Chasing Day Series: Chasing Day & Catching Day

by Twyla Turner

  It had been an emotional couple of months. Even though she had been a wreck, Day aced her finals and her performance with the symphony orchestra had her passing the ensemble course with flying colors. She’d walked across the stage in black cap and gown, with a sense of accomplishment and crushing heartbreak because her partner in crime wasn’t there to witness it. Although, Day knew it was for the best to end their relationship and advance her career. It still left her with a painful gaping hole in her heart. To end the relationship was to end the friendship. A double stab in the heart.

  She worked with Rhys to apply for scholarships and grants, and with his inside knowledge, Day barely had to pay for a thing. Her mother was able to give her some money to get started, and Day would be working with Rhys as a TA for the undergrad program. The little money she’d make from that would help with her extra-curricular activities. With her acceptance letter to the college, she was also able to expedite her passport and received her student visa.

  All in all, it was the most exciting time of her life. Though she couldn’t escape the ache in her soul and the worry in the pit of her stomach. She knew she could no longer support the crushing weight of Chase and his issues, but she prayed that he would be okay without her there.

  Day headed down the escalator, towards baggage claim when she saw Rhys standing there with a sign that read ‘Ms. Daniels.’ He’d gotten there a few months ahead of her and was now her official welcome wagon. She had come a few weeks before school started to help Rhys prepare for the coming semester. She was nervous to work with the conservative and straight-laced Brit though to look at him know, maybe she was wrong.

  It was the most casual she’d ever seen him. Dark-washed jeans with Converse and a charcoal gray, V-neck t-shirt. His normally perfectly combed, wavy hair was slightly messy. Like he’d ran his fingers through the dark locks several times. And even his smile was more relaxed. It was broad and satisfied. As if he was the cat that caught the mouse. Day wasn’t so sure she was ready to be anyone’s mouse, if what Chase said was to be believed. She couldn’t imagine someone like Rhys, being interested in her romantically. But then again, she couldn’t have imagined the star, captain, and quarterback of the high school and college football team would want her either. And that had happened.

  “Hello, love. And welcome to England.” Rhys’ smooth accented voice poured over Day as she stepped up to him.

  “Hi, Rhys.” She smiled shyly.

  “How was your flight?”

  “Long. Boring,” she answered as they made their way to the baggage carousel.

  Day pointed to her suitcases and Rhys grabbed her bags. They headed to the parking garage, to his charmingly foreign little car. Rhys put her luggage in the trunk or what he called the ‘boot.’ Day walked over to the passenger side of the car and chuckled softly when she realized that she was on the driver’s side.

  “This is gonna take some getting used to.” Day commented as she walked around to the left side of the car.

  “Yes, it’ll be a bit of an adjustment. But I think you’ll eventually love it and be happy that you came.” Rhys assured her as he started the car and pulled out of the parking space.

  “I hope so.” Day said quietly.

  “Moving anywhere different, especially another country, you’ll be hit with a bit of culture shock. And then, maybe a little homesickness. But if you see it through, it’ll become home soon enough.” Rhys advised.

  “Thanks, Rhys. For everything,” Day said appreciatively.

  “You’re welcome,” he smiled over at her as he headed towards the motorway. “So, I was thinking that we could drop off your things at the residence hall. Then we could go grab an early dinner. Unless you’re too knackered and you’d rather unpack and rest.” Rhys suggested.

  “Knackered?” Day raised her eyebrows.

  “Tired, exhausted, or the like. Sorry, I’ve resorted to my normal way of speaking, since I’ve been back. I’ll try to tone it down a bit.” Rhys grinned rakishly.

  “No, I like it.” Day smiled back at him. “Well, I am feeling a little grimy, but I’m starving. And I wouldn’t know the first thing about where I’m at and where to get food. So, yes. Food, please.” Day decided.

  “Food, it is.”

  ~~~

  Day sat across from Rhys at a quaint little pub not far from her dormitory. It had only taken about forty-five minutes to get from the airport to the residence hall. Day had stayed quiet and Rhys let her, as she took in the scenery that they passed. Centuries old architecture, mixed in with modern. Double-decker red buses, cars that she’d only seen in movies, driving on the opposite side of the road, and all walks of life, strolling down the road. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the end of the unusually bright and sunny day.

  Her dorm room had been a nice surprise. It was more like a studio apartment in an older building. It was charming with a kitchenette, small bathroom, wood floors, and white crown molding. It was small, but Day could see decorating it and making it her own.

  After they’d dropped off her bags, she’d called her mom to let her know she’d made it. Then Rhys made sure he drove the route she’d take on the bus to the school, on the way to dinner. Day’s mouth dropped open in awe of the historical main building. It was five stories of red brick and two towers on either side, with gray roofs that came to a point at the top. It was exactly all she would’ve imagined it to be.

  Now they were a few blocks away from the school, at the pub. Rhys had asked Day what she wanted to eat. When she’d responded with authentic fish-n-chips, he’d brought her to the old-fashioned little pub.

  “They have one of the best fish-n-chip dinners in the city. You’ll love it.” Rhys said after the waitress had walked away.

  “Thanks for picking me up and showing me around a little.” Day said gratefully.

  “It’s no bother at all. It was me that convinced you to come. I couldn’t very well leave you to figure it out on your own. I know I can be a complete todger at times, but I’m really a decent bloke.”

  Day gave him a perplexed look and he immediately chuckled and clarified.

  “I can be a dick at times, but I swear I’m a decent guy.” Rhys translated.

  “I got the bloke part. I’ve seen movies, you know. I just wasn’t sure about the todger part. I figured it was something bad. Just not how bad.” Day smiled, marveling at how two countries spoke the same language, but their slang was completely foreign.

  “So…how are you feeling? You never did tell me how your boyfriend took the news. You seemed really sad towards the end of school.” Rhys asked curiously.

  Day looked down at the table, fiddling with the cardboard coaster. “He didn’t take it well at all. We broke up, actually.” Day fought the tremble the crept up in her voice.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.” Rhys said and reached a hand across the table to clasp hers comfortingly.

  “It’s okay. It probably would’ve happened whether I came to London or not.” Day confessed. “Chase has a lot of issues he needs to work through on his own. I just hope he does.”

  “I’m sure he will,” Rhys reassured her as the waitress came back with their food and mugs of beer.

  They ate in silence for a little while. Daylen was deep in thought and they were not in a happy place. She looked up at Rhys and found his dark blue eyes on her. The gaze was intense and direct, which made her shiver. It wasn’t fear, but more like extreme awareness.

  “You realize we haven’t had a toast, to celebrate your arrival,” Rhys commented.

  “True.” Day smiled slightly.

  They both lifted their mugs in the air.

  “To new beginnings,” Rhys said.

  “To new beginnings.” Day repeated and they clinked their glasses together.

  “So, tomorrow is Saturday. How about I take you on a tour of the city? Maybe show you around the school too, so that you know where you’re going. Monday starts lesson planning and faculty meetings and I’ll be too busy then.
” Rhys suggested.

  “I’d like that.” Day said shyly.

  “Perfect.”

  Day looked at Rhys curiously. He had yet to say anything about his personal life. She honestly didn’t have a clue as to who he was, other than a wonderful conductor.

  “So…what about you? Did you have someone waiting for you when you came back?” Day asked.

  “Oh no,” Rhys said, shaking his head. “I’ve been too busy touring back and forth as a guest conductor at different schools. Though, now that I’m back here for the foreseeable future, I’m looking to change that.” Rhys remarked, his confident stare unnerving her.

  “Uh, well…I’m sure you’ll meet someone great.” Day replied self-consciously.

  “I’m sure I will.”

  Chapter 2

  Day pulled her hair up in a high bun on top of her head, with her bangs and side tendrils down and framing her round face. She wore a warm yellow, halter sundress with little flower eyelets covering the full skirt. The yellow complemented her caramel skin. The halter drew the eye to her creamy, rounded shoulders. She added a little mascara on her long lashes and clear lip gloss on her full pouty lips. Cute, white flat sandals graced her feet for walking all day.

  The look her reflection was giving her said, “Why are you getting all dolled up to take a tour of London with your mentor/boss?”

  “Because it’s still nice out and it’ll be gloomy before you know it. Besides, I’m in a new place and I don’t wanna to look like a ragamuffin my first few days here.” She said defiantly to her reflection. “And now I’m also crazy for talking to myself.”

  She’d called Amy the night before to tell her she’d made it there safely. Amy had asked how things were going and Day had told her of their plans to tour the city the next day. Her friend had instantly reprimanded her.

  “You’re not there to get another boyfriend, Day. You’re there to get more experience.” Amy reminded her.

  “I know that. He’s just gonna show me around my new home. I’m gonna be here for the next two years, I might as well get to know the place.” Daylen defended herself.

  “I know, Day. And that’s great. But I just worry about you.” Amy sighed before continuing. “You’ve become a serial monogamist,” Amy informed her.

  “What the hell is that?!” Day instantly got up in arms, figuring it was an insult.

  “You’re rarely ever without a boyfriend now. Before you broke up with Chase the first time, you were basically already in a relationship with Drew. You got back with Chase before you ended things with Drew. And now you’re moving towards a relationship with Rhys and you’ve only been single for a few months.” Amy explained. “You need time by yourself. To know what you want for you. Not for a man.”

  “I’m not moving towards anything with Rhys, other than a working relationship. And he is way too sophisticated to be interested in me.” Day denied.

  “Day, don’t be foolish. You’re gorgeous and he took entirely too much interest in you during his guest residency here. You are an amazing cellist. A prodigy even, when you get out of your own way. But there were other students that were pretty talented as well and they didn’t get a golden ticket to London.” Amy grumbled.

  “Are you mad at me for getting to come here?” Day asked in shock.

  “Maybe a little. I worked my ass off too, ya know. But he only had eyes for you.” Amy sighed and then continued when Day didn’t say anything. “Look…I’m not mad. I’m jealous. You really do deserve to be there, no matter what. I’m not trying to take away from your talent. I just want you to make sure you’re not catering to another man and focusing on his happiness instead of yours.” Amy finished.

  “Thanks, Amy. I know you mean well.”

  Day sighed and turned away from her reflection. She was beginning to think that maybe Amy was right though it was too late to change now. She grabbed her purse, crossed the shoulder strap over her body, and went down to meet Rhys outside.

  When she opened the door, Rhys was standing there leaned against his little black car. He was casual once more, in jeans and a Rolling Stones t-shirt. His dark waves flopped on his forehead, giving him a less refined, less intimidating boyish charm. His intense blue eyes cut through her as usual.

  “Bloody hell! You look positively divine,” he complimented her.

  “Thanks,” Day said bashfully as she felt her face heat up a few degrees.

  “Ready to see London?” Rhys rubbed his hands together.

  “Ready.” Day smiled brightly as he offered her his arm.

  Day hesitated and then slipped her arm under his, resting her hand on his forearm. Rhys started walking, leading her down the sidewalk.

  “We’ll use the bus or tram. No use in spending the day looking for parking.” Rhys said rationally.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  They took a short bus ride to Hyde Park. Even though it was mid-morning, several people were out and about. Some strewn out in the grass, on blankets or chairs, trying to enjoy the last days of good weather.

  After their stroll through the park, Rhys took her to brunch and they talked about the upcoming school year. They walked the few blocks to Buckingham Palace after brunch. Day squeezed her lips together to keep from laughing, as she watched other tourists try to fluster the guard in his red and black uniform and tall fluffy hat. Rhys then took her to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and their final destination the London Eye. The enormous Ferris wheel that overlooked most of London.

  Day was in awe of everything. There was nothing in the States that was as old as some of the elaborate structures he took her to. And Rhys was a phenomenal tour guide. He told her some of the histories behind the buildings and British culture, also adding tidbits about music and composers.

  She’d brought along a digital camera to document it all. She knew that her mom and Amy would love to see pictures of her journey. She couldn’t wait to send them an email of the pictures she’d taken so far.

  They stopped at the front door of her building, ending the long tour. Day hadn’t seen everything and she was still exhausted. Rhys looked down at her with his usual blue intensity and an awkwardness fell over them. It almost felt like the end of a date, which was usually awkward in itself. Add to it, the fact that it hadn’t been an actual date and he was her mentor/boss, Day didn’t know what to do.

  “Uh…I had a wonderful time today. Thank you so much for showing me around, Rhys.” Day said shyly.

  “It was my pleasure,” Rhys responded.

  He raised his hand to her face and brushed an errant tendril with the back of his fingers. The pad of his thumb caressed a path down her temple and cheek. A shiver ran over her skin, raising goosebumps on her arms.

  “I-I better g-go inside. I’m exhausted.” Day stammered out quickly, needing to get away.

  “Have dinner with me soon,” Rhys said, not as a question but as a statement of fact. His self-assurance boggled her mind though she still found herself nodding.

  “O-Okay,” she blinked up at him with wide dark eyes.

  “Good. If you need anything…directions, suggestions…anything. Call me.” Rhys offered kindly, before bending down and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

  He quickly turned away and walked to his car. Day stood rooted to the spot as she watched him drive off. Damn you, Amy! I’m so screwed.

  Chapter 3

  Several weeks went by and Rhys continued to court Day. She tried to keep her distance but considering she hadn’t really made any friends yet and he was the only person she knew. It was a hard feat to accomplish. Also, school had started, which made it even more difficult.

  Life had become crazy busy. Rhys taught Music History, as well as conducting for the senior symphony orchestra. As the TA, Day met with students when Rhys couldn’t. She printed, passed out, collected, and graded papers and exams. All of that didn’t even include her own performance class, faculty masterclasses, and evenings practicing and performing at local theaters for exposure. Tho
ugh somehow through her busy schedule, Rhys found time to have lunch with her a few times a week and dinner on the weekends.

  Rhys had a controlling and arrogant side to him. As most conductors did. There was no way that a man nor woman could command anywhere from seventy-five to one hundred musicians at once. If they didn’t have a compelling and dominant presence.

  Most of their conversations revolved around his life and experiences thus far. Day didn’t mind so much since he was such an intriguing person and she had a lot to learn. His knowledge of classical music was overwhelming, though when he did focus on her, it was intense as usual.

  Her hectic schedule and her time spent with Rhys thankfully kept her mind off of Chase. But he was never far from her thoughts. Football season had begun back home and Day found herself going to a nearby sports bar that played the games on Sundays. She couldn’t help but root for him from thousands of miles away. And she always went online to ESPN’s website to see any postgame interviews that he may have had. She didn’t know why she tortured herself, because every time she saw him, her heart bled. The videos she did find, she’d always watch a couple of times, to search his face to make sure he was okay. And as far as she could tell and she knew him better than anyone, he was doing alright.

  Day was deep in thought about Chase as Rhys walked her to her door after dinner, on a chilly and wet October night. She started to open the door to her building when Rhys gripped her arm. She looked up at him questioningly.

  “You’ve been quiet tonight,” Rhys said, reaching up to tap her nose lightly with his index finger.

  “I know. I’m sorry. I’m terrible company.” Day shook her head sadly.

  “If you’d let me, I could make you forget about him,” Rhys said confidently.

  Day didn’t have it in her to tell him that no one would ever be able to erase Chase from her memories. He would always be branded on her soul. Instead of answering him, Day looked down at the ground self-consciously.