The Searching Secret

Chapter 13

I forced a smile on my face as I made my way downstairs. When I didn't find anyone I went outside and headed down to the barn to see if maybe Layla and Jay were waiting for me there. Instead, I found Chase cleaning up the mess from the party, annoyed that he was doing it by himself. "Lost the coin toss?" I asked, as I took a seat on the hay next him.

He laughed. "Yeah, I get stuck cleaning up, while Layla is off getting your car with Jay."

"They went to get the car already?" I asked.

Chase nodded, "They figured they would just go so you wouldn't feel rushed."

"Oh." I said, as I picked at a piece of straw.

Chase sat his trash bag down and took a seat next to me. "So'd you have a good time last night?"

I looked at him and smiled. "It was great," I replied, thinking of the long conversation Jay and I shared late into the night. "I am regretting how late we stayed up, but it was a great night."

Chase studied me for a moment and then shook his head. "Layla was right. I didn't see it before, but I do now." He shook his head again. "I hate it when she's right."

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"You and Jay," he replied.

"Chase, Jay and I are just-"

"Friends. I know you've said it a dozen times now. But I'm starting to wonder who you are trying to convince." He paused, as he waited for some response from me, but I didn't know what to say. What if there was some truth to what he said? When I stayed quiet, he continued, "You two have something special, Riley. Just don't let that go so easily."

I continued to play with the piece of straw between my fingers. I knew he was right. What we had was special, but did it mean if I didn't choose him we would lose that? I couldn't think about that now, so I picked my head up and smiled at Chase. "The decent guy is starting to show up again."

He laughed, "Yeah that happens sometimes."

My head turned at the sound of cars pulling up the drive. "They're back," I said, turning to face him again. "I should get going." I stood up and walked to the door of the barn. I've always been terrible with goodbyes. "It's been fun, Chase."

He smiled. "Tons of fun." As I turned to leave the barn he called after me, "Hey, Riley?"

"Yeah?" I replied, turning back to him.

"If you every really want to have a great night, you know where to find me." He winked.

I laughed, "Goodbye Chase." then turned and walked out the door.

I found Jay and Layla sitting on the hood of my car with their backs to me. They were talking closely about something. Layla was excited about whatever it was Jay was saying and he was too, but the excitement in him soon turned to disappointment. When I walked up next to them, Layla glanced at me and then back at Jay. She placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "Remember, with all you've got."

"Hey guys," I said, as I walked around in front of them. "Whatcha talking about?"

Layla smiled, "Oh nothing much. Jay was just telling me about some fight he was in." This comment almost made Jay laugh.

I looked at him. "You were in a fight? When?"

Jay chuckled softly, as he slid off the car. "I'll tell you about it sometime. I got you a coffee," he added, as he reached in the car and pulled out a styrofoam cup. "I figured we could both use one."

"Thanks," I said taking the coffee. I took a sip and smiled. It was just the way I liked it. Of course he would get that right. He knows me so well.