The Chase: Diamond Lake Romance, #2

Copyright ©2019 by Kristen Middleton

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I WAS ONCE PART OF the elite.

I lived in Beverly Hills, went to a posh private school, and hung with the rich kids. My life consisted of pool parties, designer clothes, and selfies.

I was spoiled, self-centered, and, admittedly, a royal bitch at times. You had to be if you wanted to hang with my clique.

I had everything

Until my father was charged with fraud and sent to prison.

My friends disowned me and I became a pariah.

Everything we owned was stripped away.

Gone.

Now I'm forced to go to a new school - one with metal detectors and a crowd of bullies who hate outsiders. If that isn't bad enough, I find myself attracted to a drop-dead gorgeous hottie who can't decide if he's on my side or theirs. Life has royally screwed me over, but I still have my pride and I’m not about to let these kids ruin me.

If it’s a fight they want... I’ll give it to them.

Hell, I have nothing else left to lose.

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1

Mackenzie

AFTER MAKING A FOOL out of Gus, and donating eleven-hundred dollars of the asshole’s money to charity, one would have thought I’d have slept peacefully, like a baby.

Right.

Wishful thinking.

Instead, Chase Adams haunted my dreams, breaking my heart all over again. Needless to say, I woke up early Sunday morning cranky, bitter, and once again... missing my old life in New York.  

You’re up much earlier than usual, stated my grandmother after I went downstairs to the kitchen. She sat at the table eating a bowl of oatmeal and reading the newspaper.

I couldn’t sleep. I shuffled past her and yawned.

"How was your date last night? I tried waiting up for you but fell asleep after watching Downton Abbey."

I grabbed a K-cup and put it into the Keurig. It was fine.

She looked disappointed. "Fine? That’s it?"

I wanted to tell her the truth but held back. As angry as I was about the bet, I knew she’d kick Chase out of the studio if she found out about it. As much as he deserved to be tossed out on his butt, nobody deserved getting the shit kicked out of them by a family member. So, I decided to keep it to myself.

I grabbed the cream from the refrigerator. There just wasn’t any chemistry between us. Plus, I think you’re right about him being a troublemaker.

Grandma, who’d been about to eat a spoonful of oatmeal, stopped and looked at me. Why do you say that? Did he do something?

"No. I’ve just heard some rumors. Anyway, I won’t be going anywhere with him again."

Good choice. There are too many other fish in the sea. Like Chase.

I snorted.

Now she really looked confused. I thought you liked Chase? You were floating on the clouds the other day, gushing about how wonderful he was.

You sure that wasn’t him doing the gushing? He’s so full of himself. I sat down next to her at the table. Just like his friends.

Good-looking, rich boys often are. I’ve heard that he’s a little bit of hell-raiser himself. Her face grew serious. He’d better not be having any parties in the studio, that’s all I have to say.

I shrugged. Well, I haven’t heard about any.

Good. She stood up, walked over to the sink, and rinsed out her bowl. So, what time do you work at?

Eleven until seven.

"Good, you should make some decent tips from both the lunch and dinner rush."

I hope so.

Are you going to have your own tables today?

It was only my second day working at Herschel’s Diner, an old fifties-style restaurant. The place was always busy. I think so.

I can’t imagine serving food on roller skates. That can’t be easy. I’m surprised they even allow it. Someone could break their neck.

It’s challenging, I admitted.

I’d already fallen once, delivering cheese curds to a table. Of course, I’d stumbled because I’d been startled to see who I’d been delivering the food to. Mattie Robbins, one of the biggest snobs in Diamond Lake, and her bitchy friends.  

By the way, did you get the truck insured so I can drive it now? She’d recently purchased a used pickup for me to use. I promised to pay her back in monthly installments, which was why I was trying to pick up extra hours at work. 

Yes. I also took it out last night and filled it with gas for you. It seems to run great, although it’s not what I’m used to. I prefer my little Bee Bug.

I grinned. She was frugal with her money and had been driving the same Beetle for many years. She’d nicknamed it Bee Bug. Thanks, Grandma.

You’re welcome. She looked at the clock on the wall. I’m about ready to head off to work myself.

Okay.  I guess I’ll see you tonight then.

Yeah. She grabbed her purse from the counter and pulled out a tube of lipstick. I watched as she applied some to her lips and pressed them together.

I stared at her in amusement. Lipstick? What ‘s the big occasion?

She looked at me. Whatever do you mean?

Grandma Rae never wore lipstick. Only Chapstick. I noticed she was also wearing mascara. The makeup?

There was a sparkle in her eyes as she put her lipstick away. Oh, well. I was going to wait and tell you about it later but... they’re doing a write-up about me in the Diamond Lake Gazette. I figured I’d better fix myself up a bit since they were going to be taking my picture.

Really? That’s cool. What exactly are they writing about?

It’s a feature about successful female business owners living in Diamond Lake, she said proudly. Nora Kenyon, who owns Kenyon Bakery, is also going to be featured. Same with Macy Stone. She owns that bookstore on Main Street. And Mimi Robbins. She is in the process of launching her own line of designer purses.

I recognized the last name. Does she have a daughter named Mattie?

Yes, I believe so. Do you know her?

I laughed dryly. Yeah. Unfortunately.

Grandma didn’t look too surprised at my answer. Let me guess, she’s as snooty as her mother?

Snooty. Stuck up. Bat-shit crazy.

She burst out laughing. Oh, Mackenzie.

"If you met her, you’d agree with me. And it would take less than thirty seconds. Anyway, enough about Batty Matty. I think it’s incredible that you’re getting recognized for your success. I can’t wait to read the article when it’s published."

Being the humble person she was, Grandma Rae commented about how she felt a little silly that they were even doing an article that included her.

You’ve been running your taxidermy and bait store in this town for what, forty years? You deserve the recognition.

Thank you, dear. I opened it right after your grandfather passed away, she replied with a wistful look on her face. "It was supposed to be our dream. I just wish he’d been around to see it happen."

Thinking back to the medium, and her message from beyond the grave about my parents, I reminded her that he’d probably seen it all.

She chuckled. I imagine you’re right. I hope he wasn’t around last night after I ate those bean burritos. My goodness, I could barely stand to be in the same room with myself. I was afraid to light a candle in case I blew up the house.

I chuckled.

Both of us were a little obsessed with all things paranormal. This year we were planning on visiting The Monroe Mansion in Lancaster. It was said to be haunted and that several people had witnessed ghostly phenomena.  

Did you tell my uncles or Chloe about the article? Grandma had three other children besides my mother. Chloe was the oldest cousin. She’d graduated from Diamond Lake the year before and was now a freshman in college.

Not yet. I was going to make it a surprise.

Okay, I won’t say anything. Not that I’d see them anyway. My uncles, Jake and Adam, had moved away from Diamond Lake. Chloe was now attending the University of Minnesota, in Duluth and her parents had recently moved to Florida, tired of the cold weather.

Grandma looked at the clock again. Oh, my. I’d better skedaddle. I need to get to the shop.

Sorry I’ve kept you.

She waved her hand. Oh, honey, don’t be. I’m a gabber. You know me. Have a good day.

You, too.

Grandma left and I fixed myself something to eat before taking a shower. As I was pulling my hair into a ponytail, I noticed the dark shadows under my eyes.

I needed some coffee if I was going to make it through the day.

I finished getting ready, made myself a thermos of coffee, grabbed my skates, and drove to Herschel’s. As I was getting out of the truck, my cell phone went off. I pulled it out of my purse and saw a message from Chase.

Chase: What happened with Gus?

I was so tempted to block and ignore him. But I just couldn’t seem to do it. Muttering to myself about what an asshole he was, I replied.

Me: Ask him.

Chase: I’d rather talk to you about it. Can we meet?

Me: No. I have to work.

Chase: Afterward?

He wasn’t getting it. Or, maybe this was just another challenge for him. Whatever the case was, I needed to set him straight. I wasn’t falling for any more of his bullshit. I began to type again.

Me: I have nothing more to say to you.

I almost thought he’d keep trying, but instead, Chase surprised me.

Chase: I understand.

I waited for him to add to it, but he didn’t. It was surprising and, if I had to be honest, kind of disappointing. I wanted him to keep groveling. Not that I’d ever give him a second chance. But, it would have helped my self-esteem a little. 

Fuck it, I muttered, putting my phone away.  

I went inside of the diner and clocked in. As promised, I had my own tables. They limited me to just two, which was a relief considering there was still so much to remember and learn.

The day flew by and I only made a few minor mistakes. By the end of my shift, I felt pretty comfortable about waitressing, although I was also completely exhausted. Fortunately, I ended up with almost ninety dollars in tips by the time I clocked out.

I walked out of Herschel’s at seven-fifteen, exhausted and beat. My feet were sore, my head was starting to hurt, and I felt gross and sweaty. All I wanted was a shower and a bowl of Edy’s ice cream. What I got was Chase parked next to my vehicle.

Swearing under my breath, I trudged toward my truck with my eyes down, ignoring him. As I was unlocking the door, I heard him get out of his Mustang.

How’s the truck running? he called out.

I turned around to face him. He was dressed in a brown bomber jacket and his hair was damp. He looked annoyingly handsome as usual.

Great, I replied.

He sauntered toward me casually, twirling his keychain around his finger. Cool. It sounds like Lenny gave you a pretty good deal.

Nice to know. I unlocked the door and climbed up into the truck.

I’m racing Friday. This time we’re doing it in Lancaster.

I wanted to ask who the other contestant was, but didn’t want to appear interested. Plus, I had a feeling it was Gus anyway. Good luck. I shut the door and started the engine. 

Chase knocked on the window.

Growling in the back of my throat, I rolled it down. What? I asked sharply.

His eyes searched mine. I heard what you did to Gus. That was pretty... ingenious.

I looked away.  Yeah, well, he deserved worse.

He’s not the only one, he murmured.

I didn’t know what he expected out of me, but I wasn’t about to let this blow over and I certainly wasn’t ready to forgive him. It would be stupid. Naïve. I couldn’t allow my desire to jump his bones cloud my judgement. Even now, part of me was internally making up excuses to forgive him.

I have to go. I began raising my window. I needed to get away and clear my head.

Wait.

What?

How about we just go and get some coffee together?

"No. I don’t want anything to do with you. Is it that hard to figure out? Am I not making myself clear?"

His expression turned hard. Perfectly.

Good. I rolled up the window, put the truck in DRIVE, and left him standing there. Unable to resist, I glanced back into my rearview mirror and noticed Chase still watching me. Something about it played heavy on my heart. But my head reminded me that he couldn’t be trusted. Nor could I if I didn’t keep a good distance between us.    

2

Chase

Iwatched her drive away, pissed at myself for not just being an asshole, but putting myself out there. Rejection and groveling wasn’t anything I was used to. Even though I knew I probably deserved everything she was dishing out, my pride was starting to feel the burn.

Sighing, I got back into my car and waited for Jason, Bruce, and Sonny to arrive. Although I knew Mackenzie had been scheduled to work, it wasn’t the only reason I was there. I’d made plans to meet the guys at Herschel’s for dinner. I would have gladly canceled with them if she’d have agreed to grab some coffee. But it appeared that there was no reasoning with her. She wasn’t about to give me another chance.

Fuck it.

I’d tried.

They pulled into the parking lot at seven-thirty; I got out of my Mustang and greeted them.

So, is she working tonight? Sonny asked me, still unaware of the bet with Gus.  

I shoved my hands into the pockets of my leather jacket and silently hoped nobody would grill me about her. Mackenzie? Nah.

Hey, dude, pop your hood. I wanna take a look at that 428 you’ve got hiding under there, Jason said, admiring my car. I haven’t seen it since you had the engine rebuilt.

Grateful that the subject was changed so quickly, I did what he asked.

Jason smiled as he stared down at the engine. What’s the horsepower?  

It’s been rated at 335 horsepower at 5600 RPMs but some claim that it’s really higher. More like 400.

Jason whistled. Can I take it for a spin?  

Before I could answer, Sonny snorted. Yeah, good luck with that one. I’ve already asked a million times.

I nudged him. Don’t worry, Sonny.  If I let anyone else drive it, you’re at the top of the list.

I hope so, he replied. I’ve only hounded you about it since you got it.

What if I gave you a hundred bucks? Jason said, reaching for his wallet.

Right. Jason was a madman. Even more of a showoff than I was. I wasn’t taking any chances. Not even for a cool hundred. Sorry, man. I make it a point not to let anyone drive it but me. It’s my baby.

Yeah, I get it. I’d probably be the same way. It’s definitely a sweet ride. Jason smirked. No wonder you get all the tail. Maybe I should invest in a classic myself and see where it gets me.

Bruce lit a cigarette. What about Breanna? She not giving you enough action?  

We’re not together anymore. I can’t do long-distance relationships. Not when there’s this much pussy around town, Jason said, eyeballing a car that had just pulled into the parking lot. Two chicks were inside, both from Diamond Lake High School. Juniors. I’m sure she’s fucking around up there anyway. She’s a nympho.

Breanna didn’t seem the type, Sonny replied. I thought she was totally in love with you, dude.

So did I. Anyway, enough about her. Jason’s eyes shifted back to the car. So, this car’s been good for you, bro?

I nodded. Yeah. It definitely gets up and goes. Especially now that I’d minted it out and rebuilt the engine.  

I know it’s fast. I saw you race. I’m just asking if the ladies are flocking, he replied.

Yeah. They won’t leave me alone. As you see, I can’t go anywhere without chicks throwing their panties at me, I joked.

He’s full of shit, Sonny said, laughing. The honeys dig this ride and I can vouch that he sees more ass than the toilet seats at White Castle.

I shook my head. Dude, gross.

Don’t deny it. Last summer you had a couple of gorgeous babes eyeballing your car and flashing you their tits at stoplights, Sonny replied.

Jason scratched his chin and smiled. Seriously?

I shrugged. It was late and they were pretty lit.

I take it Mattie wasn’t there? Jason asked.

Hell no. It was just us two, Sonny replied.

Hey, you racing again soon? Bruce asked, changing the subject.  

Friday. In Lancaster, I said.

Sonny’s face turned serious. Shit, man, you didn’t tell me that. Who’s it this time?  

Gus again. We’d talked earlier, which was how I’d learned about Mackenzie stealing his wallet and giving away his money to charity. To say he was pissed was an understatement. I’d admitted to spilling the beans and now he said I owed him a race.

Good. I hope you kick his ass, Sonny replied. He needs to be taken down a few notches.

I agreed.

Why are you racing in Lancaster? Bruce asked. Because of Mattie’s old man?

Yeah. Her father was a cop and had threatened us the last time we’d tried street racing. I couldn’t afford to get busted again and winter was coming soon. There wasn’t a lot of time left for racing.

Let’s go in and eat. I’m starving, Sonny said.

I shut the hood and we began walking toward the restaurant.

What’s going on with you and the new chick? Bruce asked. He gave me a sly grin. Have you smashed that pussy yet?

No. I told you before, we’re just friends, I replied.

That’s not what it looked like Friday, he said. Didn’t you drive her home?

Yeah. Someone had to. She was scared as shit about the asshole who attacked her. My eyes burned into his. Speaking of which, you sure you didn’t know anything about it?  

Bruce glared at me. Seriously? We’ve been through this. I wasn’t involved. What’s crawled up your ass today?

I ignored the comment. What’s going on with you and Mattie then?

He stopped abruptly. Nothing. What the fuck, man? Why are you coming down on me like this?

Sonny answered before I could. We heard Mattie asked you to help ruin Mackenzie.

Who told you that? he asked. Let me guess, Tyler?

Yeah, Sonny and I replied in unison.

He let out an aggravated sigh. Fine. Yeah, she asked me to help but I told her that it was her fucking feud and not mine. I’ve got better things to do than play games like that.

I wanted to believe him, but Mackenzie had complained about Bruce threatening