and he did it. He became an amazing architect that I always believed he could be.

Entering the lobby, I somehow persuade the cheerful doorman that I'm Chase's friend and it's super important that he lets me up to his penthouse, so I can be an excellent friend and check on him.

He curiously looks at me, before a wide smile covers his face and he agrees to let me up.

Reaching the top floor, my eyes widen at how cool this place is. The modern feel, the structure of the building, the hard wood floors, they all make this place heavenly. I would love to live in a place like this.

Chase opens the door, his eyes widen when he sees me.

"Riley, what are you doing here?"

"Hey. Noah gave me your address, I hope it's ok that I came. I just-"

Taking a deep breath, I look more at Chase.

His hair disheveled, the creases in his tshirt, like he has worn it all weekend and the darkness under his eyes tell me he hasn't slept well in a couple of days.