Lost Without You: Book 2 in the Chasing Olivia Series by Jillian Anselmi

innocently, continuing to bounce up and down.
    “Christ, you’re adorable.”
    Finally sitting still, Chase buckles me in before taking the seat next to me. “Good morning. We will be taking off shortly. I have turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign, so please make sure to do so,” the captain says over the PA.
    A flight attendant comes out from the front area to check that our seatbelts are fastened correctly and then makes her way forward.
    As the plane starts to move, I grab Chase’s right hand. My other hand clutches the arm of the chair, my knuckles turning white. I hate take-offs and landings. “Hey, I’m right here,” he coos. As the plane ascends, my anxiety lessens and I loosen my grip on Chase. Taking a deep breath, I try to relax.
    “See, everything is fine,” he murmurs. “Are you okay?” he asks, leaning over to gaze at me.
    I nod my head and give him a tight-lipped smile.
    Just as I’m starting to relax, another panic washes over me. I’m going home. I haven’t told my mom what happened yet. That is one conversation I don’t want to have, even though I know I have to.
    “What?” Chase asks, noticing the tension around my eyes.
    “I still haven’t talked to my mom,” I mumble.
    “She doesn’t know?”
    “No, and she’s going to totally freak out.”
    “Are you sure? Once you tell her about Brandi, won’t she understand?”
    “I don’t know. I hope so, but knowing my mom, she’ll think it wasn’t his fault. I wish she didn’t see my father when she looks at Evan.”
    “Were they that close?”
    “Yes and no. He liked Evan, so she liked Evan. If he were still alive, he would hunt him down and kill him for what he did to me.”
    “There are times I want to hunt him down—”
    “She needs to hear me, but most of the time, she isn’t listening,” I say, not playing into Chase’s need to hurt Evan.
    “Do you want me to come with you?”
    “Thanks, but no. I need to do this alone.”

    After work on Wednesday, I finally get the nerve to head to the island to talk to my mom. During the drive, I think about how much more relaxed I am than before Key West. Funny how things seem to work out. I still can’t believe Chase followed me all the way to the Keys. I definitely can’t believe I came back with him. Pulling into her driveway, I jump out and let myself in, calling out for her.
    “In the kitchen,” she responds, none too happily. Shit, she knows.
    “Hi.”
    “So, when did you plan on telling me,” she asks, an edge to her voice.
    “Tell you what?” I ask, trying to play stupid.
    “Olivia, Evan came over on Sunday.”
    “Wait, he came over. Here?”
    “What the hell, Olivia?”
    “What did that asshole tell you, huh?” I ask, raising my brow in defiance.
    “That you were at the altar and you changed your mind.”
    “Changed my mind! Seriously? Did he tell you why?” I shriek.
    “Yes, he said that other guy, Chase, showed up to stop it.”
    “Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” I say, seething. “Did he tell you anything else? Like, he got Brandi pregnant?”
    “How do you know it was him? You said she was promiscuous, could be someone else’s.”
    “Oh, for Christ’s sake, mom, they have been together for years! He admitted it.” I start to tear up.
    “He said he wants you back, and that he and whatever her name is, aren’t a thing,” she says, actually believing it.
    “He’s lying.”
    “Olivia, he loves you.” She takes a step toward me, but I back up.
    “I can’t do this right now,” I say, still not believing the words coming out of her mouth. Tears streaming down my face, I ask, “Mom, why don’t you ever take my side?”
    “I am always on your side. I just don’t want you to ruin something over some guy you barely know.”
    “Well, that guy I barely know is sweet, and kind, and most importantly, honest.” I turn around and head for the front door.
    “Olivia, get back here. This conversation is not finished,” she yells as I head to