Back To Black

Bad Intentions

Creeping into the club, it was as quiet as the first day I stepped into this building. It made me question where everyone could possibly be because from the looks of things, it just looked like a well-furnished, abandoned building.

"Where is everybody? It's so quiet in here." Danny stepped through the door after me, closing and locking it behind him.

"Well, it is the morning. Usually we don't stick around too much in the mornings or afternoons, you know, due to the fact that...."

"That you all have lives out of here. Yeah, I get it." I let the towel slide off of my shoulders, handing it to Danny.

"You're welcome to stick around, take a shower, eat, if you're hungry." I nodded.

"Yeah, I think I just might. It won't be hard to leave with my car being here." We stared at each other for a second and for the first time, it felt awkward. "Well, I'll uh......be upstairs."

"Oh, okay." Danny patted his pockets and I found it cute that he was nervous. "Let me get the door for you."

"Thanks. My keys are....in the car." When he unlocked the door for me, I headed up the stairs. It seems like life was so smoother in the woods, I'm sure Danny can agree.

Quickly, taking a shower and changing clothes, I was greatful to be back in a building with heat, even if it was just the warehouse. While Danny took his shower and with no one home, I took this as the perfect opportunity to do some snooping.

I grabbed a couple of files from everyone's desk, but I was most interested in Lucas' files. It seemed that I knew a thing or two about everyone except him.

I ran downstairs and to the car to put the files in my purse and grabbed my phone. When I came back up, Danny was in the living room. "Hey, where'd you go?" He burst into a smile at the sight of my presence.

"I went to get my phone. My parents are kind of worried, I've been M.I.A for a few days."

"Oh, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's just...I'm suppose to be taking care of my sister for a while, my parents are on a business trip." He nodded, taking in my words.

"Why don't you bring your sister by sometimes?"

"Oh, no, no, no, no." I shook my head, the idea was preposterous, insanely preposterous.

"What?"

"No. Absolutely, not."

"What's wrong with that idea? Jess. We're more than just business and issues, we know what it's like to be a normal family, we just........forgot, is all." Danny looked down at his palms and his face retorted to sadness, making me feel bad. I placed my hand in his and he froze.

"Daniel, you guys are really nice....well, some of you. What I mean is, you guys, from the moment I stepped through that door, made me feel so welcome and warm, that I never questioned being a part of this family. I'd love for you to meet my sister."

"But?"

"But.......my sister and I may be family, but we're not close, is all. In fact, her staying with me is the first time I've seen her in years. I'm just not ready for you guys to meet her........I'm not even sure I'm ready to meet her." Danny gazed into my eyes and I could see his understanding, he nodded.

"I get it, Jessa." I formed a weak smile and he patted my hand.

"Good. Well, I hate to fly the coop, but I have to run, family businesses."

"Okay, well, I'll walk you out." Danny walked behind me, following me down the stairs. My heart began to pound in my chest and I began to feel guilty. How could I steal from the person that gave me so much, yet by only giving me so little?