5

Chas stood behind the counter of the café, refilling the napkin holders when she heard the familiar jingle of the bell above the door. She glanced up and spotted Nick walking in, his usual confident stride and a warm smile on his face.

He approached the counter, leaning slightly as he looked at her.

“Chas. Still working hard, I see.”

Chas rolled her eyes playfully, wiping her hands on her apron. “Of course. Some of us actually have to work to survive, you know.”

Nick chuckled, shaking his head.“Fair enough. Got time to chat, or are you swamped?”

Chas glanced around the café. It was a quiet afternoon, with only a couple of customers scattered around. She grabbed a clean mug, poured him his

usual black coffee, and slid it across the counter.

“I can spare a few minutes. But you better make it worth my time.”

Nick raised his mug in mock salute.“Always.”

Chas hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath.“So… I’ve been thinking about your offer.”

Nick’s expression shifted, curiosity and hope flickering in his eyes. “Yeah? And?”

Chas crossed her arms, trying to mask her nervousness with a teasing tone. “First of all, I have to ask—are you married? Or do you have a girlfriend? Because the last thing I need is to end up on some reality show as the accidental homewrecker.”

Nick blinked, then burst out laughing, his deep, hearty laugh filling the café.

“Married? Girlfriend? Chas, I can assure you, there’s no one else in my life right now. Unless you count my guitar.”

Chas smirked, relieved but not wanting to show it. “Good. Because I’m not about to walk into some soap opera drama.”

Nick tilted his head, his grin softening.

“So… does that mean you’re considering it?”

Chas sighed, leaning on the counter.

“Yeah. I’ve thought it over, and… it’s not a bad idea. My dorm is ridiculously small, and the end-of-year tax expenses are insane. If I can save money by staying at your place, maybe I can finally put some aside for something important.”

Nick nodded, his expression turning serious.

“That’s a smart move. And like I said before, there’s no pressure. My place has plenty of space, and I’d be glad to have you as a housemate.”

Chas looked at him, her lips twitching into a small smile.

"You’re not going to regret this, are you? I’ve been working part-time since high school, and I’m used to being independent. I don’t want you thinking I’m freeloading.”

Nick shook his head firmly.

"Chas, you’re one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. If anything, I think I’m the lucky one getting you as a housemate.”

Chas rolled her eyes again, but this time there was a faint blush on her cheeks.

“Okay, okay. I’ll pack up this weekend and move in next week. But don’t expect me to do all the cleaning just because I’m the younger one.”

Nick grinned, raising his mug in mock toast.

“Deal. And I promise, no soap opera drama. Just two housemates helping each other out.”

Chas smiled, feeling a strange sense of relief mixed with excitement. Maybe this new arrangement wouldn’t be so bad after all.

-------------------------------------------------------

The warm sunlight poured through the windows of the orphanage’s front hall as Chas stood with her suitcase by her side. She glanced around the familiar space, the walls lined with photos of smiling children and past events. It was a place that had always felt like home, but today marked the start of something new.

Carol walked in, her gentle smile tinged with bittersweet pride.“You’re all set?”

Chas nodded, gripping the handle of her suitcase a little tighter.

“Yeah. Just feels a little strange, you know? Leaving.”

Carol placed a comforting hand on Chas's shoulder.

“You’re not leaving, sweetheart. This will always be your home. You’re just taking the next step forward. And you’ll have Nick looking out for you.”

As if on cue, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught their attention. Chas peeked through the window and saw Nick stepping out of his sleek black car. He adjusted his jacket and looked up at the building, his expression warm yet composed.

“There he is. I’ll go greet him.” Said Carol

Chas watched as Carol walked out to meet Nick, their voices muffled but friendly. Nick shook Carol's hand, his usual charm evident even from a distance. After a moment, the two of them walked back inside.

“Ready to go, Chas?”Nick ask her

Chas gave him a small smile, her nerves creeping in. “Yeah, I think so.”

Carol looked between them, her maternal instincts kicking in. "Nick, thank you again for offering this. I trust you’ll take good care of her.”

Nick nodded earnestly.

“Of course. Chas's in good hands. I promise.”

Carol turned to Chas, pulling her into a tight hug.

“Remember, you can always call me. Anytime. And don’t be afraid to come back for a visit, okay?”

Chas hugged her back, her voice soft.

“I will, Mom. Thank you… for everything.”

Carol kissed the top of Chas's head before stepping back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Go on now. You’ve got a new chapter waiting.”

Nick took Chas's suitcase, giving Carol a respectful nod before leading Chas to the car. As Chas slid into the passenger seat, she took one last look at the orphanage through the window.

The Day Before

The soft glow of the evening sun streamed through the windows of Carol’s modest office. She sat behind her cluttered desk, glancing over a few forms when she heard a knock at the door.

“Come in,” she called out, setting her pen aside.

Nick stepped in, his tall frame filling the doorway. He carried an air of calm confidence, but the hint of hesitation in his expression didn’t escape Carol’s notice. She smiled warmly, motioning for him to take a seat in the chair across from her.

“Nick, I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow,” Carol said.

He offered a polite smile as he sat down, clasping his hands together. “I know. I wanted to speak with you beforehand—about Chas.”

Carol’s smile softened, and she leaned back slightly, folding her hands in her lap. “I had a feeling you might want to. Chas mentioned your offer to her a few days ago.”

Nick’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. “She did?”

Carol nodded. “She came to me the same night you brought it up. She was overwhelmed, I think. Excited, but also unsure. She said it felt… too good to be true.”

Nick’s lips curved into a faint smile at that, though his expression remained thoughtful. “I guess I can understand that. She’s been through a lot, hasn’t she?”

“She has,” Carol confirmed, her voice gentle. “But she’s stronger than she knows. And while she was hesitant at first, I could tell she wanted to accept your help. She just needed some reassurance.”

Nick nodded, taking in her words. After a brief pause, he said, “That’s part of why I’m here. I wanted to make sure you were comfortable with this, too. I know how much Chas looks up to you, and I’d hate to overstep.”

Carol studied him for a moment, her perceptive gaze seeming to take in more than just his words. “Tell me, Nick… why are you doing this? Offering her a room at your house, I mean.”

Nick hesitated, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee. “Honestly? I want to help her. I’ve seen how hard she works, how much she’s trying to build a better future for herself. She deserves a chance to focus on that without having to worry about things like rent or a cramped dorm. And…” He paused, searching for the right words.

“And?” Carol prompted gently.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “And I think there’s something special about her. From the moment I met her at the gala, I couldn’t shake this feeling—like she’s someone worth knowing. Someone I don’t want to lose sight of.”

Carol’s expression softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re drawn to her.”

Nick met her gaze, his honesty unguarded. “I suppose I am. But this isn’t about me. It’s about giving her the space and support she needs. That’s all.”

Carol leaned forward slightly, her hands resting on the desk. “Nick, I’ve been taking care of Chas for a long time. She’s like a daughter to me. And I’ll admit, when she first told me about your offer, I had my reservations. But I’ve watched you over the years, and I’ve seen the man you’ve become—the way you’ve turned your life around.”

She paused, her eyes steady. “I trust you. And more importantly, I trust your intentions. If Chas decides to take this step, I’ll support her. Just promise me one thing.”

“Anything,” Nick said earnestly.

“Take care of her. She’s been let down before, and I don’t want to see her hurt again.”

Nick nodded firmly. “I promise, Carol. I’ll do everything I can to make sure she feels safe and supported.”

Carol smiled, rising from her seat. Nick followed suit, and she extended her hand. “Then you have my blessing. Thank you, Nick—for giving her this chance.”

As they shook hands, Carol suddenly tilted her head, a curious glint in her eyes. “Wait. There’s one more thing. How much do I need to pay you for her staying there?”

Nick blinked, caught off guard. “Pay me?” he repeated.

“Yes,” Carol said earnestly. “I want to contribute something. Rent, utilities, food—whatever she’ll need. I can’t let you take on all the responsibility alone.”

Nick chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Carol, you don’t need to pay me anything.”

Her brows furrowed. “Nick, I appreciate your generosity, but—”

“No, really,” Nick interrupted gently. “I’m not doing this for money. Chas doesn’t have to worry about rent or bills while she’s at my place. She already has enough on her plate. And honestly? I want to do this. I want to help her, and… I want to get to know her better, too.”

Carol studied him for a moment, the sincerity in his voice clear. Slowly, her expression softened. “You’re sure?”

“Absolutely,” Nick said, his tone firm. “I just want her to have a safe space where she can focus on her future. That’s all that matters to me.”

Carol smiled, her eyes glistening slightly. “You’re a good man, Nick. Thank you—for being there for her.”

When Nick left the orphanage that evening, the sun dipping low on the horizon, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Tomorrow would mark the start of something new—for both him and Chas. And he couldn’t wait to see where this journey would take them.

-------------------------------------------------------

Nick started the engine, glancing at her.“You okay?”

Chas nodded, exhaling a deep breath.

“Yeah. Just… a lot to take in.”

Nick smiled reassuringly.

“Take your time. This isn’t a goodbye, you know. It’s just a change of scenery.”

Chas looked at him, her nerves easing slightly.

“You’re surprisingly good at this pep talk thing.”

Nick chuckled as he pulled onto the road.

“What can I say? I’ve had my moments.”

As the car headed toward Jack’s house, Chas felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. She didn’t know exactly what to expect, but one thing was clear—this was the beginning of a new adventure, and she was ready to face it.

As Nick drove Chas to his place, the car filled with a light but playful atmosphere. Chas, ever the curious soul, couldn’t help but let her mind wander with a hundred questions. She had been thinking about Nick for days, and now that she was about to move into his place, her curiosity was running wild.

Chas leaned over the seat slightly, her eyes bright with curiosity.

“So… how old are you, exactly?”

Nick glanced over at her, amused by the question.

“I’m thirty-five. Why, you think I look older?” He smiles

“Well, no! But you’re like, a full-grown man. I’m just trying to picture what your life has been like. You know, someone like you, a musician and all…” Chas giggling

“Someone like me?” Nick grinning

“Yeah, you know, rich, famous, mysterious…” Chas casually answers

Nick chuckled, shaking his head, but his eyes remained focused on the road.

“Well, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. The famous part is nice, but it’s just me at the end of the day. No one else behind the scenes. But hey, no need to worry about me, kid. I’ve been around a while.”

Chas squinted playfully at him.

“So you’re saying you’ve been ‘around’ for that long and still haven’t gotten married?”

Nick's eyebrows raised, the surprise evident on his face.

“Oh, you’re straight to the point, huh?”

“I’m just wondering! You seem like a catch, and you haven’t settled down yet? What’s wrong with you?”Chas grinning

Nick let out a laugh, and the warmth in his voice was clear.

“There’s nothing wrong with me. I guess I just haven’t found the right person. And when you’re as busy as I am, it’s hard to find the time to really connect with someone.”

Chas tilted her head, processing his answer with a thoughtful frown.

“So, you’re not married because you just haven’t found the one?”

Nick glanced at her with a soft smile.

“Something like that. But enough about me. What about you, Chas? You seem so… curious. Aren’t you tired of asking all these questions?”

Chas sat back in her seat, her cheeks slightly flushed as she realized she might have been a bit too inquisitive. But she couldn’t help it—she was fascinated by Nick and everything that came with him. She had spent years taking care of herself, working multiple jobs to support her tuition, and now here she was, about to move in with a successful, kind man who made her feel something she didn’t quite understand yet.

“Well, you’re a lot more interesting than I thought. I’m just trying to figure you out, I guess. It’s not every day I get to ride in a car with someone like you.”

"Someone like me?” Nick chuckling

“Yeah, like… a grown-up who drives a nice car and doesn’t need a GPS to get around.” Chas laughing

“I guess I’m flattered, but I’m just a guy like any other. A guy who is offering you a place to stay, so you can save money on that cramped dorm room.” Nick smiling

“Oh, I remember. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have questions about you. I mean, who wouldn’t want to know more about a successful musician? How did you get here?” Said Chas playfully

Nick shrugged, though there was a small glint in his eyes as he answered her.

“Well, I could tell you all about how hard I worked, but at the end of the day, it’s just about staying true to what you love. Music has always been my thing, and I just followed it where it took me.”

Chas smiled, appreciating his honest simplicity, though she could tell there was so much more to his story.

As the car sped down the road, the two of them fell into a comfortable silence, the evening air rushing in through the cracked window. Chas couldn’t help but feel a little thrill at the idea of what was ahead—living with Nick, getting to know him better, and maybe even letting go of her long-standing independence to experience something new.

This moment builds their dynamic even further. Nick is the mature, grounded individual, while Chas is the youthful, inquisitive one. Their easy conversation creates a playful, lighthearted tone, but also sets the stage for Chas's growing curiosity about Jack’s life and their future together.

As the car hummed steadily along the road, Chas found herself stealing glances at Nick, her curiosity bubbling over despite the easy silence. She’d always been independent, always relied on herself, and now here she was—agreeing to move in with someone who was still, in many ways, a mystery to her.

Chas shifted in her seat, breaking the quiet.

“So, staying true to what you love, huh? That sounds nice and all, but doesn’t it ever get lonely?”

Nick's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, though his expression remained calm.

“Sometimes. But I think that’s just part of life, isn’t it? Everyone feels alone now and then.”

Chas tilted her head, intrigued by the depth in his tone.

“So… you don’t have, like, any family around here?”

Nick exhaled softly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

“Not really. My parents live a few hours away, and I have a brother, but we’re busy with our own lives. Work keeps me busy most of the time.”

Chas nodded, sensing there was more to the story but deciding not to push.

"Well, you have Carol fooled. She thinks you’re some kind of saint.”

Nick's lips quirked into a grin, his laugh soft but genuine.

"Carol’s too kind. She always has been. I’ve only done what I could to help out here and there.”

“You mean, like, donating thousands of dollars to keep the orphanage running? Yeah, totally small stuff.” Chas innocently ask him

Nick chuckled, a bit embarrassed by her teasing.

“It’s not about the money, Chas. I just think Carol does amazing work. She’s helped so many kids, including you.”

Chas's playful demeanor softened, and she glanced out the window, the familiar scenery of her neighborhood passing by.

“She really has. I don’t know where I’d be without her.”

The sincerity in her voice hung in the air, and Nick glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable.

“You’re lucky to have her. And for what it’s worth, she thinks the world of you.”

Chas smiled faintly, her heart warming at the thought.

As they approached Nick's neighborhood, Chas straightened up, her nervous excitement returning.

“Okay, so, one last question before we get there.”

Nick smirked, already amused by whatever was about to come.

“Alright, hit me.”

“Do you have a roommate policy? Like, do I have to clean on certain days or, I don’t know, not eat the last slice of pizza?” Chas playfully ask

Nick laughed, the sound filling the car.

“No strict policies. Just… don’t break anything expensive, and maybe don’t eat all the pizza unless you’re planning to replace it.”

Chas grinned, relaxing a little.

“Deal. But fair warning, I can’t promise not to test the limits of your patience.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Nick softly smiled.

As they pulled up to Nick's house, Chas's eyes widened. It wasn’t overly extravagant, but it was large, modern, and far beyond anything she’d ever imagined living in.

“Whoa. Okay, I take it back. Maybe you are a little glamorous.”

Nick shook his head, stepping out of the car and grabbing her suitcase from the trunk.

“Welcome home, Chas.”

The words were simple, but they carried a weight that Chas couldn’t quite put into words. She followed him inside, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension as she took her first steps into a new chapter of her life.

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