Chapter6
It was late when Chase and Sam finally returned home. Sam walked behind, his hand tightly gripping his father’s, reluctant to go inside. He’d enjoyed being out, especially since his mom’s arrival. Tanya said that Ashley had flown all this way to see them, and that she’d be upset if they didn’t go
home. Chase added that if they didn’t go h amusement park the next day. Sam reluctantly
Ashley would follow them to the ded, following his dad inside.
Still anxious, he mumbled, “Dad, what if Mom insists on coming with us tomorrow?”
“She won’t,” Chase said confidently. Over the years, Ashley had always tried to spend more time ith him, but she was also smart enough to back off when he showed any displeasure. As far as Sam remembered, his mother had always deferred to his father. If Dad said she wouldn’t, then she wouldn’t.
Relieved, Sam bounced into the house.
Maria handed Chase an envelope as he entered.“Mr. Sterling, Mrs. Sterling asked me to give you this.”
Chase took it, casually asking, “Where is she?”
“Well… Mrs. Sterling packed and left for home this afternoon. Didn’t you know that?” Chase stopped, turning around.“She left?”
“Yes, sir.”
Chase hadn’t given Ashley a chance to explain her sudden arrival. And he didn’t care. Hearing she’d left didn’t bother him.
< Chapter7
