[for Chase]

[learnfromthem]

It's probably a stupid idea to bring Lucky halfway across the Island just because I know Chase likes him, but it's probably not half as stupid as coming all the way out here in the first place.

God, why does he have to live in the middle of nowhere?

I'm sweaty and gross by the time I corral both Lucky and lunch out to the treehouse, more than tempted to just find a place somewhere out on the beach and eat alone than grace anyone with my presence, but I figure, hey, I already committed this far to my stupid idea, so he'll just have to deal with the fact that I'm less than my perfect self at the moment.

It's not like this is a date. It's just a surprise lunch. Friends have surprise lunches all the time.

All the time.

"Chase, I swear to God, you better be in there!"

Comments

[apoorupbringing]

Thanks to the wisdom of age, Chase didn't in any way scope Kate out before scrubbing a hand back through his hair and saying, "starved, actually. You want to eat in the a/c?"

It was easy to close the treehouse and crank up the relief, and if she'd trekked that far out bearing gifts, Chase was clearly going to offer it up.

[learnfromthem]

"God, yes," I sigh, more than relieved for the offer. "The humidity out here is killing me."

I barely wait for him to reply before starting to head inside.

[apoorupbringing]

Chase spared himself a moment to watch her go, another to be appreciative, and then gestured to Lucky.

"Come on, good dog."

He absently reached out and touched OL's nose as he passed her and started back up the winding path around the trunk.

"So today was that boring, huh?"

[learnfromthem]

"Well, my options were to do homework for over a dozen classes or pay a visit to my favorite surfing teacher," I explain, casting a glance over my shoulder to look at the gang. "I kinda felt like doing option number two. I think I've earned a slacker day."

[apoorupbringing]

"You know I'm a big fan of slacker days," Chase said pleasantly, following her up and absently sticking his hands in his pockets.

"I support your decision entirely."

[learnfromthem]

I lean against the door, using my hip to push it open and step inside. The A/C hits me like a wall and my shoulders sag with relief. Tipping my head back, I hum a little, happy for nice, cool air and the chance to sit down on something that isn't a log or a boulder.

"Is it because my decision comes with snacks?"