Toxic Bad Boy

by April Brookshire

  Some of the clothing in Gap wasn’t bad, even though most of it was lame, like the gingham dress shirts that resembled picnic tablecloths. I paired a short-sleeved black shirt with a pair of light gray pants. On my way up to the register, I snagged a gray fedora.

  I pictured Ian in his juvie issued jumpsuit and smiled.

  The girl behind the counter did her best to flirt with me and I tried to be polite while she dragged out ringing me up. About to run out of patience, the second she placed the receipt into my bag, I snatched it up and rushed out of there. I didn’t have time for chicks with more tits than brains. Horny as I was after eight months locked up, I was desperate to see my girlfriend. It briefly crossed my mind that if it weren’t for Gianna, I’d probably be planning a date with the Gap girl with the intent of getting laid.

  Out on the street again, I hopped on a MallRide shuttle heading in the direction of my mom’s place. At the furthest stop, I only had to walk a few blocks until I reached her apartment, once again my main residence.

  Inside the apartment, my mom had the table laid out for dinner and my dad sat on the living room couch watching TV. My mom had changed out of the clothes she wore earlier into something dressier. My dad still wore the polo and khakis.

  “What’s up?” I asked, dreading the possibility of my mom crying again.

  She bent over to take something out of the oven. “Just thought I’d make a celebratory dinner for us, now that you’re finally home. Go ahead and go get ready, everything is almost done.”

  “Are you two going to watch Gianna dance?” It would explain my mom’s change of clothes.

  “Oh yeah, we thought we’d go support her,” my dad answered while flipping channels.

  “Okay, but I’m driving separately. I miss my car and I want to take Gianna home afterward.”

  Carrying my shopping bag, I went down the hallway to my room where I could shower again and clean the last of the prison stink off me. Once I was done, I called Dante.

  He answered with, “Yeah?”

  “It’s Caleb, this is my temporary cell number. It’s prepay.”

  “What’re you doing with a cell phone in juvie? Someone sneak it in to you?”

  “No sneaking required. I’m out!” The shouting on the other end of the phone was so loud I held the phone away from my ear for long a moment.

  “Man, I know you’re not smart enough to break out. What happened?”

  “Early release because I’m reformed.”

  “Reformed, my ass. Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t Cece tell me? Doesn’t Gianna know?”

  “It’s a surprise. But hey, the reason I called was because I know tonight is the last night of Gianna and Cece’s ballet thing. I need to know what time.”

  “Dude, just pick me up at my house in an hour, we’ll go together.”

  Even better. “Alright, but you gotta get a ride home from Cece, ‘cause Gianna is probably going to want alone time with me.”

  He scoffed at that. “Whatever you say, man.”

  Forty-five minutes later, after eating my mom’s horrible cooking, I climbed behind the wheel of my baby. My dad had done the upkeep on it for me, oil changes and car washes, but mostly the poor girl had been sitting here neglected. I could practically hear my car purr Welcome back, old friend as I started her up.

  Seeing Dante’s clothes when he ambled out to my car made me glad I wore something nice. Although, he looked like he’d bought one of the old man shirts from Gap. On the way there, Dante complained about having to suffer through the last two nights’ performances. I told him he took for granted the access he’d had to his girlfriend for the past eight months. That shut him up.

  I was strangely looking forward to watching ballet.

  Walking into the auditorium was a weird experience. The closest I’d been to something like this was a concert or seeing a comedian on tour. Before it even started, people were talking quietly in hushed tones and the atmosphere was subdued. I carefully placed the bouquet of roses I’d chosen for Gianna on the seat next to me.

  When Dante shouted, “Hey man, over here!” everyone in our vicinity turned to stare at him. Jeez, way to keep a low profile. Turning to look in the direction he was hollering in, I saw Gage winding his way down the aisle to us.

  I’d forgotten he might be here. When he took a seat next to Dante, his eyes widened comically at seeing me. He nodded in acknowledgment and reclined back into his seat. As Dante and Gage chatted, I realized they’d become good friends. It was bound to happen since Gianna and Cece were together every weekend.

  When I saw Gage pull out his phone and start tapping on it, I reached over Dante and put my hand out to stop him. “Don’t text Gianna, it’s a surprise.”

  He put it away with a blank look on his face. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  “I think I know my girlfriend a little better than you,” I growled in annoyance.

  In a disbelieving tone, he slowly said, “Okay.”

  I leaned forward to look directly into his face. “Hey, I got this now. You’re not getting paid anymore.”

  Dante chuckled between us. I decided to ignore Gage’s presence because I didn’t want to get pissed off right before I saw my girl. When the lights shut off and the curtain spread open, I looked toward the stage for my first glimpse of Gianna as a free man.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “The truth may hurt for a little while but a lie hurts forever.”

  -Anonymous

  CALEB

  Cece had one of the lead roles in the ballet they were performing, The Firebird, playing the firebird herself. She danced around the stage wearing an elaborate red costume in bursts of energy fitting to her personality. Her curly black hair was up in a sparkling headpiece. I was alternately impressed and amused by the dancing onstage. The opening scene between Cece and the guy playing the prince seemed to go on forever. From the giant grin on Dante’s face during her performance, it was obvious he was proud of his girlfriend.

  Gianna had played down her role in the ballet. According to the program, her role was one of thirteen princesses, but not the main princess the prince fell in love with. It still seemed an important part and she’d dyed her hair back to her natural blond color before the first night’s performance.

  The princesses dancing with the prince were slightly more interesting because my girl was up there looking beautiful. To me, she was the best ballerina onstage. If she hadn’t missed so much class over the winter months I was sure she’d have been cast as the main princess.

  I wouldn’t ever admit it to anyone but her, but Gianna looked hot dancing up there on point in a flowing light blue dress. Really hot.

  At intermission I was ready for it to be over. Walking back to my seat after using the restroom, I spotted Julie talking to an older woman. Not wanting her to see me, I ducked behind a pillar until she went back into the auditorium.

  The ballet droned on, only perking my interest when Gianna was onstage or when the creatures danced. I could understand why Dante had been to every night’s performance, but why the hell was Gage here tonight?

  Finally it was over.

  Half the crowd was intent on getting backstage. Dante and I weaved past little girls and old women. Dads carried flower bouquets in an array of appealing colors. Many of the little girls, probably ballet students in the younger classes, wore tutus or frilly dresses.

  “Cece got invited to train at the Colorado Ballet Academy,” Dante informed me.

  “Is that a big deal?” I asked, wondering if Gianna would be interesting in something like that.

  “I guess so,” he replied. “She’d have to drop out of regular high school and work with their tutors so she could train full time at a pre-professional level.”

  “Do you think she’ll take the offer?”

  Black eyebrows drew together as he frowned. “She hasn’t decided yet.”

  From his demeanor, I suspected he didn’t like the idea much. It sounded as if that type of c
ommitment would cut down on Cece’s free time. Time currently dedicated to her relationship with Dante.

  He hadn’t mentioned Gianna getting a similar invite, so I assumed an offer hadn’t been made to her. Selfish relief coursed through me. After eight months of being deprived of my girlfriend, I wouldn’t be thrilled about her taking on professional ballet training.

  Glancing around, I didn’t see Gage any longer. I’d thought he was right behind me, but he must have took off. His friendship with Gianna was no longer necessary and if he hadn’t already gotten the message, I’d make it clear to him in the near future.

  “Which way?” I asked Dante.

  Dante pointed in the direction of a dim hallway. “Cece and Gianna should be changing down there.”

  As we waited outside a wooden door, girls now devoid of their costumes began streaming out. Cece came out, blinking in surprise when she noticed me. “Caleb! What are you doing here?”

  “Busted out,” I teased her. “Now, where’s my girl?” Pulling her petite body into a hug, I blew curly black strands away from my face.

  “Does she know you’re here?” she asked.

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Oh.” She still seemed confused. “Gianna checked her phone when we got back here and said she had to go. She didn’t even change out of her costume or wash off her makeup.”

  “Well in that case, I’m going to check out the parking lot,” I told her and Dante. Winking at Cece, I added, “Gianna and I will be missing the after party.”

  “There isn’t one!” she called out after me.

  Going out a back door, I circled around the side of the building. The parking lot was dark, but I spotted her white Jeep from a distance. Nearing it, I saw her. She still wore her princess costume and Gage stood next to her. He gripped her upper arms as if to hold her in place while she said something to him.

  “Get your fucking hands off her!” I yelled as I ran towards them.

  Gage released her, spinning to face me. By the lack of surprise on Gianna’s face, I knew he’d already told her I was here. Stupid bastard.

  “Caleb,” Gianna said softly, making no move to come to me. People passed by, getting into their vehicles or chatting outside of them, but my eyes remained locked with hers.

  “You can leave,” I ordered Gage.

  Panic entered Gianna’s eyes and she put up a hand. “Stay, Gage.”

  Reaching out for her, I took her into my arms. She felt perfect, right where we both belonged. “Missed you, princess.”

  “I-I missed you, too.” Her body trembled in my embrace.

  “Then tell that fucker to go away,” I whispered into her ear.

  She jerked out of my arms. “You don’t understand.”

  A weight settled in my gut. She was acting strange and Gage wore an expression of anticipation, as if ready for action. “Understand what, Gianna?”

  “You didn’t tell me you were getting out early,” she said in a rush, her words jittery.

  “It was a surprise,” I explained slowly and held up my arms. “Surprise!”

  She moved over to Gage, grabbing his hand as if in support. He glanced down at where their hands were joined before meeting my glare. “You see,” Gianna began quietly, “I couldn’t tell you while you were locked up because it was my fault you were in there.”

  Even though it was apparent where this conversation was heading, I prayed she wouldn’t go there. This was one of those worst nightmare scenarios I’d considered frequently while locked in my cell at night. “Tell me what?”

  The first tears streamed down her cheeks. “It’s over, Caleb. Gage and I have fallen in love-”

  My fist flew at his face. “Fucker!”

  Knuckles met his cheek, causing his body to slam against her Jeep. Gianna cried out in shock. Stupid, since she had to know how I’d react. I’d thought Gage would take it like a man, but he straightened to rush at me. I allowed it, eager to beat the shit out of him.

  As we landed on the ground, I quickly flipped him onto his back, getting in two more punches before a crowd began to gather. He kneed me in the thigh, just missing my balls.

  “Dante!” I heard Gianna yell. Seconds later, someone was grabbing a hold of my shoulders to yank me off Gage.

  I heard my dad’s raised voice over the thunder in my ears. “Settle down, Caleb.”

  Dante helped Gage to his feet as Cece handed him tissue from her bag to wipe off the blood on his cheek. I stumbled away from my dad, catching my mom’s disappointed gaze where she stood a few yards away.

  Gianna leaned against her Jeep, arms crossed, face contorted in pain. “Why?” I asked hoarsely.

  Her head shook, tears flowing as she whispered, “I’m sorry, Caleb.”

  I got closer, pressed my body against hers as I caged her with my arms. “Tell me you love me, princess.”

  She shook her head again, refusing to look me in the eye.

  “Tell me.”

  “Caleb, let’s go,” my dad said from somewhere behind me.

  “Tell me!” I screamed in her face.

  “Caleb, now!” My dad’s hand gripped my shoulder roughly, urging me to leave with him.

  I wanted to take my girl with me.

  “I-I don’t love you anymore, Caleb.” Her sweet voice was strained but the ugly words were clear.

  In a daze of disbelief, I let my dad drag me away with Dante’s help. “Some of those parents looked pissed,” my dad said. “Let’s get you out of here before the cops show up. Hopefully that boy won’t press charges or you’ll be right back in youth corrections.”

  “I’ll take him, Mr. Morrison,” Dante offered, likely guessing I wouldn’t want to be around my dad right now.

  “Give me your keys.” My dad waited until I’d dug in my pocket and handed them to him. “Your mom can drive your car home. Call if you need us.”

  Dante ushered me to his car and I numbly got into the passenger side, burying my head in my hands. Seated behind the wheel, he messed with his phone. Cece showed up a couple minutes later, climbing into the backseat. “I’m so sorry, Caleb! I had no idea that was going on!”

  “Shit, me either,” Dante muttered.

  My head snapped up. “I have to go back!”

  “No!” they shouted in unison.

  Reaching for the handle, I was stopped when Cece said, “She already left with Gage.”

  “Well, I’ll fucking find her.”

  Dante put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot. “Not a good idea, man. She made her choice.”

  And it wasn’t me.

  “I liked Gage,” Cece said in a shocked tone. “But I did not see this coming at all.”

  “Wait till I find that girlfriend-stealing fucker.” I rubbed my chest, surprised it wasn’t oozing blood like my knuckles were. It felt like my heart was bleeding to death and I was sure I’d throw up at any second.

  “I thought Gianna was crazy in love with you,” Cece said in a shocked tone.

  “Not now, Cece!” Dante snapped.

  “Sorry,” Cece mumbled.

  “I need to talk to her,” I told Dante. “Help me find her.”

  “No way. You can talk to her tomorrow.” Dante drove into a fast food parking lot, cutting the engine.

  “I’ll fucking kill him. He was paid a lot of money to watch out for her, not make her fall in love with him.”

  “What are you talking about?” Cece leaned forward to peer at me with big brown eyes.

  “I was worried about her. I set it up with Kara, but Ian had his lawyer get the money to Gage. He enrolled in her school to make friends with her and watch out for her.”

  “So that’s what your comment was about earlier. That’s crazy.” Dante stroked Cece’s face. “Baby, is it okay if I drop you off at home so I can hang out with Caleb?”

  “Yeah,” she said softly and I turned away from the pity in her eyes. She would be on the phone with Gianna the moment she stepped inside her house.

  Dante
dropped Cece off ten minutes later. She hugged me awkwardly around the neck from behind before jumping out of the car. “I’m sorry, Caleb.” Words I was beginning to hate. “I just want you to know I’m still Team Caleb.”

  Dante walked her to the front door and spent a minute talking to her. I rolled down my window, wanting to hear if Cece said anything about Gianna. I pulled my new phone out, scrolling to Gianna’s number.

  This is Caleb. I need to talk to you.

  As Dante got back into the car, I stared down at the screen waiting for a reply. “Do you want to go to my house?” he asked, tapping the steering wheel.

  “No.”

  Still no response from Gianna.

  “I texted her.”

  Dante winced and I imagined he thought me pathetic. “She and Gage are together all the time, but I thought they were just friends.”

  “I guess fucking not.”

  “He always seemed cool, but I would’ve kicked his ass for you if I’d know he was moving in on her.”

  She still hadn’t texted back.

  “Where to then?” he asked, driving away from Cece’s house.

  I sighed, closing my eyes as I leaned my head back. “Right now I just want to get shit-faced.”

  “Party it is,” Dante muttered grimly.

  *****

  “Kiss me again, Caleb,” the girl moaned against my ear.

  I complied, our mouths colliding in a haze of alcohol. She was a sloppy kisser, but her tits were fucking spectacular. I palmed one, squeezing roughly as she wrapped long legs around me.

  “Fuck me, Caleb.”

  I was going to do it this time. This was the second party and the third girl I’d made out with. As horny as I was after months of going without, I needed pussy pronto. I hadn’t been drunk enough before with the other chicks to forget blue eyes in a gorgeous face.

  I would’ve eased Gianna back into sex, but with this slut I’d be able to fuck her as hard as I wanted. “Take your clothes off,” I told her, pulling away to find the condom Dante had given me earlier.