Like A Bad Movie (J)

Don’t go home.

I thought I’d be scared. I mean, those weren’t exactly your average ‘wrong number’ words. In my experience, it was more ‘heyyyy, Janet! I know it’s been a while, but I’d love to catch up!’ or ‘Josh! We met at the club last week, remember? This is the number you gave me!’ This one felt more like the start of a horror movie I watched last Thursday. To be fair, the real fear here would be breaking my girlfriend’s recording equipment, so. . .

Then again, perhaps this was the work of one of her fans. Since I’d started dating the Grace Skybain, it hadn’t been all acceptance and shit (surprise, surprise). Last week, our date had been hijacked by a bunch of paparazzi. The guys branch of the Skyclub had fucking black listed me. Hell, I’d gotten a death glare from a waiter two hours ago. But, man. . .

My Sky was more than worth it.

I could see her through the glass, singing her soul out in the booth. Tears streamed down her gorgeous face as those golden eyes, closed in passion, still somehow portrayed the depths of her emotions. I never understood how she could pull that off. Especially when we were alone, she was as passionate as the night stars. How could one person have so much feeling? The most I had was when I was looking at her.

“Take five, Gracie!”

I watched as my girlfriend hung up her headphones and stepped towards the door. I let her waltz out, eyes searching for mine. I allowed her brows to furrow in confusion before I struck, my arms encasing her in a hug. I held her like I could never let go. I clutched her like she was my everything.

Because she was.

“Jasper!” She was chiding me, yet made no move to release herself. “I’m working!”

I pulled back to show her my grin. “Not for the next five minutes, you’re not.”

She rolled her eyes. “Doesn’t count. Can’t do that much in five minutes.”

“Is that a challenge, Sky?”

“Only if you’re the one giving it.”

I leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I can give you plenty, sexy.”

“Oh, god! Get a room, you two!”

Grace broke away, hugging the newcomer. “Fabi! It’s been forever!”

Fabi laughed. “It’s been three days, Grace.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Details, details. How’ve you been? Is Mr. Hanes working you too hard?”

“That man? No way.”

Mr. Hanes was the CEO of Della Dynamics, the label Gracie’s music flew under. For a big boss though, he was actually really nice. Back when she first started, he’d made sure to specifically place my Sky with the manager he felt would best help her. He had personally communicated every meeting he’d had with Grace. He’d even planned each company gathering himself. This guy was a diamond mine in a sea of coal. But maybe I only thought that since I’d only known him for a few weeks.

“So what are you doing here?” Grace continued. She froze. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Oh, no. You’re good, girl,” Fabi assured her. “I just wanted to see if you guys needed anything.”

This wasn’t an unusual thing for Fabi to do. Though she was technically Mr. Hanes’ assistant, her job included a wide variety of tasks. And since she and Gracie were close, she stopped by every now and again to help us—lifting a few boxes here, dropping off a bunny there (don’t ask). Honestly, it was kind of cool. If I had her job, there is no way I could do it well enough to have time for the sidequests people put her on.

My Sky lit up the room with her smile. “No, I think we’re good here.”

“Even better with you here,” I chimed in.

“Ever the smooth talker.” Fabi chuckled. “But save it for your girl. Wouldn’t want her getting lonely without you, hmm?”

“I’m never lonely when he’s always here to keep me warm,” Gracie said, kissing me on the cheek. “But it’s getting kind of late, Jasper. Shouldn’t you head home? I thought you had work in the morning.”

I hated that she was right. As nice as my boss was, it didn’t change the fact that I worked at a hotel. Yeah, we as front desk personnel are given lots of perks, but it doesn’t make the dumbasses any less stupid. Yes there are moments where I can breathe in-between helping guests, but my thoughts still wander to my beautiful Sky or, if not her, to that game coming out next week. Or our date coming up. Or my mom’s birthday, which I should totally buy a gift for. And suddenly I just can’t wait to be home.

I sighed. “Yeah, I should probably go.”

“Are you sure?” Fabi asked. “You usually tend to stay later to be with Grace.”

I thought about the message I’d seen. On the surface, it meant I should avoid my home for the time being, but I wasn’t about to let some kid’s prank text or whatever it was stop me from getting to my beautiful bed—its allure second only to my radiant girlfriend. Plus, my location was on from my phone at all times, not to mention the fact that I knew how to defend myself. It still sounded a bit like the start of a horror movie, but I was choosing to ignore that.

“Yeah,” I said sadly. I looked at Grace. “Unfortunately, life doesn’t stop even for beautiful maidens.”

The laugh I got from her was worth the corny line. God, she was so beautiful.

“I can take you home,” Fabi said. “I’m going that way anyway.”

“That’d be great. Thank you.” Since Grace had picked me up earlier, I didn’t have my car with me.

I turned to my Sky. “See you later?”

“Of course.” She gave me a kiss that had me reconsidering if I really had to go just then. I was fine sitting around if it meant I could be near her.

Damn, I really have it bad.

It was only a few minutes later that I found myself in Fabi’s car. The smell of air freshener wafted to me as I sat down. A creature of habit, I could see the usual suspects decorating her car. The little gnome was rocking his head as she started driving. Near him was Fabi’s nameplate, holding her full name: Fabiniella Charlotte S. Panini. A little strange, but I had zero room to judge. Mine was worse.

The passing scenery left me to my thoughts. I’d had dinner with Grace already, but I didn’t want to sleep as soon as I got to my little apartment. Even if I didn’t believe myself to be in any real danger, I could use that message as an excuse to put that extra lock on my door. That said, maybe it was good that Fabi was giving me a ride. Even as I peeked at her, I could see her eyes darting around. Since her job had her alert for any unexpected changes, she was pretty vigilant. If anything were odd, she’d know.

As Fabi turned the last corner, the first thing I saw was light. It wasn’t the beams of street lamps, so what was it? I heard clicks next. It made me think of the paparazzi that loved my Sky way too much, but why would they be at my apartment? Then I saw a shit ton of people and frowned. Did a crime happen? I didn’t live in a particularly bad neighborhood, but nothing was impossible in LA.

As soon as I exited the car, they descended on me like I was the last player alive in the match. I could barely see through the flashes—why were there flashes? I recognized some of the people I could make out, but why? I felt someone touch my arm, jolting me out of my confusion.

They’re here for me.