Whoopsie Daisy

by C. Sunrise

  Bel giggles at the terrified look on Jay’s face.

  “You wouldn’t dare!” Jay says, exasperated. Then he bolts out of the foyer and down the hall, towards the kitchen. Bel and I laugh at his disappearing figure.

  “Follow me, Bel.” I gesture for Bel to follow. We walk down the hall and into the kitchen where Jay looks confused.

  “Where is everyone?” He asks to no one in particular. I don’t even think he noticed us walk into the room. “More importantly, where’s the food?”

  “You better come out right now, food!” Jay continues. Then he drops to his knees in a dramatic performance. “I can feel the life leaving my body,” he says while clutching his heart. “She made me wait too long for food and now it’s gone. Goodbye cruel world. Remember my sexiness when I’m gone.”

  I shake my head and nod towards a door on the other side of the room. Bel and I make our way past Jay and into a dining room. There is a large table set up with pizza boxes and salads. I walk up and open one box and the smell immediately fills my nose.

  I pull out a chair for Bel. “Take a seat and dig in. Sorry it’s nothing fancy. It’s been a busy day around here.”

  “No, this is great, thanks Kace.” She smiles warmly and sits down. “This place is amazing. I don’t know why I didn’t know this huge place was here. Have you always lived here?”

  “Yes and no,” I reply as I sit across from Bel. “We have always owned this place, it has been in our family for generations, but we spent several years overseas taking care of my uncle’s business. Although I always have and always will consider this to be my home.”

  Within seconds of sitting, Jay’s booming voice pierces our ears from the other room. “Wait! What is that smell? Is that... food?”

  The door to the kitchen bursts open and in storms Jay with his head tilted back, sniffing the air as he walks. Standing near the table, he glares down at us. “You guys have food!” His hair is dishevelled, reminding me of Jack Nicholson’s character in The Shining. “Why didn’t you tell me? Don’t either of you love me anymore?” Unable to take him seriously, Bel and I chuckle at his dramatics.

  “Easy there, DQ,” Bel says with a shrug. “Just relax and eat your pizza.”

  “DQ?” Jay says with a confused look on his face before sitting down. “That’s not even close to my initials.”

  “It stands for drama queen, my dear.” Bel takes a bite of her pizza and leans her head back, moaning. A low growl emanates from Jay and Bel sucks in her lips, trying not to laugh.

  “She has a point, you know,” I say as I hold in a chuckle.

  “I’m not talking to either of you anymore,” Jays says with a pout. Then he grabs a whole box of pizza and turns away from me and Bel. “Don’t worry pizza, it’s just you and me now. I love you.”

  We stare at Jay as he whispers sweet nothings to his pizza. Bel looks over at me, and I shrug my shoulders and shake my head. We both laugh and continue eating our food.

  “So, how are you doing, Bel?” I ask, in a serious tone. “Have you heard anything from Kitten, yet?”

  “No, I’ve heard nothing. To be honest, I’m really struggling. If it wasn’t for Jay and his Jay-ness, then I don’t know if I would be okay.” She forces a smile, but I notice the slight quiver in her chin and nod, my gaze dropping to the table in front of me.

  “Did I hear my name?” The pizza loving, DQ asks. “Was it followed by the word awesome? Or sexy? Super awesome, super sexy beast? Rawrrrr.” Bel and I shake our heads in amusement. “Mmm, pizza, was that you? Did you say my name?”

  “That is exactly what I’m talking about right there,” Bel says and nods her head towards Jay.

  “I know what you mean.” A smile spreads across my face. As annoying as he can be sometimes, I couldn’t imagine my life without him. My best friend. I honestly don’t know how Rebel keeps herself together with not having her best friend in her life—her strength and loyalty is admirable.

  “But in terms of Sie,” she continues. “I have tried reaching out to her, but she just wants her space for now and I have to respect that. I hope she’s okay. Percy said she even avoids him when he is at the house. He also said that she seems to go out a lot at night. You might not know her well enough to know this, but that is strange for Sie. She usually just stays home and watches movies or reads. However, Percy said that she seems a bit happier lately too.” Rebel notices how I tense up every time she mentions Percy’s name. “Look, I know you don’t like Percy.”

  “Kit-Kat, his name is Kit-Kat,” I correct her and smirk.

  “Okay, Kit-Kat.” She shakes her head and we both laugh. “I know you don’t like Kit-Kat, and trust me, I understand why, but I’m glad he’s there with her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know anything about how she’s doing. He isn’t there all the time because he has been busy running her family’s winery, but it helps my mind relax knowing someone is occasionally there watching over her and checking-in once in a while.”

  I let out a sigh. “I agree.” My voice coming out as a low growl as I cross my arms over my chest. “Although, I can think of a million other people I’d rather have watching over her. Starting with me.” I huff and my face softens, realising that someone, even it is that dick Percy, is better than no one. “Thank you for giving me an update. I’ve been going crazy over here not knowing what’s going on with her.”

  “I’m so sorry, Kace,” She replies, giving me a once-over. I have spent little time worrying about my appearance, and to be frank, I look like shit. Dark circles and bags under my bloodshot eyes, wild hair looking like it hasn’t seen a brush or comb in days, and a face that could use a visit with a razor. “This must be hard for you too. I know you haven’t known each other for long, but I can tell she means a lot to you.”

  I nod, resisting the tears threatening to form in my eyes. “I can’t explain it, but it feels like every cell in my body needs her. But then sometimes every cell in my body wants to fight her. It makes no sense to me.”

  “I wonder if it has something to do with her mixed blood.” I rub my chin as she continues her theory. “We really know little about that. Maybe she has both of her parents’ inner animals and you are clearly attracted to one of them—the wolf side. Her mother is some sort of cat and it would make sense that you wouldn’t be attracted to that side of her.”

  “Good point,” I reply, tapping my finger on my lip. “I’ll go through our library and see if I can find anything about this. If not for our own curiosity, then at least to help Kitten learn more about herself. It’s hard to believe that there has never been a hybrid like her before.”

  My phone ringing cuts our conversation short. I excuse himself from the table and walk to the other side of the room before answering.

  “Hey Dad, what’s up?” I ask and wait for the reply. My dad sighs and asks me to go to the warehouse. “Why do you need me to head over to the warehouse right now? Why does the team need to be checked on?”

  I look over at Bel and J and smile, not wanting my raised voice to concern them. Jay is still absorbed in his own little world with his pizza. He can be so strange sometimes. Quirks make life interesting.

  “Tell Jay to go with you. I want to make sure there aren’t any problems.” I roll my eyes. I was looking forward to just relaxing today. No work. No problems. Just relaxing in the pool.

  I agree to tell Jay and my dad also asks that we stop by the club and meet up with my favourite out-of-town guests. My grip tightens on my phone, almost cracking the screen.

  “Why do we need to do that too?” My voice raises again. “When did they get in and why wasn’t I informed earlier?” I turn and look out the window towards the backyard, hoping the calming scenery will help calm me down as dad spouts some reason that I ignore. “Fine. Whatever. You know how I feel about him. He really gets on my nerves. You know that.”

  After a warning growl comes through the phone, I apologise for giving my dad attitude and tell him we’ve got it all handled. We say our goodbyes and
I end the call, shoving the phone back into my pocket.

  “Fuck!” I turn and face Bel and Jay, rubbing my temples with both hands. “Sorry guys, but Jay and I have to go to work for a bit.”

  “But what about my pizza?” Jay asks with a pout.

  “You can bring your pizza with you,” Kace offers.

  “Yessssss!” Jay says while pumping his fist.

  Rebel is one lucky lady. I chuckle to myself.

  “Bel, you can stay here and hang out by the pool if you want.” Her eyes light up at the suggestion. “It’s heated, and we stocked the pool bar with lots to drink. We have to meet up with a business partner later and I was thinking we could make a night of it. We could all use a night out.”

  “I have no issues with hanging out by the pool while you guys work,” She says excitedly. “Bring home the big bucks boys.” Jay snaps his fingers and points at her while wiggling his eyebrows, and Bel and I laugh.

  “Perfect. Jay can text you when we’re on our way back, so you’ll have time to get ready.”

  “Maybe we’ll have enough time before we go out for a little dessert,” Jay says and winks at Bel.

  “For crying out loud.” I mumble, shaking my head. “Jay, let’s go. Now!”

  Jay laughs as he packs up his pizza and stands up. He turns and motions for Bel to follow him to the pool and pool house, where she can chill until we return.

  Jay and I arrive at the warehouse an hour later and I hear that dick Dallas shouting to Erik as we approach the main door. “Hey, Erik! Head’s up! Big Man is gracing us with his presence!”

  They both laugh. I cannot stand Dallas and would be happy to never be in the same room as him again, but I don’t have that kind of luck. For some unknown reason, everyone seems to think he’s good at his job—an asset to the company.

  Erik was one of the few people I enjoyed working with. He’s from Sweden and his personality fits in perfectly with a small Canadian community. Dallas, on the other hand, has the personality of a hippo fart—foul, vile, and able to clear a room.

  I swing the door open and Jay and I walk to the middle of the warehouse towards the only two people there.

  “Erik,” I say and nod to the man on the right. Eric is almost as tall as me, with a thin body, fair skin, and long blonde hair. Dallas is the opposite. He’s short compared to me, with dark skin and a shaved head.

  “Kace,” Erik replies and nods back. “Long time, buddy.”

  “What, you aren’t going to say hi to me too, Big Man?” Dallas says with a fake pout.

  “Asshole,” I greet him. “Put that smoke out. You know we don’t allow that shit in here.”

  He laughs and I want to jam that smoke up his nose, or worse. “Sorry, Big Man,” he replies. “Wouldn’t want to upset everyone’s favourite princess.”

  Don’t punch him. Don’t punch him. Don’t punch him.

  “Where is everyone?” I ask, motioning around the empty warehouse. “Why are you the only ones here?”

  “We work fast,” Erik replies with a shrug. “Everyone already left to grab the shipment.”

  I nod, accepting his response. “You remember the deal, right? Any problems and you’re on your own.” I look at Dallas as I continue. “We will deny any knowledge of what you are doing here.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to get your hands dirty?” Dallas says, trying to egg me on. “You know, like the good old days?” He laughs.

  “I would love to get my hands dirty—burying you in the ground where you belong,” I say, my lip curled and exposing an extended canine.

  “If you want a piece of me, Big Man,” Dallas says as he takes a step towards me and slaps his hands on his chest. “I’m right here. Give it your best shot.”

  “Sorry, Dal,” Jay interjects. “We’ve wasted enough time on you already. Where’s your boss? If that’s what you want to call him.”

  Thanks for stepping in, Jay.

  I don’t normally let this piece of shit get to me, but with everything that has been going on, it’s really hard to resist teaching him a lesson in respect.

  “Oh, you know him, he’s probably hooking up with some hot piece of ass as we speak,” Dallas replies. It’s a good point, that is usually what their boss is doing instead of getting work done. He’s the epitome of an arrogant, entitled playboy. “You know the ladies can’t resist his charms. Aren’t you supposed to be meeting up with him later?”

  “Yes, unfortunately,” I reply, not hiding my disdain.

  “Well, maybe he can hook you up with one of his ladies,” he says with a smirk. “You look a little... pent up. A little blue in the ba-”

  “One more goddamn word out of you and it will be your last,” I warn him. He laughs.

  I’m going to kill this mother… Screw it! I can’t believe I used to be friends with this dick.

  I know he was just pushing my buttons, but it felt good to punch him in the face. It’s not the same as killing him and burying him in the forest somewhere, letting the creatures of the forest have their way with his rotting body, but it’ll do for now. He shouldn’t have stepped that close to me before pissing me off. Jay and Erik seem to have enjoyed my momentary lapse in restraint as they both cover their mouths with a hand and snicker.

  “Erik, while you wait for him to wake up,” I say as I motion towards the useless heap of man on the ground by his feet. “Tell your boss I’ll meet him at eleven tonight. Sharp.” Erik nods in agreement. “I want to get the meeting over and done with as soon as possible.”

  “Will do, Kace,” he replies. “See you tonight.”

  Jay and I turn and walk, make our way back to my Jeep. We make it back to the house with enough time to hang out and relax for a while before we have to head out. I have to relax if I’ll be meeting with him tonight.

  We arrive at our destination and head over to the bar. Jay and Bel grab themselves some drinks and start chatting away. I’m determined to get this meeting over with so I can join them in enjoying the rest of the evening.

  Now to find this asshole and get this over with so we can enjoy our night.

  I scan the room and finally find the person I came here for.

  “Wait, is that...?” My voice trails off.

  *End of Kace’s POV*

  FOURTEEN

  I release the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding in. My eyes open and reality slaps me in the face. I stretch my legs in front of me and raise my arms above my head—my back cracking as I twist my body from side to side. I reach forward and grab my toes, groaning as my muscles stretch. I hold the pose for a few minutes before shaking my legs out and then pulling them towards my body and crossing them.

  I sigh as my stomach rumbles.

  How long has it been since I ate anything? Drank anything?

  The thought of liquids has my bladder reminding me that it too needs to be taken care of… and soon.

  I distract my mind from my petulant organs by returning to my reveries…

  FIFTEEN

  Saturday night. It’s my new favourite time of day, bar time and time to get my sexy on. Tonight’s outfit is brought to you by every naughty schoolgirl cliché. I throw on a short black and dark red plaid skirt and pair it with a little white bustier. I put on a cute little choker with a bow on it, just for fun. Then I dig through the closet and find a nice pair of dark red heels with a cute ankle strap. I go with classic beach hair and the smoky eye and deep red lipstick combo to finish the look.

  “Whoops I did it again,” I sing into the mirror and giggle as I leave the room. Tonight will be a great night.

  My phone buzzes to let me know my ride is here. Time to head over to The Den.

  Let’s do this!

  It’s a busy night at The Den and, like many others, I stay inside and enjoy the indoor night club area. It’s a little chilly out tonight, and I’m not wearing enough clothing to stay warm under the rooftop heaters.

  I stop at the bar, quickly down two shots of Tequila, and grab a drink before makin
g my way over to the dance floor area.

  “Hello good times!” I shout like I own the place. “Whoopsie has arrived!”

  Note to self: slow down on the pre-drinking.

  I wiggle my hips and dance through the crowds, inspecting the night’s turnout. It’s busy down here tonight, and I’ve bumped into enough people during my short dance tour to spill half of my drink. I don’t mind though. I’m in my happy place. Dancing and enjoying myself, without a care in the world.

  I scan the room, looking for familiar faces. It’s packed in the club tonight and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Especially the woman standing behind Laze in the lounge section. She appears frozen in position, staring at Laze’s ass without blinking.

  Craze must have noticed this woman as she nods her head towards the woman behind him. He turns to look at the woman and I swear her head almost explodes from excitement. He winks at her and then turns back towards Craze, saying something with a cocky smirk on his face.

  Craze laughs and says something in return. As she leans away from Laze, she sees me and waves me over. “Hey! Over here!”

  I wave back and make my way over to her. I can’t help but admire Craze’s outfit tonight—short leather skirt paired with a small dark red leather zip up crop top and black leather boots. She looks like she just walked off a runway at a fashion show for bad-ass chicks.

  As I’m busy admiring Craze, my heel slips on something and I land on my side on the surprisingly dirty floor.

  Ugh. Why is the floor so sticky?

  I stand up and dust myself off, knowing that this skirt hid nothing on my way down to the floor or on the way back up. Good thing Tequila helps me care less about minor wardrobe malfunctions. It’s not like I exposed anything they wouldn’t see at the beach.

  “Hey guys!” I shout above the music as near Craze and Laze.

  “Hey girl!” She replies.

  Laze stands there looking me up and down with a smile on his face before he finally speaks. “Well, hellooooooo beautiful!” He winks at me, and blood rushes to my cheeks.