Chapter Eighteen
DYLAN
Thursday morning arrived with too much sunshine streaming in Dylan’s bedroom window. He groaned and rolled over, pulling the pillow over his head. This is what I get for spending half the night driving around Casey’s neighborhood. Well, at least I know she’s safe, and I’ve tried not checking on her, but then I’m awake most of the night worried about her.
Dylan threw his pillow on the floor, sat up, and dragged himself to the shower. He turned the cold water on full blast and stepped in before giving himself a chance to think about it. He squeezed his eyes shut and shivered. I can do this. I can do this. They say you have to breathe through it. Okay. Breathing, breathing, and not helping, and nope, not helping at all.
Dylan turned on the hot water and sighed. So much better. But I must admit I am totally awake now. Why didn’t I start coffee and then take my shower? He got out and dried off. He wrapped the towel around his waist and moved to the kitchen to start a pot of extra-strong coffee before heading back to his bedroom to dress. Dylan dressed as comfortably as possible while still being presentable for work. After pouring a large to-go cup, he drove to the job site to meet with Colin, letting the caffeine work its magic on the way.
Feeling somewhat more human, Dylan parked and walked past the construction to the site office.
“Morning,” Dylan said, sitting across from Colin.
Colin looked up from his laptop and raised one eyebrow. “Good morning. Maybe…? You look like something the cat dragged in.”
“Thanks. Just what I needed to hear,” Dylan said.
“Have a doughnut. It might help.” Colin opened the lid and slid the box toward Dylan.
“Couldn’t hurt. The sugar should work along with the coffee.” Dylan snatched a cream-filled pastry and took a large bite.
“What is up with you, man? You look worse every time I see you.” Colin tilted his head and studied his brother.
“Ccaspee,” he said around the doughnut.
“I’m guessing that was Casey.”
Dylan swallowed and washed it down with coffee. “Yes. It’s her fault.”
“What the heck is she doing? Talking to you all night? Making you clean for Murray’s Maids to make up for being a nutjob? What?” Colin shook his head.
Dylan rolled his eyes and took another hit of caffeine. “I’ve been checking to make sure those guys aren’t showing up at her house.”
“What exactly does that entail?” Colin asked, narrowing his eyes.
“I drive by the house and around the neighborhood a bit. I might have fallen asleep in my truck on her street a couple of times.” Dylan shrugged.
“In other words, you’re stalking your ex-girlfriend.” Colin smirked.
“No. I’m making sure no one else is stalking her. It’s completely different,” Dylan said, crossing his arms and glaring at Colin.
“Uh-huh. Rachel was right. She thought she saw you drive by Casey’s the other night.” Colin laughed. “If you don’t want Casey and her sisters to think you’ve totally lost it, you can’t be so obvious, bro. They know your truck.”
“If you’re just going to laugh at me, I’m going to eat another of your doughnuts.”
“Go for it. I think you need the energy.” Colin chuckled. “So, how long are you going to play knight in shining armor to your ex-damsel?”
“As long as it takes to ensure she’s safe,” Dylan said. “That black SUV was there the other night, but as soon as I parked behind them, they took off. That’s the second time I’ve seen them since Casey moved back.”
“Have you tried to tell Casey about it?” Colin asked.
“No. She’s not talking to me.” Dylan sighed. “And can you quit calling Casey my ex? I know I was wrong to break up with her. You don’t have to rub it in,” Dylan said.
“I’m glad to hear you admit you were wrong. But the real question is, what will you do about it?”
“I don’t know,” Dylan said, rubbing his face in his hands. “I really don’t know.”
“What you need is a plan. A well-thought-out strategy involving various ways of apologizing for being stupid.” Colin snickered.
Dylan arched one brow. “Then tell me your ideas because you have a lot of practice at that.” Dylan kept laughing even after Colin threw a bottle of water at him.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On his way back to the office, Dylan started his “Casey Campaign,” as he had decided to call it. He stopped at the florist’s shop and chose an over-the-top collection of helium-filled Wonder Woman balloons to be delivered to her office that day, along with the note, “She reminds me of you.”
That will get her thinking about me . One balloon she could ignore or pop it, but not six. She’d never waste that many fun balloons. I do feel better, although that could be the caffeine and sugar pumping through me. I don’t care, though. This might just work.
Dylan spent two hours at his drafting table finalizing his newest project, only looking up when his stomach growled. He decided to order lunch so he could do some online shopping. After calling in a meat-filled sub sandwich, he looked up more Wonder Woman gifts. If Casey believes I think she’s incapable, maybe this will let her know how I really see her.
Dylan ordered a cute Wonder Woman pencil holder to be sent to her office the next day and a combination pack of a mug, socks, and a T-shirt that would arrive at her house on Saturday. He ate his sandwich while continuing his shopping spree, having the remaining items delivered to his home so he could personalize each gift.
Dylan was ready to leave as soon as the office closed. Colin’s right about me needing to be sneakier when checking on Casey. My truck’s too obvious. I could rent something. Dylan drummed his fingers on his steering wheel, considering that option as he waited for the light to change. His cell rang, jerking him out of his thoughts.
“Hi, Aunt Bebe.”
“Hello, dear. Where are you?” she asked.
“On my way home from work. Why?”
“Because I’m standing on your porch with your favorite Big Boi barbeque and wondering why you’re not answering your door.”
Dylan laughed. “Aunt Bebe, I’m about five minutes out. See you in a few.”
“Great.”
Five minutes later, Dylan parked his truck and jogged up the steps to open his door. “Dinner smells wonderful. I see you’re wearing your gi . Did you have a class, or are you dressed for your next attack?”
Aunt Bebe smacked him on the shoulder as she walked with him into the house. “Quit being a smart aleck. I just finished a class and thought I would bring supper to my favorite nephew.”
Dylan led the way to the kitchen, then turned to face her. “What do you want, Aunt Bebe?” he asked, grabbing a roll of paper towels. “Don’t give me that look. I’m only your favorite nephew when you want me to do something. Especially when it’s something I don’t want to do.”
Aunt Bebe lifted her chin. “I have no idea what you’re referring to.” She walked into the dining room and began taking out food containers. “If you’re just going to be suspicious, you can eat in the kitchen. I didn’t have to buy enough loaded fries for two. No, I could’ve eaten alone and not cared if you had a decent meal.” She let out a long sigh.
Dylan put the paper towel roll on the table and hugged her. “I’m sorry, Aunt Bebe. I deeply appreciate you thinking of me and bringing me my favorite barbeque. I don’t know what I was saying. I’m probably just weak from hunger and not being rational.” He hugged her again.
“Now, that’s more like it.” She grinned up at him. “Got any beer?”
Dylan smiled as he retrieved two from the fridge and set them on the table. “Thank you, Aunt Bebe. This is delicious.”
“You’re welcome.” Bebe opened her beer. “I was just wondering if you’ve realized how much you truly love Casey and how dumb you were to break up with her?”
Dylan coughed as he choked on his fry. He pounded himself on the chest and took a long swallow of beer. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me the first time. Answer the questions.” Bebe arched a white brow at him.
Dylan stared at the ceiling and contemplated what to say, knowing she was as stubborn as a mule when her mind was set on something.
“I can stay here all night,” she said, smiling innocently at him.
“I know. That’s the problem.” Dylan frowned at her.
Aunt Bebe shook a cheesy fry at him. “Remember who brought you dinner.”
“I’m remembering who moved Casey in next door.”
“You should be grateful I love you enough to help you get back together with the woman who is perfect for you,” she said, her tone sharpening.
“Okay. You win. You are right. Thank you. It did help. And yes, she is the one for me,” Dylan said. “Are you happy now?”
“Happier, for sure. Now, what are you going to do to get her back?”
“Is it enough for you to know that I have a plan?” Dylan asked and held his breath.
Aunt Bebe stared at him. “Okay,” she said and nodded. “I’m giving you one week. If you don’t have things straightened out by then, I’m stepping in.”
Dylan felt the blood drain from his head to his feet. “Please, no.”
She smirked. “Then, get it together.”
Dylan had difficulty finishing his food with dread filling most of his stomach.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dylan stood on his porch, watching Aunt Bebe drive away. I have learned one thing from her: how to be stealthy.
Dylan grinned and went to change clothes. He pulled on black jeans and a black sweatshirt and traded out his cowboy boots for black sneakers. He topped it with a black jacket and grabbed his regular surveillance backpack filled with bottled water and snacks.
Dylan drove to Casey’s street and did a quick drive-by to check the lay of the land. Spotting no suspicious vehicles, he drove his regular grid of the surrounding blocks. Satisfied things were good for the time being, he parked several doors down in a curve, where he was sure the truck wasn’t visible from inside her house. He rested his eyes briefly, looking when he heard cars drive by. As the night became darker, Dylan realized he couldn’t see far enough to tell if something was happening at Casey’s. He started the vehicle and drove by the house again, but when he did, he thought he saw someone looking out at the truck. Deciding he needed to put his training to the test, Dylan parked two streets over in an alleyway and walked back to Casey’s. Once he got within sight of her house, he took to the yards, moving slowly from bush to tree to bush, anything that would cover his advancement.
I cannot believe I’m doing this. This is what love does to you. It makes you crazy, so you end up doing insane things like sneaking up to your girlfriend’s house to make sure she’s okay.
Dylan made it to a section of bushes in Casey’s yard and situated himself in them. After a while, confident that he could not be seen, Dylan laid his head on his backpack and watched the stars.