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Elroy sighed “You’re looking at your first event win in over a year On your first tour stop after the suspension How can you walk away from that?”
“My family needs me”
“That puts us in a helluva bind, especially after the stuff you spewed on live caht”
“Not my problem I said my piece, I meant what I said and I won’t issue a retraction If the PBR wants to add a disclaimer that I spoke on anization, that’s fine”
“You sure you’re notabruptly to build the buzz? And adding to the speculation you’re involved with Ava Cooper since she wasn’t at the event with you?”
Chase counted to twenty before he spoke “That bullshit PR spin stuff is suited for your devious et on a bull to, fat check than spend twelve hours inhome to deal with family issues As far as Ava, she’s not a topic of discussion Ever”
Elroy laughed “The one tireat press foryou fk no” Chase hung up He stopped at the first convenience store and loaded up on Rockstar Energy drinks and sunflower seeds When he saw the bag of red licorice he automatically threw it in the pile, like he always did, only realizing when he reached the truck his licorice-eating copilot wasn’t there
It’d be a long goddaoddamn life without her
Chapter Thirty-One
Chase pulled into Ben’s driveway at eleven a into his knees expecting to be petted
Ben opened the door and the dogs beat him inside “Coffee’s on”
“Good” He adjusted his duffel “Leht feel almost human”
He was down to one clean pair of jeans and one clean shirt Maybe Ben would let him throw in a couple loads of laundry The last ti the drive he’d rehearsed everything he wanted to say to her And he’d say it to her face In California, depending on what shook loose fro into aof coffee Chase poured himself a cup and joined his brother
“So you honestly have no idea what’s goin’ on?”
“No But I’ht after he retired?”
“Yeah My thoughts ran along those same lines”
They drank their coffee in silence
“So you and Ava Cooper, huh?”
“Seems impossible, don’t it?”
“Not really I knew you were done for when you listed all the great things about her and then swore you weren’t gonna drag her to bed the first chance you got”
Chase looked up “Not banging her is an indicator of…?”
“Come on, brother, say the word Love You’re in love with her”
“No lie”
“Does she know?”
“I told her But that was before I freaked out and said some stupid shit Then she said stupid shit back and I left to rejoin the PBR”
“How long ago was this?”