"You sure you feel up to driving, I don't mind if you want me too, " Tim says with a smirk as he sees Chance sitting behind the wheel of his El Camino.

"Nice try buddy. You drove her once out of necessity, that's more than anyone else has" Chance replied. Tim shrugs his shoulders and laughs while getting in, "Where we headed" he asks. "How do you feel about some good old fashion southern barbecue" Chance replies as they head down the dirt road. 

Tim sits quietly looking out the window, taking in the view of the back country nearby. Chance notices he's a bit quiet "You ok" he asks. "yeah, just looking around. It's beautiful here, makes you kinda wish ya didn't have to leave" Tim says. "Yeah, I feel the same way. That's why I keep the house. It's an escape when everything gets to be too much". "I totally understand that" Tim says.

"Hey, I want to apologize for the way I've been this weekend. I've dumped a lot on you...that wasn't my intention at all" Chance tells him.

"No need to apologize. I said I would be here for you anytime, anywhere. Im a man of my word" Tim says.

"What did you do the whole time I was 'out of it'?" Chance asks. "Spent some time reading, walked along the beach, which was extremely calming" he replied. "You could have taken the rental car to get away for a bit, you didn't need to babysit me" Chance told him.

Tim looks at him, thinking no way was he leaving him alone right now. "I figured I'd just stay nearby in case you needed anything. I know sometimes you just want to be left alone but I also know that no-one truly wants to be alone when they are in pain, of whatever kind" Tim told him.

Chance nods and simply says "Thank you".

"Oh, by the way, your Dr. stopped by this afternoon while you were sleeping, said he came over to check on you because your mother had tried to call and text you but hadn't received a response. Nice man, you're lucky to have him care about you and your momma" Tim said before realizing that may not have been the right thing to say. 

Chance sighed deeply and pulled over to the side of the road. He put the car in park and shut off the engine. He got out and walked to the back of the car. Tim looked at him, confused and got out as well. "what's wrong" he asked as they both leaned on the side of the car.

It took Chance a moment before he spoke. "Remember the other night at the party when my mother and Dr. Daniels came in together? Well, that was the first time I had any idea there was anything 'going on' between the two of them. Heather hadn't even mentioned anything, and she usually can't wait to share any gossip. His coming by explains the 15 calls and texts from my mother, for one thing" he tells him.

"Forgive me for this question, but what seems to be the problem with the two of them being together?" Tim asked " he seems to be genuine and caring. He's been taking care of you since you were born and he's kept your secret from her. I watched them the other night and I could see how deeply they care for each other. He stopped by today to ease her mind about you, but I could tell he's just as concerned as she is. Maybe you didn't find out quite the way you think you should have, maybe she should have told you before. But Chance, you've been keeping something from her for over a year because you didn't want to hurt her, maybe she feels the same way".

Chance hung his head for a moment before saying " this whole week has been an emotional filled rollercoaster, ya know. From trying to tell her about me, finding out about my father and then seeing my mother with another man. She was so devoted to my father, regardless of what he said, did or made her feel at times. I never thought she would ever have anyone else in her life. I've been the one to help her through everything since then. I guess I was just taken aback by someone else replacing me."

"I know buddy" Tim replies while putting an arm upon his shoulder. "But no one is replacing you. She will always need you and love you, Chance. She knows you have your own life to live and maybe now is the time for her to start to live again. You want that for her, don't you? For her to be happy?"

"Of course I do, that's all that matters, that's why I haven't told her about me yet" Chance replied softly.

"Hey you know me, I don't pry into anyones business. I just want to say one thing, just accept that she is moving on and let her know you're good with it. Can you do that?" Tim asks.

Chance nods and looks at Tim, tears in his eyes "how did you get so damn good at this 'counseling' stuff".

 "That's a whole other story" Tim replies. " Let's go get some barbecue".