Worth the Chase

He never called me back. Four voicemails I left. Seven calls unanswered. I never heard his voice again.

So many buried memories.

So many regrets.

I’ve spent years fighting to bury them deep inside myself. And now, they’re resurfacing. I’m falling into the black hole of my past, hitting every jagged edge, the pain tearing open each memory I’ve fought so hard to repress.

I’m sorry Bridget, he’s gone.

He’s never coming back…

I sit up, the memory rousing me awake. Chase. His betrayal. Coming home. Throwing myself at my boss. It all comes back like a punch to the gut. I suck in a staggered breath and clench my fists so tight my nails dig into my palms. I’m fighting not to fall apart all over again. I glance over at my clock and swear under my breath when I realize I’ve been asleep for over five hours.

Raised voices coming from outside grab my attention. I sit up. Chase and Jonathon. I hurry out of bed and sneak a peek out the window, keeping myself hidden from view.

“I’m not going to ask you again. Get off my property.”

“I’m not leaving until I see Bridget. This has nothing to do with you, man. Just go back inside and check your stocks or something.”

Chase takes a step toward my front door, and Jonathon stops him.

“You serious? What is it with you? Pretty territorial over an employee. One might think you want a little piece of your nanny.”

I cringe at his comment. More embarrassment floods my system, making me feel sick all over again.

“So, again, why don’t you get out of my way and let me speak to my girl?”

Chase gets into Jonathon’s face. He doesn’t take the bait, but I worry Chase will do something to hurt him.

“I believe she doesn’t belong to you anymore. Especially after the way she fell at my doorstep in tears. One I had to tend to because she was so distraught. I think you should take a step back and learn how to treat a woman—especially one as special as her. And you’re right. I am territorial of my employee. She deserves to be treated with respect. From the looks of it, you’re failing at the job. Now, get off—”

I gasp when Chase shoves him.

“Bridget!” he yells my name. “You can’t keep her from me, you motherfucker. Bridget, please. Just come out so we can talk.” He tries to fight past Jonathon, but Jonathon grabs him by the neck and wrestles him into a choke hold. Chase struggles to release himself from his strong grip. Jonathon’s hold only tightens. “Let me go, asshole.”

I want to race out there. Break them up. Make this all stop. But I’m not ready to face Chase. I can’t. Sirens blare in the background. A minute later, a police car rolls up the driveway.

“You called the cops?”

Jonathon finally lets him go, and with a hard shove, pushes him away. “I told you to get off my property.”

“This isn’t over. I’ll be back.”

Chase looks over Jonathon’s shoulder, and I dodge away from the window. Minutes pass before a soft knock sounds on my door.

When I look through the shaded window, I only see Jonathon. I open the door, unsure how to start. Give my resignation so he doesn’t have to waste his time with the awkward ‘you’re so fired’ conversation. Apologize for my immature, out-of-line actions earlier. Maybe act like I have no idea what he’s talking about and I have a fake twin who’s trying to ruin my life and pretending to be me.

“Are you okay?” he starts, his voice surprisingly tender.

“Yeah. I’m sorry. I didn’t—”

“When are you going to learn you don’t owe me apologies? Can I come in?”

“Yeah, sure.” I nod and step aside. He enters the guesthouse and walks over to the island. I’m not sure what to do next, but I’m feeling more confident about the psycho twin story. “I’m sorry about earlier,” I spit out.

Apologizing for throwing myself at him seems like a good ice breaker. He turns around and leans against the counter. “You asked me the other day why the other nanny left.” I slowly nod. “I run a very lucrative business. I’m forced to travel a lot. With that burden, I’m forced to be away from my daughter. It’s something I don’t like, but it’s the way of my world. So, when I hire someone to look after her care and well-being, I need to make sure their whole focus is on her. If I can’t be here to do so, I expect all hands on deck from the people I staff.”

“Are you firing me?”

“I’m answering your question. Rebecca was the nanny before you. She had been employed with us since Anna was born. My wife dealt with her mostly, but when she passed, I took on that role. I was so engrossed in work, I didn’t pay much attention. But the more time went on, the more it became obvious she had developed unhealthy feelings for me. I ignored her, and she became more aggressive with getting my attention. One night, I came home and found her naked in my bed. I asked her to leave, and she got upset. Told me I had been leading her on. Started to threaten me—which I did not take lightly to. I am not a man to be threatened.”