500 Days

by Jessica Miller

  Losing patience, she pushed me down on the bed and crawled on top of me. I grabbed her hips as she bounced up and down wildly. She made a few loud, strange noises and then shook, falling down on my chest. At first I thought she was having a seizure with the way she was flopping madly and the strangled noise that came out of her mouth sounded more like a dying cat than screams of joy, but the look on her face told me she was satisfied. Happy to know she was done, I flipped her over, and slammed into her a few times to finish. I fell back on the bed gratified. I turned my head. She was sitting there staring at me with this strange look in her eyes. Uh oh. I knew that look. I got up to grab a pair of shorts and my phone. “Yeah, I need a cab to 405 Chester Ave. There’s one already out there, great.”

  My luck was looking up. I picked up her pants and threw them at her while I went into the bathroom. When I came back out, she was lying down on the bed, and still no pants on. Oh hell no. “Hey, the cab is waiting.” I grabbed a few dollars from my wallet and handed them to her. “For the cab.”

  “Are you serious?” She looked at me not believing I was actually asking her to leave. “You want me to go?”

  “You didn’t really think you were going to stay, did you? I mean, come on, I’m sure you’ve done this before?” She huffed, stuffing her bony legs into her jeans. “The cabs right out front. Just make a left at the bottom of the steps.”

  “You’re not even going to walk me out?”

  “Nah, I’m kinda of tired, but it was fun.” I gave her a pat on the ass. “If you don’t mind, can you close the door on your way out?” She gave me the look of death before slamming the door behind her. It didn’t faze me. I was used to it. These types of nights never ended well. I took a swig of the Patron to get the taste of her lip-gloss out of my mouth before I crashed back on the bed and passed out.

  Chapter 2

  Alexis

  “Good morning Alex.”

  “Mornin’ D. How’d you do last night?” I opened the fridge looking for a caffeinated beverage. I was beat and needed something to wake me up.

  “Made about five, how’d you do?” She was leaning over the island in the kitchen of our shared two bedroom apartment. Her hands were wrapped around a fresh cup of coffee and she was as perky as ever. I never knew how someone could ever be as perky as she was this early in the morning. Sometimes I wanted to smack her for it.

  “I only did about three,” I frowned.

  “Well, maybe if you wouldn’t beat up the customers.” She tried to hide her smirk behind her coffee mug.

  “That guy was being a creep all night and totally deserved it. Gus even slipped me an extra fifty,” I smiled proud. I reached in the cabinet for the almost empty box of Captain Crunch. “We need to go to the store.” I shook the box for emphasis on my urgency.

  She rolled her eyes at me. “I don’t know how you can eat that. It’s all sugar.”

  “Which is why it is so good. I don’t know how you can drink that crap.” I pointed to her mug.

  “Coffee Alex, something that fifty percent of the world’s population drinks.”

  “And it smells like shit.” I stabbed my spoon into my bowl scooping up another bite. “Maybe that’s your problem. I think you should join the other fifty percent of us who don’t drink that crap.”

  “Why, so I can be as cranky and miserable as you?”

  “I’m not miserable.” She waved the cup under my nose and I pulled back wanting to be sick. “You know I hate when you do that shit,” I said, pointing my spoon at her.

  She laughed softly to herself. “Alex, you are the only person I know who hates coffee and the smell of it.”

  “The smell alone makes me want to vomit. Fresh brewed coffee smells stale. Like a night of bad sex with clothes soaked in cigarette smoke and booze.”

  “Hmm, you ever think that was maybe because you work in a bar and that it’s you that stink, and not the coffee?”

  I sniffed the t-shirt I was wearing. “Nope, definitely the coffee.”

  She shook her head as she poured another cup. “Speaking of bad sex. How was the latest conquest?” I walked over to the sink to dump out the remains of my cereal. Just the thought of it made me sick. “That bad huh?”

  “How do I keep finding these losers? I mean seriously. I should have run screaming when he dropped his pants,” I groaned, not wanting to relive the memory. I rinsed out my bowl knowing Declan would want the full story, but I needed a moment for my stomach to settle. I pressed my back against the sink and rested my palms on the cold steel. Declan creased her brow at me needing to understand better. “It looked like a god damn turtle head popping out.”

  She almost chocked on her coffee. “What?”

  “Seriously, it was so small the only thing I could see was the head. Hence looking like a turtle head poking out.” Declan laughed so hard I thought coffee would come out of her nose. “It’s not that funny.”

  “It kind of is. What did you do?”

  “I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. You know, maybe he was a grower not a show-er.” She raised a brow waiting for my answer. “Let’s just say if you have to question whether it’s in or not then it’s a no go.”

  She laughed hysterically, throwing her head back, and grabbing her stomach. “Alex seriously, I have no idea how you manage to have the luck you do, but man that sucks.”

  “I know and that is the last time I listen to you.”

  “Wait, what?” she stopped laughing.

  “You were the one who encouraged me to go for it. The blonde with the brown eyes. You know the one with the goofy grin, small beer gut.”

  “Oh, sorry…really, small? I wouldn’t have expected that. I mean, he’s a pretty big guy.”

  “You should know by now you can’t go by how big or tall he is.”

  “Don’t I know,” she sighed, lost in thought. “You ever think you keep going home with all these losers because none of them will compare to your mystery stranger, so you hit low instead of high, not bothering with expectations?”

  “No. I meet all these losers because you keep introducing me to them.” I gave her a stern look.

  “Not all of them.” I raised a brow. “What about Mr. New Year. He was not a loser.”

  “No, but I found him, not you, so you can’t take credit for that one. Besides, he was a one-time deal.”

  “How can you say that? You haven’t been able to get him out of your head since you two got together and you said he was the best sex of your life, even better than Colby,” she whispered the last bit like she was afraid anyone would hear even though we were alone.

  “Yes, but that was in New York where he probably lives and we are here in Pennsylvania. Plus I was so hammered I don’t even remember his name or what he looks like. It was one night of pure, crazy, sex, and that’s it.” It was like torture just thinking about it. “Besides, I remember he told me I was poison. Not someone I want to keep on my speed dial.”

  “And I told you I think you’re taking that completely out of context.”

  “And I told you you’re delusional.”

  She sighed and leaned on the counter. “But what if he was just visiting like you and by some weird coincidence he lived here and was right under your nose the whole time. Would you be with him again?”

  “You daydream too much, but yes. Given the chance I would totally hit that again.”

  “God, you sound just like a man.”

  “Four brothers,” I said, holding up four fingers.

  She laughed, understanding, and then finished her coffee and rinsed out her mug. “Go get changed.” I raised a brow at her. “For our run.” I groaned as she pushed me off the sink and in the direction of my bedroom. I had mentioned to her a month ago I wouldn’t mind shedding a few pounds and ever since then I had my own live-in motivational trainer. On top of being a morning person – only after she had her coffee – Declan was probably the most energetic person I knew. Where she got this energy from I had no idea and sometimes
wondered if she wasn’t slipping a little something extra into her coffee. I loved her spontaneity and her eagerness to help others, but sometimes I wish she had an off switch.

  I changed into sweats and pulled my long brown hair into a ponytail on top of my head. Then I slipped on my running shoes and met Declan in the living room where she was already stretching. “Come on let’s go,” she cheered, patting me on the butt. Sometimes she reminded me of Molly Shannon in the SNL skit where she was always shouting excitedly that she was fifty and throwing her hands and legs in the air. I finished stretching with her and then we headed out the door.

  I cranked up the music on my phone to tune out the outside world as we jogged down Main Street and off the side to back roads where there was less commotion. Halfway through our jog I got a text from my brother asking if I could pick up lunch for him and drop it off at his work. I stopped at the corner and tugged on Declan’s shirt. “Jasper wants me to pick up lunch for him.”

  “Why can’t he do it?”

  “He’s stuck at work and can’t get away.”

  “He’s working on a Sunday?”

  “He has a large piece he’s doing and today was the only time he could do it.”

  “Okay, we can jog over there.” I moaned to myself. The tattoo shop where my brother worked was another mile away. I was hoping this could have been my way out of this torturous session but I should have known better. “Come on let’s go,” Declan encouraged. I stifled my groan and picked up my feet, following Declan in the opposite direction we had come from. I told Declan I would race her there. Thinking I was getting in to the spirit she smiled brightly and agreed. What she didn’t know was I knew a short cut. I let her get ahead of me and then quickly dashed around the corner. I bolted through the back alleys and down the next few blocks cutting a quarter mile off of our run. I rushed through the door of the shop and fell back against the glass causing it to slam shut. I heard the buzzing of a tattoo gun stop and the squeak of a chair roll across the floor. Jasper walked out from the back room.

  I was bent over, gripping my knees and gasping for breath. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “Declan and I were out for a jog when you text me.”

  “You run?” he said with skepticism.

  “Yeah, you should try it sometime. You could lose a few pounds yourself.”

  He smacked the small pouch of his stomach. “I’m good.” I rolled my eyes. My brother wasn’t big, but his motorcycle accident and months spent in rehabilitation have left him with a little excess weight, not to mention all the drinking he does.

  Declan pulled open the door to the shop, almost knocking me over. “What took you so long?”

  She narrowed her eyes at me. “Hello Jas,” she said, ignoring me.

  “Sup little D.” He embraced her in a small hug while I helped myself to a water bottle from the fridge.

  “So who’s the douche who has you coming in on your day off?” I asked, taking large gulps of the cool, crisp water.

  “You know they can hear you, right?” Jasper said with a displeased look on his face, his cool blue eyes narrowed. Jasper was the only one who had blue eyes out of the four of us. The rest of my brothers and I had different variations of green. Jasper’s hair was also the longest and curliest out of the four boys. He was also the second tallest. The tattoos that covered his arms and legs made him look intimidating, but anyone that knew him knew that he could be a real softie – when he wants to be.

  I shrugged my shoulders. “When are you gonna give me a tattoo?”

  “That’s never going to happen,” a deep voice from down the hall called. My head snapped up. I knew that voice. It was as familiar as it was strange for the fact that I haven’t heard that voice in months. I looked over at Jasper afraid I was dreaming. He stood there with a smile on his face. I capped my water bottle and threw it at him. I ran down the hall and into Jasper’s work area. I blinked several times to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. His bright, hazel eyes smiled back at me. I screamed and threw my arms around him the moment he stood up.

  “Jack, what are you doing here and why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?”

  “I’m on a small leave and I wanted to surprise you.” I squeezed him so hard I thought I might crack a rib. When I finally pulled back, Jack looked down at me, and then wiped a small tear from my cheek that I didn’t even know escaped. “Don’t start that.”

  “I just miss you.”

  “I miss you guys too.”

  “Do Jax and Jacob know you’re back?”

  He shook his head no. “I’m going to surprise Jake at his graduation tonight and don’t go tell Jaxson.” I put my hands up in surrender. Jaxson was my other half, my twin. We had the strongest connection and he was the one person I had a hard time keeping secrets from.

  Jasper and Declan joined us in the back room. Declan yelped, jumping on Jack. She was just as happy to see him as much as I was. Jack, my eldest brother, was a marine and had spent the last six months over in Iraq. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t worry about him. To see him here in front me made me want to cry, but then I knew my brothers would tease me and call me a girl so I just smiled, happy to have my brother home. “How long are you here for?”

  “Two weeks,” he said, taking a seat back in the chair. I leaned back against Jasper’s work station until he glared at me. I rolled my eyes and took a seat next to Declan in one of the chairs. Jasper got back to work on Jack’s arm. “What’s with the sweats? Did you just wake up?”

  “No. D and I went for a run.” He pulled his forehead up into a wrinkle. “Why is it so hard to believe that I run?” Declan tried to cover her laugh and I elbowed her in the ribs.

  “You trying to get into shape?”

  “Just thought I could lose a few pounds.” Jack’s face fell into a frown. I knew he thought it was an image thing and he hated that. He always told me if anyone didn’t like me for who I was or what I looked like, then they weren’t worth my time. “Don’t give me that look, it’s not what you think. I gained fifteen pounds my freshman year and none of my clothes fit. I would prefer to fit in what I have than go out and buy new stuff.”

  “Didn’t you just finish your sophomore year?” Jasper said, looking me up and down indicating I was holding out on how much weight I had really gained. I flipped him off.

  Jack thought it over for a minute. I could tell by the look on his face he was trying to figure out if I was telling the truth or not. He should know better than anyone how much I hated shopping and tried to avoid it at all cost. Growing up with four brothers I didn’t have a lot of time for the girly things, which included shopping. Jack was the one who was forced to take care of all of us. Our dad died when we were young and our mom, well, she had to go away for a while. Jack stepped in and took over the role of both parents, and shopping for a girl was not something he knew how to do. I learned to get in and get out quickly with only the minimal basics and if I didn’t move fast enough I would be forced to wear whatever my brother picked out, which usually consisted of turtle necks, baggy sweaters and baggy jeans. I won’t even get into the trauma of bra shopping.

  “If you want to get in shape I can help you out.” Jasper laughed, making Jack narrow his eyes at him. “You too, you could use it.” I stifled my laugh. “How’s your physical therapy going?”

  “I’m done next week.”

  “Good, then I’ll talk to your doctor and see what your restrictions are and get you started.” Jasper tried to hide his irritation. Jack smiled, resting an arm behind his head, and relaxing back in the chair as Jasper worked the tattoo gun over his forearm.

  “How about when you’re done with Jack you can draw me up something.”

  “Over my dead body,” Jack warned.

  “Jack, I already have a tattoo. What’s the big deal? And you guys are covered in them. How is that fair?”

  Jack glared at Jasper. “I already told you I didn’t do it and she won’t tell me who it was. If
I ever find the guy, he’s dead.”

  I’d die before I told any of them who did my first tattoo. Especially for the fact that it just happened to be one of Jasper’s best friends who also happened to be the same guy who took my virginity. Those two things I would take to the grave with me. It’s not like Colby was a bad guy, he was actually pretty great, but marking someone’s sister without permission was a big no-no as they had reminded me several times and sleeping with a friend’s sister was the ultimate betrayal. All my brother’s friends were forewarned to keep their hands off of me. I think the reason I chose Colby – besides the fact that he’s extremely hot – was because I knew he would never hurt me and the risk of being caught for doing something you’re not supposed to, just made it all that more appealing.

  “Knock it off you two, and I did want Jas to do it, but he refused to,” which was probably better, considering the placement of the tattoo. Although it was Colby’s idea on where to put it and how big it should be.

  “You know I can just go anywhere and get one. I thought you would prefer it if I saved my money and having Jas do it, you know it won’t get messed up.” Jasper kept his mouth shut knowing I was right. If Jack wasn’t here I’m sure I could convince Jasper to do it. “I don’t want to hear any more of your ‘you’re too young’ crap either, because Jas told Jacob he would give him one for a graduation present.” Jasper gave me the look of death for opening my big mouth, but I didn’t care, I was trying to make a point. Growing up surrounded by boys I had to fight to get what I wanted.

  Jack barely blinked an eye at my tattle. I’m sure he already knew about it but was just trying to play it off and I swear if he pulled the, ‘Jacob’s a guy’ card, I would throw down right here and now. Jack knew I was stubborn and I would get my way eventually. Being the only girl Jack always took a little extra pity on me. A pouty lip and a bat of my lashes I could usually get him to cave. He gave a slight nod of approval to Jasper. Jasper sighed and told me he would set something up for my birthday which was only a few weeks away. I clapped excitedly and then headed out with Declan to get everyone lunch.