by J. Lea
“Aren’t you gonna answer that?” Max raises an eyebrow.
I shake my head. “No. Leo keeps calling me, but every time I answer, he doesn’t say a word. I don’t have the time for his freakish behavior.”
“Leo? I thought you guys broke up. What the hell does he want from you now?” He doesn’t seem too happy about it.
“Hell if I know. If the flowers he keeps sending me are any indication, he’s trying to make it up to me. Trying to win me back with his I miss you notes. But I can only guess, since he isn’t actually talking to me,” I shrug.
“How long has this been going on?”
“I don’t know, about a month. Why?” I bite into one of the cookies we got with our order.
“Could he be dangerous?” The tone of his voice is more careful than worried, but his forehead is wrinkled in thought.
“I doubt that. He’s just got too much time on his hands, that’s it. He’ll grow tired of it.” My words seem to calm Max down a little.
My brother has never approved of Leo, but he’s tolerated him on my behalf, which I was really grateful for.
“Okay, if you’re sure…”
“I’m sure. Don’t worry. He simply enjoys ruffling my feathers.” I smile encouragingly at Max and gently squeeze his hand that’s resting on the table.
Later that same day, as I’m on my lunch break in between meetings for the next show, I hear a familiar ringing. I don’t need to guess who the caller is. I’m running out of patience, so I furiously press the answer icon on my screen.
“Leo, if there’s something you want to tell me, just say it. Otherwise, leave me the hell alone! I’ve had enough of your stupid little games!”
Once again, there’s the familiar heavy breathing. Damn you!
“Uh-oh,” David, the camera operator, exclaims as he narrowly avoids bumping into me in the doorway of my office. “You’re pretty lethal today!” he jokes. When I don’t smile at his remark, he leans closer. “Hey, you okay?”
Hanging up, I nod. “Sorry, I’m fine.” I wave my hand and smile bitterly. “Just give me a few seconds to collect myself. God, some people really know how to push my buttons.”
“I know the feeling,” he grins. “Want some coffee to help you relax?”
“I’d prefer something stronger, but coffee will have to do,” I agree, gratefully.
My irritation doesn’t falter even later, when I’m sitting at a meeting. Constant calls are eating away my nerves. I consider myself a pretty patient person, but too much is just too much. I don’t share ideas with the rest of the room like I usually do. Hell, I don’t talk at all and, as soon as the meeting is over, I escape back into my office to work on my questions for the next show. As I’m waiting for my computer to turn on, I pour myself a glass of water and put it on my desk. Sinking into my chair, I take off my high-heels and wiggle my toes.
I check my e-mail and there are eight new messages in the inbox. Mostly, it’s work- related so I just skim over them, but the last one grabs my attention.
Angel, I’m lost without you. You quietly enter my dreams every night and make me want to wish they were reality. All I can see is your sweet, angelic face. I’m so lonely. I need you by my side. You belong to me. We’re destined to be together.
The sender of the message is Leo Devlin. What’s new?
“You should’ve thought about this sooner,” I mumble under my breath, close the lid of my computer and push it to the side. The questions will just have to wait. Tired from everything that’s been happening, I decide to go home to Bella. It’s still early, but I don’t care.
I walk down the stairs of the dimly lit hallway to the parking garage. I can only spot a security guard in the far left corner, smoking a cigarette, and minding his own business. With three thick binders in my arms and a bag with my laptop in my hand, I almost trip as my purse suddenly starts ringing furiously. Before I can unlock my car and dump the binders into the passenger seat, the familiar ringtone stops. Leo has way too much free time on his hands, I think. And then my phone rings again.
“What do you want? Leave me alone!” My voice is harsh.
“I like how spirited you are. I’ve always liked that about you,” Leo’s teasing voice fills my ear.
For the first time after a few long weeks, I get more than just his breathing from the other side of the line; even though his voice sounds different, more shrill, deeper and thick, nothing like the voice I’ve always attributed to Leo.
“Do you have a flu or something?”
“You’re worried about me?” He seems surprised by my question. “See, that’s why you’re so special. That’s why I need you.”
“We’re never getting back together, so get over it already.”
“You’re wrong. We’re destined to be together.”
“Destiny gave up on us a long time ago, and so did you when you chose alcohol over me. Bye, Leo.”
“No, wait,” he pleads.
“Wait? What for, Leo? I’m tired of your calls. Just … stop.” Closing my eyes, I sigh. “I. Don’t. Want. You. Anymore. Got it?” My words are cold, void of emotions. Before I can continue, his next words cause a chill to run down my spine.
“You know, you shouldn’t be walking around all alone in this dark garage. You never know who’s lurking in the shadows, wanting to take you.”
“What?” The hairs on my body stand up and my voice starts to shake. “A-are you threatening me?” For the first time in my life, I become truly frightened for my safety. And not because of his words, but the tone he used to say them. It was so… creepy. I clear my throat and collect myself. “Don’t worry, I’m not alone.” I try to control my voice, so it doesn’t shake; I don’t want him to think his words got to me. Quickly, I glance around to check if I can see him anywhere near me, watching me from the shadows. The security guard is still smoking, paying me no attention, but I’m glad he’s here. If Leo does approach me, he will come to my aid. Has Leo drunk so much, his mind, among other organs, has rotted?
“April, April, April,” he tsk’s. “Don’t lie, my love. I know when you’re telling the truth, and this time you aren’t.”
“Leo, cut it out, please. Do you need to make things even worse than they are? You know we have no future together.” I pause. “Are you wasted? Your voice sounds funny.” He must be wasted. I don’t see any other explanation.
“I’m always drunk, angel; drunk on loving you.”
I hang up without another word, my hands shaking.
Heavy footsteps start resonating in the big and almost empty parking garage. A can or something similar falls to the ground. My heart is pounding. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. I’m not sure if Leo’s words caused this or the creepy atmosphere in the garage—or both—but I scurry around the car to the driver’s side, jump inside, lock the doors—just in case—and drive off so fast the screeching sound of my tires reverberates throughout the parking garage.
“You think I should be worried?” I ask Rebecca, my best friend, when I finally break down a few days later and tell her about the whole ordeal with Leo.
“I don’t know,” she says slowly. “You should be careful, though. Just in case.” Bella jumps onto her lap. We’re sitting at the kitchen table in my house, our hands wrapped around mugs of coffee. We both have the day off work, so we decided to spend it together.
“He never seemed dangerous to me. At least until now. But the way he said those words… it gave me the creeps, how icy cold his voice was. I’m still covered in goose bumps.” I rub my right hand up and down my arm.
“Why don’t you change your cell phone number? That would make things easier for you.”
I take a deep breath. “I don’t know if such drastic measures are necessary. I mean, it’s Leo we’re talking about, for Christ’s sake. Yes, he’s a drunk, but he’s never hurt a single hair on my body. He’s always loved me. And I guess he still has feelings for me, in a twisted and unhealthy way.”
“Why didn’t you
say anything before?”
“To be honest, I didn’t pay it much attention. I simply thought he was trying to get me back, or to apologize or something. I’m not sure anymore.” I wrap my fingers around the cup again. “But enough about him. I don’t want to talk about Leo. Do you want to hit the gym?” I need to lift my mood.
“Sorry, can’t.” Rebecca shoots me an apologetic smile. “I have a date.”
“Oh, really? Did Greg finally grow some balls and ask you out?”
A wide grin splits her face and she nods. “He’s taking me to lunch, and then someplace else, but he won’t tell me where. He says it’s a surprise. You’re not mad, are you? I know today should’ve been our day.”
“Why on earth would I be mad?” I wave her off. “Thank God that man finally got enough courage to ask you out.” We both chuckle.
Rebecca and Greg have been working together in a local library for a good year now and he’s been all Rebecca’s been blabbering about for the past few months.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you. What do you think about a girl’s night out? Let’s hit some nightclubs. We haven’t had the chance to dance our butts off for months now!”
“That sounds like an awesome idea. I need to let loose, if only for a night.”
“It’s a deal then!”
Even though the rest of our plans for the day fell through, I still decide to go for a run. Instead of a treadmill workout, I go for a jog outside. It’s not that cold, at least not for the end of January, and a little fresh air will do wonders for my jumbled thoughts. I change into thermal running gear and slip on a pair of my battered running shoes that’ve been with me for miles. They’re comfortable and soft, so I don’t see the need to replace them just yet. I put earphones in my ears, playing my favorite music mix, and put a hat on my head. The road takes me past Max and Amanda’s house, so I decide to drop by and say hi.
“Look what the cat dragged in.” Max’s voice is dripping with sarcasm when he opens the door. “And here I thought you forgot where we live.”
“Stop whining, you big buffoon. You know I’m swamped with work.” I’m trying to prove to my boss that he made the right decision hiring me. I don’t want him to regret hiring a rookie, so I’m working that much harder.
“Yeah, yeah,” he waves his hand, smiles, and notices my outfit. “Did you run here?” he exclaims, his eyes bulging out.
“Yes,” I shrug. “It’s not that far.”
“Ten miles is not far? In this cold weather? You’re crazy.”
“You know I love to run. I quickly forget how much time’s passed and where I’m headed. And it’s not that cold. The sun’s out!”
“Only you can say that.”
“Well?” I say, still standing outside. “Will you let me in or what? It’s not getting any warmer outside.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry.” He steps aside, chuckling. “You did say it’s not cold, in my defense.”
“Don’t be a smartass. Where are Amanda and Emmy?” I turn my head left and right; the house is unusually quiet. Amanda is my sister-in-law and Emma is their four-year-old daughter, whom I’ve been calling Emmy since she was born.
“They’re over at Bruce and Nancy’s for lunch.” They are his in-laws.
“Aww, I was hoping to play with Emmy,” I sigh in disappointment. “And why didn’t you go, too?” I raise my eyebrow, curiously.
“You’re so nosey,” he grins. “If you must know, I’m finishing a project.”
“Oh. Do you want me to go?”
“You? Never. Come, pest, let me get you something to drink.” Max wraps an arm around my shoulders affectionately and walks me to the kitchen. “Ugh, you smell.” He holds his nose dramatically and turns his head.
Slapping my hand to his chest, I step out of his arms. “Way to welcome your sister, you twat.”
He laughs out loud, still happy with his remark. “Sorry, kid, you know I love you anyway.”
“Ha, ha. I don’t like you too much right now. But sadly, you’re right. I need a shower. I’m all sweaty. Just let me grab some water first.”
I take off my running backpack, containing my phone and an empty water bottle, and put it on the table.
“Go ahead. Need me to get you some of Amanda’s clothes?”
“That would be great.” I give him a grateful smile. I don’t usually take a shower at their house, but I’m covered in sweat and starting to get chilly.
I walk down the hallway toward the bathroom, looking at the myriad of framed pictures on the wall—Emmy since she was a baby, family pictures, and there are even a few with me in them. He is so lucky to have them.
Luckily, Max and I grew up in a financially stable home. Our dad was a lawyer and my mom owned her own photo studio. They got divorced when I was 16 and Max was 22. Mom moved to the other end of the state - we only see each other once or twice a year, usually around Christmas and other major holidays. Dad, who is much older than her, worked until his health began to fail him. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Max and I had to put him in a nursing home. It proved impossible to take care of him with both of us so rarely at home due to our jobs and Max starting a family of his own. Dad seems content when we come visit him, and they do take great care of him there. Most importantly, he is in a safe place.
When I’m done in the bathroom, I fix my braid that’s gotten a little loose and return to Max in the kitchen. Before I see him, I can hear his irritated, tense, very loud voice. I’m assuming he’s having a very unpleasant telephone conversation because I don’t hear any other voices.
“Leave her alone. Do you understand me?” There’s a threat in his tone. My step falters. Max very rarely raises his voice. “I don’t care. Leave her the fuck alone or I’m going to the police.”
“Max?” I speak up, my voice low.
“Mind your own business,” he snarls into the phone and then hangs up. “Creep.”
He’s squeezing my phone in his hand. “What was that? And why were you talking on my phone?” I knit my eyebrows together, confused.
“Why didn’t you tell me this idiot keeps calling?” His nostrils are flaring.
“Who? Leo? Why did you answer my phone anyway?”
“It kept ringing and ringing. I thought it was urgent.”
“Next time, don’t touch my phone and don’t answer my calls!” I exclaim as I jerk my phone away from him, going to the living room and sitting on his couch, furious.
Max’s always been really protective of me, overly protective, so his behavior doesn’t surprise me. But it doesn’t mean I’m okay with it. I’m no longer a little girl who needs a protector; I’m a grown woman who can handle her problems on her own.
“This guy isn’t normal. He’s a few cards short of a full deck, let me tell you.” He sits down next to me and places a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “What if he hurts you?” The fear in his voice is evident.
“He’s not going to harm me in any way. I know Leo. He was probably just drunk, and when he’s drinking he does stupid things.”
“He sounded completely coherent and clearheaded. He threatened me and called you a whore, along with many more colorful names. He told me I’ll be sorry if I keep sticking my head where it doesn’t belong.”
I gasp. “He said that?”
Max nods. “What if we go to the police just in case?”
“And tell them what? That my ex can’t get over me? They’ll laugh us out of there.” Even I laugh at my own words.
“Better that than to do nothing at all.”
“Look, Max, let me handle him my way,” I firmly tell him off. “I don’t need you to worry.”
“I’ll always worry about you, you know that. Even when you’re being a pain in the ass, like you’re being right now,” his lips turn into a smile.
“I know and I love you for it. But let me do this on my own. Please.”
“Okay, for now. I trust you, but I don’t trust him. At all.”
“Thanks.
” I wrap my arms around his shoulders and he presses his lips to my forehead.
“Anytime, kiddo.”
“Hey, you didn’t tell me how excited Emmy was when she finally mastered writing her name,” I change the topic. His face brightens at the mention of her name.
“You should’ve seen her. She was jumping all over the place.” I smile, glad Leo is no longer the topic of our conversation.
Two
April
“Want another drink?” Rebecca yells into my ear so I can hear her over the loud music playing from the speakers of the infamous nightclub we’re in.
“I’m coming with you. I need a break. My legs are killing me. I’m not used to dancing late into the night anymore.” We wave our goodbyes to the guys we were dancing with.
“Don’t even get me started. I can’t wait to get rid of my heels,” Rebecca responds.
At the bar, we order drinks: a glass of orange juice for me, as I’m the designated driver, and a fruity cocktail concoction for her.
“Has he called again?” I know she’s asking about Leo.
“Not since Max had his little talk with him.” I take a sip and then place the glass on the table, licking my lips. “He finally got bored, or Max scared him off. Whatever it may have been, it couldn’t suit me better.” With the opening beats to my favorite song from the loud speakers, I sway my hips to the melody.
“I’ll drink to that!” Rebecca raises her glass in the air and I mirror her action, clinking our glasses together. We’re having the best time, laughing, singing and dancing around in our seats.
“Be still my beating heart. Is this April Brookes I’m seeing?” a familiar mocking baritone behind me says.
“Hey, Todd!” I jump out of my bar seat to hug him. “What are you doing here?”
Todd smiles at me. “My buddies and I decided to check this place out.” He beckons to the waiter to come over. “What about you two? Having fun?” His eyes slid to Rebecca, and he winks at her. Todd and Rebecca met some time ago when I brought her to the set to watch the show from the backstage once.