Suddenly, my dad is calling my phone. I answer right away.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, the newspaper must have gotten ahold of the news,” he warns.
“Nothing's private anymore.”
“Did you see the headlines?” he asks.
“No, I couldn’t care less.”
“It says, Pro Lacrosse Player Quits Team Amidst Rumors of Depression and Anger Issues.”
“Oh yeah, I'm so angry,” I say, sarcastically.
“Well, you have been tense lately, son. Are you okay?”
“I'll be fine. I just found out P slept with Megan and got her pregnant. How would you feel?”
“Chase, I told you about him, not to trust him, but you’re thick-headed.” My dad has always been skeptical of Parker’s intentions. He has said many times that he doesn’t trust him.
“I guess we all have to learn our lessons somehow.”
“Mr. Katz is waiting for your decision in regards to the pharmacy.”
“Yeah, well, I didn't quit lacrosse because I need anger management classes,” I say sarcastically.
“I'm proud of you, Chase, and so is your mother.”
“Thanks, Dad. I have made all the wrong decisions, starting with how I treated someone.”
“A woman?”
“Yes. I'm outside her house now, making sure she’s okay. She won't talk to me.”
“She probably needs some space. If she cares, she'll come around. Trust me. Your mother is a stubborn woman, too. I learned when I can push and when to back away.”
“I won't tell Mom.”
“Now, your sister—she's a different story. I feel bad for the guy who marries her,” he says, joking.
“You're telling me,” I say, laughing. I'm very lucky that I have parents who have stood by me throughout my life. Some people aren't so lucky…
***
It was May 2009.
“I’ve got my final box left to pack,” I said to P as he rummaged through his belongings.
“Man, I can't believe we're graduating college. We have so many great memories here.” He grew silent.
“What's wrong?”
“I don't want to go home. I don't know if I can handle it there,” he said, throwing clothes all over his bed.
“It's only temporary.”
“All my parents do is fight. I never thought it would come to divorce. My dad wants to move in with the side piece. He told me sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Who am I to say what's right and wrong? I'm just the kid.”
“Dude, cheating is wrong no matter what, especially when it’s done to your mom. She’s like a second mother to me.”
“I know, man. I don’t know what to do,” Parker said.
“Don't let it affect you. You have your business degree now. You get to make your own choices. I'm going back home until I can afford to get my own house, but you can come and stay with my family if you want. You know that,” I say, inviting him. My parents knew what went on: they had known Parker’s parents since they were kids.
“I'll see what happens. My mom is going to need someone to stay with her.”
“So he's definitely leaving?” I questioned.
“So I hear. Who knows?”
“I'm here for you always. You're like my brother. We've been through so much together.”
He stared into space like something else was on his mind. He didn't say anything for about three minutes.
“Yeah, let's get back to packing,” he mumbled.
I blew it off. I was eager to finish up and get on with the rest of my life…
***
Present day
I guess P is just following in his father's footsteps. Although it's no excuse, he did have a rough upbringing. Parker was always caught in the middle of his parents’ battles.
Who would have thought, six years later, our friendship would end like this, and, to top it off, that he was hiding a secret when we graduated… He had slept with Carrie behind my back.
With friends like him, who needs enemies?
I pull away from Hailey’s condo, knowing that she is safe. I need a plan to get her into my life.
CHAPTER 34
Hailey
I KNOW CHASE followed me home. I saw his truck through the rearview mirror. I know he means well. I just don’t want to be put in the middle of this entire mess. I should have gone with my gut feeling where Parker was concerned, but I thought I should finally, for once in my life, give in to my insecurities. He actually seemed genuine. I totally had that one pegged incorrectly. It is good that I learned about the true Parker before it was too late.
As far as Chase goes, I have pined for him since I was a teenager. He was always a hero in my eyes. He was there for me when I needed him. He was there for me tonight. I relived pain that I never wanted to feel again in my heart. Chase is always there to pick up the pieces. He has called three times since I left him. I know he is concerned that I am hurting, but I don’t know what to say to him. He even left two messages on my voicemail; the third time, just hung up.
His first message, he said, “Hailey, I’m sorry for everything that happened tonight. Parker acted like a real asshole. I know that you probably hate me, too, but I came to the restaurant because I didn’t want to see him hurt you also. I hope you are okay. I don’t want to see you upset, and I just wanted you to know that the stuff Parker said tonight is not true. You are beautiful inside and out, and I hope we can have a chance together. I know I fucked up with you, but I just want that chance to make it up to you.”
His second message was, “Hailey, I got cut off on my last message. I hope you can forgive me, I really do. I would never intentionally hurt you. I let some asshole come between us, and that was my fault. Please call me if you decide you want to talk to me. I won’t stop trying this time. Hope to hear from you. Bye…”
I’m not going to call him tonight. I need time to think about what I want.
Sometimes what we need and what we want are two different things. I need someone who is going to treat me right, but I want Chase. I’m not going to deny that. I just don’t trust him at this moment. I believe that he does like me, but I also believed Parker, and look how that turned out.
It feels good just to get in my pajamas, watch a movie, and relax after all the drama that unfolded. My favorite movie, The Family Stone, is on. It came out the year I graduated high school.
I look at Chase’s number on my phone. I should call him back. He has to be hurting too. He just found out that his best friend impregnated his ex-girlfriend. He needs a friend, and I need to be there for him the same way he was there for me.
I hit send on his number. He answers tentatively.
“Hailey?”
“Hi, Chase. It’s me. I wanted to see if you were okay.”
“I am. I’m still a little shocked at what happened behind my back, but it no longer concerns me.”
“I just wanted to let you know that I am here for you as a friend, if you need me. You are always there for me.”