The Neighbor

Any Other Day

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

The clock is taunting her. It always taunts her when she's in these situations. She's pacing, tapping the wall with her foot, biting her nails, and feeling her heart banging against her chest. This was the worst part of her career. This was the worst part of her day. But this was any other day for her. She was still never used to it.

After sitting, then standing, then sitting again, and getting odd looks from the same secretary she's seen everyday, yet still doesn't know her name, she finally heard the door behind her creek open. She quickly turned to see her best friend and agent, Haylee Parker, walking out of that office from hell. She had the manuscript in hand, while walking tall and professionally towards the awaiting hot-mess in the lobby. 

Haylee had a somber look on her face, as she approached. "Sorry, Cass." Cassie sighed and threw her head down. Haylee continued, "He said it's better than last time, but it needs a few tweeks in chapters 15, 18, 30, and 39." Cassie flopped down on the couch and whined, "But I just fixed those! Those are the same ones he told me to "tweek" last time!" Haylee plopped down next to Cassie and said, "I'm sorry. Maybe we should go a different direction. Besides, your contract is up in a few months here. I'll get to looking into some other publishing companies. In the meantime, I say we go get some drinks." A smile twitched up on Cassie's lips. She's been so busy that she hasn't had time to spend time with her old college friends. Tonight would be a good excuse.

Haylee called them both a cab and had Cassie dropped off first. She was to meet at Billy Sunday's at eight. It was her favorite bar, so she was looking forward to it. As she walked up to her house, she noticed the "For Sale" sign on her neighbor's house was replaced with a "Sold" mark on the top. I hope they're not roudy like Jenna and Jane. Damn they were loud, but they sure could throw a party! Just as she was passing up the house, she noticed a big (big) trash can, almost like the ones construction workers use. She looked down at the manuscript she's spent a year trying to perfect, and then looked up at the big blue trash can. Sighing, she changed her direction to it, lifted up the black lid, threw the stack of papers in it, and let the lid fall with a bang. She then continued up to the house to get ready.

**

"CASSIE!" At least eighteen people had shouted her name once she walked into Billy Sunday's. She saw everyone from Haylee, to Christopher, Zac, Alice, Pheobe, and several more. Who she wasn't expecting to see was her older sister Sarah and her husband Alec. Cassie chuckled, "Sarah?! Oh my God!" She ran up and hugged her tightly. Sarah laughed and looked over Cassie. Her face turned sad, as she said, "I'm so sorry about your book, Cass. Just know that if you need anything, Alec and I are here for you." Of course, Cassie knew she meant money. She wasn't insulted, but a little flattered that they'd be willing to help out. Her parents never would have. As a matter of fact, she hasn't spoken to them since she moved to Chicago when she was eighteen. Seven years later and she still hasn't heard a word. 

"Thanks, Sarah. But, I assure you, I am perfectly fine. My job at the resturaunt is still holding that managers position for me. It's enough money to get me through, I promise." Sarah looked at her sister skeptically for a minute, but then smiled and said, "Come on. I'll buy you a few rounds."

Sarah bought Cassie more than a few rounds. She was pacing herself, but Cassie kept one drink coming after the other. She then started talking with her friends, and then got more drinks, but about two hours in, she noticed someone staring at her from across the bar. It can't be, she thought. And it was. It was her ex-boyfriend, James. This guy caused a lot of trouble in her life. Not only did he hit her from time-to-time, but he cheated on her. Four times. Not once did he apologize when she found out. As a matter of fact, he just blamed her for lacking "sexual appeal", and then walked out. This is the first time she's seen him three years. Still, she ignored him and continued on with her night. The next time she looked over at him, he wasn't there. That was a wave of relief! 

"You look good, Cass." Shit. Cassie turned towards that manly voice behind her. She looked at the handsome man that could pass off as a model, especially if his shirt was off, and bluntly said, "Hey." His light green eyes bored into hers and that signature smile of his crept up with his brown scruff. Those eyes wandered up and down her body, before he said, "Let me buy you a drink. You look like you've had a rough one." Cassie had every urge to tell him no, but he was just. So. Sexy!

Before she could answer, Sarah and Haylee stepped up beside Cassie and said, "Get the hell away from her!" James didn't look away from Cassie, but he nodded and started slowly backing away. "I'll see you around," he told her, while awkwardly shaking her hand. He slipped away, but not before slipping something in her hand. He gave her a wink and walked somewhere in the crowd. 

Everyone was starting to leave a few hours later, which was fine because Cassie was getting rather drunk and didnt have enough momentum to entertain them anymore. When she was walking outside with Haylee, Sarah, and Alec, she remembered what James had written on the napkin he slipped in her hand. 

I'll be here all night. Come find me when you leave. -Your J.

"I forgot my phone," Cassie drunkily announced. "You guys go on, I'll catch a cab." They all exchanged goodbyes and Cassie walked back into the bar. She looked around for a few moments, until she found that full, lucious head of chocolate brown hair sittng at a booth with his back turned to her. He was alone. Without stumbling and falling on her face, she made it to the booth and said, "Hey there, stranger."