Chance Chasers: The Chubby Trilogy, #2

By Kat Hibbard

Volume 2 of the Chubby Trilogy, Chance Chasers follows Carrolyyn Davidson on a journey into the unthinkable. Her compulsions take a dangerous shift as Carrolyyn suffers one tragic loss after another. Will JJ be able to save her? What has become of Derq? Has Ready Richard really replaced Derq Extreme? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Static Publishing
• Release date: Feb 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9780996188241

Book preview

Contents

PART I

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

PART II

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

PART III

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

PART I

ONE

Thursday morning, Carrolyyn wakes at the sound of the cuckoo clock. Ten cuckoos ring out as she looks around the room that is now mostly empty. She begins to feel anxious. While she is excited to be moving into her own home soon, the idea of leaving the safety of her apartment is unnerving. Also, nagging at Carrolyyn’s conscience is the impending Thanksgiving dinner and bringing Derq to meet her family.

Her mind wanders back to last month when she awoke to the cuckoo clock, meandered through the morning routine, arrived at her job at Take Me To The Ball and then returned home to her apartment that has been her home for sixteen years. As she rolls over, Derq extreme is there to remind her how far she has come, and of the dark and lonely place it was.

Carrolyyn decides to get out of bed and get ready to pick Madge and Marty up from the airport. She tries to remember the last time she and her adoptive parents were together and decides it was most likely one year ago for Thanksgiving. They didn’t usually gather for other holidays because of the Davidsons’ travel and mission work schedule.

Before getting into the shower, she gives herself a once over in the mirror. Madge and Marty are not going to believe this, she says to herself, looking over her new haircut and highlights. Only last month, her hair was uncombed and weaved in a messy ponytail, she wore the same six outfits throughout the week, and she never wore a stitch of makeup. The rest of the family will be floored as well. I better get my statement ready, she remembers.

The longstanding tradition on Thanksgiving includes each participant expressing what he/she is thankful for. Carrolyyn always disliked this type of open sharing. She finds it as awkward as the prayer before dinner. I don’t want to openly share my most private thoughts or thank God for a meal Aunt Sue shopped for and cooked. Why don’t we pitch in and give her a gift card to a restaurant? That seems more valuable, she thinks to herself while in the shower. Then she works hard to come up with her thankful statement. She prepares her statement each year as to not be caught off guard and also to have the time to detach herself from the sentiment.

"I’m thankful for my new home. Hmmm, that may be too simple. I’m thankful for Derq. No, that will cause everyone to oooh and ahhh. I’m not ready for that. Then they will all be looking at us for the rest of the night. I’m thankful for Take Me To The Ball for all the opportunities given to me throughout the years, which allowed me now start my own business. Yes! That’s the one. Everyone will believe it and then only later ask me questions about Chance Chasers, which I’m more than happy to answer. Oops, I may have forgotten to tell Derq about the statement. He probably won’t dread that as much as I but I should warn him to not say me. Uggghhh! That’s not fair to him. I’ll warn him and let the chips fall where they may."

As Carrolyyn steps out of the shower, she hears Derq call from the kitchen. She had given him a key since he has been popping in and out helping her pack. When he notices the steam from the shower, he calls out to ask if he can join her.

Sure baby, come on in, she calls out as she takes off the shower cap.

Man oh man, you are so incredibly sexy! he calls out and then wraps himself around her wet and naked skin.

Derq, you’re going to get your nice clothes all messed up.

They’re going to get more messed up when I rip them up and throw them on the floor. With that, Derq proceeds to do a walking strip tease all the way to the bed. Carrolyyn is giggling the whole time while closely following him, waiting for her treat.

We can’t take too long. We have to get to the airport by noon, Carrolyyn warns Derq.

As hot as you are right now, it won’t take long at all.

Carrolyyn is still as excited by Derq as she was the first time she met him. She goes away to her happy place for a short time before she has to face the family and the rest of the day.

When Derq comes up for air, he tells her he has something special for her. He walks to the kitchen and comes back with a small wrapped box. Carrolyyn doesn’t know what to think. With all the pressure of the move and with developing her business plan, she didn’t even think to get him something.

Don’t worry, sugar pie, Derq says. It’s just something small to celebrate our first Thanksgiving together. I want you to keep it always to remember this day.

Upon opening the box, Carrolyyn finds a small crystal turkey. Derq! I love it so much! You can’t even know how much. She hugs him hard. We really have to get going now, though. She places the turkey on her nightstand.

Carrolyyn explains the plan to Derq. First we pick up Madge and Marty from O’Hare. Then we drop them at the hotel. It’s right by the airport. They’ll have some time to freshen up from the flight until 3:00 PM when Uncle Jim picks them up to drive them to Aunt Sue’s for dinner. This will give us some time to go home and put together the cheese tray I promised to bring. Does that all sound okay? We have to be to Aunt Sue’s by 4:00 PM for dinner. Then we will drive Madge and Marty back to the hotel after dinner. I realize it’s a long day but I promise next year, I’ll be able to do the driving. I did sign up for the refresher course.

Carrolyyn Davidson, I don’t know how you survive under the tons of worry you dump on yourself. When I agreed to join you today, I agreed because I want to spend the entire day with you. Whatever the day brings, I’m up for. Derq smiles at her reassuringly.

I know, Derq. I’m being so crazy right now. You know how I get when the routine goes awry. I know how to get through Thanksgiving on my own but I’m not sure how to do it with you.

Why don’t you pretend we’re making love? You don’t seem to have a problem doing that with me, Derq jokes.

Okay, I’ll have to keep my pleasure moans to myself though. Imagine me moaning softly as I scoop the mashed potatoes, Carrolyyn jokes back. My parents are coming in on Travel Times Airline. I forgot to tell you one more thing. The family has this tradition of going around the table and each person must say what they are thankful for. I personally hate it but they won’t serve dinner until it’s done. What do you think you’ll say?

Derq doesn’t even take a second to think. Probably the one thing you don’t want me to say.

Derq, you can say whatever you want. I just usually prepare something. That’s the only reason I bring it up. So you’re not thrown off by it. Carrolyyn gently rubs his hand.

What if I say I’m thankful for Derq Extreme because we may not be together if not for that little gem. Or should I say large gem! Derq and Carrolyyn both crack up.

Carrolyyn tells Derq she had already thought of that one.

This little back-and-forth was helping Carrolyyn not be overly anxious about the day. I’m going to be cool. I’ll promise you that. We really need to leave now. Carrolyyn makes sure she is put together.

During the drive, Carrolyyn is quiet thinking about Madge and Marty getting into Derq’s car and all the awkwardness that will bring. I don’t even know why I’m doing this. I enjoy Derq but I don’t want to be under the microscope all day. I’m wigging out, she thinks to herself.

Traffic is light so they get to the airport in no time with Derq singing Christmas songs the whole way.

Derq, there they are up ahead. Do you see them? They’re the large couple with the red luggage.

Yep, I got it. Are you excited? Derq asks.

She nods. I am, a bit.

Carrolyyn waves like crazy out the window. Madge and Marty see her and wave like crazy back. Carrolyyn jumps out of the car and hugs them hard. Derq can see the joy on all of their faces. He sees his parents on a regular basis so this reunion seems a bit alien to him. He then thinks for a moment if the Camry is going to be able to hold all of them. He gets out and shakes Marty’s hand and introduces himself to Madge. She grabs him and pulls him in hard.

Oh Derq! I’m so happy to meet you. I don’t think I shut up about it the entire flight.

Derq jokes, No wonder Marty looks so tired.

They all laugh and climb in the car. The typical pleasantries are exchanged along with questions about the flight. Madge chimes in right away. Are we going to be able to see your new home while we’re here?

Carrolyyn shakes her head. I don’t think so, since we don’t close until next week. We can at least take a drive by before we drop you back at the hotel, or maybe we can tomorrow, depending on what we decide to do.

Madge looks toward Carrolyyn and then toward Derq and then crinkles her lip. No Madge, we are not moving in together right now. Carrolyyn winks at Derq.

Oh honey, nothing gets past you. So Derq, how did you and Carrolyyn meet? Madge asks.

Carrolyyn squirms. Fuck, fuck, fuck! she thinks to herself.

Derq sees the look of alarm on Carrolyyn’s face and jumps in. Our work paths crossed one day via e-mail and after a few messages back and forth, we were very interested in meeting in person. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at IHOP and the rest is history.

I don’t know why you have to be so secretive about everything, Carrolyyn! Madge scolds.  That is a very nice story.

Carrolyyn blurts out, Derq is an accountant!

At this point, Derq is just driving and smiling at the queer interactions going on in his car. Marty strikes up a business-like conversation with Derq about tax laws and the church. Madge starts fussing over Carrolyyn and her new look. When Carrolyyn sees the hotel in the distance, she breathes a sigh of relief. She feels nervous and sweaty.

Derq jumps out to grab the luggage and passes it off to the bell staff. Everyone exchanges hugs but before waving goodbye, Madge pulls Carrolyyn aside. Before Marty and I go back home, I want to talk about your thoughts on finding Jannette.

Carrolyyn is taken back. She was just beginning to calm down and now she feels the anxiety coming back again. Not wanting to dive into it, Carrolyyn says, Sure, no problem. We will figure it out. Carrolyyn knows fully well there will be no discussion.

When Carrolyyn gets back in the car, Derq asks what the secrecy is all about. Oh, Madge said you looked shady and that I should stay far away from you.

Derq spins around with a look of shock on his face until he sees Carrolyyn smirking. Carrolyyn Davidson, you are going to get one king-sized spanking! Derq taps her on the thigh.

Derq Whisperbrow, I will take your spanking and raise you one tongue lashing, Carrolyyn comes back.

Will we have time between the cheese tray and dinner? Derq is hopeful.

We will make time, but you’re going to have to step on it. Carrolyyn squeals.

What did she really say?

Carrolyyn sighs. She is so hell-bent on me finding Jannette. I don’t know what the big fucking deal is. I lived my whole life without her, so what do I need her now for?

In his usual calm and focused manner, Derq replies. Baby, I think Madge is just looking out for you. She may have some insight she has not fully explained. Perhaps there will come a time when knowing Jannette will be valuable. I don’t know. No one will really know. Like I said before, just roll with it. If and when you are ready, it will happen. If you are never ready, then it will be the right choice. Life is all about the choices you make. Kind of like me. You were not looking for this but for one second, you stepped out of your box and here I am.

Carrolyyn curls her lip and bites softly. As usual, you are right. I only need to hear it in your words.

Carrolyyn’s phone rings. It’s Marty. What’s going on, Pops? Did you forget something?

Marty sounds shaken. Sweetheart, we got into the room and Madge collapsed. We’re on our way to the hospital. Are you able to turn around and meet us there? It’s Lutheran General, not too far from the hotel.

Derq looks over and sees the shade of pale come over Carrolyyn. She methodically says, Sure, we are on our way. See you soon.

What gives, blossom? Derq asks.

Carrolyyn looks blankly toward Derq and says, We have to turn around. Something has happened to Madge.

Through all of her life, Carrolyyn has faced her own self-inflicted hardships but has never actually faced a true crisis. Since she is new to the feelings game, she isn’t even able to form a definitive emotion. She only feels urgency mixed with a cocktail of worry, regret, disappointment, and despair. Carrolyyn thinks about the crystal turkey from Derq. She decides the item may now only bring on horrible feelings when remembering the way she feels right at this moment. Derq, I’m scared. Nothing like this has ever happened before to me.

I know honey bunny, this is a tough thing. I’ve never had to deal with something like this either. I can remember when my pappy got sick. It was gradual but never anything like one moment with blissful expectation and then the next with foreboding. Derq