500 Days

by Jessica Miller

  “I messed up, big time.”

  She sighed. “How much is this going to cost me and do I need to call a lawyer?”

  “No, nothing like that.” I got up to get some sugar. “There’s this girl.”

  “Ah, I see,” she said, sipping her coffee carefully. “Wanna tell me about her?”

  I leaned back against the counter, turning the mug in my hand. I closed my eyes. I could picture her perfectly in my head. “She’s amazing mom.”

  “So I’m mom now. Must be some girl to get you to start calling me mom again.” I shot her a glare to let her know she wasn’t helping. “Sorry,” she smiled. “Please, go on.”

  I took a seat across from her. “I’ve never met anyone like her. She’s strong willed, confident, and maybe even a little crazy.” I laughed to myself. “She’s beautiful inside and out and would do anything for her family.”

  “So why are you here instead of with her?”

  “Because I’m an idiot and I keep messing up.”

  “Does she feel the same way about you that you do about her.” I shrugged. I couldn’t be sure. Alex was a better actor than I was. “Well, Casper, we all do dumb shit,” she stood to refill her cup. “I married your father even though I knew he was cheating on me.”

  I looked up. “What? He was cheating on you from the beginning?” She nodded. “Then why did you marry him.”

  “Because I thought I loved him and we will do anything for those we love to make them happy.”

  I stood up and wrapped my arms around her in a comforting hug. “I’m sorry you had go through all that.”

  “It wasn’t all bad. After all, I got you and your sisters out of it. The three best things that came out of that disastrous matrimony.” I smiled, giving her another squeeze. She turned around to face me, taking both my hands in hers. “Casper, whoever she is, I’m sure she’ll forgive you. Of course if she’s as smart as you claim she’ll run if she knows what’s good for her. And if you’re anything like your father, you’re screwed.”

  “Thanks, Prudence.”

  “Prudence, what happened to mom?” she teased. “Casper, treat her right and fight for what you love.” She placed both hands on my cheeks. “No matter what. Never stop fighting, you understand?” I nodded. “If she’s not worth fighting for then she’s not worth your time.”

  “Thanks…mom.” She smiled. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and started to make my way out.

  “Casper?” she called. “Next time, wear a helmet or you’ll have my wrath to deal with.”

  “Yes ma’am.” She scoffed, hating when I called her ma’am. I smiled, feeling better about venturing out here. I decided to take my mom’s advice and fight for what I wanted. I will find a way to get Alex to forgive me and I won’t stop until I make her mine.

  **************************************************************************

  The club was packed. With everyone being back for the school year, the place was slammed with bodies. Gus had warned us ahead of time that we should enter through the back to avoid the chaos. As much as I wanted to see Alex it wasn’t worth the risk of trying to fight the crowd, and I knew she would be too busy to talk. When Gus had intercepted us at the front, I asked if they could send some drinks back to us before the show. He usually complied with our requests and since it was packed he had no problem letting us put in a large order so we could hang out in the dressing room. I also personally requested that Alex and Declan be the two that brought back our order.

  We slipped into the rear entrance without any interruptions. Down the wide hall and to the left was a large storage area that Gus had converted into a dressing room so the bands that played would have a place to hang before and after a show if they wanted. Inside were two large ugly, yellow, pleather couches, a few chairs here and there. In the back corner was a decent size bathroom with shower and on the right was a small vanity with dingy bulbs lining the mirrors on both sides. I walked over to the table over by the mini fridge and grabbed some water. One of the bouncers was standing outside the door to keep out any unwanted guests. We had a list and if you weren’t on it, you weren’t getting in. That rule tended to get bent a lot at the end of the night. For Greyson all it took was a chick to flash her tits and she was welcome.

  I myself usually always had a few ladies on the list, but tonight there was only one girl I wanted to see and she didn’t need to be on the list. Not able to sit still, I got up to go to the bathroom. I splashed some cold water on my face and stared at my tired eyes in the mirror. I planned on begging for forgiveness. I heard Declan’s voice through the door. I dried off my face and stepped out of the bathroom. I almost stumbled back. I forgot how incredibly sexy Alex was in her uniform. I felt myself smiling just at the sight of her. She looked up and her eyes instantly narrowed. Unfortunately she was not happy to see me. I thought maybe she had cooled off, but the daggers she was shooting me from her eyes told me otherwise. This was going to be harder than I thought. Even Declan gave me the stank eye. “I don’t know what you did but you better fix it. Alex has been on the warpath since that stupid party and is taking it out on innocent people.”

  “Why do you automatically assume it was me?”

  She grabbed my nipple and twisted, making me jump. “Because ever since she met you she has been ten times more temperamental. So you need to fix this because I’m tired of dealing with her crazy-ass mood swings.”

  “You think maybe she’s just on her period?” She twisted harder. “Ow, ow, okay. I’m working on it.” She let go and straightened out her wig, but not before fixing me with a glare.

  By the time 2am rolled around I knew it was safe to head out to the front. There were still a few stragglers – as always – but at least now I could see Alex. I took a seat down at the bar in front of her. She looked up narrowing her eyes when she saw me. She grabbed a rag from the shelf and started wiping down the bar. Alex’s head shot up at the sound of glass breaking. “Great.” I looked over my shoulder at the culprit. He was some punk kid I’ve seen around. Alex threw down the rag and grabbed a broom and dust pan, walking over to the table to clean up the mess.

  When she bent down to clean up the broken glass the guy knocked over another beer, spilling it all over Alex. She stood up. “That’s it. You’re done, get out.”

  He laughed in her face. “Just go back to your job of cleaning the floor, wench.” I stood up, ready to knock this guy out when Declan pushed me back down. I knew Alex could handle herself, but I still didn’t like the idea of it.

  Alex pushed herself up and stood in front of the douchebag. He leaned back giving her a cocky smile. She hooked her foot around the leg of the chair and gave a hard yank. The idiot flew backwards, smacking down on the floor. “Gus, trash is ready to go out.” The guy picked himself up off the floor and dusted off his pants. He glared at Alex and took a step forward. I pushed Declan aside and started to make my way over to Alex, but before I got to her, the guy’s friend put a hand on his shoulder and he took a step back. He smiled cockily at Alex and slammed into her shoulder as he walked away. I was about to knock this guy out when Larry stepped in front me, putting a hand on my chest.

  “Let it go Cas.”

  I sat back down and waited.

  Colton informed me he was going to stay and wait until Declan was finished so he could walk her out and make sure she got home safe. I up ended my beer and tossed the empty in the trash. “I’m out,” Alex shouted, ducking under the bar.

  “Make sure Larry walks out with you,” Gus called.

  “I’ll be fine,” she said, waving her hand over her head without turning around.

  “Cas, will you please walk out with her?” Declan asked.

  “I’m the one who’s gonna need someone to walk me out to protect me from Alex.” I hadn’t yet had the chance to talk to her and was scared maybe tonight would not be the time to do that. But I also didn’t like the idea of her walking out of there by herself. I took a breath bracing myself for a possible beatin
g. At least this time I knew she was unarmed.

  I dragged my feet across the black, trash littered floor. I pushed open the heavy metal doors and was hit with the humid air. I searched the half empty parking lot. I spied Alex walking to her car. She was parked pretty far out, in a not so brightly lit part of the parking lot. I heard a few muffled voices to the left where I spotted a group of guys watching Alex. Having a bad feeling, I started to make my way towards Alex. I kept an eye on her and the sketchy group as I closed in. I lost sight of Alex when she rounded the side of her car. My stomache tightened and I picked up my pace.

  I heard a scuffle and a groan of pain. Then Alex came running, scared. She ran right into the group of guys. “Hey, relax,” the guy said, grabbing her arm. I charged. Everything happened so fast it was almost a blur. Alex pulled away and tried to step around him but another guy blocked her path. They surrounded her until the other guy walked out from behind her car. “You’re gonna pay for that, bitch.” Without hesitation, Alex thrust her palm forward into the guy in front of her then she rammed her elbow into the guy’s nose behind her. Both men dropped to their knees. Before Alex could attack the next, she was restrained from behind. “Alex!” I yelled, pushing forward. Her terrified eyes found mine. Not one to give up, Alex kicked, hard, nailing her assailant in the groin. She threw her head back knocking the other one’s arms loose enough for her to escape. She ran into my arms. I gripped her tightly before I pulled back. “Go inside and call the cops. Now!” I pushed her in the direction of the door and then I charged forward.

  I knocked out the first guy who stood. Then I went after the ring leader. The first one who attacked Alex. Not thinking, I hit him over and over again until he stopped moving. His friends jumped me, trying to help him out. Something inside me snapped. Everything turned dark and all I saw was red. The next few minutes were a complete haze. I exploded, annihilating anything in my path. I vaguely heard voices in the distance. Someone gripped my shoulder and I turned, fist flying. “Casper!” Colton cried, ducking my punch. “Enough,” he said. I turned back. Only two guys remained. The other two I had no idea what happened to them.

  I leaned down to the barely conscious guy on the ground. “If I see you again, you’ll be leaving in a body bag.” His friend helped him up and dragged him away. I stood up and walked straight for Alex. My chest was heaving and I was panting. Alex’s dark green eyes studied me cautiously. She took a step forward, placing a shaky hand on my chest. I closed my eyes, instantly calming from her touch. When I opened my eyes and looked down, something changed. Her eyes grew dark. Pressing another hand on my chest she shoved me.

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” I looked at her puzzled. “I had them Casper. I didn’t need you coming in and pretending to be the hero.”

  “Are you crazy? If I hadn’t jumped in who knows what would have happened?”

  “I know how to take care of myself,” she snapped, walking back to her car. I stood there stunned for a minute before I chased after her, blowing past a speechless Colton and Declan.

  Alex had just opened her car door when I rounded the back. I grabbed her arm and yanked her out before she had a chance to take off. “Get your hands off me.”

  “Alex, stop fighting me.” I gripped her wrists and pinned them by her sides. She growled frustrated, but stopped struggling. She turned her head away from me. I could feel her begin to tremble beneath me. “Alex,” I said softly. “Look at me.” She closed her eyes and tried to blink away the wet mist from her eyes. “Alex,” I whispered. She finally turned her head. I knew she was struggling hard to keep the tears at bay. “It’s okay to be scared. It doesn’t make you weak.” I released her wrists. She covered her face and let the tears fall. I pulled her into my chest to comfort her.

  Her breakdown only lasted a few seconds. She pushed away, hastily wiping the tears from her face. “I’m fine,” she claimed. “Thank you.” She tried to climb back into her car.

  I closed the door. “No.” She looked up at me. “You’re staying at my place tonight. No arguments,” I said before she could rebut. She allowed me to pull her away from her car with no arguments.

  “Alex, are you okay?” Declan asked, hugging her tightly.

  “Please, I’m fine. I had everything handled. I just let Casper get a few hits in so he wouldn’t feel like I diminished his manhood.” Declan looked back at me and Alex winked.

  “I don’t think you should stay home alone tonight,” Declan said, facing Alex again.

  “No worries, she’ll be spending the night at my place.”

  Declan glowered at me, thinking I had ulterior motives. “And we’ll be there too,” she said, stepping forward.

  “Relax, I’m fine. The only reason I said yes to Casper was because I’m too tired to kick his ass.” I shook my head as I escorted Alex to my car.

  Declan pulled me aside quickly. “Don’t do anything stupid. You’re already on thin ice. We’ll be there after I talk to Gus.” I stifled an eye roll and turned Declan around and walked her in the direction of Colton. Then I walked back to my car and slid in. Alex had her head on the window and her body curled tight. I offered no conversation as we traveled back to my place. I knew we both needed time to reflect on what happened.

  Once I pulled into my place, I turned off the car and shifted so I was facing Alex. She lifted her head to look at me. “If you need some time to yourself –”

  “No, I’m good.” She placed her hand on the handle and paused. “Thank you,” she whispered, stepping out of the car. I smiled, feeling a warm tingling sensation in my chest. I may have accomplished a small miracle tonight.

  “I think that’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me,” I joked.

  “Don’t push it.” I couldn’t see her face but I could hear the smile in her voice. I turned off the engine and got out of the car, unlocking the front door for Alex.

  “You can sleep in my bed and I’ll take the couch. I’ll get you some clothes to change into.” I walked her back to my room and searched for some clean clothes. I handed her a t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants. She looked at me expectantly. “Bathroom is behind you.”

  “I remember.” She closed the door behind her so she could have her privacy while she changed. I searched through my things for a blanket and pillow. Then I changed out of my clothes and into a pair of shorts. Alex walked out of the bathroom wearing only the t-shirt. It was big enough that it fell to her mid-thigh. She had washed off all her makeup and stripped herself of her wig and mask. She stood just inside the doorway. My eyes traveled up her long, tanned legs, past her breasts, following her long, wavy, dark brown hair that hung delicately over her shoulders, and stopping at her big, green eyes. My breath caught in my throat. She was exquisitely beautiful. She had the look of innocence. A natural beauty, something that was rare and Alex had it. She had it all. Something changed in me then. I felt it the moment she stepped out of that bathroom.

  She cleared her throat when I didn’t say anything. “Did you want a drink something to eat?”

  “I think I’m just going to sleep.”

  “Right…well, I’ll be right out in the living room if you need me.” She nodded and made her way to the bed. Once she was tucked in, I turned off the light and closed the door.

  I had a hard time falling asleep after that. I couldn’t stop picturing those men attacking Alex. It also didn’t help that I could hear Declan giggling in Colton’s room on top of the chick that Greyson brought home. I stuffed the pillow over my head to block out the different noises. Sadly it only muffled the sounds. I only lasted about an hour before I couldn’t take it anymore. I got up to go to the bathroom then I decided to check on Alex. I paused with my hand on the door. I pressed my ear close. Alex was quietly sobbing. I gripped the doorknob so tight I thought I would rip it off. I took a breath to calm myself before I opened the door. “Alex?” I said softly. One of the street lights from outside shone through the window, casting a dim glow on Alex’s face. She quickly scrubbed away
the tears, hoping I didn’t see.

  “Hey,” she said weakly. “What are you doing up?” She sat up, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

  “Couldn’t sleep with all the bad sex going on in the other rooms.” She laughed and for once, it sounded nice. “Well, I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I’ll let you get back to sleep.” I forced myself to turn around. I had a hard time leaving her like this, but I knew she needed time. With my hand on the door, I pushed myself out.

  “Casper…wait.” I stopped. “Will you stay, with me?” I took a deep breath before I turned around. She pulled the covers back, inviting me to join her and god damn didn’t my dick do a little jump at the thought of lying next to her. I slowly made my way over and climbed into bed with her. I lay down on my back, not wanting to scare her away. She lay back down, surprising me when she laid her head on my chest and wrapped an arm around me. I relaxed, draping an arm over her and pulling her closer. I heard her exhale deeply and then she said, “Sorry.”

  My head shot up and I turned to look at her. For a second I thought maybe I was drunk. “What?” I asked, not sure if I heard her right. An apology was the last thing I expected.

  She tilted her head ever so slightly so I could see her eyes. They were a far cry from the usual hardness she had. “I’m sorry,” she repeated. “For destroying your car. It wasn’t your job to babysit Jacob. He’s not your responsibility.” Before I could even get a word in she continued. “My brothers were always so over protective of me. I spent half my life trying to prove to them I could take care of myself and now I’m doing the same thing to Jacob.” Her eyes fell down.

  “I understand the need to want to protect your brothers, but Jacob’s not five anymore. He’s eighteen and old enough to make his own decisions.”

  She gave me a tiny smile, softening her eyes. “That’s the same speech I gave Jack when I turned eighteen and the same thing Jasper said to me.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t keep a closer eye on him.”