[chapter twelve]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please. ;-)
A/N: Again, a tad short, but necessary for pacing and suspense, right? ;-)
**
"You know, you really don't have to entertain me. I was perfectly happy at home being miserable." Junior said sulkily, accepting a beer from Jimmie as they walked downstairs to his basement.
"Yeah, I know. I can tell with all that good cheer you're spreading." Jimmie said sarcastically. "It's really infectious."
"Sorry, man. I appreciate the beer, and I suppose I should leave the house for something other than just going to work." Junior muttered, contrite. "I just … I miss her, man. I was such an asshole, and then I saw her yesterday, and it was like she looked right through me. 'Bout killed me."
"She needs time. Think about it, man. It's your first fight. The honeymoon is over, that's all. You'll figure yourself out, she'll get over it, and everything will be just fine." Jimmie said reasonably.
"I guess." Junior said, nodding his head. "Still sucks."
"I know." Jimmie said. "I'm sorry, for what it's worth. I want you guys to be happy."
"You're in a good mood tonight." Junior said, observing his friend. "What's up with you?"
"Nothin'. Just … in a good mood, I guess." Jimmie said, trying to hide a smile as he pictured Denise. He glanced at the clock on the wall behind Junior, noting the time. Almost time to put their operation into motion. "Wanna watch a movie or something? Pick anything you want." Jimmie added.
Junior rifled through the DVD collection near the entertainment center for several moments before picking out Armageddon. "Bet this sounds killer on surround sound." He enthused, sounded more animated than he had in days. Jimmie grinned and simply pointed to the DVD player, which Junior promptly fired up. Moments later, the opening credits rolled and Jimmie glanced at his clock again, ready to put on his acting skills. "You want another beer?" He asked Junior.
"Naw, I'm good." Junior said, already engrossed in the movie.
"I'll be right back." Jimmie said, heading upstairs. As soon as he was out of earshot, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed Casey's number.
"Hello?" He heard her answer immediately.
"Case, hey." Jimmie said. "You busy?"
"Uh-oh." Casey teased. "What's up?"
"I have a huge favor. I'm over at the shop right now, and I left a huge stack of contracts and folders on my coffee table. Is there any way in hell you can run to my place, pick them up and bring them here? I can't leave this meeting, but I really need them." Jimmie pleaded convincingly. "There's really no one else I can call, and I don't want to look like a complete idiot because I … "
Casey interrupted him. "No worries. I'll head over now and grab them. Should I just take them to the front desk at Hendrick?" She asked.
"Yeah, that would be great." Jimmie said. "Thank god you have a key."
"Just give me a few minutes to throw on my shoes, and I'll head over to your place. I'll see you in a little while." Casey reassured him.
"Thanks a million, Case. I owe you." Jimmie said, hanging up and grinning to himself. Phase One, done. He headed back downstairs and settled himself on the coach with a fresh beer. They watched the movie for several minutes, Junior engrossed in the plot, and Jimmie in the clock behind the TV.
A scant few minutes later, his cell phone rang shrilly. Junior jumped and Jimmie quickly answered it. "Hello? … Hi … Yeah, just watching a movie … really? … now? … Yeah, I guess, I just … yeah. Okay. See you then." Jimmie hung up the phone and Junior looked at him questioningly, pausing the movie.
"Man, I'm sorry. I have to go to the shop for a while. Rick is on the warpath and Jeff is making everyone come in. I probably won't be gone long though. Why don't you chill here, watch the movie, and I'll be back in a while?" Jimmie said, trying to sound natural, and not like he had rehearsed the speech eighty times before.
Junior shrugged. "You sure?"
"Yeah, yeah. Stay. It'll be good for you to be somewhere else for a while. Especially since I picked you up and you have no way home." Jimmie said, standing up with a grin. "You can keep an eye on the place for me, and I'll be back as soon as Rick chills out. Deal?" Jimmie asked, and Junior nodded. Jimmie began walking towards the stairs when Junior interrupted his thoughts - Jimmie turned, half afraid that Junior had figured things out too quickly.
"Hey Johnson?" Junior asked.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks, man."
**
Casey rolled her eyes slightly as she hung up the phone. Typical of Jimmie to go running off to a meeting and forget the most important part. She laughed to herself as she climbed off her bed and began digging through a pile of clothes to unearth her shoes. Denise stepped into view in the doorway as Casey was slipping them on.
"Hey. Goin' out?" Denise asked casually.
"Yeah. Jimmie just called. I have to run to his place and grab some files for him and take them to Hendrick's office." Casey said. "Silly boy. Not that I was doing anything particularly constructive anyway."
"Maybe you just need to get out of the house for a while." Denise said helpfully, and Casey looked up at her, pondering.
"Yeah. Maybe you're right." Casey agreed. "Okay, I'm going to grab my keys and head out. I'll be back in a bit."
"I think I'm going to head out myself in a little bit. I'll catch up with you tomorrow." Denise said, trying to conceal her grin as she thought of Jimmie.
"Where are you going?" Casey asked out of curiosity.
Denise shrugged. "Eh, just the mall or something. See you later." She turned and headed back to her own room as Casey walked in the direction of the front door.
A few minutes later Casey was across town and turning her car expertly into Jimmie's driveway, the radio blaring. The front of the house was dark, but for a soft light coming from the family room. She killed the ignition in her car and stepped outside into the cool night air. She shivered slightly and walked quickly up to the front door, fumbling with her keys to find Jimmie's front door key in the dim light of the evening.
As she swung open the front door,
a gasp escaped her lips as she stepped inside. Slamming the front door behind
her, she stood, utterly speechless.