How long had it been since Chase Carson had been on a date? A real date. One he truly wanted to go on? He wasn’t sure he had been on any such date until the promise of his date with Alex. He thanked God for giving him the courage to ask her. His strong feelings for her had developed in such a short period of time. Could love occur that quickly, or was this just infatuation? He so enjoyed her company. A sudden need to protect Alex at all costs rose in him. Was she feeling some of these same feelings toward him? If she did, what could their next date be, and where could they go? Chase shook his head. Reality hit him like a punch in the stomach. The manuscript. It was crucial to find it and take it immediately back to New York. The publishing company worked on a schedule with release dates held firmly. He wanted to locate the book so production could happen, but then again, he dreaded finding it. When that book was found, he would have to rush it back. That meant leaving Alex. He felt like a conflicted character from one of Miss Olivia’s books.
He scrolled down to his mother’s phone number and hit the button. She answered on the first ring. “Hey! How are things? How’s Alex?”
He let out a snicker. “Alex is fine. We’re going out tonight. She has had a lot going on, and I want to take her out to help her forget about it for a bit.”
“Sounds good.”
“I hope it will help relieve some stress.” He sighed.
“What is it? I heard something in your voice just then.”
He chuckled. “You know me too well, Mom.”
“That’s what Mamas do.”
“I just, well, I know we need to find that manuscript, but…”
“But, that means you have to leave there to bring it home,” his mother finished.
“Exactly. I sound crazy, don’t I?” He plopped onto the side of the bed.
“Nope, not crazy, maybe in love.”
He tried to laugh that comment off, but to him his attempt sounded fake. “Mom, I just met her. How could I be in love?”
“I don’t know. Ask the Good Lord. I can hear it in your voice.”
“What do you hear?”
“Something I’ve never heard there before. Don’t fight it, Chase. Maybe this is God ordained.”
“You really think so?” He recalled the feel of Alex in his arms and craved more of her nearness.
“Have you been praying about God’s direction for your life?”
“Yeah.” He shrugged.
“Well, then, there you go.”
Could his mother be right? Had God set all this in motion? Or, was this just wishful thinking and trying to force something that wasn’t there?
After talking a few more moments with his mother, they signed off. He called his assistant in New York to give an update.
“Chase, hey, good to hear from you. So, how’s it going? Do you have the manuscript?”
“Not exactly.” Chase doodled on the hotel notepad.
“What does that mean?”
“The author didn’t leave us word on where to find the book. We have to hunt for it.’
“We?”
“Yes, the author’s granddaughter and I. As soon as we have it, I’ll get back to you. I know we’re working on a deadline. I just had no idea about her death and all.”
“I’ll let them know here about this update.” Carol paused. “So, this granddaughter …” Curiosity dripped from her tone. She had known Chase for several years. In fact, she had been with the company long enough that she was more like family than an employee.
Chase tried to keep his voice nonchalant and matter of fact. “Her name is Alex. Can you believe she didn’t even know her grandmother was an author until I told her?”
“Really? Is Alex your age?”
Chase could see where Carol was headed with her question. “Yes. Thanks for relaying the update. As soon as I find the manuscript, I’ll rush it back.”
“No hurry.” She giggled. “Oh, Chase?”
“Yeah?”
“Wear a blue or teal shirt with that blazer with the elbow patches.”
Chase rolled his eyes. “Thanks for the tip.”
Chase once again inhaled and let out a heavy sigh. He proceeded to pray that God would help them to locate that manuscript. But, he also prayed that God might show him what to do about Alex. Just her name warmed him and sent his heart reeling. Maybe he would take Carol’s advice on his outfit. He laughed at himself and shook his head. When had Chase Carson ever been so concerned with his wardrobe?