Sweet Taste

Chapter 35: The Deal

“Two groups left.” I sighed.

I was in the penthouse with Chace and Drew, still in disguise, talking about the next round.

“Don’t worry, we can do this.” Chace assured.

“I’m just worried.” Drew sighed.

“Blake?” I raised my eyebrow.

“Yeah... I just left him there!” He cried, rubbing his temples and taking off his shades and hat.

I moved closer to him and patted his shoulders.

“He’ll be alright.” I whispered.

“No.” He sat up. “I left him all alone.”

“Drew, he’ll be alright.” Chace said firmly.

“Chace, he’s my brother and I left him!” Drew stood up shouting at Chace.

“Blake isn’t a child anymore, Drew! Even Lauren knows that!” Chace gripped Drew’s shirt.

“Stop it!” I pleaded breaking the two up.

“You don’t know how a brother would ever feel because you’re just an only child! If anything happens to Blake, I won’t be able to forgive myself for leaving him!” Drew pushed me and pushed Chace and Chace backed off a bit.

“You’re not the only one who has problems right now, Drew! Mace is still targeting one of us. We have to keep guard and we’re not splitting up!” Chace looked at Drew straight in the eye.

“No, you continue this. I’m searching for him.” Then he took off all his disguises and went down.

“Drew!” I chased after him.

He turned to me, “I have to find Blake. Just let me go.”

I looked at him with tears in my eyes, tears of joy.

I have never seen a brother like that.

But..

We need him.

I’m sure Blake wants him to stay and finish the tournament with us.

“Do you think running away, would solve and help Blake?” Chace blurted out.

Drew suddenly went stiff.

“Blake would want you to finish this. But if you’re just a coward then run.” Chace calmly said.

“Please stay.” I pleaded.

Drew was still as stiff as a rock.

I don’t know what he’s thinking..

I want to know..

He needs us right now and we need each other.

But at some point right now, I want him to go.

I feel like Blake needs him right now.

If he stayed, he wouldn’t be happy too.

“Drew, if you really want to go, it’s alright.” I finally said with a fainting smile.

He turned to me, his eyes full of gratitude.

“Thank you, Lauren. I’m sorry.” Drew smiled then he left.

I smiled.

Blake and Drew need each other right now.

“Nice move.” Chace suddenly chuckled.. sarcastically.

I suddenly felt numb.

“If you really want to go, it’s alright? Really?” He laughed sarcastically.