After Thought // Chance Sutton

Chapter Sixteen

A/N: I have this rule, I don't cry over boys. Frankly, it's not worth the energy or the wasted mascara. But this past week, I've cried nine times over the same person. I love him, he doesn't love me back. It's been a month since he shattered my heart, and it still hurts. To any young girl reading, don't make the same mistake I did. Don't give a boy, one with no intention of building a future with you, the power to cause so much harm in your heart. Xoxo

Ps: enjoy this long chapter, and the lil drama at the end.

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Looking back, on Allison and I's friendship since the encounter in Ohio. I have come to the conclusion, that before, she only kept me around because it made her feel better about herself and her own insecurities. She'd make me feel bad if for some reason I couldn't hang out, or if someone showed me attention instead of her.

It's sad, really.

None of that was friendship. Maybe in the beginning it was, but near the end it was another story. When I was becoming a better person she didn't see it. Her betrayal seeked further the second she sought out Luther.

"You okay babe?" Chance asked, looking over from his desk. It's a lazy sunday afternoon at the Team10 house, and he finally brought me around to see it. Instead of it being packed with people, it's walls are practically empty.

"Yeah, just thinking about Allison."

"What about her?" He questioned.

"Why Luther? Why would she be with him, knowing all the terrible things he's done?" I sighed, leaning back in the chair. "She knew- and now apparently they are instagram official."

I showed him the picture, of the two blondes locking lips. The sight brought haunting shivers up my spine. "Honestly, they deserve each other," he said. "I need to tell you something, about Allison."

"What?"

"She's not as innocent as you think," he said turning his chair towards me.

"What do you mean?" I posed.

"Our small town has way more secrets than you would ever believe. And Luther has a way of obtaining all of them. He thrives off of them, and he's manipulative. After Abbi and I broke up, Luther chose her. Then she left, and it left him needing an accomplice. Allison was willing to do his dirty work."

I couldn't believe what he was saying. In the back of my head, I knew the things Allison capable of. "What dirty work?" was a question, I didn't want the answer too exactly. But needed to know.

"Someone to go to Cleveland and drop off drugs. Handle the clients. Whatever he wants really. His plan is to keep his hands clean."

"He's never gotten caught?"

"Almost, once. But it was a close call. It's still a night I don't want to remember, it was a wake up call."

"I'm sorry." I said, getting up from my chair.

He held his hands out, signaling for me to come into his lap. I did, wrapping my arms around his neck. "None of that shit matters anymore, okay? Luther won't come after you," he consoled. "If he did, I'd fucking kill him."

"Okay," I spoke.

We both knew not to dwell on it too much, and just enjoy our time together. Between his film schedule and everything that's happening with Paradise. Our moments are too precious to be worrying about Luther or Allison.

I wonder what Mom would think, of Chance, of all of this. She's in my head, all the time. Hell she's the reason I wanted to be a writer in the first place. It took a full year after she passed away for the mourning to even take its full course.

There is still moments though. A smell, a memory. It can bring it all back, and I come crashing down. I'd cry, and not the normal kind of crying. The kind of sobs that drained all hope from me.

But the way my life is going now, maybe I won't get like that anymore.

"You must be Lizzie?" A voice said, causing Chance and I to tare apart from our embrace.

"And you're Anthony? Nice to officially meet you." I got up from Chance's lap, causing him to pout.

He shook my hand, "the legend herself. Thought I'd never see you again after that party. Turns out this guy was telling the truth."

"Hey asshole, why would I lie?" Chance countered, chuckling.

"She's too hot for you," Anthony shrugged.

"Agreed."

"Excuse me, I am not." I frowned, crossing my arms.

With the mood lightening, we sat around talking. I didn't know much about Anthony, or his start on YouTube with Chance. They told me how within a few months, their views skyrocketed.

Who wouldn't love a duo like them though? Best friends, cute, and funny. Give it a year and they'll truly be taking on the world. It's my hope for Chance, he deserves it so much that it hurts.

"Where's Dylan tonight?" Anthony asked, "would love to talk filming with him."

"He's with his maybe boyfriend. I should probably call him later to see if he's coming home tonight."

"Maybe boyfriend?"

"Some dude he met at a coffee shop. I don't know too much about him, other than his name, which worries the hell out of me."

Dylan has never been one for secrets. He's an open book when it comes to anything. The first week or so I knew him he unfolded his life story before my eye's. It's unusual that he'd keep a person he's involved with from me.

After hanging out at their house for a little bit. Chance decided to take me home, and we were supposed to be going out to dinner. But a chill night of Netflix and making out was a better option.

My phone ringing off the chart was not part of the plan.

"Amalee, what's up?" I asked, leaning against the counter staring at my waiting boyfriend.

"Don't forget about our meeting tomorrow morning. Mr. Bayfield is going to be there and a few of the other advisors, so get a good night of sleep and come prepared."

"What?! Why?! I thought he was going back to the London office?" I asked, to be honest, I didn't want to deal with the added pressure of having him watching over my shoulder.

"No, he isn't. Apparently, his son is flying in. And he wants to introduce you guys." She explained.

Of course he does. With Mr. Bayfield I feel like there is always a secret agenda, and I know for sure he has something up his rich sleeve of his. It's stressful because at Paradise I can't be myself when I'm there.

I'm Lizzie Gold, not Beth.

Hanging up with Amalee and retreating towards the couch, Chance's arms bring me comfort. It's a type of emotion one cannot describe in words,  and there is thousands of them out there.

"You okay baby?" He asked, tucking a piece of stray hair behind my ear.

"Yeah, just work stuff," I explained leaning my head into his chest.

This.

If only we could be like this for the rest of our days. And not have our complications of life get in the way of us. If it isn't one thing, it's another. Work, YouTube, it'll get in the way. But at this point, I refuse to let that happen.

Just as I was starting to doze off, the front door opens. It must be Dylan finally coming home. "Lizzie! Hey? I thought you guys were going out tonight?" He nervously says upon entering.

"We decided to stay in," Chance noted.

I could see it on Dylan's face, something wasn't right. Then I realized what exactly it was as the tall figure waltzed in right behind him. I'd recognize that hoppy blonde head of hair anywhere.

"Guys, meet Jax." Dylan said.

Turns out Jax, is short for Jackson. So standing hand in hand with Dylan, Chance and I just look at each other wide.

Jackson also known as Luther's brother.