Slip

Chapter Six

Leo

We let Chip go as he asked and looked at him, breathing heavily. Eric went out  with the ice that Charlotte passed to him to go make sure things were okay outside. Chip turned in his stool and ordered another drink.

Sitting next to him, I asked for one as well. Chip laid his head on the counter. "I can't believe this, man. My daughter and one of my closest friends. And I knew nothing of it! Is that my fault?"

"I don't think it is," I shook my head. "Even if you did know about it, there wouldn't be much you could do, ya know?"

He nodded and rolled his eyes. "Right. It's just all so much! And Jason's not doing anything with his life but staying with women my mother's age! He doesn't have a job; who knows what he's doing for the money that he gets? Does Casey not realize this?"

"Well, she's the type to see the good in all people." I shrugged. "If there's one thing I know about Casey it's that. When she was younger, that robbery happened and she said 'they're just hungry and need money. They don't mean any harm.' Remember that?"

Chip nodded, chuckling. "Yes. I remember. But-"

Jason burst into the bar with Marc and Erin trying to pull him back. "Chip, please! Hear me out, man!"

Chip shook his head. "No, get him out of here, please!"

They began pulling him back. "Listen! If what you're worried about is me not being able to provide and be a good father, just listen! I've changed for your daughter! I'm not exactly the same man that I was seven months ago! I'm not!"

"Bull crap, Jason. Get outta here!" Chip turned back to the counter.

"I work at a nursing home. I have my badge if you want to see it. I applied for another job this morning. A-and you know how Casey goes to church every morning? I'm the one that goes with her." Jason breathed.

Chip turned in his stool and frowned at him. "What?"

"I go to church with her! Every Sunday! I even stay for second services! I've found God, Chip!"

Charlotte poked her head in. "He's not lying. They go to my church."

Eric frowned. "Wait."

"Yes, it's a black church." Marc said.

"How do you know?!" Chip asked.

"I've been there before but it was like a year ago when Char invited us." Marc nodded. "It was great. I danced and everything. Never went back though. We've been meaning to."

"See-" Chip shook his head and waved his hand. "I'm still not believing any of this. Jason, you've not shown any type of change! How am I supposed to believe that you work at a nursing home and you go to church every Sunday? I don't see it!"

"I've been trying to make it seem I haven't changed so you didn't get suspicious and ask me what was going on. I didn't want you to know about me and Casey yet." Jason pulled out his badge for the nursing home that he supposedly worked at. He showed it to him.

Chip read it and looked at me. His eyes asked for my opinion. I had to put myself in their shoes. What would I do if it were my daughter? I didn't have a daughter. So I didn't know what the answer of that would be. What would I feel if I were dating Chip's daughter? I would want his forgiveness and I would want to keep his friendship. I looked back at Chip and shrugged.

He looked back at Jason. "Give me time, man. Give me space. Is Casey still out there?"

Jason nodded.

"Go with her if you need a ride. I'll call you or something." Chip turned back around to the counter. He picked up his glass and shook it a little.

Jason stared at him for a few seconds, hoping Chip would turn around and speak some more but he didn't. The rest of us watched as he exited.